Ponderings

My Computer Is Sick

2010-01-31T17:18:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,

Just want to give you a heads up. My computer is being very temperamental. Yesterday it denied me access all day. I sat for an hour and a half straight last night trying to log in, and nothing. Today I have tried off and on, and finally around 4:30pm it let me in.

I have no idea when I'll be back here. If it lets me on, I will try and transcribe the videos still, but I can't make any promises. As you know I've been praying for direction still in regards to continuing this, but I'm sensing God calling me away from this 'beast' entirely to make more time for Him, family and friends nearby who need me just now.

Thank you to each one of you who continues to write comments or send me e-mails sharing how you miss me over at Wendy's site. How you have touched my heart. Thank you for finding worth in the words shared last year. You are all so dear.

God bless you as you continue on this journey.
Hugs,
Joy

Wendy's Video Summary - Friday, January 29, 2010

2010-01-29T07:26:00.002-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

Hi Everyone! It's Friday! We have reached the conclusion of another week of great reading and great fellowship. Wendy has compiled a list of all the prayer requests for husbands and this weekend she hopes to add a button on the right hand side of her blog that we will be able to access to see those names and be able to pray for them. If Wendy does not have your name there, please e-mail her. Wendy is excited about what the Lord is going to do in the lives of our husband's as we pray for them. She doesn't want to forget the men either. She had one gentleman contact her and give her his wife's name. She appreciates both the men and women who are doing this study. God's Word is for everyone.

She begins today with two of her favourite scriptures. They are from the New Testament. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Then in Hebrews 4:12-13, “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.”

That's our Word. That's what we're digesting every single day. Today as Wendy read about Elihu and his further counsel and defense of God to Job, she came to Job 36:5-6, “God is mighty, but he does not despise anyone. He is mighty in both power and understanding. He does not let the wicked live.” The word “wicked” rebuked Wendy. It also judged the thought and attitude of her heart. She felt wicked would include a murderer, someone beyond reproach, a menace to society and she was thinking all kinds of things of what wicked would mean. Guess what she found out? Wendy is wicked. Wicked refers to those guilty of a crime, hostile to God, or guilty of sin against God or man. That pretty much covered Wendy as she is pretty much guilty of sin against God or man, as well as being guilty of sin and being hostile towards God at one time or another. But, she loved what he said about the wicked. He says in verse 11, “If they (the wicked) would listen and obey God, then they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives.” If Wendy will listen and obey God, she will be blessed with prosperity throughout her life.

What does prosperity mean? Does is mean Wendy is going to have a lot of cars, a fine home to live in, the choices foods around her, the greatest wardrobe that any woman could ask for, that her husband financially would be able to quit his job and be able to hunt and fish and they'd be able to travel the world? What does prosperity mean? Prosperity means good things, benefits, welfare, happiness and bounty. None of those material things are listed there. Welfare, our overall being, benefit, good things, happiness, if we will listen and obey. According to Wendy's study, 'listen' and 'obey' come from the same word and mean the same thing. To hear with attention or interest, listen to understand, give heed, consent, agree or grant request.

Today Wendy got some rebuking, teaching, training and her thoughts and heart were judged. She's wicked. But, if she listens and obeys God, she will be blessed. Wendy wants some of that. How 'bout you?

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Wendy's Video Summary - Thursday, January 28, 2010

2010-01-28T07:21:00.003-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

Today Wendy is shooting this video on 'location' at her friend Erin's home. Wendy is old enough to be her mother, but young enough to be her friend. She's taping this video in Erin's bonus room. Wendy is cuddled up there waiting for the winter weather that is forecast for the weekend. In the South that means you have purchased your milk and bread and are prepared to camp out for the weekend. Wendy has done that and she's prepared for the wintry weather.

Wendy was fascinated by today's reading. She found it comical in verse 1 that Job's friends refused to reply further. They were done. They were finished. They sat silent for seven days then they said all they wanted to say. They were supportive and cut throat, combative and non-combative with him. Now they're not talking anymore. Suddenly we discover there's a fourth person there with them – Elihu. Elihu had sat quiet and listened and was not going to speak until everyone else had finished. In Job 32:8,18 we see the word 'spirit'. That is Spirit or breath of God. Elihu is saying that he is speaking for God or from the Spirit of God. Elihu means, “He is my God”. This is a man who has a relationship with God. He has held his tongue up until now and listened to the others share, but now he is getting his chance to speak. Wendy wanted to stand up and cheer for him because he had something worthwhile to say, and boy did he say it.

In Job 33:14, “For God speaks again and again though people do not recognize it.” So often we think God doesn't speak, but He does. He speaks again and again as Scripture tells us here. He speaks in dreams and visions in the night and whispers in our ear. Oh that we would be close enough to hear his whispers. He also speaks through messengers, Pastors, Bible teachers, music etc. He speaks again and again.

When Wendy was in her early 30's she didn't think God would speak to her. She wasn't in leadership, she wasn't an author, she wasn't an influence in the Christian community, but that doesn't matter. God speaks to us. He wants to speak to us daily even if it's a whisper.

He also speaks through friends and that's what Wendy wants to talk about today. Job has had some friends speaking to him. We don't know their relationship with the Lord. We know very little about them. We see Elihu had a relationship with God. Elihu is speaking from the Spirit. Wendy has a couple of friends like that. They speak to her and they are “straight shooters”. They speak plainly, bluntly, but with love, grace and mercy and with the perspective that they know Wendy wants a close relationship with the Lord. They want to encourage her in her walk with the Lord, keep her humble and away from sin, and they will call a spade a spade in her life. She has a couple of friends that do this in her life. Her BFF is Kristy and they have known each other since being in the church nursery together. They are always straight and up front with one another. Wendy also has some really good friends that she has made in her adult life that shoot straight with her. One is Stacey. They can go to one another and cut to the chase. They can ask each other about their relationship with the Lord and how God is speaking to them. Her friend Cheri helped Wendy release a stronghold of watching Soap Operas. Wendy was addicted to about four different “Soaps”. Cheri prayed for her. Sometimes Wendy would come home and find her answering machine flashing and it would be Cheri. “Wendy, it's 3:00pm and I want to know what you're watching.” What a friend. She cared enough about Wendy that she would call and ask what she was watching. Cheri wanted the very best for Wendy and cared enough to speak truth straight with her in grace and mercy.

In your comments today lets talk about our friends who encourage us in this way. If you don't have one, pray and ask the Lord to give you one. Basically today, Wendy wants to hear, who is your Elihu?

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Wendy's Video Summary - Wednesday, January 27, 2010

2010-01-27T21:38:00.003-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

Wendy can’t believe it is already Wednesday. Time goes by so quickly.

Wendy’s heart is so very tender to those who have left prayer requests about husband’s who are not saved, or husband’s who are not walking with the Lord. Wendy knows that there must be someone who has collected all your names and she would love to have all those names. The names of the ladies as well as the names of the husbands. If you have that list could you send her an e-mail. She would just love to have those names and pray for those husbands and intercede on your behalf. Wendy’s husband’s name is Scott and he is walking with the Lord. He has struggles himself and she would love it if you would pray for her husband as well.

As Wendy read through today’s reading for the second time, she felt this presence of the Lord asking her to reverse some of the things Job was saying and apply them to our lives. Job was asking questions about himself and what he has or has not done. Wendy jotted the questions down in her Bible.

The verse that really caught Wendy’s attention today was Job 31:4, “Doesn’t he see everything I do and every step I take?” She underlined that and emphasized it in her journal. Everything and every step. Job is questioning didn’t God see all these things? Job asks, “Have I lied to anyone or deceived anyone?” God is telling us there to be honest with our relationships. Don’t be a deceiver. “Let God weigh me on the scales of justice, for he knows my integrity.” Don’t seek revenge or justice on your own, let God do that on your behalf. He does that so much better than we do.

The next few verses from 7-9 that talk about straying away, encourage us to keep our passions pure. Let’s keep our eyes and hearts focused on pure and not impure. Pay attention to what we’re reading, watching, and looking at, guarding our hearts and eyes so that we’re not pulled down in that direction.

Also then, down in verse 13, “If I have been unfair to my male or female servants when they brought their complaints to me, how could I face God?” Treat others fairly as you would like to be treated, even if they're not treating you kindly. Kill them with kindness. Be fair with people.

Verse 15 says, “For God created both me and my servants. He created us both in the womb.” Don’t think more highly of yourself than you really are. We all put our pants on the same way. Don’t get too big for your britches. We’re all created the same way.

Then in verses 16-20 he talks about the widows and orphans and how he cared for them. Wendy thinks the Lord wants us to see that He wants us to care for the widow, orphans, homeless and the poor. This is a great foreshadowing of the New Testament where we are still taught to care for those in need.

In verses 24-25 it asks, “Have I put my trust in money or felt secure because of my gold? Have I gloated about my wealth and all that I own?” Let’s not be proud of our money or material possessions. Let’s not put our trust and faith in those things because they are going to fade. The only thing that doesn’t fade is the Word of God and God Himself. We have to watch where we’re putting our faith and our treasure.

Then verses 26-27, “Have I looked at the sun shining in the skies, or the moon walking down its silver pathway, and been secretly enticed in my heart to throw kisses at them in worship?” We’ve got one God that we’re suppose to be worshipping. Let’s make sure it’s not money, wealth, material possessions, another person or education, but that it is the One and only God.

Verse 29, “Have I every rejoiced when disaster struck my enemies, or become excited when harm came their way?” Wendy has to confess that there have been times when’s she’s been excited that somebody got there’s, but we’re not suppose to rejoice when others suffer, even people who we felt deserve it. We’ve got to be careful with our reactions. God doesn’t want us to react in that way.

Then skipping down to verses 33 and 34, “Have I tried to hide my sins like other people do, concealing my guilt in my heart? Have I feared the crowd or the contempt of the masses, so that I kept quiet and stayed indoors?” We need to be open and honest with ourselves and our sin. If we have sinned against a brother we need to confess that. If we have sinned against God we need to confess that.

What great little nuggets sprinkled between verses 8-34. Wendy is going to pray that we take these truths and apply them to our lives. How much easier our lives would be if we applied these simple truths.

Thanks for listening today and Wendy hopes you have a great Wednesday. We have two more videos this week and then an Open Blog weekend. It’s wonderful to meet with you today and she’ll see us tomorrow.

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Wendy's Video Summary - Tuesday, January 26, 2010

2010-01-26T19:34:00.003-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

Hey everyone. Today was an exciting day in our reading. Wendy had several things that jumped out at her. She’s so thankful that whenever we pray and ask God for that nugget of truth, He provides it. She’s so thankful for the way we inspire one another in our journey and spur each other on to dig deeper in God’s Word. She encourages everyone to comment. Don’t be afraid. The one comment you share might be the one thing someone needs to hear. Don’t be nervous. Even share it anonymously if you desire, but let’s share together.

Some of what Wendy read today reminded her of something she and her husband were talking about after church on Sunday. They were talking about how things used to be before they had children. They used to take what they called, “100 lapers”, as they were really big race fans. That means they would watch some of the race, then take a nap for 100 laps and then come back and watch the end of the race. They talked about other things they did “BC”, before children. They then thought about how much richer their lives are now with children. As she read today’s reading, she sort of thought Job was doing the same thing.

Over in Job 29:2, he said, “I long for the years gone by…” Then, in verse 7 he said, “Those were the days…” She recalls her parents saying that, “Those were the days”. She never thought she would say that, but she has said it in the past. Job was reflecting back on the way things used to be. Sometimes when we do that, it’s great to reflect, but sometimes we get lost and get, what Wendy calls, "crossed-I’ed". We get fixed on what it used to be like for us. Back when I could do this…or I could do that…I, I, I. We get "cross-I’ed". Job does the same thing here. Wendy counted Job saying “I” 16 times, “me” 9 times and “my” 7 times between verses 7-25. Job was really thinking of himself. He had no idea what God was doing in the heavenlies. He had no idea what God had planned for him. He was self absorbed and wallowing in self-pity. Wendy realized her heart has the same condition too many times. We can get filled with PRIDE. Wendy said it’s hard to realize that life isn’t all about us. It’s not about whether we get to have a nap Sunday afternoon. It's not about whether we get to sit and watch that Hallmark movie. It’s not about whether we get to do something, or if we feel our rights are infringed upon. When we get “cross-I’ed” we forget where our focus should be and that’s on Jesus Christ.

Now, Wendy does have great sympathy for Job, as he went through a lot. He lost his family, livestock, money, children, health. Wendy can understand how you can get there. She wants to make some application to us.

One day Wendy came across a very special verse that encourages her when it feels like things are hard and not going the way she hoped. Her friend Kristy shared this verse with her. It is Isaiah 43:18-19. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” This is God speaking to Isaiah about what He was going to do with the remnant that was remaining after captivity in Babylon. “Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

Our friend Job thought he was in the desert. He had no idea that God was about to do a new thing for him. He could not perceive it. Sometimes we can’t perceive the new thing and when we can’t perceive it, we must believe it. God says, I’m doing a new thing in you Wendy. I’m doing a new thing in you Susan. I'm doing a new thing in you Karen. I'm doing a new thing in you Jodie. I'm doing a new thing in you Lori. We have no idea what is going on, but we have to believe it.

Recently Wendy had opportunity to watch one of her favourite Pastor’s on television, Tony Evans, on a program called “The Urban Alternative.” Wendy just loves him because he speaks the truth. He said, “When God shakes up things in the invisible realm it’s because He wants to show something to us in the visible realm.”

God was shaking things up for Job and shaking out the visible things. What poured out of Job today was pride. God wants to do a new thing, but He’s got to shake up some old things so He can do a new thing. God wants to show us something.

Wendy prays we will keep our eyes open so we can perceive the new thing…and if we don’t perceive it, that our hearts are open to believe it.

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Wendy's Video Summary - Monday, January 25, 2010

2010-01-25T19:21:00.006-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

Happy Monday. Wendy hopes we all had a wonderful weekend. Wendy had writing and laundry to do and she hopes to share about her writing project soon. Everyone has clean clothes, and for about an hour, every laundry basket in her home was empty.

Today started another week of dialogue between Job and his friends. We meet a new friend. It was expressed in the comments on the weekend that some of Job's friends voices are getting “irritating” and you can tell by the elevated tone of their words that something has changed. Their responses aren’t quite as nice. Things are getting a little heated. Sometimes that happens when we’re receiving counsel from a friend and we can get kind of combative. That is where Job seems to be. Looking back on our reading on January 23rd, Job even said that God hated him. He is getting worn down by the heavy hand of the Lord and also by his friends who seem to be relentless in their pursuit that Job must be guilty and all he needs to do is confess. That would be the answer to everything.

Tucked away in today’s reading in Job 22, we see Eliphaz’s response. Beginning in verse 21, “Submit to God, and you will have pace; then things will go well for you. Listen to his instructions, and store them in your heart. If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored - so clean up your life.” Amid all the combative dialogue, every now and then we see a sprinkle of truth we can apply to our lives in any given situation. Wendy came up with three little steps: Submit, listen and store.

Submit literally means acquaint or yield. Now that gives a different, clearer picture. Submit means surrender and give up. Acquaint means become familiar with. Yield means give into. Those two words paint a great picture of the word submit. To be used, exhibit use, be familiar with, know intimately. We are to know God intimately. Exhibit a relationship with Him.

Peace, Wendy would describe as tranquil and everything going well. Peace is the same word from the Hebrew as “good”. It means to make peace and be in covenant with peace. To be complete, finished, sound and uninjured. For your heart to be spiritually, physically and emotionally uninjured. The beautiful picture of being complete and sound.

The third step is to store or to establish. To put in place, set apart or to make. We must put a place in our hearts for God’s instruction. That word ‘listen’ in verse 22 means to receive. To seize or take hold of. Think of physically taking hold of this and we need to, as we read His Word daily, seize it, own it, take hold of it and store it in our hearts, so that when we come to a place where we’re at a crossroads of sin we have it to fall back on. Psalm 119:11 says to hide Thy Word in my heart so I might not sin against Thee.

We need to submit to God which means we need to acquaint ourselves and know God intimately. Then we need to listen to or receive His instruction. Then we need to store and put His Words in our hearts. Treasure His Word in our hearts.

Submit, Listen and Store! Three simple words we can take to heart.

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

FROM JOY: Well, ladies I'm still having computer issues. I'm also still waiting on the Lord each day regarding transcribing these posts. As I have felt no clear direction either way, as time permits, for this week at least, I will continue. Trusting for Him to provide.

Wendy's Video Summary - Friday, January 22, 2010

2010-01-22T21:33:00.003-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

Today is Friday. We’ve made it through three full weeks of teaching. Wendy is completely blessed by the participation and comments. Wendy appreciates the e-mails that need clarification as well. Wendy does not claim to be an expect, nor is she flawless, and is with us as a student of the Word. Wendy never wants to misrepresent the Word of God. At the close of today’s blog post she addressed one concern about the mediator discussed yesterday. She encourages us to share our thoughts with her.

Today, Wendy got a little bored with the reading. It was hard for her to find her nugget of truth. She read it twice asking the Lord to show her something. Under the heading, “Job Asks How He Has Sinned”, Wendy read Job 13:20-21.

“O God, grant me these two things, and then I will be able to face you. Remove your heavy hand from me, and don’t terrify me with your awesome presence.” Now, if you’re not completely familiar with confession and repentance as a natural way of life, which it isn’t natural for Wendy, coming into the presence of the Lord when you’re going to come face-to-face with that confession, that is a terrifying moment. Wendy loves the presence of the Lord. It feels good and lifts her spirit. Many times she weeps in His presence, for His Sovereignty, grace and goodness. Job is referring to that dread or terror. That’s a terrible place to be when you’re faced with sin before a Holy God. He is feeling the heavy hand of the Lord in some way. Wendy could walk in Job’s shoes as she read his words.

Wendy has been trying to take better care of herself and in doing so she has given up “Dr. Pepper”. Last year just before the 'She Speaks' conference, the girls as a staff decided to fast something. They individually gave up, or sacrificed something. It’s mentioned in the Bible many times as a food fast, but we give up something that means something to us in order to draw closer to God. The Lord put on her heart to give up “Dr. Pepper”. She has been drinking “Dr. Pepper” for many years and enjoys them. This was a challenge and sacrifice to give up something she had depended on every single day. The Lord asked her to give it up. She wilfully and blatantly did not. She tried to modify God’s Words to her and instead of getting a medium “Dr. Pepper” at “Chic-Fil-A” she would get a small size drink. In her mind she was justifying that she was giving it up, but she was not completely sacrificing it. Wendy began, after a period of time, to feel a heaviness upon her. During this time of disobedience the Lord did not completely shut-off from her, for which she is grateful, but there was something between herself and God, but she wasn’t able to confess it to God or to anyone else. Towards the end of December she did confess and repent of what she had done. It’s not about a drink or a show or not reading certain things, it’s not about the thing or object, but about obedience or disobedience to the Lord. Wendy was walking in a path of disobedience until the heaviness of God’s Spirit came upon her.

Wendy went to Psalm 32 today. Verse 3-4 says, “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your heavy hand was upon me...” This is the same thing he was talking about in Job. When we confess and allow God to remove the heavy hand of conviction upon us, we are set free. When Wendy turned the calendar over January 1st, she can’t even explain the hallelujah’s she was singing. The difference in her spirit and in her whole person.

She is encouraging us today that if there is something we need to confess to Jesus Christ, it’s not too late. He is faithful and just to forgive us. Allow Him to remove His heavy hand from us today and bless us through our confession.

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Wendy's Video Summary - Thursday, January 21, 2010

2010-01-21T19:02:00.003-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

FROM JOY: Ladies, I am so sorry. I am having continual computer issues. I may have to send this 'baby' away for repair. It's just so frustrating. Something that was taking me just over an hour, is now taking well over two hours at the very least. If I go "missing", I trust you will understand.

Wendy recorded a video last week in her favourite room with her Jesus chair. Today she is recording the video in one of her least favourite places and that is near her treadmill. She committed at the beginning of the year to take better care of her temple and she has given up one of her favourite things to drink and that’s Dr. Pepper, along with some other things and she is also exercising 5 times a week, 30 minutes a day. She uses weights. She doesn’t really sweat, but she gets a healthy glow. She is feeling so much better and seeing evidence of her physical workout. She is also seeing evidence of her spiritual workout.

Her first teaching today comes from Job 9:33. Job responds to Bildad and says, “If only there was a mediator between us, someone who could bring us together." Wendy loved that because we have a mediator who brings us together with God, and that is the Holy Spirit.

Her main teaching starts at Job 8:11. "Can papyrus reeds grow tall without a marsh? Can marsh grass flourish without water? While they are still flowering, not ready to be cut, they begin to wither more quickly than grass." He compares that to this. “The same happens to all who forget God." This suggests people who had a prior knowledge of God. Someone who forgot God. "The hopes of the godless evaporate."

Wendy looked up “forget” and it means ignore, cease to care. She said it's hard to imagine herself ever ignoring or ceasing to care for God. There have been times she has put her fingers in her ears and sang "la la la la la" so that she doesn’t hear what He has to say because she doesn’t necessarily want to do what He is asking, but to totally ignore that God is there and to cease to care about your relationship with God or who He is, is hard for Wendy to fathom. How can we choose to do that if we at one time had a relationship with God. Bildab breaks down what happens to the person who forgets about God. Their hope vanishes, disappears, evaporates, perishes, goes away, alters, all hope is gone when you ignore or no longer care about God. "Their confidence hangs by a thread." A thread is thin and fragile. The person who forgets God doesn’t have confidence to sometimes even get out of bed maybe or even utter words at all. It also says they lean "on a spider’s web." A spider’s web is fragile. Their life is fragile. The person who forgets God has a fragile life. "They cling to their home for security, but it won’t last. They try to hold it tight, but it will not endure." This person who has ceased to care about God believes that material things can bring hope and joy, but they discover these things cannot endure. Silver and gold rust and fade. It’s a bleak picture of what happens to someone who forgets God.

Over in Job 11:13 we see the treatment for someone who has ignored God temporarily. This is Zophar’s first response. Wendy loves “if/then” statements. If the person who has forgotten God (and they are assuming Job has done this, that he has forgotten God), "If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! (Did you notice the exclamation mark?) “Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you." (In other words, repent.) Then your face will brighten with innocence.” Wendy wants a bright face. “You will be strong and free of fear.” You don’t have to hold on to material things or grab that fragile spider web. Instead of forgetting God, "You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. (Wendy likened it to a stream taking your misery away.) "Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help.” Why? Because you have a confidence about you. You are happy. You will have a brightness about you and people will be attracted to you.

Let’s let this be us today. Let’s decide it. Me and you. Let’s make a difference wherever we go.

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Wendy's Video Summary - Wednesday, January 20, 2010

2010-01-20T21:58:00.002-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

FROM JOY: Ladies I am so sorry. I have struggled for over two hours now to listen to the video today and get this transcription posted. The video wouldn't play. My computer wouldn't co-operate. Needless to say, I'm pretty frustrated. I finally moved to my son's laptop, but I still was faced with challenges. I am so sorry for how late this post is appearing. A thousand aplogies.

Wendy thanks everyone for their sweet comments and prayers concerning her cold.

Today is our second day with out new friend Job and we actually got to hear Job have some dialogue with his first friend, Eliphaz about the situation Job is in. If you are not familiar with the book of Job, there is a lot of dialogue to come between Job and his friends. It’s not until chapter 38 that God appears in the conversation. He finally has had enough and He just intervenes. We have several days of dialogue to unpack, so don’t be discouraged and ask God for that nugget each day.

Wendy found it humorous yesterday that when Job’s friends first appeared they sat around for seven days in silence. She thought that if Job had been a woman that would never have happened. Women just can’t sit around for seven minutes in silence when another sister is crying or in pain. Those men sat there in silence for seven days, yet in the chapters to come they certainly will make up for their week of silence. Today we met Eliphaz and he responded back to Job when he said he wished he had not been born and declared his innocence. Job claimed he was not guilty of anything. His friends think that he is guilty of something and you can tell by the way they talk.

Eliphaz says in Job 5:8, “If I were you, I’d go to God and present my case to Him.” Eliphaz is saying that he believes Job must have something he has to get off his chest, so go to God and talk to Him about it. He then goes on a little monologue about how wonderful God is. He says God does “great things, too marvelous to understand. He performs countless miracles. He gives rain for the earth and water for the fields. He gives prosperity to the poor and protects those who suffer. He frustrates the plans of schemers so the work of their hands will not succeed.” Job 5:9-12 Wendy loves that we have a God that will do that. He sees all. The enemy cannot do that. God can interfere with the plans of the schemers. God's Word continues in verses 13-18, “He traps the wise in their own cleverness so their cunning schemes are thwarted.” Sometimes people are too wise in their own eyes and have plans that they think are real clever, but God can thwart these plans. “He rescues the poor from the cutting words of the strong, and rescue them from the clutches of the powerful. And so at last the poor have hope, and the snapping jaws of the wicked are shut." The poor have hope. Wendy loved the way in which that is written. This is our God. El Shaddai. "But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin. For though he wounds, he also bandages. He strikes, but his hands also heal."

Wendy circled the word “joy” in her notes. There is joy in correction. Coming from someone who has needed a lot of correction in her life, she doesn't like correction. She never really cared for it very much. She doesn't like discipline or someone telling her that they would prefer her to do something in a different way...until the last ten years when she has been in a strong pursuit of Jesus Christ. Prior to this she didn't like discipline, nor did she look at herself through the eyes of Christ, therefore she didn't feel like she needed discipline until she started to let Christ into parts of her life. Now she looks at discipline and realizes the Lord is bringing her closer to Him and molding her into His image. It shows her that God cares about her and that this is an act of love that He corrects us.

The word “corrected” in the KJV says “correcteth”. The NASB says “reprove” meaning to criticize, correct, strongly disagree or censor, to rebuke or express strong, stern disapproval of. The word “blessed” is translated as happy. We should be happy when we are disciplined by the Lord. We should be happy when He strongly expresses disapproval for what we are doing. That sounds like a bunch of “ouchy”. Wendy never wants to do anything that her heavenly Father could look upon her and say, “Child, I strongly disapprove of what you are doing”, yet at the same time she appreciates that He loves her enough to do that very thing.

In the next verse it says, “Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin.” Despise there means reject. Do not reject the discipline of the Lord. It is for our good. Don't fight against it, go with it. God loves us. Wendy encourages us to please go and read Hebrews 12:5-6. She couldn't include it here for sake of time.

“For those he wounds, he also bandages. He strikes, but his hands also heal.” John Gill says that a surgeon makes a wound more sore by probing and opening it up, but what he does is he releases the sickness and illness to come out so the medicine can go in. Wendy loves the picture that portrays. God opens us up with painful discipline so that sin can go out and His grace can go in. Wendy just loves that illustration.

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Wendy's Video Summary - Tuesday, January 19, 2010

2010-01-19T20:45:00.002-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

Wendy is chuckling as she reflects back on yesterday’s video. She saw the position of her lips that we were forced to look at as the video froze on that picture and she thought that was funny. It looked like she was giving us all a big smoochy kiss. You just never know what position the picture will be in when the video is posted.

Today we had the opportunity to meet a new character after losing two character’s yesterday. We got to meet Job. We were also introduced to the Accuser, which is also what Satan means, who is our enemy. She found it fascinating to read that the enemy would even be allowed in the presence of God. That was one of the things she jotted down that she found interesting. Job 1:6 says, “One day the members of the heavenly court”, (those are just angels), “came to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them.” Twice when Job was tested, Satan, or the Accuser came into the presence of God. That sends shivers down her spine. Wendy can’t understand why God would allow him in His presence. That was just big to Wendy.

(As an aside, Wendy explained that she was sniffing today because she has a cold.)

She wants to camp out on the first section of Job 1 and also retreat to the end talking about who Job is as a person. She can’t answer why God allowed these tests for Job or why God allows innocent people to suffer. She doesn’t understand all that, but it happened. This is Job’s life. He was tested in this way, and you will find that God does bless Job. It does come back, so hang in there.

We learned some important things about Job in the first chapter. Job 1:1-3 says, “There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless - a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil. He had seven sons and three daughters. He owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 teams of oxen, and 500 female donkeys. He also had many servants. He was in fact, the richest person in that entire area.” We see right there that he was successful, wealthy, important and very influential. He had to have been to have had all of that and been the richest man of his region. Just pulling away from his wealth and success, digging into verse one was just beautiful and Wendy wanted to unpack that today because it gives us great lessons to live by today.

Job was blameless, he feared God and stayed away from evil and was a man of integrity. Wendy wanted to do a word study on what this meant. Blameless sounds like he never did anything wrong…that he was sinless. The Bible also talked about Noah being blameless, but the Hebrew there for the word blameless was actually different. Blameless in this case meant completely moral, innocent, having integrity, morally and ethically pure. It doesn’t mean that he didn’t do anything wrong, but that he lived at a higher standard. If he had integrity, Wendy would believe that he had a relationship with God where he has come to terms with any sin that he had and was found innocent. Interestingly enough, Genesis 25:27 describes Jacob with the word ‘plain’ and it means the same thing. He was described this way before the whole birthright scheme and Wendy thought that was cool that he was described in the same way as Job.

We can be blameless before the Lord. We can be above reproach. We can be in a place of integrity with the Lord if we are honest with Him, honest with ourselves and we are willing to stay in that confession and forgiveness place with the Lord.

He feared God. That does not mean he was in terror of God, afraid that God was going to get him, which so many people believe today, that God is a vengeful God. This means he reverenced God and was respectful of His authority and position. That is really important.

The third thing that described Job, and was used three times in our reading today, was that he turned away from evil. The original translation used the word eschewed. This means to turn aside, depart, reject, abolish and avoid. Basically what we’re saying here is that this man had a right relationship with God, He respected God and he could turn away from evil, depart from it and reject it. That is how God described him. Wendy thought today as she read this, Lord, find me to be this way. Let something be written of me that says, Wendy was blameless, a woman of complete integrity. She feared God and stayed away from evil. Could that be said of her? Oh God let it be.

Y’all have a great day!

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Wendy's Video Summary - Monday, January 18, 2010

2010-01-18T20:39:00.003-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

Happy Monday..although today's reading was not that happy. We lost our third patriarch today. We had previously lost Abraham and Isaac and today we lost Jacob. Also in today's reading we lost Joseph, who was not a patriarch in the same way as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but he certainly was a great history maker and a person of great influence. It certainly was a tender day today as we lost two of our main characters in our story.

Wendy was touched by the blessing that Jacob spoke to Joseph after he gave his blessing to Manasseh and Ephraim. You may have noticed that he took on fathership of Joseph's sons so that they would be included in the land allotment when they arrive in Canaan. You will see that later, after the slavery and the exodus, they will be allotted land in Canaan that they would not have received if they remained as Joseph's sons. Jacob brought them into his fold and under his blessing so they could receive this land allotment.

Wendy loved what it said in Genesis 48:15, Jacob said, “May the God before whom my grandfather Abraham and my father, Isaac, walked – the God who has been my shepherd all my life, to this very day, the Angel who has redeemed me from all harm – may he bless these boys. May they preserve my name and the names of Abraham and Isaac. And may their descendants multiply greatly throughout the earth.” Wendy loved the way that Jacob referred to God as his Shepherd, his God, his leader. A shepherd is gentle in his leadership and we saw that evidenced throughout Jacob's life. “The Angel who has redeemed me from all harm”. He wants the same type of relationship that he had with God for his sons. He wants his sons to preserve His name as well as the name of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Wendy has heard people say, from generations behind her, that when they would leave the house their mom's and dad's would say, remember who you belong to. Remember how our name will be represented in the things that you say and do. These verses just reminded Wendy of that and it was very tender to her.

Wendy also noticed that both Jacob and Joseph, as they died, presented their brother's again the promise of God. He is telling them in Genesis 48:21, “Look, I am about to die, but God will be with you and will take you back to Canaan, the land of your ancestors.” I don't know what's going on now son, but you will get to go back. Now, we know that Joseph doesn't get to go back, but that promise is right there fresh. Joseph says to his brothers in Genesis 50:24, “Soon I will die, but God will surely come to help you and lead you out of this land of Egypt. He will bring you back to the land he solemnly promised to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” Joseph didn't receive it, but that promise was still there. Sometimes we receive a promise or a revelation or a Word from the Lord, an assurance that we're going to move forward in an area or be blessed in some way or something is going to happen through the Holy Spirit and it just hasn't happened yet. Continue to remind yourself what God has told you. Wendy likes to mark these things in her journal and put a date beside them so that when she starts to wonder and question, she can go back to that date and know that she knows that she knows that God told her this. Whether it comes today, tomorrow, or not even this side of glory, we can see it there. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, none of them saw it, but it was still there and it was a promise that was passed down through generations. Today if you're experiencing this, go back to what you know God told you and remind yourself of that and remind God of that, not that He needs reminding, but say, “Lord, this is what you told me. If there's something different please tell me.”

Also, Wendy wonders if you noticed that neither Jacob or Joseph wanted to stay in Egypt in their death. Joseph and the brothers took Jacob back to Mamre and buried him there with his ancestors. Wendy thought it was interesting that the Egyptians had 40 days of mourning for Jacob. There's so much hostility between the Hebrews and Egyptians and it will be played out even more later on. She guesses that because Joseph was such a hero in their eyes, saving them from the famine, that is why they mourned his death for so long. That piece of the story was interesting to her. Joseph says in Genesis 50:25, “When God comes to help you and lead you back, you must take my bones with you.” Wendy supposes he needed to have his body remain there because he had been leader, but he wanted his bones taken back to the land that was promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the descendents. You'll find it refreshing later that someone does remember to go back and get the bones and that will tie this back together.

Wendy hopes you enjoyed today's reading and the nostalgia of it and the similarities between the blessing of Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Ephraim being the youngest and Manasseh being the oldest. Ephraim got the right hand blessing, which was the blessing of power. Manasseh got the left hand blessing. Jacob was the youngest who would rule over Esau. She hopes we saw some similarities there. Wendy hopes you're able to thread these things together and the tapestry of the story of the Old Testament.

Have a great rest of your Monday and Wendy will be back tomorrow. Tomorrow we begin the book of Job and that's another interesting story.

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Video Update

2010-01-17T15:56:00.002-05:00

Thanks to all of you who left comments regarding the time you visit here. That has been so helpful.

In saying that, I really feel the Lord asking me to step back and seek His will in regards to transcribing these videos every Monday to Friday. I may have rushed ahead of His plan here and I need some time to seek His will. This week I will be posting the video transcriptions later in the day to allow for my quiet time in the morning. Since taking this on my personal prayer time has suffered and I need to return to the Lord. In the past two weeks I have already felt the affect on my life of my missed time in His presence. Maybe implementing this simple change in the time I do this will be all that is required. Thank you so much for your understanding.

This morning my devotional began...in capital letters: "INSTEAD OF RUSHING TO PURSUE A GOAL, TAKE TIME TO TALK WITH ME ABOUT IT." I'm ashamed to say I feel like I did rush ahead of the Lord and He is calling me to step back and listen to His heartbeat in this regard. I have a tremendous need to be needed and I hate...positively hate letting anyone down. I am praying that should the Lord direct me to withdraw from this endeavour at the close of this week, that He is already raising up the next lady who will carry this on with excellence. My obedience in letting this go, should the Lord direct that way, will open the way for the one of His chosing to take over.

Desiring to be a Christ-FOLLOWER!

Wendy's Video Summary - Friday, January 15, 2010

2010-01-15T16:28:00.003-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

FROM JOY! First, a thousand apologies for being so late today. My husband didn’t set the alarm this morning, but he neglected to tell me. I feel like I’ve been running behind all day. I had friends visiting from out of town, so when I missed my early morning opportunity to transcribe the video, I knew it would be later in the day before I arrived here. Those of you who read this, would you please leave a comment and let me know what time you visit here. I try so hard to get this posted early in the day, but sometimes it just doesn’t work out. However, I’d appreciate knowing what time you come looking for this post. Thanks. Ok…on to Wendy!

Today it is 55 degrees in Charlotte. Praise God. Wendy is sitting in the office area and the sun is shining through. She’s so excited. She didn’t even have to wear a coat today. She wore gloves to keep her hands warm, but no coat.

Today is the end of a great week of study. We covered more of Joseph’s life today. We saw Joseph move from being Potiphar’s advisor to being thrown into prison. He did the right thing, resisted the temptation of Potiphar’s wife and was thrown into prison. We said yesterday that sometimes when we do the right thing, it does not always end in the right way. We see here today, praise God, we can move from the pit of our lives, to a palace, a place of blessing so to speak. We read in Genesis 40:1, “Some time later, Pharaoh’s chief cup-bearer and chief baker offended their royal master.” Nothing was wasted there. They were in prison with Joseph and God knew what was going to happen to Joseph and he was going to need some friends that had been in high places. What Wendy wants us to see first is that we can learn anything in a pit. Joseph got to be friends with lots of people and was moved to a high position, and found favour, there in prison. Sometimes when we’re in a “pit” or “prison” there are things to be learned, and blessings there. God was preparing Joseph for what was to come. God was preparing Joseph by putting this cup-bearer and chef in prison with him. Wendy was amazed at this. These two would know a lot about what went on in the palace and would have a lot of stories about what happened in the palace. Joseph was able to learn something while he was in the pit. Sometimes when we get in the pit we just want to wallow in it. Wendy says she’s right there with us. She’s probably the queen of wallower’s. She sometimes feels sorry for herself and wants others to join her in a pity party. Joseph did not do that. He made the best of a bad situation. He made the best of an unfair situation.

She says she also noticed in Genesis 40:14, that it is OK to ask to get out of the pit. After he interpreted the dream he said, “And please remember me and do me a favor when things go well for you. Mention me to Pharaoh, so he might let me out of this place." "When things go well", when the time comes, please remember me and get me out of here. It’s OK to ask to get out of the place of distress that you might be in right now, and ask for relief, but we have to trust God while we’re there to teach us, to mold us, to prepare us, and look at this place of despair or discouragement or season of grief, that God is preparing us for the next phase we will be encountering. Joseph didn’t get out right away. It says in Scripture, “two years later”. He was in prison two more years before he got out. Two more years before the cup-bearer told Pharaoh about Joseph interpreting his dream. It’s OK to ask to get out, but if we don’t get out right away, two years or longer, don’t get discouraged. It’s easier to say than do, but God is always working and everything He is doing is for our good. He will work it out. Whether it’s our bad decisions. Whether we were wronged or unjustly accused of something. All bad will be worked out if we love the Lord.

The next thing Wendy wanted to highlight today was that we will get out of the pit when God says it’s time to get out of the pit. Genesis 41:40 says, "You will be in charge of my court, and all my peopole will take orders from you. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours." When God is ready to move you out of that place of despair and discouragement He will make a way for you to get out and take everything you have learned while there and use it for your good.

Wendy’s last point is that when you are trusted with little you will be blessed with more. Joseph was trusted with looking after prisoner’s under the chief guard in the king’s prison. That was a little bit of responsibility. Now he is given charge of the entire land of Egypt. (Genesis 41:41) He went from managing prisons to managing a whole entire country. Everyone, except Pharaoh, was subject to him. All of that was prepared for him even when he was sold into slavery at 17 years of age, and he’s now 30 years old. It took Joseph a while to get to that place of leadership and that place where God wanted him to be and he got there and God used everything for Joseph’s good in preparing him.

In her closing thoughts, Wendy loved the meaning of Joseph's sons names. Joseph received a new name too that meant “interpreter or revealer of secrets”. He had a son, Manasseh that meant, “God made me forget my troubles”. He had another son Ephraim, “God can make me fruitful in my grief”. Wendy loved that. Nothing is wasted with God. Even in our troubles, God can make us forget our troubles. Even in our grief, God can make us fruitful in our grief.

Today’s lesson made Wendy look at the pit a little differently and she hopes it did us as well.

“Y’all have a great weekend and I’ll see you Monday!”

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Wendy's Video Summary - Thursday, January 14, 2010

2010-01-14T07:19:00.002-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

Yesterday we got to see the account of Esau and today we get to start the account of Jacob. It’s rather a lengthy account. We are introduced to the story after they have settled back into Canaan. That is where Wendy’s first point jumped out at her. It really doesn’t have anything to do with the rest of her points today, but this is just too good to pass up. In Genesis 37:1 Wendy loved that it said, “settled again”. She needs many “again’s” in her life. She usually does her blog video in one take, but today she has started it repeatedly and she’s laughing at the Lord as He’s going, “again, again, again”. She hears You Lord. Wendy needs many agains. We need many agains. Our God is a God of many agains. When we leave that area of promise like Jacob did, when we wilfully disobey, it doesn’t mean our promise is over. It doesn’t negate His promise or change His plan for us when we leave our land of promise. He can still orchestrate our lives, our situations, our circumstances to bring us back to our land of milk and honey. A place that is fertile, prosperous and where He wants us to be. He can work all things out to bring us back. Jacob was willing to listen and go back. God blessed that willingness with an again. Wendy doesn’t know about us, but it’s freeing to her that she can have more agains than she deserves.

Now, onto Joseph. Joseph appears today as a bratty 17 year old. He’s a tattletale, reporting to his father the bad things his brothers are doing. Being a tattletale is enough to cause sibling rivalry, but Joseph’s dad gives him a coat that is really beautiful and his brothers obviously see that Joseph is loved more by their dad than they are loved. We have the tattletale, the coat and then we have the dream. Joseph starts having these dreams and it sounds like to Wendy, the way the brothers refer to the dream, Joseph is very proud of his dreams and he’s very happy to share his dreams with his brothers…his OLDER brothers. After the first dream, the brother’s say in Genesis 37:8, and this is Wendy’s first point, “they hated him all the more”, which indicates they already hated him, and now they are hating him even more now that he’s having dreams. It’s the way Joseph talked about the dreams. Wendy’s lesson here is that we need to be careful what we say and also how we say it. When we receive words from the Lord, or a prophecy, dream or vision, a blessing that is beyond ourselves, be careful how it is presented. Present it with humility and make sure God receives the glory. Remove ourselves from the picture. Wendy wasn’t there when Joseph shared his dream, but our reading indicates that his brothers did not like the way he talked about his dream, especially considering the fact that they are going to serve him later.

The second thing we see here is that Joseph has been asked again to go check on his brothers. He leaves the valley of Hebron to go to Shechem. Before today Wendy just thought this was another neighbourhood. After some research Wendy learned that Shechem was 45 miles away from Hebron. Dothan was an additional 14 miles away. This was a long way. His brother’s weren’t excited to see him. What Wendy took from this was stay where you are suppose to be. They were in Shechem and they were sent to Shechem and should have remained in Shechem. So many times Wendy says she wilfully chooses to do something different. That goes back to her first point of having an again and an again with the Lord. She has grown in her relationship with the Lord that she now loves the boundaries He gives her. The lines He draws in the sand give her security. She wants to be a person who doesn’t move unless He say’s “Girl go”. Now sometimes He says “Girl Go” and she sticks her fingers in her ears and sings, “Lalalalalala” because she doesn’t want to do what He wants her to do. Sometimes she gets too comfortable where she is and doesn’t want to move. If God tells us to move we need to move, but if He doesn’t direct us anywhere, stay put. Dig your toes in the sand and stay where you are suppose to be until He tells you to move.

The last point in today’s reading comes after the whole fiasco with Potiphar’s wife. Genesis 39 opens up the way it ended, “The Lord was with Joseph”. Through all that happened with Potiphar’s wife, the Lord was with Joseph and caused him to be prosperous. Regardless of what Joseph did there with Potiphar’s wife, he told the truth. He did not succumb. It would have been easy to succumb and Wendy’s sure that Mrs. Potiphar probably had success with other servants in that area, but Joseph was willing to stand his ground. He did the right thing. The right thing didn’t work in his favour.

In Genesis 39:20 it says, “So he took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king’s prisoners were held, and there he remained.” Sometimes doing the right thing doesn’t end in the right way for us, but that doesn’t negate the fact that we should still do what is right. It’s not always going to end the right way. It’s not always going to be the best for us. Being in prison certainly wasn’t one of the comfort creatures Joseph would have chosen in his life. He had finally risen to be in charge of the whole household of Potiphar and all of a sudden there he goes back into prison. You know what? Things get better. Tomorrow the dreamer turns into the interpreter and things get better for Joseph. Things are looking better on the horizon.

Wendy can’t wait to see you tomorrow….again.

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Wendy's Video Summary - Wednesday, January 13, 2010

2010-01-13T07:29:00.003-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

Wendy begins by saying that we’re one day closer to solving the problem of the comments. There is a section over to the right side of the home page on her blog that says “Comments RSS”, “Entries RSS”. Many of you are going there where it asks you to subscribe to her blog through that avenue. You can subscribe through those places, but if you comment there, that’s why your comments aren’t appearing with the others. So for today, what she would like all of us to do, no matter how we receive her post, she’d like for us to comment on the home page. Underneath her signature, after the post, there is a link that says “comments”. Click on that link and it will take you to a place where you can read all the comments, as well as leave your own. She is trying to streamline everyone’s comments to one place, so let’s try and do that today. No matter how you receive her post today, come to her home page and comment there. She thinks that’s the issue, so we’ll try this as an experiment today.

Today’s reading was quite interesting. She said that if we’re completely honest, we may have skimmed over the genealogies. She confessed that she did that the first time she read them, because it seemed kind of boring. There’s not a lot of fun, not a lot of joy in genealogies. When she read back through it she found some interesting things and she wants to share those things today.

The first thing we can glean out of our reading today was that prophecy has been fulfilled. Jot down this reference, Genesis 25:23, where the Lord spoke a prophecy over the two babies that were in Rebekah's tummy as they were fighting and struggling. He said to her, “ The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.” We see that birthed now through this genealogy. Esau has his own nation the Edomites. Jacob has his own nation, the Israelites. The Edomites will soon be under the authority of the Israelites. That’s what it means that the older will serve the younger. We haven’t really arrived at that place in our reading yet, but we have arrived at the place of hostility. Wendy would say that it’s kind of hostile when your brother wants to kill you. So, that prophecy was fulfilled and we can see it laid out like here. We can see that Esau did have a great nation behind him.

The second thing Wendy pulled out of Scripture today was that blessings were fulfilled. If you can remember the scam that Jacob and Rebekah cooked up, it was to allow Jacob to have the blessing, instead of the firstborn, Esau. Momma Rebekah convinced her son Jacob to carry out this trick to receive Esau’s blessing. Wendy wanted to say, “Hey, Isaac you were tricked. Take it back and give Esau the blessing.” She just didn’t understand this, but she just has to trust that this is the culture. This is the way it was and Esau couldn’t get it back. However, when he came back and realized he had been tricked, he was begging his father for a blessing. Wendy felt really bad for him. He was saying, would you please give me a blessing, just one? He was crying out to his father. So Isaac gave him a blessing, but the blessing was not really of God. That first blessing that comes that the first child receives is a prophetic blessing and is truly blessed by God. This second child, (which was really the first child here), receives a more "pat you on the back", common type blessing that was not ushered by God like that first blessing given to Jacob. However Isaac still wanted to bless his son Esau, so over in Genesis 27:39-40 we see his blessing. It says, “You will live away from the richness of the earth, and away from the dew of the heaven above.” Wendy is taking from our reading today, that the "dew from heaven above", that this means it is not from God, not prophecy fulfilled. Now as far as living away from the “richness of the earth”, that came from today’s reading. “The richness of the earth” was Canaan. That was the place to be. The land of milk and honey. We can see over in today’s reading in Genesis 36:6, “Esau took his wives, his children, and his entire household, along with his livestock and cattle - all the wealth he had acquired in the land of Canaan - and moved away from his brother, Jacob.” He moved away from his brother, from the land and the richness of the land. It says that he will “live by the sword“, and he has lived by the sword. He did not have all that Jacob received. He had to get what he got on his own. He acquired his wealth, cattle and herds and had to fight for his own and he got it.

Then we see, that he will serve his brother. We will see shortly that the Edomites will serve the Israelites. And then it says, (still back in Genesis 27:39-40), “But when you decide to break free, you will shake his yoke from your neck.” That will happen eventually. The Edomites will move out from under the Israelites. So we’ve seen prophecy fulfilled and blessing fulfilled in what appeared to be meaningless genealogy.

Wendy kind of had a little bit of fun today and she wrote this:

“Wendy is the daughter of Bob and Faye, who are the children of Charlie and Neely and Boyd and Mary.” That’s her genealogy, but at the top of the list, Wendy is a daughter of the Most High King….and so are you.

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Wendy's Video Summary - Tuesday, January 12, 2010

2010-01-12T08:44:00.002-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

Happy Tuesday! Happy Day 12!

Before beginning today Wendy wants to let us know she is aware of the problem some people are having trying to comment on her blog. People are leaving comments in two different places and she is not computer literate and she had no idea that there was a place, other than her blog, where you can comment. She’s getting advice and working with someone she considers to be an expert in the field of blogging and she’s going to figure out the best way to streamline comments so everyone is commenting in one place. She personally doesn’t want to miss any comments because the Lord is teaching her through the treasure God is pouring out in your spirits. She loves that and knows others are encouraged in the same way. She doesn’t want anyone to miss anyone else’s comments, so she’s on top of that, but not exactly certain when it will be fixed. She will let us know.

Yesterday Jacob left Laban, made a monument, actually put stones down not to cross over and agreed to live in peace. Laban said finally, take my daughters, take my grandchildren, it’s Ok, you are free to go. They had agreed to part their way. Jacob was ready to go home and the Lord sent an angel to guard and protect him on his way home. Wendy thought how precious that was of the Lord. El Roi, the God who sees, knew what was going to happen when we turned the page. He knew that Esau was going to appear soon and Jacob needed some extra assurance and he needed some guardianship and so He sent angels to meet Jacob. How comforting that must have been for Jacob. Jacob declared, “This is the Lord’s camp.” Wendy loves those words and wants to adopt those words herself when she's moving towards something that is possibly fearful. After all, Jacob knew he was going to run into Esau and you can tell he was preparing for the possibility of conflict with his brother. When he left his brother he was fleeing for his life. Esau wanted to kill him. It has been 20 years now, but you just don’t know with family or foe what will happen after 20 years. Maybe time was not as good to him and he hadn’t changed as much as Jacob had changed.

Wendy asked if we enjoyed watching how Jacob has evolved from the time he was the deceiver and stealing the birthright and putting on that animal skin cover until today where he is putting himself humbly before the Lord and reminding the Lord of the promise that He made to his family to have that land and now he was going to go back and claim his promise. How precious that was to see the turning point he has made in his life. All of that aside, he knew he might face imminent danger with his brother and God knew that too and God knew his fear and was sensitive to that fear and sent angels to protect him. Wendy thought that was really special.

What Wendy loved most of the story we read today was the Hallmark ending. Whenever she gets the opportunity, which isn’t often, Wendy loves to sit down and watch sappy Hallmark movies that always end happily. Everybody ends up with somebody. There’s hugs. There’s smiles. There’s cries. Just good, good movies. Not all chick flick movies, but they are just really good, wholesome movies and that’s hard to find now. She loves to sit down and watch a good happy ending on Hallmark and that’s what this reminds her of now. Esau running from afar and meeting Jacob. Jacob was on his knees, humbly bowing and Esau was running toward him, and wanting to mend and heal that relationship. Wendy loved that. It was a beautiful, beautiful thing. Then they hugged and wept and then ‘The End’. It was beautiful. Wendy loves that they have mended their relationship and loved that God had changed Esau’s will. Even someone who was as hard and brute and insensitive as Esau. God can change anyone if they are submissive. Somewhere along the way, Esau must have submitted to the Lord himself otherwise it would not have been such a beautiful reunion.

That’s really not Wendy’s most favourite part of today’s story. She loved the part of Jacob wrestling with God. There have been many times in her life where she has felt that she has just been wrestling for something. Sometimes it’s been for a prayer request. Sometimes for a desire that she has been fighting for faith with the Lord. Sometimes she’s been fighting for the next step in her life and the Lord’s will for her life. She’s felt that struggle. Jacob was not going to give up, being persistent until he got the blessing. He fought all night. You have to remember that Jacob was tired at this point. He had been travelling. He had had all that emotional upheaval with Laban and finally that had come to pass and he was moving forward. But moving forward to possible danger, there is anxiety there. There’s a fear there and that takes up energy. He was tired, but he was not going to rest until he got his blessing. Wendy loves that picture, but she also loves the point where God gives Jacob a new name. God changed his name from Deceiver to Prince of God.

Ladies, gentlemen, friends, we can get a new name, regardless of what we’ve done, regardless of what we’ve experienced, regardless of what we’re doing at any given time, we can receive a new name from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Travis Cottrell, Beth Moore’s worship leader, is by far Wendy’s favourite worship leader ever. Wendy goes straight to God’s throne of grace just listening to songs that he sings. He recorded a song called, “You Changed My Name”. Wendy jotted down the words because this song captures the picture beautifully of Jacob receiving a new name.

“You changed my name when You called me forgiven
You changed my name when You called me redeemed
You took my shame and wrote a new beginning to the story I was living and I’ll never be the same.
You changed my name.”

We have been redeemed. We have been forgiven. We have been redeemed. We have been given a new name in Jesus Christ. We don’t have to live under the old self. The New Testament tells us in 2 Corinthians that we are a new creation in Christ Jesus. Let’s go live like we have a new name.

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Wendy's Video Summary - Monday, January 11, 2010

2010-01-11T08:51:00.004-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

Wendy begins today by welcoming readers from Encouragement Today devotions and invites their participation in our discussion. She said that there are about 1800 people, as far as she knows, reading through the Bible this year and all are welcome to still join. She suggested new readers check out http://www.proverbs31.org/ and click on the “Shop P31” link to the left of the page and learn how to purchase a Bible and join us. She emphasized again, that it is not too late to begin.

Wendy thanks the rest of the on-line readers for allowing her the weekend to be with her family. She would love to be teaching every day. This weekends material was so rich. Saturday she filled two pages with valuable information. She is enjoying all the comments so much.

This weekend was fun as Wendy’s cousin was married. The last of 13 grandchildren and her grandmother, who will be 93 in April, has attended every wedding. It was an exciting weekend, but she says now we are back where we should be and that’s meeting face-to-face here this morning.

Wendy is coming to us today from her bonus room in her house and behind her we see a huge chalkboard on the wall where she does educational therapy with her son and also some home-schooling. She’s also sitting in one of her favourite places in the whole house and that is on the floor in front of her Jesus chair. This is the chair she has sat in every day for over 12 years now to have her quiet time. Recently she is more on her knees than in the chair. It’s where she sits and prays for us, our love for one another, our love for the Word and our commitment to the Word. This is a special place.

The main part of today’s teaching made her feel tense as she read through Genesis 30-31. There’s strife and conflict between Laban and Jacob. Already we’ve seen conflict that wasn’t quite as pronounced between Rachel and Leah, which comes up more later, but being married to two sisters would cause conflict. Wendy found it interesting at the beginning of the reading how Jacob was still living under Laban’s house when his children were born. He has already worked off his purchasing, yet he still has to prove he has to get out. Laban would not give up and he was messing with Jacob with the sheep and the goat and the strife and the dotted and the white and causing so much conflict. Now Wendy realizes that this is a dad and granddad, daughters and grandchild, but she says, let the man go or at least give him peace. She just felt so bad for him.

Wendy reflected on the conflict we experience every day. Wendy does not like conflict. She said that there are some people who get into conflict and try to keep it going. Wendy tries to avoid conflict at all cost, sometimes to her detriment. She will do anything to avoid conflict with anyone and tries her best to keep peace with people. If there isn’t peace with someone she does her best to avoid that person just so she doesn’t have to face it. That’s not good either and that’s another lesson. Still, conflict was very real here and Wendy saw a great application for us.

The heading over Genesis 31:51 reads, “Jacob’s Treaty with Laban”. She read verses 51 & 52, “‘See this pile of stones,’ Laban continued, ‘and see this monument I have set between us. They stand between us as witnesses of our vows. I will never pass this pile of stones to harm you, and you must never pass these stones or this monument to harm me.’”

What a great lesson there. Sometimes we just have to draw the line between the conflict, whether we’re the one causing the conflict, like Laban, or we’re on the receiving end of the conflict like Jacob. Sometimes enough is just enough. Build a monument on that issue and move on. Agree to disagree. Agree to draw the line. You won’t cross me and I won’t cross you and let’s try and have peace in our lives. She said that this is not always possible. Both parties must agree on this, but you yourself can decide not to be bothered by the conflict anymore. That’s going to take the power of El Shaddai, God Almighty in us, for us to be able to stay at peace with the situation. Maybe the other person isn’t ready to come to us and not cross the line, but we can draw a line ourselves. We’re not going to be bothered by this. I’m not going to let you steal my joy. Oh my goodness, these are joy stealer moments here. Jacob had a lot of joy stealer moments in these few chapters. Wendy is glad to be able to see Jacob move on and get past this.

Wendy says the main point today is let’s try to live at peace with people. Let’s try to end conflicts. It’s not easy, but maybe today there’s a monument you need to build and just say, “Today Lord, I’m leaving this thing and I’m not going to return or cross over to agitate or aggravate this person or situation anymore and I’m not going to cross this monument or this pile of stones ever again through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Y’all have a great day!

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Wendy's Video Summary - Friday, January 8, 2010

2010-01-08T07:34:00.003-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

We lost one of our main characters today, one of the old patriarch’s, and that is Abraham. Throughout the Old Testament you’ll be reading about Abraham, Isaac and Jacob synonymously, the three patriarch’s. Our fathers, "the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”. We lost Abraham today and Wendy thought how tender it was for his sons Isaac and Ishmael to go bury their father in memory where Sarah was buried. That has always touched Wendy. Number one, that they remembered that this place was their family burial area, and number two, that they came together at the funeral. She thought that was very interesting to read and wondered if Abraham had ever done anything to try and mend the relationship between Ishmael and Isaac over the years. We were told in today’s reading in Genesis 25:18 that Ishmael’s relatives lived in hostility to one another, but she wonders if he ever patched up things with Isaac. Regardless, they did come together at the funeral and did the family funeral thing in the right way. Wendy hopes that if they had not mended their relationship until that point that the death of their father helped them put some water under the bridge and let them move forward.

Wendy also wants to spend some time reading today about Abraham from the New Testament. She read from the NIV, selected verses from Hebrews 11, known as the “Hall of Faith”. What the writer does, and it’s believed to be Paul although we’re not sure exactly, he goes through and talks about all the great men and women of faith that we have to look back on and learn from and recalls them in this passage of Scripture. Abraham was mentioned more than any other name in the “Hall of Faith”.

"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore....By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, 'It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.' Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death."

Hebrews 11:8-12, 17-19

All of these verses, when it talks about the men and women of faith start with "By faith". Wendy was challenged years ago by one of her favourite Bible teachers ever, sister Beth Moore. Hebrews 11 ends with verse 40, and Wendy was challenged by Beth to add a verse 41. Not adding or taking anything away from the Word of God which Revelations strongly discourages, but just to remind herself that putting a “By faith Wendy…”, that one day when her family looks back on her life, maybe even generations to come that won’t even know she existed, somehow they can look somewhere and know that their descendant was a woman of faith.

Wendy’s a little nostalgic and melancholy reading of the death of Abraham because she truly wants “And by faith Wendy” that her descendants would know that she was a woman of faith and that she believed God and it was counted righteous to her. She passes that down to the next generation and the next, that her faith that is built on Christ Jesus would be an inheritance to those to come. She can’t make them a great nation and she can’t give them greatness and descendants as many as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, but she can pass down a heritage of faith that is strong if she has a strong faith herself. That’s why she’s stepping out of this crossroads whenever she gets a chance and not getting struck there so that those who come behind her will find her faithful.

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Wendy's Video Summary - Thursday, January 7, 2010

2010-01-07T07:19:00.001-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

Wendy begins by telling us she is taping this video in Renee Swope’s office. She has just dropped her children off at the church and she’s using the time to record today’s session.

She was surprised that the reading took longer than usual. She is so thankful for everyone’s comments. She is learning so much from all of you.

She wants to make sure that everyone has seen the two new names for God, El Roi and El Shaddai. Today we meet God as Eternal God, in Genesis 21:33. Eternal God is El Olam, forever God. We also see God as Yahweh-Yireh, the Lord will provide, Genesis 22:14. She encourages us to keep track of the names of God. She said to pray in the name of God. There’s power in praying this way. Wendy is glad we’re taking on the concerns of others and praying for each others needs. Let’s put power behind our prayers.

Wendy wanted to camp out on the Abraham story, but God would not let her do that. There was a verse that would not let her go - Genesis 11:32, “Terah lived for 205 years and died while still in Haran.”

If you remember, Terah was Abraham’s father. Terah took his family on a journey and they stopped in Haran and God blessed their family there and they acquired a lot of wealth there. But if you recall, on that particular day of our reading, Nathan (the only male Chronological Bible follower brave enough to comment) made a comment that taught Wendy something. He said “Haran” means “crossroads”. Terah died in the crossroads.

Wendy’s heart skipped a beat. She doesn’t want to die in the crossroads. She wants to be progressing and moving towards the Lord. She wants to be moving by being in His Word. He wants to be moving by loving His people. He wants to be moving by giving and caring for His people. She wants to be going on. How sad. Terah died in the crossroads.

Several years ago she had the opportunity to make a choice. She stopped somewhere. She stopped in her relationship with the Lord. She was at a crossroads. She felt the Lord calling her closer to Him. She had just completed two in depth Bible studies and was getting into the Word a little bit more and learning more. She had friends praying for her and she felt the Lord beckoning her to come. For circumstances she’s choosing not to share now, she chose not to come. Now, she didn’t stop going to church. She didn’t stop singing in the choir. She didn’t stop doing all the right things, but she didn’t answer His call. Her life was blessed in the crossroads and after two years of infertility she became pregnant and had a beautiful baby girl. Her husband and she built a home in White Forest, North Carolina. In the crossroads they moved back to Charlotte where their family lives. Her husband owns his own business now. In the crossroads God took care of her. In the crossroads she did the right thing. In the crossroads the Lord never forgot her. But then one day about ten years ago, the Lord called her again, and this time she didn’t stay in Haran. She moved and she’s been moving ever since and it’s the best decision she’s ever made.

She thought her life was blessed in the crossroads, “but girls I’m telling you what, I am living in the Promised Land.” We can find it here in Scripture. In not so many pages away, we’re going to get there, but her prayer is that everybody within the sound of her voice and anyone who hears her teach ever, finds their crossroads, identifies them, and moves on to their Promised Land while here on earth because that is God’s intention. His intention is to give you a full and abundant life (John 10:10). Wendy’s prayer is that you would live that full and abundant life right here on earth because that’s God’s plan for you.

“Y’all have a great day!”

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Wendy's Video Summary - Wednesday, January 6, 2010

2010-01-06T08:46:00.002-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

Wendy has just come off the treadmill today. She has committed to doing five days, 30 minutes each day this year.

She said she almost underlined all of the reading today, but what jumped out at her was the intercessory prayer that Abraham beckoned on behalf of Lot to the Lord, found in Genesis 18.

Wendy defined intercessory prayer as falling flat on your face before the Lord and petitioning for somebody else. You are interceding for someone else. You are the middle person from another to the Lord.

She said we don’t always know what to pray about and that’s OK. Wendy says she doesn’t want too many details because she doesn’t want her prayers influenced at all by human knowledge of a circumstance. She claims Romans 8:26,27 where the Holy Spirit ushers the groanings of our heart up to the Lord Himself. We don’t have to know what to pray.

Here we see Abraham pleading for Lot, but did you notice he never even said Lot’s name? That gave Wendy insight into Abraham. The Lord really looked at Abraham’s heart and He saw Abraham’s concern. The Lord even saw Sarah laughing. (As an aside, Wendy said she thought that was so funny that the Lord was a tattletale and told Abraham that Sarah laughed. That entire passage of scripture made Wendy laugh.)

God knows our intent. Wendy believes Abraham was not only praying for Lot but for everyone. He approached the Lord and pressed his request further. Abraham asks the Lord not to be angry. Wendy always thought it wasn’t the right thing to do to question the Lord as Abraham asked, would You take the righteous with the unrighteous? Would You punish the innocent with the sinful? In this circumstance Wendy believes that Abraham wasn’t questioning the Lord, but petitioning and reasoning and trying to get the Lord to look again and possibly change His plan in the circumstance of getting rid of Sodom and Gomorrah and everyone involved there.

We have a great message from Abraham here. Number one, when we go to the Lord, we need to go with the right heart and motives. That’s why it’s important no to know all the information about something. We need to go with honest hearts. Lord, I don’t understand this. How can this be? Why are You allowing this? Wendy has often prayed on behalf of those who have cancer and they have died and she doesn’t understand. She has prayed for families to be mended and they are broken and she doesn’t understand. She still however went on their behalf and questioned and still questions to this day why God would, in His Sovereign plan, take her husband’s father over 20 years ago. She doesn’t understand why that happened, but God has secrets He reveals to no-one and that’s OK. She has learned how to live with prayers that aren’t answered in the way she desired.

Wendy felt the reverence in Abraham’s beckoning of the Lord and she just loved the gentleness and patience that the Lord had as He was listening to Abraham. That could have only happened if He had really looked at Abraham’s heart and understood the meaning. The bottom line was, don’t destroy my nephew. Don’t destroy my nephew and his family. Please Lord, is there another way?

We do see that Lot was able to get out of Sodom and Gomorrah before it was destroyed. Wendy loved Gen 19:29, “But God had listened to Abraham’s request and kept Lot safe, removing him from the disaster that engulfed the cities on the plain.” That stopped Wendy. Abraham had never mentioned Lot’s name. God knows the intentions of our hearts, our thoughts, the fullness we feel, the emotions of our prayers and He looks upon that and takes it into consideration when He hears our prayers.

Wendy wants to encourage us to pray fervently. Her theme verse for 2010 is John 3:30, Lord increase so that I (Wendy) might decrease. Wendy is currently praying for some hurting families. She’s praying on the behalf of some P31 team members who are suffering through some situations. She concludes by saying let’s look at Abraham’s example and lets not give up. Let’s not have impure motives when we go to the Lord. Let’s be honest and lay it on the line and say I don’t know the details to the problem, but you are O Sovereign Lord (how Abraham called the Lord). We can approach God Almighty, our El Shaddai, and El Roi, the God who sees, because He is faithful and He is true.

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Wendy's Video Summary - January 5, 2010

2010-01-05T06:45:00.002-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

Wendy began today’s video with an apology to everyone who had trouble viewing yesterday’s vlog. She had the video set on private instead of public. She appreciates our grace and support as she gets this up and running. She loves being able to connect in this way, and even to share daily things like how cold it is in North Carolina - only 33 degrees!

Today she points out two new names for God.

Genesis 17:1, God introduces Himself to Abram in a new way - El Shaddai, God Almighty.

The second name appeared earlier in our reading. Looking back at Genesis 16 with Hagar and Sarai. Wendy shares how she has never understood fully the culture of that time, with Hagar having a child for Sarai, but Hagar was a servant and had to do whatever she could to help her mistress. Sarai’s plan to give her maid servant to Abram, backfired on her. The nation of Israel as a whole was affected by this addition to God’s plan, but He takes everything and works it for His glory.

Hagar didn’t really have a choice, and afterwards we see Sarai mistreating Hagar and the two women fighting is not a pretty scene. Abram basically said, look, she’s your maidservant, you deal with her. The mistreatment got so bad, Hagar decided to run and leave the situation.

Perhaps you can identify with Hagar. You’ve been in a situation before where you are tired and frustrated and you just want to get out of town. You need a change of scenery. That’s what Hagar was going for, she was leaving town, and Wendy says she doesn’t know if Hagar would have come back.

Genesis 16:9 says that an angel found Hagar. The angel asks her two questions: Where have you come from? Where are you going?

The angel told her to go on back and make the best of the situation and then gave her further information that Wendy can testify is probably not the best information for a mother to hear. The angel says she’s pregnant, going to have a son, that he’s going to be wild, hold up his fist to everyone and even be at hostility with his relatives.

Look at how Hagar responded. Hagar used “another” name for the Lord, implying she probably had a relationship with the Lord already. She says, You are the God who sees. “I have truly seen the One (Wendy points our the capital ‘O’) who sees.” In Hebrew this name is El Roi.

Don’t you love it that we have a God who is not only Almighty, but He is also One who sees. He sees our past, our present and our future and He loves us despite what we’ve done, what we’re doing and what we’re going to do. We have His Spirit within us and He will guide us if we would yield to Him.

He sees what’s coming in 2010! Wendy says she is more excited this year than any other year. God is up to something big and He is God Almighty, so He can do a big something!

Wendy hopes we’ll take these two names we’ve learned, El Shaddai and El Roi and we will pray in the name of El Shaddai, for His great and mighty power to come upon us; and that we’ll pray in the name of El Roi, the God who sees, that He would lead us where He wants us to go and that we would be willing to be there with Him.

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Wendy's Video Summary - Monday, January 4, 2010

2010-01-04T09:10:00.003-05:00

(For those of you not participating in the Chronological Bible reading with Wendy Pope, please visit my other blog, “Pondering In His Presence”. Thank you.)

The primary focus today was on Abram's family leaving their homeland of Ur of the Chaldeans.

Sometimes the Lord just asks us to leave. There's no evidence given for sure that God told Terah, Abram's father, to leave, but he did and he took Abram, Sarai and Lot with him.

Genesis 11:31 says they headed out specifically for Canaan, but stopped at Haran and settled there.

Sometimes when we head out to a destination we don't always get there. We get side-tracked and life happens. We get stopped, but there is a useful place in the pause of a journey.

Wendy read Genesis 12:1-4, highlighting how we can be a blessing.

The key point is found in verse 4: “So Abram departed as the Lord instructed.”

This is the root of our inheritance. Our inheritance is the kingdom of God. According to John 10:10 we can live a full life in Christ, and it all started right here with Abram's obedience. The main point is that our obedience matters to somebody other than us. Abram was going to be blessed with physical and spiritual protection, but he would have missed out if he had not obeyed and so would have we.

Romans 4:16 (pg1534) says, “So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham's. For Abraham is the father of all who believe.”

Abraham is our spiritual father, and because he obeyed we have our inheritance secured by our belief and faith in Jesus Christ. Although we still need to choose to believe, our inheritance was set in place all those years ago.

Backing up now to when Terah left for Canaan and ended up in Haran, nothing is ever wasted in our journey. The time in a pause is not wasted. What happened in Haran was amazing. This is where God grew Abraham's family wealth.

So, just be encouraged that your obedience maters to others and if you're on a journey that you know you're suppose to be on and there's a pause, relax and wait for God to move you. All will come to fruition for your good and His glory.

(All thoughts transcribed from Wendy's blog to aid those whose computers are not capatible to view these videos.)

Glorified

2009-10-23T10:26:00.002-04:00

To those of you who follow this blog, many apologies. It has just been so difficult finding time to keep up two blogs. I still continue to write daily, and you are more than welcome to visit me at Pondering In His Presence.

Today I have come out of silence to share some great news!!!

I read this verse during my time in His Word this morning: “Father, bring glory to your name.” John 12:28

Lord, this has been my prayer since March 3rd of this year. As I have stood by the bedside of my dad after errors in care were made causing life threatening complications to arise. It’s been a weary walk.

As others encouraged our family to take action against the hospital, we offered forgiveness. Does this mean we just accepted the mistakes and continued on? No. We expressed our disappointment in the health care system. We met with those who held influence over future patients care and voiced our concerns. We held hands around dads bed and in waiting rooms and prayed, giving testimony to the one Physician who ultimately was providing dad’s care. Like Christ we prayed for the cup to be passed (Matthew 26:39), but He chose for us to sip a little, and in the drinking to glorify His name.

Friends, I have exciting news!!!

Back on March 27th, I wrote that short of a miracle my dad would not be coming home. Well…we’ve received that miracle!!

In just five more days, October 28th, my dad is coming home! What makes this homecoming a double blessing is that October 28th is my mom’s 84th birthday! What a gift. What a Giver!

Lord, I pray that as we’ve journeyed this unexpected road for almost eight months, daily at the hospital, our lives have brought You glory. I pray our responses and reactions have spoken of You. I pray staff and visitors have seen Your presence.

Father, I thank and praise You now for bringing glory to Your name in dad’s illness and healing. Although his mobility may be slower and he’ll need some assisted care, his mind has been renewed and my dad no longer demonstrates the characteristics of one effected by the medical error made.

Father thank You for glorifying Your name through pain and suffering, through doubt and fear, through confusion and heartache and now through praise and rejoicing.

Thank you to all of you who travelled this road by my side through prayer. We still will have challenges ahead, but God who brought us to this point in time will continue to walk with us, guiding each step of the way.

In my life Lord, be glorified today.

Happy Birthday Holly!

2009-09-10T05:00:00.001-04:00

My thoughts are focused across the border today. A sweet friend is celebrating her birthday. It’s funny, I’ve only really spent minutes with her, yet her life has impacted mine in so many ways. Point proven that it's not quantity but quality of time. From the moment I was introduced to her, I saw Jesus.

I see the joy of Jesus in her smile. I hear the hope of Jesus in her words. I sense His love through her life. I understand better His servant heart and tender compassion as she reaches out and pours His living water to refresh others after already drinking deeply herself. I see Him in her courage to be obedient to her Father. I see Him sitting on a park bench in Germany unaware of how in reaching out to one, she is ministering to another. I see Him as she embraces a barefoot runaway. I see Him encouraging her friend to read Ephesians and take up the full armour of God. I see Him as she shares teachable moments with cell phones, cheese balls and pet analogies. I see Him as she honestly confesses to dents in cars. I see Him in her commitment to speak honouring words and refrain from gossip. I see Him in the place of safety she offers as she listens with her heart. I see Him in her text messages (shared on her friend’s blog), e-mails and Christmas cards. I see Him through her random acts of kindness and the fruit of His spirit growing in her life. I see Him as she ministers to my heart.

My Inbox contains precious messages that have so often been God’s voice of encouragement and love to me. Her name may appear at the closing, but it’s His heart I’ve just read. Words that have strengthened my marriage and my personal walk with the Lord, challenging me to go deeper and live louder. She is not content with surface relationship or mediocre faith. Her gentleness is evidenced by all and her smile radiates His love. Eyes, filled with compassion, she is content to humbly stand in His shadow and be used in quiet ways that many will never know.

I pray today that the Lord will bless my friend in many ways. May she know His presence. May she feel His touch. May she hear His voice. May she rest in His love.

Happy Birthday Holly. May His presence be your best present today and always. Thanks for the gift of your friendship. You are loved.

A Sweet Opportunity

2009-06-28T15:02:00.003-04:00

Hi Friends,

Just a quick post to offer direction. IF you are visiting here from Wendy Pope's blog, looking for the daily devotional as we read through the Bible this year, please click my other blog, "Pondering In His Presence". What a sweet opportunity Wendy has extended to me. It is a delight, honour and privilege to serve the Lord in this way while Wendy and her family enjoy a holiday. Hope many of you will join us.

All for Jesus,
Joy

My Daddy's Chair

2009-06-21T18:27:00.004-04:00

It doesn't look like much. It's been recovered a couple of times to fit my Mom's changing decor. It's not expensive, yet it's value far exceeds it's worth. To any visitor it is ordinary. Although this armchair sits empty now, the prayers that have been lifted from it's frame continue on. This is my Daddy's chair. For countless years my Dad has risen early and found his place here before God's throne. With Bible open on His knee, pen in hand, head and heart bowed, this is holy ground.

As a child I would often peek through the door and watch in silence. I knew I was eyewitness to the sacred. God spoke and my Dad listened and obeyed. Direction was sought and received. God's Word came alive and active in my Dad's life.

Over many years Dad's prayers for me brought life, encouraged character development, enabled me to handle peer pressure, petitioned God for my safety, earnestly sought a godly husband, offered forgiveness, endured hours on his knees during both piano and school exams, cried out to God through every disappointment, longing to take each of my heartaches on himself and taught me to always trust His heart.

His chair was a place of refuge from the storms of life. A place of communion with His Father. Although his chair sits empty, as Dad still remains in a hospital, and short of a miracle he'll never daily sit in this chair again, it is a symbol of my heritage. A heritage of a praying Father. Endless conversations were offered in silence and always heard by a loving God. A tattered Bible gives evidence of God's responses.

The chair is aging, and so is my Dad, yet both still hold firm to their foundation. Memories are held in my heart and echo treasured stories of events long passed. I have never for one moment doubted Dad's love for me. His life has made believing in a loving, Heavenly Father so natural and easy.

I don't ever remember my Dad raising His voice, except in praise and excitement. He is a refined, educated gentleman, but also a great tease, who loves to impersonate others, much to my mother's chagrin. Until this last illness, he embraced life to the full and lived each day with vigor.

Just yesterday while visiting Dad in the hospital I discovered a new note in his handwriting. He wrote, "I love all 4 of my girls. One really without measure, the mother of our lovely children. May her dreams all come true. May all that takes place be the perfect will of God and the foundation of my family and HIS WILL. PRAY. PRAY. PRAY. Thank You God! I love all my girls. It is the mother I love and she has never changed!!"

Here at 83, with mind now wandering and health failing, he still expresses such love for his family and for his God. His chair is empty, but his heart is full. Lord, please bless my Daddy today. Thank You for letting me grow up in the security of a father's love and under the umbrella of a father's prayers.

Happy Father's Day Dad. Love ya for always and forever,
"Bells"

My Dad and my Husband. The two men I celebrate with today.

My Daddy

2009-06-14T13:56:00.004-04:00

It is with a heart overflowing with emotion I sit here today. There are times when no words are adequate to describe the joy one heart can hold. Some things are simply better 'felt' than 'telt', as my mom would say.

This morning something happened, that I quite honestly wondered would ever happen again. I sat in church beside my Daddy. Just writing that causes a stream of tears to flow. Although he wasn't beside me for long, as his bones were aching and he struggles to sit still, for that brief time, we were worshipping side by side. I was his little girl again. I'm sure my smile and excitement was announcing the joy within my heart. I felt like Shirley Temple in "The Little Princess" when she found her Daddy after he had been lost at sea, and within the shadow of his presence she announced to Queen Victoria, this is my Daddy.

(You must watch this clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyCzOTRbPug . Scroll over to 1:29:15 and watch the last 4 minutes, it so picturesquely displays my heart.)

Although Daddy still has so many challenges ahead and the bad days often overpower the good, today Daddy sat in church with me. He was out of the hospital on a Day Pass.

I'm sorry I haven't been posting often. I know so many of you are still praying for my Dad and I appreciate it so much. The struggles continue to be many and the heartache great. I find myself too exhausted emotionally to continue writing updates. To put into words the sadness that surrounds my heart just pulls me down, so I have abandoned writing here over the past month. (I do still post daily on my "Pondering In His Presence" blog, and I trust some of you will chose to visit me there.)

Today, after our family shared a special lunch with Dad, I gave him a gift. Originally I purchased this as a Father's Day gift, but my excitement could not contain my desire to give this to Dad today. Dad will undergo a procedure again this Tuesday at 2:00pm. He again will be subject to anesthetic and medication. He again will have a scope to check for further cancerous cells. Not knowing next weeks outcome, I wanted to give my gift to Dad today...on a good day...on a happy day...it was afterall still a "Father's Day".

When I was a little girl my Dad would let me climb on top of his feet, and holding his hands he would dance me around our living room as the music played. I first heard this song by "Point of Grace" this past Christmas Day. I dissolved into tears. They were singing about my Daddy and me. I couldn't wait for the CD and book release. I was able to present Dad with that book today.

Please enjoy both the links below. The first is a link to a video of the song, "King of the World"; the second is the story, "Dance Me, Daddy" being read by the author from "Point of Grace", Cindy Morgan. Just a warning...go get a Kleenex before viewing either. You'll need a few.

Friends, thanks for your continued care and love. Our family is only finding strength right now through the prayers of many. Several of you have e-mailed me asking how you can pray for us right now. Certainly we would appreciate your prayers for this Tuesday. We are also longing to have Dad settled permanently. We are on quite an extensive waiting list for a long-term care facility. Our desire is to have Daddy moved close to home. Even more than these requests, our heart's cry is to see Daddy happy again. He struggles with depression and because of his lack of discernment and understanding, presently some days are extremely difficult. Please pray the Lord will guard his spirit from the attacks of the evil one.

Today the Lord gave me a treasured gift. I sat in church with my Daddy.

"King of the World" song lyrics by Cindy Morgan

Spinning around on the tops of his feet
Smiles of the angels could not be so sweet
Wide blue eyes and piggy tail swirls
She's her daddy's girl

'Cause he knows the jokes that always make her laugh
Takes her for ice cream instead of her nap
At the end of the day by the light of the moon
They turn up the music in their living room

And she yells, "Dance me. Dance me around till my feet don't ever touch down There's nothing better than being your girl
And if I am your princess then, Daddy, you are the king of the world."

It's funny how life moves in circles of time
To think not so long ago that face was mine
Houses get smaller, we take different names
But some things in life stay the same

Some day she'll go off and find a life of her own
And marry a good man and make a happy home
Until she comes back and sees with those same eyes what time can not disguse

She walks through the door with that look on her face
'Cause Daddy's brown hair has all turned to gray
They talk for hours
They cry and they laugh

Watching old movies and thinking back
Just as she turns to go, she says
"Hey, Dad, how about one for the road?

"Dance me, dance me around till my feet don't ever touch down
Dance me, dance me around till my feet don't ever touch down
'Cause there's nothing better than being your girl
Oh no there's nothing better than being your girl
And if I am your princess then Daddy, you are the king of the world
King of the world."

Spinning around on the tops of his feet
Smiles of the angels could not be so sweet

Praying For My Mom

2009-05-10T08:19:00.004-04:00

"I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart...I am on the verge of collapse..." Psalm 38:8,17

I heard these words just two days ago, coming from the overwhelmed heart of my mother. The stress of the past ten weeks has been taking it's toll on her. She is completely broken as she watches the love of her life for 65 years become a stranger in many ways. I can't begin to imagine the loss as a wife. I only know it as a daughter.

Mom has been a tower of strength and the pillar of our home. It's difficult to watch her suffering now. A time of life when I wish she could just relax and enjoy the blessings of family and friends, she is burdened with the incredible weight of countless decisions and unfathomable heartache.

Growing up, our home was a place where I always felt secure and loved. Mom used every opportunity to set a godly example to let me see the reality of Christ. Even when my sister and I would argue (which wasn't often!), Mom would burst forth in a chorus of "To be like Jesus", making it difficult for our disagreement to continue while being sweetly serenaded with God's truth.

No doubt these teachable moments were a direct result of mom's daily, consistent, personal time with her Lord in prayer and Bible study. As long as I can remember, Mom has been rising each morning by 4:00am to spend time with the Lord, studying His Word and lifting her family and loved ones to Him in prayer. As a child, my days began and ended with prayer. Mom would kneel beside my bed each morning committing my day to the Lord. Then joining hearts and hands around our dinner table at the close of the day, time would be given to read His Word during "Family Worship". I can recall praying for everything and everyone, often stopping in mid-prayer to ask a question or give a hug, but Mom never seemed to mind. I learned early that I could talk to God anytime, anywhere, and He became my best friend and Saviour while watching mom model such an intimate relationship with Him.

Mom is faithful, not only in her quiet times, but in all areas of her life. She is a faithful mother, wife, grandma, great-grandma, sister-in-law, mother-in-law and friend. Her daily letter writing is just another example of her committment to those she loves. It has been the 'norm' for dad to drive to the post office every morning, mailing numerous letters, notes, and little words of enouragement to those the Lord happened to place on mom's heart.

As a godly woman, mom's quiet countenance, gracious nature, open hospitality, discerning spirit and tender heart have always made our home a haven, not just for her family, but for all who enter. A knock at the door, and in no time, the kettle is boiling, as she shares a hot cup of tea, a smile or a tear. She provides a listening ear, encouraging word and prayerful support, ministering God's love.

Perhaps one of mom's favourite past-times, besides a trip to Tim Horton's for coffee with a friend, would be her love of reading! A good book, a hot drink, and a cozy place is mom's personal refuge. She enjoys quiet evenings, needlepoint, fresh white handkershiefs and peanut-buttered toast. She is happiest when her family is happy.

She is the Founder of "There-there's"! Unexpected gifts, large or small, given for no other reason than to simply say, "I love you." We never required a special occassion in our home to wait for a parcel. Often little surprises greeted us on our dinner plates, under our pillows, in lunch bags, tucked away in suitcases and now even on doorsteps. Mom is a generous giver.

Mom invested in the life of her children, making sacrifices for us, and she did it with passion. I cannot thank her enough for making the life-long investment in training and shaping me. She provided the colour and shading that brought depth and dimension to my life. In my growing up years, and still often today, I find time for everything and everyone but you, Mom, and yet, would any of the others have done for me what you did? I don't know how many times I could have made you happy by simply saying, "I love you, mom."

Our relationship hasn't been perfect. We have our differences and we don't always agree. Mom is an eternal optimist, refusing to see any negative and believing always in the good of everyone. Extremely sensitive, her responses have at times received rolled eyes and judgement from this daughter. She goes to great lengths to please others and longs for everything to always appear right and well. Her home is immaculate. Her clothing pressed. Her dinner always prepared. Her floors cleaned. Her windows washed. Her perfume on.

Since becoming a mother myself, I appreciate and love my mother in a deeper way. Being a mother. What a calling. What a responsibility. What an honour! I esteem my mom for the perseverance she continually displays in daily taking the time and effort necessary to ensure that she leave a healthy and godly heritage, a heritage that I now strive to pass on to my family.

Today as I celebrate being a mom, I also celebrate the memories and moments shared with my mom. Treasures in my heart that will never wear out or fade away.

Linda Weber, in her book, "Mom You're Incredible!" writes:

"Motherhood is not an entry-level service position for mindless, insecure and second-class citizens. It is the noblest of callings. To be entrusted with the very life, health and well-being of a tiny human person is a great gift and honour. To realize this small child reflects traits and characteristics of you, your spouse, and your families is a mind-shattering and heart-rending realization. To invest your time and best efforts into a child and to watch him grow, develop, and excel is to be part of the creative majesty of life itself. Never let anyone denounce motherhood or dissuade you from experiencing it. It transcends all other experiences."

As Theodore Roosevelt said, "No other success in life - not being President, or being wealthy, or going to college, or writing a book, or anything else - comes up to the success of a man or woman who can feel that they have done their duty and their children and grandchildren rise up and call them blessed."

Mom, today I rise up and call you blessed, as I am blessed by having the delight and honour of being your daughter. I wish right now I could remove all the pain, loneliness, decisions, misery and distress. I am doing what I can, but it feels like so little as I watch your head bow, your body shake and tears flow.

Today Mom, I am praying for you. May the Lord tenderly hold you. May you feel His arms surround you. May your heaviness lift. May your helplessness be replaced with great courage. May the clouds of darkness dissipate. May His peace, that passes understanding, reign and be a reality in your heart. May your fear and insecurity vanish. May His love carry you...just for today...and then all your tomorrow's. I love you mom.

Love For a Lifetime - Celebrating 65 Years!

2009-05-06T07:37:00.000-04:00

"You have given me greater joy..." Psalm 4:7

Today is a day of greater joy.

Today is a day of celebration.

My Mom and Dad celebrate 65 years of marriage today. A wonderful milestone has been reached. Sixty-five years of covenant living and loving.

Their love has climbed mountains, endured desert dryness, walked paths of pain, forged valleys, battled storms, soared over unexpected wonders and lingered in gardens of delight, always side by side.

Firm believers in never allowing the sun to set on an unkind word or misunderstanding, short accounts were kept and a lifestyle of forgiveness was modelled. Their love was and is anchored firmly in the Lord.

Married in their late teens, now in their 80's, any observor would forget their age as they walk hand-in-hand and arm-in-arm.

"Dorf" and "Demf", as they lovingly call one another, still embrace like newlyweds. Mom will ask, "Who's your girl?" and Dad will respond without hesitation, and with exclaimation and a twinkle in his eye, "You are."

Cupping Mom's face in his hands, he still speaks words of endearment, cherishing her beauty. He adores her completely.

They were first love and only loves.

The following picture was taken about nine months ago.

Most of you know that my Dad is struggling with health concerns right now. We are hoping to enjoy a little time of celebration today. Please pray that it will be a special day for all our family. Ten weeks ago I questioned the arrival of this celebration. The Lord has been so gracious as to give us all "greater joy" and more treasured moments with my Mom and Dad.

My sister, her son and I went to the hospital last night to decorate Dad's room to surprise Mom today. Dad enjoyed being in on the planning and he was directing our every move.

I hope to be back later today to post additional pictures.

Today I'm celebrating...and I have greater joy!

"I Do"

2009-04-26T17:02:00.005-04:00

"Do you love me more than these?" John 21:15

Yesterday I had the wonderful privilege of attending a "Girls Night Out" event in the afternoon. I had not planned on going. Daily hospital visits are still my schedule, but the opportunity presented itself and after much indecision and coaxing I decided to go. What a blessing!

My sister and her best friend and I drove to the event, about an hour west of here.

Shannon Ethridge was the key-note speaker. She is the author of the "Every Woman's Battle" series as well as the "Completely His" book and Bible studies. What a delightful and godly woman.

She shared about the intimacy we can have with Christ. Intimacy. "In-to-me-see". The Bridgegroom and bride relationship. She also spoke of hindrances to that love connection.

She asked, "What is your addiction? What does God need to prune out of your life to make room for more of Him?"

If you read my other devotional blog, today I shared that answer. God must be my One and only love. He is proposing. "Will you marry Me?" He alone wants to be my first love.

Father, I need You to reignite that flame. I need the fire in my heart to burn with such fervor that no other dream, desire or affection supercedes my love for You. Surrendered moments to 'feel good' are only temporary and fleeting.

Lord, I desperately need You. I long to love You more. You have been wooing me back to You. I have felt Your gentle nudge. I sense You calling. I have been missing the privilege of Your presence. I have been reading Your book, but missing the companionship of the Author. Lord, sweep me off my feet. I hear Your voice asking again, "Joy, do you love me more than these?"

"Yes Lord."

"I do."

Sisterhood

2009-04-19T07:43:00.004-04:00

UPDATE ON DAD BELOW!!!

What a blessing it was to receive a Sisterhood Award from Kathy @ Blessed Builder. I first 'met' Kathy on January 23rd of this year, when she left such an encouraging comment on my blog. Immediately I recognized a kindred spirit and my life has been enriched by the friendship she has extended. Many times she has built a blessing into my heart through her kind words and sweet heart. She is beautiful inside and out. The love of Jesus shines radiantly on her countenance. My wish is that one day I will have the pleasure of meeting her face to face, visiting her store and sharing a cup of tea.

Therefore...
Since getting an award means passing it on to ten other "sisters", I will choose gals who have become friends on a more personal level. Please know that even if your name isn't mentioned below, so many of you are special to me...it's just that right now...these gals have gone the extra mile to minister to my heart.

1. Nichole @ Living My Life on Purpose.

2. Cheri @ Seven Branches.

3. Holly @ well...just Holly!

4. Melissa @ Melissa Taylor.

5. Sita @ Sita's Sanctum.

6. Zoe @ Called By a New Name...

7. Renee @ Journey of My Heart.

8. Heather @ On the Road... Walking with Jesus.

9. Elaine @ Peace for the Journey.

10. Leah @ The Point.

UPDATE ON DAD!
Although there is so much to write since my last update on my Daddy, words fall short. I find I have 'run out of steam' sharing the story. Today Dad is having two procedures done and will be given anesthetic again. Sure would appreciate your prayers. The Dr's are concerned with his blood levels and want to check for internal bleeding. Daddy will also be transfered to another hospital very soon. Unfortunately this will now require a lot of driving and extra time for our family. Please pray we will be able to work out a schedule to still see Daddy as often as we are able, yet keep our husbands and children happy. A challenge these days. We are now 8 weeks of daily being with Dad. Yesterday as we stood in a circle and held hands with Pastor Jonathan in my Dad's room, the Lord's presence again filled this place as He continues to carry us through. Thank you for the strength we have found through your love and prayers.

True Colours

2009-04-18T21:48:00.004-04:00

Just over a year ago I wrote a post entitled "The many shades of Christian Camouflage." I'm feeling the need to revisit it tonight and add further thoughts.

I've got to be honest friends. I'm struggling right now. I'm caught between two worlds. Talk and walk. One I learned early the other is still on shaky ground. The writing is easy, the living is hard. Words flow. Life fails. The desire to do comes face to face with the longing to be. The cards are dealt. Emotions often play the trump card.

How easy it is to convince myself that playing the game is right and best. It certainly is easier...being all things to all people...dressing the part and doing the expected. Giving in. Pretending to follow suit even when all the cards in my hand wear a different design. Not wrong, just contrary.

It takes courage to be different. All my life I've wanted to blend in. Being an identical twin, that hasn't been easy. Wearing dresses down a jean-clad High School hall doesn't exactly let you pass by unnoticed. More like the Joker in a deck of cards, my life has been on display. Cast in a role, I've played my part well.

Time has come for a little improvisation. From planned to spontaneous, I desire the bars yet to be played flow freely unrehearsed. The musical theory rules that demand chords resolve and songs end in the major key negate reality. I'm not saying life is all minor, but dissonate bars appear.

I may not always be a delightful bright. God paints treasures in darkness. A variety of shades and hues have been hidden. I may not be the family pink, but I can let my colour speak of individuality in who God created me to be.

Hypocrisy has it's own shade of insincerity. Lacking real conviction, like a chameleon, moods and environments blend colours easily. How foolish. How draining. Keeping up appearances is exhausting. Transparency, on the other hand, allows God Himself to shine through.

What colour has God created you to be? Will you join me in letting the world see your true colours?

Closer

2009-04-14T20:37:00.004-04:00

Sweet friends, your patience with me is so appreciated. I know many of you continue to wait for an update, and I'm so sorry that it takes me so long. A sleepless night has left me worn and weary.

Not much has changed regarding Dad's health. He remains in the hospital. Tests are still being administered, buying us more time in this location. New Doctor's appear weekly as hospitalists change shifts. A new face. A new diagnosis. New challenges. New questions. New expectations. New decisions. New confusion. New uncertainty. New bewilderment. Some Doctor's offer a ray of hope, while others seem determined to steal every spark of possibility.

Endless hours, days, weeks, months, sitting at Dad's beside. Feeling selfish that I long for this to be over. Yes, for Dad's torment to end, but mine as well. The daily routine is suffocating. I love my Dad dearly, but life has been put on hold and Dad is no longer the only one in need of healing. None of us anticipated that we would still be living under the effects of this nightmare.

I am consumed with guilt. While at the hospital I feel guilty for not meeting the needs of my family at home. While at home I feel guilty for not being with Dad. A vicious, continual cycle. Expectations weigh heavy. Bench pressing more than my weight as I carry this burden.

Exhaustion is claiming me physically. I am currently under Doctor's care for symptoms most probably brought on my stress. Frustrated. Frightened. Panic. Helpless. Abandoned. Overwhelmed. Confused. Despair. Heaviness. Restlessness. Sorrow.

Needing encouragement tonight I reached for the One who can speak to the deepest, unseen places of my heart. His Words are sustaining.

"The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
The righteous person faces many troubles,
but the LORD comes to the rescue each time." Psalm 34:17-19

Father, our family is in need of rescue. Thank You that our brokenness moves You closer.

In This Storm

2009-04-08T08:47:00.005-04:00

Friends, I am so sorry not to be giving more frequent updates here. I find I come home each night too weary for another telling. So many details. So much confusion. Unbearable heartache and pain. Each day unwraps an undesired gift.

Yet...through it all...God is there.

In a comment sent to me.

In a prayer found in my Inbox.

In a telephone call offering peace for my journey.

In a walk with a found friend.

In a meal delivered in kindness.

In a chocolate cake baked with love.

In a card offering hope.

In a surprise encounter in a parking lot.

In a cup of coffee shared in the hospital 'Food Court'.

In a generous gift of a transponder to cover parking costs.

In a faithful, nightly chat on Facebook.

In a voice reminding me of unfolding secrets.

In a friend and hairdresser who blessed me with "No Charge".

In a listening ear.

In arms that enfold.

In eyes that silently say, "I understand" and expect no answer.

God is in this storm...and I will still praise Him. Was worried that doing so was hypocritical when my heart is wavering between worship and why. Yet, in obedience, I surrender. Praising Him in my darkest times, shines His light the brightest.

Another meeting at 11:00 this morning. Too tired to think. Lord provide.

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

Bedtime Lullaby

2009-04-02T22:50:00.002-04:00

When all my heart can do is cry, Jesus is singing me to sleep and reminding me that I am His child.

Close your eyes and let Him sing over you as you listen.

Your Child

2009-03-31T20:17:00.003-04:00

I know many of you are patiently waiting for an update on my Dad. It's a challenge to keep you informed because my Dad's personality and physical condition can appear almost 'normal' one minute, and then change in a moment, making everything I say obsolete.

Physically Dad is coming around. He still has a catheter, but he is now eating well and enjoying his meals. We bring in his favourite home-made treats which he thoroughly enjoys and devours. He walks with his therapist every day and is comfortable sitting up in a chair. On a couple of occasions we have had opportunity to take Dad downstairs in a wheelchair and this change of scenery seems to give him great pleasure. Today when we arrived Dad had finished shaving and tidying up his room. Everything looked so clean and neat. If only his mind was just as 'tidy'!

Dad is still struggling between reality and fiction. I believe this is our 'new normal'. He has no recollection each morning that his family has been with him the day before. Our entrance each day is always a 'first'. Although he can still tell time, he has no concept of it. He often remembers events in the distant past, but forgets things that have occurred only seconds before.

When he is passive he resembles a sweet little child, just wanting to be loved and cared for by his family. We embrace such times. Then suddenly, without warning, we begin to see agitation. It manifests itself in several ways. Fidgeting is a forerunner. Pacing. Organizing. A glassy stare. We prepare ourselves for a mood change.

This evening Dad called three different family members, begging them to come and take him home. Oh Dad, if only we could. If only home really could be a safe place for you right now. Father, can You help Daddy know that He can be at home with You? Help him rest in knowing that You will never leave him or forsake him.

Many decisions need to be made. Please pray the Lord will grant us wisdom and unity. As I sat and looked through information on different care facilities and options last evening, the choice that appeared so clear when it was far away, seems unbelievably difficult and impossible now. Father, show us what You desire for my Daddy and Your child.

Lost at Sea

2009-03-27T06:03:00.007-04:00

UPDATE BELOW:

"My Daddy had to go away,
But he'll be back most any day
At any moment I might see
My Daddy coming back to me."

Restless and sleepless, silently those words repeated in my head at 3:00am this morning. I see Shirley Temple's little, tear-stained, cherub face in "The Little Princess", as she recited that rhyme, longing for her Daddy's return.

My heart is so there. After a painful visit at the hospital last night, I want to pound my fists against my Daddy's chest. I want to grab his face in my hands and scream at him to remember me. If my sobbing and desiring were only enough.

Last night throughout my entire visit, my Daddy thought he was on a ship, sinking out at sea. He felt he had no connection with the mainland and that foes were surrounding him. At one point he was certain he heard an airplane overhead and he quickly called for help to flag it down. Maybe it would bring rescue. He encouraged SOS messages to be sent over the radio. Help is needed.

Friends, help IS needed. SOS messages are storming heaven 24/7. We are waiting for that rescue. Daddy was in unbelievable torment last night. Rubbing his head. Afraid. Too afraid to close his eyes and rest as he was certain he would drown in enemy waters surrounding him.

My night has been filled with silent cries. Tears have washed my pillow.

"What do we do when we want to give in because it seems too hard?" I run again into my Heavenly Father's arms. I cry on His shoulder. You Lord, are my refuge and my portion in the land of the living (Psalm 142:5). Chart my Daddy's ship back to the mainland. Be His Life-Preserver.

Lyrics to old hymns flood my mind. "Bridge over troubled waters". "It is well with my soul". "Ship Ahoy". But, it's a childhood chorus, words slightly altered, that is the cry of my heart this morning.

Bring back,
Bring back,
Bring back my Daddy to me, to me
Bring back,
Bring back,
Bring back my Daddy to me.

Praying for renewed hope and courage - especially this afternoon at 2pm. A meeting, not of our doing, has been called. My mom, my sister and I will meet with two Dr's, the Director of Surgical Care, another hospital Director and a Social Worker to discuss the condition and future of my Dad. Needing divine wisdom and guidance.

Thanks for listening. Sorry for not having more of a word of encouragement today.

Love y'all

UPDATE:
I am so humbled by the love, comments, prayers, verses that I have just come back and found here now. The Lord knew I would be needing to feel surrounded and hugged when I arrived home.

I am still trying to process all we heard this afternoon at the meeting. Short of a miracle, the man I knew as my Daddy will not be coming back to me. He has now been diagnosed with dementia and will probably not be coming home due to the violent tendencies he is exhibiting. Although my mind had already expected this diagnosis, my heart is fighting to accept and receive it.

It has been a long, tiring afternoon. Many more decisions lay ahead. THANK YOU so much for all your love, prayers and support. The Lord is my portion. I'm so glad He spoke those words to me yesterday...I am still clinging to Him today.

My family and I would still appreciate your continued prayers whenever you think of us. Trying to process this...

I love you all,
Joy

http://uk.truveo.com/goodbye-to-daddy-the-little-princess-1939/id/1365992213

Celebrating

2009-03-25T19:40:00.003-04:00

UPDATE BELOW!!!!

I'm sitting eating a chocolate icecream drumstick!!!! YUMMY!!!! Friends, I'm celebrating!!!!!

Good news today. Actually, Dad was no better. I only visited for a short time as my presence seemed to be making him more anxious and confused.

HOWEVER....

The Doctor who performed the surgery on Dad 3 weeks ago yesterday has finally returned to the country. He left almost immediately after my Dad's operation, to fly out and be with his own father who had experienced a stroke. Well, he's back. Upon his return he was checking his messages and found one indicating my Dad's condition. He immediately called my sister Sharon and spoke with her on the phone for 40 minutes. He is shocked and appalled at what has happened. He is determined to get to the root of the problem.

He can't guarantee us that Dad's mental state is now irreversible, but he has promised to do whatever it takes to find answers and work towards a solution, whatever treatment or help that will involve. YEAH!!! We feel like we have someone on our side. We have been infused with hope. Someone is listening.

The Dr. told my sister that my Dad should not be excused as an 'old man'. He said my Dad is an educated, refined gentleman. He said he will be at the hospital first thing tomorrow morning. Tests will be done. Medication checked. Treatment given. He's going to help us try to find our Dad.

On another note, I just had a phone call from my sister. Apparently Dad decided to take a bath tonight...without telling anyone. The water dripping through the ceiling in the room below, instigated a phone call to the nurses on the floor above. Upon investigation, they discoverd my Dad, splashing like a duck, enjoying a warm bath, water still running. Wondering what he did with the catheter? Oh, my mind doesn't even want to go there....

Still...icecream never tasted so good. :o)

UPDATE: It gets funnier still.... My sister told my Mom this morning about my Dad's little mis-adventure in the tub. Her only question: "Did he have soap?" Oh my goodness!

Something Happens

2009-03-25T12:08:00.003-04:00

Desperately needing Jesus.

"...rest from war..." Joshua 11:23

A war is raging and my Daddy's mind is the battlefield. Confusion. Delirium. Hallucinations. His speech is irrelevant and incoherent. He is disoriented in time and place as his memory fights with unseen warriors.

Last night the nurses had to wheel his bed out to their station as he would not settle and could not sleep. The evil one is fighting for control, of not just one mind, but five, as my entire family take up shields of faith and strap on helmets of salvation.

God has promised that victory will ultimately be His, but until that time the fighting is fierce. Satan has already advanced far enough. No more ground. We are armed with the Sword of the Spirit. Unseen beings are engaged in active duty. Purposeful, violent conflict intended to capture my Daddy will one day cease. Lord, I pray today You will give him rest from war. May He know Your peace that passes understanding.

"Jesus Your Name is power
Jesus Your Name is might
Jesus Your Name will break every stronghold
Jesus Your Name is life.

Jesus Your Name is healing
Jesus Your Name gives sight
Jesus Your Name will free every captive
Jesus Your Name is life.

Jesus Your Name is holy
Jesus Your Name brings light
Jesus Your Name above every other
Jesus Your Name is life.

Jesus. Something happens, supernatural, when we mention His Name.

Maybe you're like me. Maybe you don't always take the time to listen to songs posted on a blog. I stopped the other day while visiting someone in blog land and this song is continuing to minister to my heart. Say His Name. Something does happen.

31 Steps to P31

2009-03-24T19:05:00.003-04:00

(This post is written as an entry for the "She Speaks" Proverbs 31 Ministry Scholarship Opportunity. Please link to Lysa's Conference Contest post and the She Speaks Conference Website for further information. Thank you.)

My 31 Steps to P31, She Speaks Conference :

She heard
She considered
She feared
She declined
She mourned
She received
She envisioned
She panicked
She prayed
She doubted
She decided
She trusted
She registered
She wavered
She listened
She obeyed
She went
She flew
She landed
She met
She hugged
She learned
She saw
She experienced
She surrendered
She embraced
She cried
She changed
She believed
She rejoiced
She remembers

For those of you who followed the chronicles of my journey last summer you know "I Found Joy in a BIG God". Enjoy my trip down memory lane if you desire a closer look or a deeper understanding of what this amazing weekend has in store for you by clicking on that link and reading my "She Speaks" 2008 experience. (It took me three weeks and 21 posts to describe all that God accomplished in my life over this weekend.)

Not only did I find joy in my BIG God, but I found real and eternal life as I stepped out in faith and trusted the Lord like I never had before. Prior to the conference my lips spoke empty words. Now my heart embraces The Word.

The general sessions were inspirational and uplifting. The break-out sessions were instructional and enlightening. The friendships made were bonding and everlasting. It was an incredible experience.

I feel like this is just a fun sampling of the weekend I enjoyed, but I hope just like the effects of eating a couple of potato chips or a mouthful of chocolate, it will have you yearning for more and that many ladies will be drawn outside their comfort zone, as I was, to taste and see that the Lord is good. It really is impossible to fully capture how personal the Lord became to me as I trusted Him, expected Him, called on Him and desperately needed Him every moment, every day. He is good. His mercies are new each morning. Great is His faithfulness.

I would love to return, knowing He who began a good work would be faithful to complete it. Last year fear almost kept me from following. This year finances are framing my freedom. I know God is able. There is no doubt in my mind that if the Lord wants me to return, I'll be there...somehow...someway...someday.

She waits.

I Hate Roller Coasters!

2009-03-23T22:26:00.003-04:00

Well friends, since my last post we have been on such a roller coaster ride. I could post an update in the morning, and an hour later my report could be null and void. With every dip and turn in this ride of life, my heart plunges and beats wildly. The operator of the ride is refusing to hit that stop button. It's like a cruel game. We're riding the track endlessly and my head is spinning.

Although the pictures I've posted of my Dad give the appearance of recovery, Dad is still struggling. Physically he continues to improve, but mentally Dad is contending for control.

It's really hard to be known and loved in the morning, and forgotten and verbally attacked in the afternoon. The change is sudden and unpredicted. Slight, fidgety movements announce it's arrival. Abruptly and unexpectedly, my Daddy is gone and in his place is a man I don't recognize. A man who's words hurt, frighten and accuse.

Wanting to believe that God can still touch my Dad and perform a miracle. In an instant I know the Lord could bring clarity out of confusion. Holding on and trusting Him.

"Faith without works is dead". Decisions must be made in the meantime. Tough decisions. Please pray for my Mom, my sisters and I as we must grasp this new 'normal'...at least for now. Pray the Lord will give guidance and wisdom. Pray for direction and unity.

As we stand in the middle of our "Jordan" right now, pray that the Lord will keep our feet planted on dry ground, trusting in a God who will not let our feet slip (Psalm 121:3).

More Than Medication

2009-03-19T19:34:00.006-04:00

A little chocolate contraband has never hurt anyone.

Dad is doing so much better. Unbelieveable. A real miracle!!!!

Since Tuesday Daddy has been coming back. He is still very confused; not eating much; BUT he hasn't been aggressive or violent in three days. The Dr's released him from all restraints Tuesday - that MUST feel good. A therapist came in and Dad made his "maiden journey" down the hospital hall with the aid of a walker. His IV has been removed. He's still hooked to a catheter and receiving fluids to help with the kidney failure, but all his counts have improved. We still haven't had the results back from the removal of the cancerous tumor on his bladder, but all is looking good. Praying the Dr's were able to get it all. He was taken off oxygen today, and is no longer receiving blood. Last night he had some difficulties with clots developing again. VERY painful. The nurses have to flush those out - *ouch*. Praying that will soon end. On the whole, he is doing so much better - a real miracle compared to the weekend. Sunday we were making decisions regarding resuscitation etc...a very difficult day - and now, today, he seems so much stronger. Can't wait to write the post about his homecoming!!!!!

The spark in Daddy's eyes has returned. At one point during my visit today, Daddy teared all up, as he tried to express his love for us. He said his heart couldn't be more full.

We wait now for Daddy to gain strength and his confusion to clear. Evenings are difficult. He loses sight of reality. My sister and her husband had an "interesting" visit tonight. Daddy is delirious. He thinks he is in prison and wanted them to sneak him out the back stairs. Poor guy.

I'm so thankful for all the prayers that have been offered on his behalf. Dad's recovery is due to more than medication. Lord may You continue to touch Daddy with Your healing Hand.

9000 Words

2009-03-18T06:05:00.002-04:00

ONE UPDATED PICTURE BELOW!!!! Another 1,000 words added :o)

Believing without Seeing

2009-03-17T07:06:00.003-04:00

"...even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy" 1 Peter 1:8

This verse came to mind this morning as I was visiting my friend Cheri's blog.

I'm struggling to see God in my Daddy's health concerns. I know He's in his heart, I just don't see Him in his happenings.

As Cheri reminded me, this test is writing a testimony over my life.

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." Lam.3:22

"..blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29

I encourage you to visit Cheri's blog and be encouraged today. He's with us "In the Fog or the Furnace".

'Seeing' Him today, not because my vision gives sight, but because my heart knows He's there.

I will be back tonight to give an update on my Dad. Thank you for all your prayers.

60 Minutes

2009-03-16T08:20:00.003-04:00

"We have this moment to hold in our hands
and to touch as it slips through our fingers like sand;
Yesterday's gone and tomorrow may never come,
But we have this moment today."

After a horrendous weekend, last night God gave us 60 minutes.

60 minutes of coherent conversation

60 minutes of lavish love

60 minutes of miraculous moments

60 minutes of precious ponderings

60 minutes of jubilant joy

60 minutes of high hope

60 minutes of carefree celebration

60 minutes of blessed breathing

60 minutes of embraced excitement

60 minutes of wonderful worship

60 minutes of noteworthy normal

60 minutes with my dear daddy

This morning time has stolen again the progress of those 60 minutes. Dad is bleeding profusely. Difficult decisions need to be made. Daddy is hooked up to machines and tubes. An oxygen mask appears as an intruder on Daddy's face.

Daddy is not the only one struggling to breathe. I feel like life is continually being sucked out of me. Breath of heaven, breathe on me...for the next 60 minutes and then I'll ask the same request again.

War of the Worlds

2009-03-15T07:20:00.002-04:00

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:10-12

"Open war is upon you whether you would risk it or not." (Aragorn, Lord of the Rings)

Open war is upon our family...upon me. The thief has come to steal my trust, kill and sacrifice my life and destroy my spiritual progress. Demonic opposition is delivering oppression. Hell has been enraged and satanic forces are hurling their mightiest weapons.

It's not peaceful in the invisible. A war of worlds is being fought. The evil one has a plan and an army behind the scenes and he's looking for an intentional attack moment to terrorize and torture. He knows my weakness and the battle for my life is raging with intensity.

Lord, I pray you will bind satan from further assault. Father give victory to my dear sweet Daddy who is living in torment. The powers of darkness and spiritual forces of evil are wielding weapons, but they cannot stand against You. Lord, deep inside this armor this warrior is a child and again I fall before You, drop my sword, and cry for just awhile.

Sometimes my little heart can't understand
What's in Your will, what's in Your plan.
So many times I'm tempted to ask You why,
But I can never forget it for long.
Lord, what You do could not be wrong.
So I believe You, even when I must cry.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the river flow?
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the north wind blow?
You can see my heart,
You can read my mind,
And You got to know
That I would rather die
Than to lose my faith
In the One I love.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Do I trust You?

I know the answers, I've given them all.
But suddenly now, I feel so small.
Shaken down to the cavity in my soul.
I know the doctrine and theology,
But right now they don't mean much to me.
This time there's only one thing I've got to know.

Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the robin sing?
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does it rain in spring?
You can see my heart,
You can read my mind,
And You got to know
That I would rather die
Than to lose my faith
In the One I love.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Do I trust You?

I will trust You, Lord, when I don't know why.
I will trust You, Lord, till the day I die.
I will trust You, Lord, when I'm blind with pain!
You were God before, and You'll never change.
I will trust You.
I will trust You.
I will trust You, Lord.
I will trust You.

Artist: Twila Paris
Copyright: 1984 Singspiration Music

Be sure to read my prayer today, "Send the Rain".

Miracle in Room 7113

2009-03-13T19:37:00.011-04:00

***UPDATE BELOW***

Proverbs 13:12 "It is sad when you don't get what you hoped for. But when wishes come true, it's like eating fruit from the tree of life."

Tonight a chocolate dipped donut and a "Skiny Mocha" are like eating from the 'tree of life' as I celebrate today. Friends, rejoice with me. We have seen a breakthrough with my dear sweet Daddy.

My sister received a call from the hospital this morning. Dad was to have three hours of testing this afternoon, and the nurses felt he might be more cooperative and content if a family member accompanied him. My Mom, my other sister and I sat in the waiting area...praying...talking...rejoicing...hoping...praising. When Dad was returned to his room he was awake...very disoriented...still hallucinating, but much calmer.

As soon as I walked into his room, he held his arms open to me and as I bent over to give him a kiss, he cradled my face in his hands, just loving on me. His conversation is confused. His mind meandering. His focus following images that only he can see. Yet, he knew each one of us and called us by name.

When my Mom mentioned that it was Sharon's birthday today, he questioned the date and then sang two verses of "Happy Birthday" as our voices joined with his, tears streaming down our cheeks.

A third Dr. has been called in to work with my Dad. As she examined him she said, "Mr Dale, you've been a very sick man".

Tests results are coming back. The CT scan - clear! Ultrasounds - clear! The renal failure count that was over 500, is now down to 180. Dad is receiving antibiotics intravenously. The clotting from the removal of the tumor in his bladder is lessening. He said he felt like some "Pepsi" today and when Mom returned with some, he actually drank it!!! He even ate some jello. Friends we have seen huge progress today.

How can I ever thank you? For the first time in eleven days I am breathing. My stomach isn't turning. I no longer feel like I'm suffocating. Friends, you are all a part of this. In answer to the effectual, fervent prayers of many God is moving.

My Mom, both my sisters and I all received a Word from the Lord this morning. Then, I opened up my e-mails and began reading blog comments and I was completely overwhelmed by the response. I feel like I have so many to thank, and Lord willing, over the next little while I will visit each of you personally (assuming you have left some way for me to respond to you). I have never felt so loved. Your words, prayers, and thoughts towards me have blessed me abundantly. You have held me up when I couldn't stand. You have infused me with courage. You have encouraged me to keep trusting and not abandon my faith. You have called me to hold on to truth and believe that God was providing. You have listened patiently, gently reminding me that God was there. I feel blessed beyond measure.

I do want to specifically thank Melanie for setting up a prayer vigil for my family today. God used you mightily. Also, very precious friends Elaine, Melissa and Cheri, who continue to bless my heart in so many countless ways. My "Aaron" and "Hur", Carol and Lois, who daily checked in with me and surrounded me with love and prayers. May all who see the miracle in Room 7113, see God.

As my sister and I drove home from the hospital, we were singing, "Satan is vanquished and Jesus is King!" We don't know what tomorrow holds, but the Lord gave us an incredible gift today. Go praise and thank Him, then eat something chocolate!

(Don't miss how the Lord spoke to me today, Saturday, on my other blog, "Pondering In His Presence". God is good!!)

***UPDATE***
Well...I will still rejoice in the blessings of yesterday, but we were met by the nurses upon our arrival at the hospital this morning. Dad had become violent with a nurse again...clawing at her arms...."attacking" her is how it was described to us.

Still, the gift of yesterday was so precious...and for my sister's birthday. Thank You Lord.

I WILL still trust You. Continuing to pray.

Disappointed, heartbroken, but not losing hope.

Still Standing

2009-03-13T07:10:00.005-04:00

The feeling of being completely forsaken yesterday was met by the loving arms and prayers of so many of you. THANK YOU so much. My sweet friend Melissa reminded me that even Christ prayed and asked His Father, "Why have you forsaken me?" Several of you directed me to the LPM blog, and oh what a treasure that post was to me. The wrestling match between being real before God and still showing reverence for the Lord was exactly what I needed to hear. God's perfect Word for me yesterday. Thank you to each one of you who encouraged my journey over there late last night. My friend Carol suggested I visit "Bring the Rain" where my heart was touched beyond measure. Each comment, e-mail and phone call was God's love to me. THANK YOU.

Yesterday, I never did get to see my Daddy. He had gone so completely violent the nurses didn't feel it was best we come. Our family is caught in "days of Job", each one bringing more bad news. And not only am I watching my Dad suffer, but I'm watching my sweet little Mom have the life torn out of her.

Satan can arouse doubts, infuse anger, make us question, but he cannot, CANNOT claim our hearts, they belong to Christ. Oh for faith, to trust Him more.

Through tears, "This is the day the Lord has made", oh Father please give me the strength to "rejoice and be glad in it".

Today is my older sister Sharon's birthday. I won't tell you her age, but she was 18 years old when I was born. Although when I was younger it was more like having two mothers, she and I now are the closest and bestest of friends. I love her so very much. During these past eleven days I have leaned on her heavily and she has been faithful to carry me. I know the gift she desires most today and I pray the Lord will be gracious to give beyond what we can ask or imagine. Love ya sis.

Thanks again friends for your many words of encouragement and prayers. I can't wait until the day that the Lord breaks through and I have good news to share.

It could be today!

Forsaken

2009-03-12T10:14:00.002-04:00

Friends...my heart is hurting so deeply, I don't know what to say.

Another error occurred yesterday. Another mistake. Evidence of incompetancy. I'm struggling with responding in grace.

I need prayer.

"Do not forsake the works of Your hands."

I just got off my knees.

Four more calls from the hospital.

Dad has gone completely out of control. No-one can restrain him. He removed all his clothes...all his tubes...no-one can do anything with Him. He is violent. Friends...this is not my Daddy.

I'm crying out to the Lord....I'm sobbing, on my face, in His presence...

I just finished praying..."Where are you, Lord? You have promised never to leave us. Do not forsake my Daddy. If I can't hold on to You and know You are there, I have nothing".

What's happening? I don't understand. I'm so frightened I'm disappointing the Lord in my reaction.

Do years of following Him mean nothing now? My questions scare me...I don't want the evil one to take hold...Lord, I so desperately need you.

Again...His words to me this morning come..."Joy...you are lacking nothing". Is it there and I'm just not receiving it?

Lord, fill my lack.

(My Mom does not know this news yet...she is out with a friend doing some grocery shopping...we will tell her shortly. I don't know how much more her heart can take..)

Refuge

2009-03-11T08:45:00.002-04:00

Three words grabbed my attention today as I read God's Word: "city of refuge". I'm wanting to go hide out there right now.

God's Word tells me in Hebrews 6:18-19 that Jesus is my "city of refuge" and those "who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls."

Hiding in Him again today.

Yesterday we found out that Dad has acute renal failure, or kidney failure, to add to all the other complications and conditions. A specialist has been called in to attend to my Dad.

As I shared my heart with a friend the other morning, I told her how the Lord is giving me strength while I'm at the hospital, but I come home and collapse in tears. She reminded me of a song. It is my story right now.

Please pray today as I'm fighting anger...and struggling with the 'why God' and 'where's God'. Needing to know I am not alone.

Monday Miseries, Miracle Needed

2009-03-09T22:10:00.004-04:00

***URGENT UPDATE BELOW***

Sweet friends....so many of you are checking in and sending me messages filled with hope and giving me strength when I'm strugging to hold on.

It's late and I'm tired, but I'll copy an e-mail I wrote earlier tonight to give you today's news. Please, please keep praying.

I wish I had good news. Today has been the worst day yet. We arrived at the hospital around 11am, but the nurses were working with Dad. He apparently didn't sleep all night and drove them all crazy. He pulled out his IV on his right hand and now it's all bandaged. They put the IV in his left hand and now it too has been removed - not exactly sure WHO did the removing...

Dad was in unbearable pain today...holding his head...complaining that his head and eyes are aching...moaning..rocking in pain...didn't open his eyes once while I was in the room. The drainage from his operation is still all showing evidence of clotting...something not right there. He is shaking uncontrollably - and not just like a shiver...something jerky and strange...don't know...

It's so sad. My heart is breaking. We couldn't take it. Sharon, (sister), Mom and I just went down and sat in the lounge. So helpless. Something else is wrong with Dad...this is not just complication from the surgery anymore...something else is wrong. We are all getting frustrated as day by day goes by and nothing is being done to check him out. Something else is happening.

Mom totally lost it - collapsed in tears - and we all just hugged, prayed and sobbed...I've never felt so completely helpless in all my life! We decided to go home- too hard for Mom to be there.

We went back to Mom's to make some tea and try to re-group. Sharon called the Hospital to register a report about Dad being given morphine when it said right on his chart in Emerge that he was allergic to that drug. We aren't a complaining family...but we felt we had to do something. The lady Sharon spoke with was so wonderful and she gave Sharon the name of the woman who is in charge of the floor Dad is on..not just the nurse in charge of the staff on that floor, but the gal over all. She was going to have this lady call Sharon.

We sat a few more minutes, then Sharon felt we should go to the hospital and speak with this woman...not wait for a call. So, Sharon and I drove back to the hospital. When we arrived the gal had just been given a call concerning Dad and she took us right into her office. She listened to everything that has happened to him since last Tuesday. She asked us to wait while she called Dad's surgeon. Apparently, in order for another Dr. to look at Dad they need to go through the surgeon who performed the operation...even though the majority of his needs right now do not appear to be related physically to the surgery itself.

We waited and she said that the surgeon had put a call into the other Dr., but was still waiting for him to return his call from YESTERDAY!!! This gal made sure everyone had cell numbers etc...so Dr's could contact one another. She said she would follow up on this and that today or tomorrow a Dr. would see and assess Dad.

Sharon and I left the hospital feeling somewhat better, but still helpless. We need a Dr. NOW!!!! We're watching Dad get worse every day...and no-one is doing anything....or at least that's how it feels. He's fading away before our eyes and our hands feel like they are tied. The nurses are wonderful and being so sweet with Dad, but they can only do so much. Dad needs a Dr.

We got in the car and continued to pray. Lord, we are doing all we can...we don't know what else to do...Eph 6:13 came to our attention..."having done all, to stand".

Sharon had to pick something up for Mom before we headed back home. On our way home Sharon decided to phone her home phone to retrieve any messages. This gal we had just met with had already phoned and left a message. The Dr. we were waiting to hear from had just gone in to see Dad. He has ordered a CT scan of his head, chest x-rays, blood samples, urine samples, an antibiotic, some other HP test...something to do with blood work...action is being taken. Oh, thank You Lord. I just started praising and crying in the car. Something is going to be done. Thank You, thank You Lord.

Praying that these tests will be conducted quickly and Dad will receive the help he needs. Something is terribly wrong.

The Pastor from my sister's church went up to see Dad tonight and he said that Dad seemed to be a bit more peaceful. He also opened his eyes and made a remark that his family isn't supporting him or coming. That breaks my heart. I know Dad is saying things that aren't true as he is still hallucinating...but it breaks my heart to think he is feeling so abandoned. We ARE there. We're doing all we know to do. Praying so hard that God will help him know he is not abandoned...that Daddy will know our love and His love. I want to just crawl into Dad's lap, like I did as a little girl and tell him, Daddy I AM here...we haven't left...we're thinking about you and praying for you continually..we LOVE you....

Totally exhausted tonight. Crying every few seconds. Emotionally and physically depleted. Praying for God's strength.

Singing through tears,
"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives."

Thank you, thank you, thank you for listening once again.
Tomorrow my friend...I'm holding on to hope for good news tomorrow,
Joy

**UPDATE** My Mom just received a call from the hospital. Dad is so agitated and 'out of control' they want our family to come. We are standing in desperate need of prayer today. God is able.

He Is Able

Lyrics by Rory Noland and Greg Ferguson

He is able more than able To accomplish what concerns me today He is able more than able To handle anything that comes my way He is able more than able To do much more than I could ever dream He is able more than able To make me what He wants me to be

Another Day

2009-03-06T22:38:00.004-05:00

Sweet friends, I am so tired, but I know so many of you are waiting to hear the latest news concerning my Dad.

Since sharing the last update, my Dad has unfortunately taken a turn for the worse. We just barely arrived home from the hospital on Thursday night with hearts feeling somewhat encouraged, before a call came informing us that Dad again had become aggressive due to his reaction to the medication erroneously administrated by the hospital. It is so sad to see my Daddy in restraints. In all my life, this is the first time I have known him to be angry. My Daddy is the most gentle man you would ever meet. He has amazing patience. This is so out of character for my Dad.

Today, while other family members were nervous to venture into his room, the Lord gave me courage to go in...stand by his bed...kiss him and tell him of my love. After the Lord gave me the strength to take this step, both my sisters and my Mom were able to go into Dad's room and see him resting peacefully.

Physically Dad is still struggling with complications and concerns after the surgery completed on Tuesday. Today discussion was swirling that he will need another operation.

Dad is in need of sleep and rest. He basically hasn't eaten since Tuesday and is not on intravenous. The nurses tell us that they are keeping him hydrated.

I think the hardest thing today was going into Dad's room and loving on him the best I could and for the first time in my life not feeling his strong arms embrace me and hold me tight.

Tonight I'm falling into my Father's arms.

Thank you all for your e-mails, comments and phone calls. Your prayers are sustaining all of us at this time. I'm sorry I am not able to visit each of you personally, but exhaustion steals my thoughts and family needs consume my time. Please continue to pray.

Trying to Believe that No News is Good News

2009-03-04T06:30:00.005-05:00

**UPDATE BELOW**

***SECOND UPDATE BELOW***

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for all the love and prayers you sent my way yesterday. Your comments and e-mails gave my family and I so much strength throughtout the day. Dad seemed to come through the surgery perfectly. Can you believe they sent him home around 4pm? All appeared to be going fairly well. I left my parents home around 5pm, but my sister called a couple of hours later saying she was taking Daddy back to Emergency. Some complications had developed and he needed to return to the hospital. She didn't feel it was anything too serious, but felt Dad required some attention and medical care.

I didn't hear from her again until around 9pm. Dad still hadn't been seen by a Dr. Oh...frustrating! Apparently there were people in the waiting room who had been there since 11am who were 'patiently' listening for their names to be called. My sister didn't see any need for me to come to the hospital, but I asked her to call again as soon as she knew anything.

At the time of this call, I was checking my blog comments. The last comment at that time was from a special friend who is also on Facebook with me. I signed into my Facebook account and she 'just happened' to be on-line. As my husband was out at a volleyball game, the Lord provided a precious friend to 'talk' with me and she and her daughter prayed for my Dad right then. I really believe it was no coincidence that she was there. I love how the Lord provides for our needs.

I did receive another call from my sister around midnight and the Dr. was just checking Dad's condition. My sister felt they would be at the hospital for at least another few hours as Dad needed to be accessed and treatment given.

At this moment, I don't know anything else. Please continue to pray for my Dad. I will add an update to this post as soon as I find out more.

One thing I do know, is that my Dad is in God's hands. So thankful for our Great Physicain who administers care even while we're waiting.

UPDATE: The following is the urgent prayer request that was sent from our church office. This is concerning my Daddy.

"Please be in prayer for Denzil Dale. Denzil had outpatient surgery yesterday and went home. He then had some complications and had to go back to the hospital. After being there for a long time they took him in and proceeded to administer morphine, which he is allergic to and had a bracelet on indicating this allergy. He has had a very severe reaction. He has had to be restrained; is having hallucinations etc. Please pray for Denzil and the whole family as it is so very difficult for them to see him this way."

As the nurses did not feel it was best for us to see my Dad, although I have been at the hospital since 9:30am, I have not seen my Daddy today. He gets too agitated when he sees family, as he is determined to go home. This IS NOT MY DAD! This is the result of the morphine, erroneously admistrated. Please pray that the effect of this drug will wear off. Pray that my Dad will calm down. Pray that the Dr's will be able to deal with the physical concerns that caused my Dad to return to the hospital. Pray that no other mistakes will be made with his drugs. Pray for my Mom and my sisters and I. We are beside ourselves with concern and so very tired. We worry that Daddy feels abandoned as his family is not visiting him. We are such a close family, not seeing him is almost killing us. Please pray that we all will get the rest we need and be able to trust the Lord in and through this situation.

Thank you again for all your comments, messages and phone calls. It's good to know we are not alone. I wish I could hug you all. Sending my love.

***SECOND UPDATE***

I just received a call from my sister. My nephew (only 5 years younger than me) has spent the last 4 hours with my Dad. Although Dad was agitated earlier because of the effects of the morphine, he has calmed down. They have moved Dad from Emerge to a semi-private room and although he still has restraints on his hands, they are no longer attached to anything. He has finally been able to have something to eat and appears to be resting peacefully. Rob (my nephew) said that Dad still seems a little vague and is very tired, but he is talking coherently and recognized Rob and was asking after the rest of the family. This is all great news and a direct answer to prayer. The physical problem that initiated the return to the hospital is also clearing up. My heart, so heavy just hours ago, feels like a huge weight has been lifted. I cannot begin to thank all of you for your love and prayers. Please continue to pray and I will write a new post tomorrow with further updates.

Love & hugs to you all!!!!! :o)

Daddy Can Fix Anything

2009-03-02T22:12:00.003-05:00

My Daddy has always been my Knight in shining armour. He was the first man I ever fell madly in love with and therefore I had very high expectations for all other suitors. My Dad's been the solid rock and provider for his family for 65 years this May.

He captured my little girl heart and he never...never has let me down or disappointed me. In his arms I feel safe. Hearing his voice brings comfort and security. He used to love playing Board Games and still is a master storyteller. Dad has a natural ability to imitate others and he used to often have me rolling on the floor in laughter as he would retell one story after another, fascinating and enrapturing his audience. All would listen spellbound as he travelled back to days past, adventures taken, tales of love, and my personal favourite - the story of the 'Dale Twins'. Dad would then recount the events surrounding the miraculous birth of my sister and I - the rush to the hospital - our birth at 25 weeks - no hope for our survival and then how God spared the life of two little 1-pound babies. Dad would hug me and all seemed right with the world.

He's been a faithful man of prayer. Early every morning, when I still lived at my parents home, I would see him go to his 'Prayer Chair', Bible in hand, and spend time with his Lord. His Bible is a treasure - dog-eared corners, scribbled margins - words that tell a lifetime of heartache and joy - a life lived before and for his King.

He adores my Mom - still at the age of 83 remarks on how beautiful she is to him. They hold hands. They dance in the kitchen. Eat suppers by candlelight. He's been a romantic through and through.

Dad's famous line has been, "Leave it with me". He never say’s 'no'. He has reached in and become involved in the lives of friends and strangers. He is never afraid or ashamed to speak of his Lord and he's led people to Christ in his home, his office, his car, on the street, in a restaurant, over the phone - God's love has no boundaries in my Dad's life. God was his life. God is his life. God sustains his life. Dad's life has been held in God's grip of grace.

His daughters stole his heart. My sisters and I never for a moment have doubted that we are loved. We are his princesses. Whenever we've been damsels in distress, Dad would be there in seconds in response to a child's scream because an intruder - often a spider - had invaded their kingdom; a piece of living room furniture was lodged in a doorway and a royal daughter needed rescuing; a precious daughter was standing abandoned on the curb side as her car had failed her - but her Daddy never did; or something broke and needed to be repaired.

My sisters and I always believed that Daddy could fix anything. As I grew older I realized it was true. He was the repairer of my toys, the care-giver of my cuts and scrapes, the solver of my problems and the mender of my heart. If my car broke down…call Dad. If an appliance stopped working…call Dad. If an unexpected emergency arose…call Dad. If I needed someone to talk to…call Dad. If my tears needed a shoulder…call Dad. He was my ‘911’ and available at any hour of the day, any day of the week.

Now, Daddy needs fixing and I am helpless. His world is changing. His needs are changing. My once strong, brave, dependable Daddy can no longer carry me and my concerns. I'm not prepared for the changes I'm seeing and I don't welcome them. Tonight, Dad’s health is a concern. He is having surgery tomorrow morning. Things can change so quickly. Too fast. I want to build moguls on the slope to slow down the aging process. I need the respite of a few speed bumps.

Although he sits with me now - still my parent - our roles have changed. The man who once provided for my every needs fixing. I place Him in our Father’s care. A Father who truly can fix anything.

Thank you in advance for any prayers offered for my family tomorrow.

My Daddy and his girls:

(If you're looking for my daily blog, click here: Pondering In His Presence.)

Random Things

2009-02-21T16:59:00.001-05:00

Writing daily on my other blog leaves little time and thought to keep up here. However, I did see a cute idea today while visiting Chatty Kelly, so decided to use it here today. Hope you enjoy!

5 Things Found In My Purse:
Cell Phone
Earplugs
Dental floss
Sunglasses
Prayer request notebook

5 Things Found In My Wallet:
Pictures of my son
Blank cheques
Library Card
Business cards
Spare change

5 Things Found In My Room: (other than furniture)
Notebook on the desk to record sudden writing ideas
Bible
A couple of sweet figurines
Various books
My husbands "Best Dad" teddy that he received years ago.

5 Things I’ve Always Wanted To Do:
Visit Switzerland
Write something that gets published
Live fearlessly
Love unconditionally
Please the Lord

5 Things I’m Currently Into:
Daily reading Chronological Bible
Facilitating Bible study
De-cluttering my home
Tea parties with friends
Reading Karen Kingsbury (I hardly ever read fiction, so I'm enjoying this break.)

Not just a Fairytale

2009-02-14T07:33:00.003-05:00

I've always enjoyed fairytales. A story of a handsome Prince. A beautiful Princess. Love sought. Romance. Purity. A time when just holding hands awakened feelings deep within. Eyes meet. Heart beats quicken. Pulses race. The unfolding of dreams. Simplicity. Royalty marrying commoner. Identities hidden. Position denied. Glass slippers cherished. Authenticity embraced. Honesty rewarded. Love found. The famous last words, "And they all lived happily ever after". I'm so thankful for their happiness, but the greater point is that they lived.

Often I wish I could crawl inside the pages of those fairytales. Life wasn't perfect. Hardships were everywhere. Damsels were in distress. Dragons needed slaying. Robin Hoods stole from the rich to give to the poor. Wicked witches poisoned apples and evil step-mothers imprisoned step-daughters. Yet, even within all the heartache, there was such passion. Passion to live. Passion to love.

Where are the Cinderella's of our day? Women who rise from adversity because they have been rescued from a life of slavery by the King of Kings? To borrow a title from Robert Munsch, sadly, too much of life is lived as the "Paper Bag Princess."

Circumstances steal our joy. Dragons smash our dreams and breathe fire to consume us. Our castles tumble. Breathing becomes our existence. Routine fills our day. Nothing excites us. We've lost our joy.

Life is meant to be lived. Christ came to give us not just life, but life to the full (John 10:10). Waking up every morning needs to overwhelm us with unexplainable delight. God has given us one more day. The Creator of the Universe meets with us a new each morning. Our Prince has rescued us. Royalty has married commoner. Vows pierced on a wooden cross. Promises made. Sin forgiven. We've been clothed in gowns of righteousness. A tiara of salvation adorns our head. The Kingdom is my royal inheritance. The Prince finds me lovely. I'm His choice for the first dance at the Grand Ball. His Hand is offered. I place my hand, my life, my trust in His.

Happy Valentine's Day Friends! Love to you all!

R.I.S.K.

2009-02-06T16:03:00.003-05:00

Recently my friend Renee wrote about Random Acts of Kindness. I'm sure many of you are familiar with the concept. We refer to it here as R.I.S.K. - Random Incidents of Sincere Kindness. It involves doing unexpected things for others to demonstrate Christ's love.

A friend of mine sent me a link to this video. May it inspire you to creatively look for ways to minister to the hearts of others. Will you be a "Johnny"?

The Letter Game

2009-01-28T12:59:00.001-05:00

After visiting Laura's blog, I decided I'd play the The Letter Game. If you want to play too, visit Liz! Liz gave me the letter "S". My task is to list ten things that begin with the letter "S" that I love. My problem? I couldn't stop at 10! Sorry. Anyway, here goes:

1. Simply Jesus!- my One and Only.
2. Snuggling with my honey.
3. Son - my teenage son is my best chum ever!
4. Sisters - sisters by birth or re-birth - I love all my girlfriends
5. Solitude - I need my quiet time.
6. Simple pleasures - a cup of hot chocolate by the fire, curled up with a good book.
7. Sipping tea with a friend.
8. Sundays and Sundae's - the Sabbath is my favourite day and ice-cream is my favourite indulgence - ANYTHING chocolate!
9. Swings - still enjoy a trip to the park and an old fashioned swing.
10. Special days - I like making any day into a celebration.
11. Switzerland - it really is my number one dream holiday.
12. Shape - getting physically fit with my Wii.
13. Savouring chocolate - did anyone say Dark, Orange Chocolate?
14. Singing - always have a tune in my heart and I can make a song out of anything.
15. Seasons - I love the SNOW!
16. Sense of humour - relish in a good laugh.
17. Sharing God stories - especially as I lead the Ladies Bible Study.
18. Sayings - I collect quotes.
19. Second chances - Thank You Lord.
20. Socks - purchasing what I call 'fun socks'.
21. Sound of Music - one of my favourite movies.
22. Sitting on the beach - up north at our trailer in the summer.
23. Surprises - giving and receiving them.
24. Siesta's across the border - love y'all
25. Saving grace - Praise the Lord.
26. Starbucks - Coffee anyone?
27. Strengthening myself in the Lord.
28. Shopping - especially purchasing gifts for other people.
29. Stories - I could spend all day in a bookstore or with my nose buried in a book.
30. Smiles - wish I could see yours!

Now...I'm going to take this one step further. I will now share with you 10 things I don't love!

1. Spotlight - I'm a behind-the-scenes girl.
2. Sin
3. Satan
4. Suffering
5. Standing for long periods of time.
6. Spiders
7. Speaking in front of other people - although God keeps calling me to do this!
8. Sarcasm - if it's not said lovingly in fun.
9. Storms - environmental and personal.
10. Submitting to the rules of this game! (Hahaha - obviously I didn't. I'm living well outside the box!)

Hope you enjoyed!

Dart Practice

2009-01-22T07:52:00.004-05:00

I'm going to do something here that I've never done before. I'm going to post the same writing on both my blogs. For those of you who are unaware, I am daily writing my response to my Bible reading as I read through a chronological Bible this year on my other blog, "Pondering In His Presence". You are more than welcome to visit whenever you can. Whether or not you are reading through the Bible or not with me, I hope you will find some encouragement. Sweet blessings to you all today.

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“It’s pretty sad when it’s hard being a Christian at a Christian school.”

That sentence has echoed through my thoughts over the past couple of weeks. A friend of mine expressed her frustration to me while sharing a situation that had devastated her recently. For the second time now her teenage son, who attends a private Christian school, has been the recipient of threats to cause bodily harm.

Wait a minute. Don’t the majority of these students profess a personal relationship with Jesus? Should not these pupils be the most loving, kind and forgiving young people? Would they not be the first to respond in any situation with a Christ-like manner? Oh how we long to answer affirmatively to those questions. We want to believe there’s a difference. Sadly, their actions speak louder than words and reveal their true heart condition.

Please don’t misunderstand me. I am not trying to point a finger or criticize Christian education. I’m just saying that pain seems compounded when it is delivered to us from those whose faith and beliefs walk the same path as ours. “If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God.” Psalm 55:12-14

Sadly this behaviour is not contained within the halls of education. Outside the walls of these institutions, homes are tutoring these children in lessons that cause division. Denomination against denomination. Preferences against precepts. Relativity against absolute truth. Grey against black and white. Church against church. Country against country. The lines that divide us aren’t geographical. Anger rises. Jealousy flows.

I attended an event years ago that remains etched in my memory. The attendees at this celebration were all believers to my knowledge, yet what I witnessed that evening broke my heart. As conversation took a turn, and jokes became brash, crude and questionable, I was shocked to see what the majority considered “acceptable”. I felt like an outsider among my brothers and sisters in Christ. My heart ached.

Yes, it is sad when it’s hard being a Christian among other Christians. When the ridicule comes from family and not foe the pain cuts deep. I think this is what Job was feeling when his friends began to offer advice and help. Job 12: 4 says, “…my friends laugh at me, for I call on God and expect an answer.” Have you been there? Sitting in a circle of Christ-followers, sharing passionately what the Lord is doing in your life, and the blank stares and condescending remarks cut deeper than any physical wound. The pain is not just the callus words that strike you, but the agony that these dear friends don't understand, having ears yet they do not hear.

Maybe it’s criticism, disapproval, judgement or fault-finding that has you sitting with Job this morning. You have been the target of some dart practice and the remarks have all hit the bulls-eye of your heart and you have been viciously wounded. As Glynnis reminded me this morning in her excellent devotional, we can’t get side-tracked by critics. Respond like Job, cry out to Him and seek His face. “He uncovers mysteries hidden in darkness; he brings light to the deepest gloom.” Job 12:22.

He sees

2009-01-13T14:51:00.003-05:00

As I've been reading some blogs recently and listening to the concerns and burdens of some friends, my heart has been heavy. I have one friend in particular who seems to be taking hit after hit. She has become life's punching bag and every time she tries to stand another blow sends her flying and it's hard knock after hard knock. Attacks from gloved fists seem to be stealing her air to even breathe.

Cliche, pat answers and scriptures seem hard to give and even tougher to receive. She knows every Bible passage that comes to mind at these times. The knowing is not the difficulty. Finding the truth in them is the struggle when circumstances attempt to hide their validity. When every day just waking up is the victory even though another day brings bigger challenges and the blankets present a better invitation than the hours stretching ahead.

Right now, no matter which direction she faces, the world looks bleak. She is a survivor sitting among the ruins. Storms have brought devastation and the winds are still blowing. I wrote to her today and told her how I wish I could wisk her away for 24 hours where life couldn't touch her...where she could forget every concern and burden that is pressing in on her heart. I know it wouldn't change her circumstances, but just briefly she could remember what was and what is to come instead of what is.

There are no words as I watch her pain. I know God is able and I'm praying that He will show Himself mighty. Sweet friend, if and when you read this know that I'm on the mat wrestling for you. May this song minister to your heart.

"A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out." Isaiah 42:3

(If you are visiting here looking for my daily post of how God is speaking to me as I read through the Chronological Bible, click here.)

I've Made a Discovery...

2009-01-07T19:11:00.003-05:00

You might as well know that if you're visiting here for some word of encouragement today or depth of insight, move on. I know what it's like out there in blogland - barely enough time to read all the posts you want to read...so come back another day if you want value for your time.

Right now I'm looking for some commiseration. I made a discovery today. My twin sister got all the cooking genes!

OK...I've been upfront about my lack of kitchen skill. It's been no secret. I haven't ever tried to impress anyone with my culinary ability. I admit to opening mixes instead of starting from scratch. I'm not embarrassed by my freezer full of "M&M" boxes (no, not the candy...the frozen food!). My name is not Betty Crocker or Sarah Lee. Nor am I Rachael Ray or Martha Stewart. I'd be happy just to be Pillsbury Dough, but even that's a stretch.

What prompted these feelings of inadequacy today?

Doesn't that look appetizing? That's SUPPOSE to be a homemade loaf of bread! Look at it! It's got more craters than the moon and is bumpier than most roads here in Ontario - and that's saying something! My husband thought it WAS a 'blog'

How did this happen? I followed the recipe perfectly. I even watched the video demonstration that came with the breadmaker. I measured meticulously. All you do is throw the ingredients in and the breadmaker is suppose to do the rest. It let me down big time!

Normally, I wouldn't have cared. I mean, this isn't the first time something I've tried to bake in the kitchen hasn't turned out - it's a daily occurance - but, for some reason, I was so disappointed tonight. I had tried really hard to go the extra mile and do something special, and my "special" ended up in the garbage!

I've tried to better myself. I took a night school course a couple of years ago with a girlfriend. It said it was for beginner's in the kitchen. The course outline sounded perfect. The first night we made a dish I couldn't pronounce with utensils I had never seen. The second class only 3 students returned. That alone should have spoken volumes right then, but it only made me feel sorry for the instructor. So, beside the fact that this chef was speaking a foreign language to me, I decided to stick it out and see what I could learn. I was paying big bucks because I didn't want to hurt this guys feelings. He was a really nice guy. He was the head cook at a fancy smancy hotel in Toronto and he would share stories of cooking for celebrities that came into town. I've always remembered how kindly he spoke of John Travolta. Anyway, unless your family eats mutton weekly or finishes each meal with crème brûlée, this really didn't seem to be a "beginner's" cooking class to me.

You know, it wouldn't be so bad trying new recipes and making a mess in the kitchen if I actually had the enjoyment of some home-made delectables, but I'm only tantalizing my tastebuds. Nothing ever turns out like the photograph in the recipe book and most attempts need to be accompanied by a quick glass of water to wash down each valiant effort.

It doesn't help having a sister with the midas touch. She not only can make anything taste good, but she does it with the ease of June Cleaver. Meanwhile, I'm more like Lucille Ball.

So, tonight I surrender my apron. Not only did the bread fail miserably, but the crock-pot recipe I tried was dry and as I went to bring the butter dish to the table it slipped from many hands and my floor was now greased better than my baking pans. Anybody want to invite me for dinner tomorrow night? I could bring the bread! :o)

Unsettle Me Too

2009-01-04T14:27:00.005-05:00

For the past four days there has been an unease in my spirit. Words have gripped my heart so deeply and refuse to let go. They have consumed me so completely that at every turn I hear them repeated over and over again. Words that have taken full residence in my heart and forced me to come face-to-face with what has been and what can be.

Reading my friend Lysa's blog post on New Year's Day, her prayer ignited a fire in my soul. Her writing began with two words, "Unsettle me".

Just the day before I had been reading how the Lord had "settled" David in Hebron. I was reading how He "settled" Abraham and Moses and I began to long for the "settled life". Time to rest, build strength, develop roots. A time to catch my breath and maybe even coast a bit on the ship of contentment and complacency. There's hazards here. Such idle floating preceeds drifting. In less than twenty-four hours the Lord had my attention.

Unsettle me.

God extended and invitation through Lysa's words and I accepted.

Leaving complacency behind, I want to have courage to embrace all the Lord has for me. I desire that He purge every part. As my thoughts have been focusing on what the "unsettled life" might bring, He has also warned me of the danger of the settled life that can look so appealing.

Settled things grow stagnant. Mold forms. Disease develops. A settled pond, birdbath or puddle of water attracts mosquitoes that carry virus. Settling can cease the flow of living waters that need to flow through our lives.

I bake a cake, (not often, but it does happen :o) take it out of the oven, and as it cools it settles...and falls. I was thinking how settling preceeds falling. There's no such thing in God's economy as standing still. We are either growing closer to Him or falling away. Settling is a step closer to falling away.

When my Mom had her hip replacement last year, the Dr's didn't want her to stay 'settled'. Rehabilitation started almost immediately to get the blood flowing to avoid clotting. The settled life clogs our spiritual arteries as well. I want the flow of Christ's life-giving blood to impact me.

When a business deal is settled it speaks of a decision being made. Finality. Closure. Deal done. Completed. In this respect I don't ever want to be 'settled' or 'finished'. I am a work in progress. The handshake on this 'deal' doesn't happen until heaven.

Within all this unsettling though, I do desire a settled heart in Christ. I want to stand firm on His promises and not waver. I want to hang unto that "Anchor that keeps the soul, steadfast and sure as the billows roll".

God wants me sitting at His feet, but not settling there. I can't be so heavenly minded that I'm no earthly good. I take what He speaks to my heart and go. After fellowship comes followship.

I pray that He will unsettle me. I want to feel the discomfort. I don't want the past to dictate my future. I want to abandon acceptance. I want to surrender, not to tolerance of the belief that transformation is out of my reach, but surrender to My King who searches every part, reveals wickedness, cleanses me from every stain and sets me free. I want to be changed. Changed by a God who never changes. A God who is the same yesterday, today and forever. A God who within His sameness gives new mercies every morning and who can't be predicted or fathomed. Oh for the holiness that comes with the unsettled life.

Thank you Lord, for so quickly calling me from yesterday's longing of contentment to today's yearning for holiness. Father, I am Yours. Unsettle me.

**If you are visiting here looking for my daily writing as we read through the chronological Bible this year, please visit my other blog, "Pondering In His Presence". Thanks.

Joy Comes in the Morning

2009-01-01T00:33:00.003-05:00

“And now let us welcome the New Year
Full of things that have never been.”
Rainer Maria Rilke

I enjoy new beginnings. I like fresh starts. I embrace the idea of celebrating at every opportunity.

There’s often a large amount of planning that goes into welcoming January 1st each year. Invitations are giving. Decorations displayed. Party favours purchased. Special trays of goodies are prepared. We bid goodbye to the old year and anticipate the new with a spirit of remembrance and joy. For some this past year has held untold heartache. Losses that will remain until eternity. For others its been a year of challenge and growth. My heart holds so many treasured moments from 2008. Part of me doesn’t want to let go. Part of me wants to cling to the year that brought so much joy. Times of such breathtaking delight in my Saviour. Knowing His nearness. Embracing His promises. Abandoning fear and stepping out in faith. Seeing dreams come true. Hearing God speak. New friends who have become so precious that my heart can barely contain the happiness, that with even just the slightest thought of them my eyes are swimming in uncontained fountains of sentiment as they are more precious to me than gold.

This year as our family experienced some uncertainties over the holidays, both with my husbands employment situation and health challenges that I was facing, the Lord opened my eyes afresh to the gift of life He gives us each day. Every day should be a time of rejoicing. Each moment is a present to be treasured. His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness. As we enter this New Year, it is my desire to make it a year of praise.

Praise does not always come easily. Some days my heart is so overwhelmed with God’s goodness and grace that praise comes naturally. It is the response of all being right, well and good in my corner of the world. At other times I understand only too well that we are also called to offer a ‘sacrifice of praise’ (Hebrews 13:15). Praising God has absolutely nothing to do with circumstances. A heart filled with praise and worship comes from looking into the face of God and knowing He’s all I ever need. He alone is worthy of my praise! “In His presence there is fullness of joy.” Psalm 16:11b

To cultivate a heart of praise, I need to spend daily time with God. This year as I join many of my friends in reading through a chronological Bible over the course of the next twelve months, I want to allow Christ to probe every part of my heart. I desire that Christ have control of every detail. I don’t want to treat any part of His Word as familiar. Recently I was reading a passage that contained a verse I had memorized years ago, and as I skipped over it quickly to continue my reading, suddenly it hit me. I was treating the ultra-holy as ordinary. The power of God’s Word had lost it’s importance. I was skimming instead of savouring every line, phrase, word. I pray the Lord will draw my attention to every Word in His love letter to me and my reverence for Him will deepen. May nothing seem too small or insignificant.

Let’s celebrate each day and know that God is with us. He holds all the plans for our future and we can trust Him. His plans for us are good and He desires to give us a hope and future (Jeremiah 29:11).

I’m praising Him today - not for what He has done or is doing, but for who He is!

“Whatever happens, dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord give you joy …” Philippians 3:1 (NLT)

May His will be mine in 2009.

Happy New Year,
With love and prayers.

(For any of you interested, this year, on my other blog, "Pondering in His Presence", as a method of accountability for me, I will be writing a daily post as I read through a chronological Bible over the next 364 days. Join me if God gives you that desire.)

Surrender

2008-12-30T11:29:00.005-05:00

UPDATED BELOW!

Midway through writing my comment this morning reality struck like a lightening bolt and stopped my hands from typing. My breath caught in my throat. My heart, for only an instant, stopped beating while I came face-to-face with a truth that was requiring my honest response. How I wanted to answer the right way. How I wanted to be pleasing to God. How may head and my heart wanted to agree on this one. But it wasn’t that easy…at least not for me.

When God’s possible best contradicts my hopes and plans, surrender isn’t easy. What if “Your will be done” is a hard doing? Not for God…but the surrender required of me.

This morning as God began a journey in me through the writing of four friends, Sita, Elaine, Lysa and Tracie, He gently prepared me and moved me for a sweet yet difficult abandoning. With each step He was drawing me closer. With each word He was positioning my heart to kneel. Kneeling isn’t always easy… not willing kneeling. At least not for me. At least not both knees. I like to keep a little control.

Oh, this surrender is easy when nothing is being asked of me, but when an appointment at the hospital looms in less than 3 hours because of questionable findings at a previous exam, that’s when hard questions come and a decision must be made. Can I pray “Not my will, but Thine be done”? Can I pray it from a heart that truly means it regardless of the cost?

Why is this letting go so hard? Does God’s Word not tell me that His plans for me are to prosper me and give me a hope and a future? God’s prosperity is not for my contentment, but for my character. Character development needs pruning. Pruning hurts. His good plans are to create His good in me. I think my friend Elaine has found the answer. Not always a peaceful journey, but peace for the journey.

My heart longs to say, Lord, if a difficult travelling on this particular path is the only way I’m going to know even just one aspect of Your character, then I will walk it for You and with You. If the end result is knowing You more, then give me grace to walk with courage. May my walking be testimony of Your love, grace and mercy.

I know a pilgrim’s progress is challenging. I know the way is not always to the swift or the battle to the strong. I’ve visited the valley’s and had companions that make the way weary. Little Much Afraid too often rises up within and chooses my path.

This morning my desire to know God is trumping my desire for ease. Don’t misunderstand, I don’t want the hard way, but I want God. I’m still praying that nothing of concern will be found this afternoon. I’m believing in a God who can do more than we ask or imagine.

God has drawn my attention to the greatest gift of the season. The Giver. I don’t long for more from Him, but more of Him. Join with me in saying, “Your will be mine in 2009”.

"To the ends of the earth I will follow
There's nothing that I will not do
You alone are my reason for living
Jesus my passion is You."
Travis Cottrell

UPDATE: Just wanted to let you know that I'm just home from my tests this afternoon...and...good news!!! After what seemed like an eternity while the technician went to get the Dr. to see the ultrasound pictures, all is well. Although there are new cysts, there is nothing that is causing further alarm. THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your prayers. God answered. This morning as I wrote the post above the Lord brought me to a place of peace and acceptance. I knew that whatever lay ahead, I was going to experience Him. So thankful to know Him as Deliverer today!

Inside These Walls

2008-12-28T14:06:00.015-05:00

A quiet Sunday afternoon of reflection. Christmas was only three short days ago, and 362 days until we do it again. The tree still stands in the corner calling attention to all who enter, yet for some reason, already the sparkle from the lights is fading. It is barren of gifts that only a short time ago overflowed at its base. The ornaments no longer overlook brightly coloured paper and bows, boxes and gift bags, The much anticipated day of celebration has come and gone. I want to hold on to every moment. I want to remember every exclamation of delight. I want to relive the feelings of warmth and love that flooded my heart.

So many treasured gifts. Gifts that spoke of being known. No random purchases. Each parcel chosen with the knowledge of the recipient. Not all necessarily worth much monetarily, but as precious as gold to me. I just want to unwrap a few with you…gifts that brought me to tears this Christmas.

My nephew gave me this gift. The picture doesn’t begin to do it justice. A circle of hearts speak of unending love. But, what made me catch my breath were the words etched in gold, “Come Fly With Me”. If you are new to my blog than you don’t know how God extended that invitation to me in June. The Lord called me to step outside my comfort zone, embrace my fears and fly with Him. It was the most incredible journey and definitely the highlight of 2008. A journey I would have never in my wildest dreams envisioned last January, nor one I could have ever imagined having the courage to follow, yet God called me and I obeyed. This bracelet will serve as a constant reminder that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

My parents had these old photographs enlarged and framed. One is of my sister and I as toddlers and the other is my son as a little guy with his first set of golf clubs. The memories these pictures stir within me have my eyes filling with tears again as I type this now. My sister and I had been born so prematurely (25 weeks) that the Dr’s gave no hope for either of our survival, yet this picture speaks of life and answered prayer. Not only did God spare our lives, but here is the next generation in answer to yet another prayer. Heritage. Legacy. Family.

Oh how I wanted this star before Christmas. It is meant to hang outside and is pre-lit. With the uncertainty of my husbands job and all the purchases that needed to be made before Christmas, I left this star in the store the day I found it. It was a difficult abandoning. I wanted this to be mounted outside by our front door and left up all year as a reminder of the star that announced Christ’s arrival. I wanted it to proclaim that Christ can be found in our ‘stable‘. I wanted it to direct others who are lost and alone to the warmth and welcome of Christ in our home. Well, my husband heard that longing and I pray that unsaved friends and family will follow this star and like the Wisemen of old, seek Christ until they find Him.

Thankful for friends who satisfy my heart with good things :o) Dark chocolate orange balls….Decaf coffee! Mmm, Mmm, Good! Indulging in a little pleasure after the holidays.

I saw this originally back in the summer. I’m a teacup gal, and when I read the verse on this teapot and saw the significance of this visual, I really wanted it! In case you can’t see it the verse on the teapot says, “May the God of all Hope, fill you with Joy and Peace”. The teapot is “Hope” and the cup and saucers are “Joy” and “Peace”. Oh, how I long to be filled with His hope, His joy and His peace. If only it was as easy as drinking it in, and yet He longs for us to allow these fruits of His Spirit to pour over us and fill us. I think I will be using these teacups often, and pray that my cup overflows with His presence.

In keeping with the “peace” theme, I received this necklace so unexpectedly. A key in my mailbox announced a parcel was waiting. In excitement the wrapping was removed before I even made the journey home. Kleenex was called for as tears freely ran. This is so much more than a necklace. This is the story of a friendship God designed and breathed life into this past year. A gift that was presented back in the Spring that continues to fill my life with unspeakable delight. Who says friendships can’t last across miles. This friendship defies borders. We are not American and Canadian, although our birth certificates may say such. We are citizens of heaven, sisters in the Lord, and joint-heirs with Jesus. She is sister of my heart.

“There is no greater thing than the love between a Mother and her son”. Don’t you just love it when your children, in their own quiet way, express their love to you? My son gave me this figurine and I’m so thankful for the love he and I share. He has always been and will forever be my “Chum”. Like no other he is sensitive to when I need a cuddle or word of encouragement. He’s quick with a hug or a silly remark that ignites laughter. My greatest joy is knowing that He walks with the Lord.

Those who know me at all know that I have a “Princess” theme. After struggling with insecurity for years, the Lord brought me to a place of realizing who I am in Him. I’m a child of the King. Not only am I a “Princess” in God’s eyes, but I am a “Princess” in my Daddy’s eyes. Point of Grace have recently recorded a song…a song sung by a daughter to her Daddy. In it the lyrics say, “There’s nothing better than being your girl, And if I am your Princess, than Daddy, you’re king of my world.” My Daddy is king of my world. He’s the first man I ever loved and the first man who adored me. Now at 83 I treasure each Christmas we spend together. What makes this Bible so special? Well, it’s from my Daddy and the inscription inside is written with the hand of an 83 year old. A hand that often held mine. A hand that still holds my heart and all my love. A gift from a king to his princess.

The last gift I will share with you today came from my husband. It truly speaks for itself. I’ve yet to read it without crying. This is what is written behind and within the word, “Home”.

“If these walls could speak of things that they have seen…of things that they remember well…Stories of love, gatherings of Family and Friends…laughter. If these rooms could talk they would share joyful tales of sunsets at dinner…of children playing hide and seek. If these windows panes were eyes, they would have seen it all…Each tear, each sigh, each hug and every smile. Every dream there is to live. If this house could show you the lives that take part within these walls…It would display unconditional love, unforgettable memories, unending moments forever tucked away…That’s what these walls would say.”

Sharing just a glimpse inside these walls over the holidays.

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-24T13:28:00.007-05:00

I'm no longer dreaming of a white Christmas, I KNOW we'll have a white Christmas.

I'm either shrinking or the snowbank at the end of our driveway is growing!

God bless us every one!
Merry Christmas!

Home for Christmas

2008-12-20T22:37:00.023-05:00

Today we celebrated Christmas with all my family. It was a wonderful time of laughter and love...lots of love. Thought I'd share a 'taste' of the day. A few pics of my Christmas decor and our dinner this evening. Enjoy!

Yes, we have snow! It's a winter wonderland here!

All Hearts Come Home for Christmas!

Welcome!

Entrance!

My husband made these lanterns for all our friends and family one year for Christmas!

Our WillowTree Nativity on our fireplace.

Our fireplace!

The Stockings Were Hung...

Looking down on the tree from our second floor.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree...

Second floor lit railing.

My son's bathroom. (You can only imagine how he loves to share his washroom with a couple of carolling dolls! It's only for a few short weeks!)

Our Ensuite! (Guess I should have cleared off the counter a little more before taking the picture! Oh well, hope it makes you feel at home.)

A touch of Christmas by the tub!

Kitchen!

Proof that I made Candy Cane Crunch and Peanut Butter cookies! (Tracie and Karen please take note if you read this! I used your recipes!)

Our Christmas table!

A sample place-setting!

Family!

May you and yours have a very blessed Christmas!

Christmas Devotional 2008

2008-12-15T18:48:00.006-05:00

Years ago the Lord spoke to me as I sat down to write the traditional family newsletter to be included with our Christmas cards. As I was jotting down the highlights of the past several months, excited to share successes and accomplishments, the Lord revealed that my heart was filled with pride. Our family had been truly blessed, but my motive behind my sharing was wrong. Christmas was not about me or my family. Our Christmas letter was not to be used as a bragging tool, but a time to point friends and family to the real meaning of our celebration. Since that time I have written more of a devotional each year to share His heart. I thought I would post this years letter. I hope you enjoy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Do you ever get a thought in your head that persists like a broken record? Recently the title of a very familiar Christmas carol will not stop circulating in my mind. Actually, the title of the carol asks a question that requires an answer.

“What Child is this?”

So much rests dependent on your answer. To some He is nothing more than a fairytale. A myth. A sweet baby with a story surrounding His life that holds no meaning whatsoever. A glance at the nativity stirs no feeling. They see the figures as manmade and assume the same for the epic account encompassing them.

Yet, for thousands of years, He is still remembered and His birthday marked on every calendar. From shepherds to Kings, from homeless to millionaires this Child still receives attention. Although cast aside by some, He remains the center of our celebration. Whether you choose to acknowledge Him or not, His existence is not dependent upon your opinion.

I can answer the question above with confidence. In Luke 2:11 we are told, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, He is Christ the Lord.” What Child is this? He’s our Savior. He’s my Savior.

With the economic upheaval we are all facing, I don’t know about you, but I’m so thankful and glad to have a Savior. Placing our trust in someone else or anything other brings false hope. There is only One who can give the peace for which our hearts long in these days of uncertainty.

If you acknowledge the answer to the first question, another one begs to be asked. A question asked of Peter in Matthew 16:15 - “Who do you say I am?” It’s one thing to believe there is a God, but quite another to know Him personally.

This Child is also called Immanuel - God with us. Do you hear the cry of His heart right now saying, “Child I want to be with you. Not only will I be your Savior, I will remain with you. I already know you intimately, don‘t push Me away.”

There is no better present you could unwrap this Christmas than His presence. Who is this Child to you? Have you even stopped to consider the reason for the season? If you celebrate Christmas at all, you are celebrating Christ. Christ cannot be separated from Christmas, only ignored. He is there amidst your tree, parcels, feasting and decorating. As my friend Renee reminded me, it’s not too late for your heart to be His manger.

Receive. Believe. Merry Christmas!

And The Winner Is.....

2008-12-08T07:02:00.002-05:00

Here are your random numbers:
21
Timestamp: 2008-12-08 12:01:24 UTC

So....number 21 is.....

Lindsey

CONGRATULATIONS LINDSEY!

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest. I had so much fun doing this, it will not be my last GiveAway! Thank you to Lysa for hosting such a Cool Christmas GiveAway and congratulations to all the many winners today!

Be sure to visit back again. It was fun to meet so many new friends. Regardless if you win or lose, know that you can freely embrace the most precious Gift of all - the Lord Jesus. May He be your most treasured Gift this season and every day!

Blessings,

Christmas GiveAway

2008-12-05T08:07:00.008-05:00

Cool Christmas GiveAway Day!

A wonderful warm wintry welcome to all of you who are visiting via "Mr Linky" today. I am soooo excited! This is my first ever blog-giveaway. For those of you who don't know, I'm participating in Lysa TerKeurst's Cool Christmas GiveAway!

You can enter to win my prize by clicking on the word "comments" below and following the prompts. If you want to enter as anonymous, be sure to leave some way for me to contact you in your comment in case you win! You can also hop around to other's sites by clicking on the links provided in the Mr. Linky system set up on Lysa's blog by clicking on her name above. If you do have a blog, feel free to enter my contest by leaving a comment.

Before I share what you could win if you leave a comment on my blog, I want to share with you some other free gifts you could all walk away with simply by receiving and unwrapping them today. You don't even have to identify yourself, as the Giver of these gifts already knows your name :o) No-one needs to leave here without carrying a treasure away. Everyone can receive these gifts in abundance.

Today you can enjoy:

The Gift of Peace: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

The Gift of Freedom: "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

The Gift of Hope: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

The Gift of Joy: "...in Your presence is fulness of joy" John 16:11

The Gift of Forgiveness: "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:13,14

The Gift of Eternal Life: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

The Gift of Comfort: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

The Gift of Refuge: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

The Gift of Love: "But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children." Psalm 103:17

I pray that many of you have already enjoyed years of each one of those gifts as Christ, by His grace, has given us so much. Freely He has given - Freely receive.

Now, for my GiveAway!

Writing is my passion and the first time I ever read the saying below, it touched something deep within me, because truly, "Home is where my story begins".

Included in my Christmas GiveAway is a beautiful wall plaque that says, "Home is where your story begins" (Dickens); a tin of Rejuvenating Pink Candles; The Christmas Story CD; three yummy flavoured Hot Chocolate mixes - Dark Chocolate (for gals after my own heart), Gingerbread and Candy Cane and finally, a container of red Christmas Popcorn!

Remember, in order to win, you need to leave a comment below. If you don't have a blog, be sure to leave an e-mail where you can be reached if your name is my winner!

Thanks for visiting, and I hope you come by again.

The winner will be announced Monday, December 8th.

Love to you all!

Parable of Freedom

2008-11-12T19:32:00.003-05:00

I sat at the table in the sunroom and watched as a moth beat it’s wings tirelessly on the window screen. My heart was torn. I wanted to scream at this little insect to turn around. I wanted to yell at it - YOU ARE OUTSIDE! The entire world is behind you. Without hesitation and with keen determination this moth relentlessly kept trying to force itself inside the room. Open space surrounded him. Miles and miles to fly. Sights to see. Adventures to appreciate. Yet, as if controlled by some invisible force, all day this moth didn’t stop it’s frantic pursuit. He didn’t understand his reality. He was already free.

Freedom. A word I have thought about a lot over this past week leading up to Remembrance Day. It brings with it sacrifice and implies blood shed. Life given for a cause and taken at a cost. Hearts and homes fractured so hope could be renewed. Selfless serving. Men and women. Heroes who walked into battle to bring a gift that generations yet to come are yet to unwrap. Do we appreciate and value the freedom we have received?

Long before this day of reflection ever came to be, there was another remembrance day. A day when freedom was secured through the shedding of the blood of One. A battle was fought and a life was given…not taken. Jesus death was not the result of man, but of love. A love so unfathomable that it will never be comprehended, but it can be received and accepted.

His ammunition was truth. His opponent, the father of lies. The battle raged, but victory was determined before it began. Rising as King and Conqueror, Jesus paid the price for our freedom. Through the agonizing separation from His Father as our sins were cast upon Him, Jesus experienced something we will never have to endure. Yet, have we embraced that freedom?

Too often I am like that moth. I’m beating my wings against the prison walls that hold me captive. If I would just turn around and embrace Him. God’s Word tells me that it is for freedom that He has set me free. (Galatians 5:1) Has set me free. Past tense. The work has been completed. Any stronghold that binds me is my choice, for it is not necessary. Freedom is my portion and God’s plan. May my life not nullify all that Christ has accomplished so I can soar to new heights with Him.

Climbing Trees

2008-10-25T20:45:00.002-04:00

"So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way."

Luke 19:4

Do you remember singing the "Zacchaeus" song in Sunday School? I even recall all the actions. The climbing motions. Shielding my eyes from the sun as Zacchaeus looked for The Son. I think I always liked that story because Zacchaeus was small in statue, and at only 5'2", I'm not exactly tall either.

However, Zacchaeus didn't allow his physical limitations to fortify him with excuses or keep him from seeing Jesus. He went tree climbing. When walking or standing won't do, climbing becomes a necessity.

After reading this story a few days ago, my mind began to question what lengths I would go to to see Jesus.

I've read of individuals who have literally 'camped out' days before tickets become available for some concert or special event, or when an item comes on sale at a Department Store. Others will wait for hours behind roped lines to catch a glimpse of a favourite Hollywood Star who passes through their town on a movie shoot. What about a parade? Do you go early to get a front row, curb side seat? I remember going early to the train station one morning to have a first-hand glance of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip as their train slowed down on it's journey through a neighbouring town. My Mom had dressed my sister and I in England's colours and we were waving the Union Jack flag. I'm sure the Queen looked right at us. I can still feel the anticipation and joy of that moment.

So, the question that is stirring my soul asks, what lengths will I go to in my pursuit of Christ? Will I wait hours in silence for Him to speak to me? Will I set the alarm earlier so that I can sit in His presence while the house is quiet, before anyone else awakens? Will I turn off the television to be in His Word? Will I pass on an invitation to go out if I haven't first gone away to a secluded spot with Him first? Will I plan and prepare supper a little earlier on Sunday evenings so my family and I can be back at church in time for the evening service at 6pm? What 'tree' do I need to climb?

Then, once I see Him, may I obey like Zacchaeus. God's Word says that Zacchaeus quickly climbed down. He wasted no time. His response to the call was immediate. I don't just want a brief encounter with Christ in passing, my view contained from a tree limb. After seeing Him I want to be walking by His side.

Jesus is well acquainted with trees. Christ climbed a hill to a tree. A tree that forever changed eternity. A tree that we don't ever have to climb. He carried the weight of the world on His shoulders the day He was nailed to that tree. If He sacrificed His life for me, surely I can do whatever it takes to see Him and meet with Him every day. No excuses. Good intentions aren't enough.

Lord, I pray that You will increase my longing for You. Just like the crowds threatened Zacchaeus's view, my life can be so full that it threatens to crowd You out of my view. Give me strength to climb whatever tree is necessary to see You. May I not be satisfied with 'general admission seating', but may I be found at Your feet, in Your presence, my eyes fixed on You.

Put on your hiking boots, and let's climb some trees today!

Serving or Servant

2008-10-18T10:34:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago now my Pastor happened to mention a necessity for more workers in the area of Children's Ministries. I attend a fairly large, active, growing church and with the increase in attendance brings the need for a greater number of teachers in all our programs.

As my husband and I drove home from church that morning, I must confess to complaining in the car. I was annoyed that in a church our size we didn't have a superfluity of workers. Our demand does not exceed our supply - at least not in numbers, but maybe in willingness. I was discouraged as once again the saying appeared to be true - 10% of the people were doing 90% of the work. After grumbling for a few moments, I decided I should keep my mouth shut. After all, I wasn't teaching in Children's Ministries!

As Sunday afternoon wore on, I felt the Lord calling me to be open to the idea of being an answer to this need. At first I argued that although I wasn't serving in this area, I was involved in Women's Ministry and leading Bible Study. The Lord just didn't seem to accept that excuse, and by the time I was heading to bed that evening, I felt strongly convicted that I needed to respond.

To confirm God's prompting, my devotional the following morning was entitled, "We Serve God by Serving Others". All day Monday it was my intention to contact our Children's Ministry Pastor, but busyness and the tyranny of the urgent crowded out my obedience. As the day was ending I thought I had better make a list of where and when I would be available to serve. You see, my husband and I attend the early service together, so I wanted to help during the 11:00am hour. I'm not really a 'baby' person, so I definitely didn't want to work in the nursery - my diaper days were over! We have a trailer at Muskoka Bible Conference Center, so I didn't want to have to give up my summer weekends. My list continued to get longer and longer. I had quite a few stipulations. As I crawled into bed, I tucked my 'wish list' (maybe more my 'list of demands') in my Bible, promising the Lord I would send an e-mail first thing in the morning.

Bright and early Tuesday morning I reached for my laptop. True to my word, I was going to send that message and oh, how pleased everyone would be with my willingness. I was responding to God's call. As I pulled out the list I had written hours earlier, I opened my e-mail to send my message and an on-line devotional had arrived. I clicked into it. God's timing was unbelievable. The key verse might as well have been in LARGE BOLD letters. This is what I read, "No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everday life, so that he many please the one who enlisted him as a soldier." 2 Timothy 2:4

The devotional went on to say that real servants make themselves available and don't limit their availability. The author wrote, "If you only serve when it's convenient for you, you're not a real servant. Are you available to God anytime? As a servant you don't get to pick and choose when or where you will serve. Being a servant means giving up the right to control your schedule and allowing God to interrupt it whenever He needs to."

With tears streaming down my face I looked at my list of demands still held in my hand. Oh Father, how could I? I am so ashamed for my lack of surrender. Wasn't it just days ago I wrote, "You are my Passion", and I told You it was my desire to say, "To the ends of the earth I will follow, there is NOTHING that I wouldn't do"? Already self had taken the throne once again.

With complete humility and abandonment I did write that e-mail. Not the one I had originally planned. I shared that if they could use me, I would be available whenever and wherever.

There is a vast difference between serving and being a servant. One is self-motivated, the other is in response to the love for the One you are serving. One is a duty, the other a delight. One feels more like an obligation, while the other springs from a heart of obedience. One is a responsibility, the other refreshes. While serving, quite often we're looking for something to gain, while being a servant is all about giving.

Is God calling you to some area of ministry? It doesn't have to be in the church. Whatever and whenever God summons you, can you willingly follow? God isn't looking for you to be doing more, but joyfully being used in the plans and purposes He designed for you before you were born. Have you given God a conditional offer, or are you allowing Him to cultivate in you a true servants heart?

The week after volunteering, God had me teaching a room full of precious little 3 year olds...at 11am...on a rotation basis of once every five weeks. Do you see how He perfectly looked after all of my desires as well? He's not out to make life miserable for us by placing us in areas that don't coincide with the gifts and personality He has given us. He knows us better than we know ourselves and as He calls us to be His servants and follow His example in sweet surrender, He is maturing us and changing our character into His likeness. Oh if I would only trust Him more.

Just For Fun!

2008-10-16T21:38:00.002-04:00

This is my 100th post and Nicki at "Three Girly Girls" asked us to participate in this activity today - and I thought, why not?!

35 Odd Things About Me

1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing? I’ve never tried it.

2. Do you own a gun? No!

3. What's your favourite drink at Starbucks? Tall Decaf, cream and sugar.

4. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? One cup of decaf coffee.

5. Do you do push ups? As little as possible.

6. What's your favourite piece of jewellery? My engagement ring.

7. Favourite hobby? Writing.

8. Do you have A.D.D? What was the question?

9. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? I’m very fearful.

10. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: I wonder what the next question is going to ask? I wish my head would stop aching. I should be finishing typing my presentation for speaking on October 28th out of town.

11. Name 4 drinks you regularly drink. Decaf coffee, water, water, water

12. Current worry right now? Health concern.

13. Current hate right now? Hate how my thoughts can take-off and then hold me captive.

14. Favourite place to be? With my family.

15. Do you like to travel? Yes, as long as we can drive there and I don’t have to fly!

16. What colour shirt are you wearing? Burgundy t-shirt

17. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No!

18. Can you whistle? One note!

19. Favourite color? Depends, am I wearing it or looking at it?

20. If you could, would you be a pirate? No.

21. What song do you sing in the shower? I get writing ideas in the shower.

22. Favourite girl's name? Heather

23. Favourite boy's name? Christopher

24. What's in your pocket right now? A gift card to Montana’s restaurant and a couple of Kleenex.

25. Favourite bedsheets as a child? Multi floral - very pretty.

26. Worst injury? Cutting the end of my finger right off.

27. Do you love where you live? OK…I know God moved us to our present location, but it would not have been my choice. I want to love it, but I think I only like it.

28. How many TVs do you have in your house? two

29. Who is your loudest friend? I’m choosing to pass this question.

30. How many pets do you have? ZERO

31. Does someone have a crush on you? I’d like to think my husband does.

32. What is your Favourite Book? Besides the Bible? Probably “Utmost for His Highest” and the one my friend Elaine is writing :o)

33. What's your favourite candy? Dark chocolate-orange cream truffles.

34. Favourite Sports Team? My son’s high school volleyball team - he’s the captain.

35. What’s the first thing you thought when you woke up? Turned on the light, reached for my Bible and thought, “Lord what are You going to say to me today?

Feel free to join in the fun, then let me know so I can read your answers!

My Passion

2008-10-10T12:48:00.008-04:00

"To the ends of the earth I will follow

There's nothing that I will not do

You alone are my reason for living

Jesus my passion is You."

Travis Cottrell

How my heart has been captured by the words of this song this past week. In case you just read them over quickly, go back and read them again.

Can you say that with deep conviction? Would you follow Him to the ends of the earth? Think of what that might mean. Leaving everything - the familiar and safe, and commencing upon a journey of uncertainty. Going who knows where, doing who knows what. Where would the "ends of the earth" be for you? The farthest, remotest place you think you could barely imagine ever travelling - not geographically necessarily, but where does your heart need to travel in order to abandon it all? To the end of fear...depression
...greed...guilt...self...regrets...impurity...jealousy...envy...
perfectionism...worry...doubt...? To what 'end' does God need to take you?

Then, upon your arrival, is there truly 'nothing' that you wouldn't do? Could you...would you completely surrender? Hold absolutely nothing in reserve? I don't know that I'm there yet. I want to be. Lord, I long for You to be all I want.

Do more than listen to this song my friend. Click below. Turn up the volume. Answer His call. Close your eyes. Raise your hands. Let the message come from your heart. Is He your passion today and forever?

"My Passion" by Travis Cottrell

To read more, visit my other blog by clicking here: Pondering in His Presence

Invitation to a Dance

2008-09-20T08:17:00.006-04:00

For the past ten years the Lord has given me a 'theme' verse each year. There has been something that He has called my attention to and gripped me with such earnest that it has become my focus for a full year. Last year it was from Ecclesiastes - "There is...a time to dance".

God did call me to 'dance' and step out with Him in many new areas. To abandon the safety of my chair, hugging the side of the wall, and join the dance of life. We 'slow danced' as He held me close and taught me to be still and know Him. We did a 'quick step' as He introduced me to livelier music and exciting adventures. Regardless of rhythm or style, I was held in His divine embrace.

I'm hearing the music again. Music that has been crowded out by too much activity. Music that I have muted as I've ignored God's invitation. Yesterday as I shared my heart with my dear friend Elaine, she wrote the following to me: "Love you and asking God on your behalf to sweep you off of your feet and swing you around the dance floor one more time!"

Friends, He is calling me to register for some more dance lessons and as with any commitment comes the requirement of time. He is calling me to private lessons - just Jesus and me. He has a new dance He desires to teach me and a composition He wants me to write.

I have been sequestered to the Ballroom and I must follow. The music coming from within this room is too beautiful not to pursue. It's penetrating so deeply that my heart is beating wildly in response.

The joy of embracing something new, also brings the pain of letting go. So many of you have become such treasured friends, yet I have put an unhealthy pressure on myself to daily check in and visit with you all. I have been spending more time on the computer than with family and God has been urging me to 'let it go'. I have been using my blog to validate me, when I should only be seeking the Audience of One.

I will still be posting, but only once a week. I will let you know how the dance is going and the ‘moves’ my Instructor is teaching me. I want to share the lessons in this dance,. The pain of ‘sprained ankles’ and ‘tired muscles’, but also the delight of breathless wonder and the joy and freedom of twirling with my hand in His.

I realize that for some of you, this will mean farewell. Thank you for dancing with me for this part of my journey. I have enjoyed each step. You have each taught me valuable lessons and encouraged my heart. I pray that the Lord will continue His dance with you and take you places that will capture your heart with new wonder. Many of you have been that refreshing drink of cold water when my own heart has been parched and needy. I will still be waltzing my way into your lives from time to time and I look forward to reading the melody He’s playing across your days.

Maybe some of you hear the call to dance, but you’ve held back. The chair is safe. The dance unknown. You may be hesitant, but don’t be afraid. We don’t have to worry about the steps ahead. Just feel the music, fall into His arms and follow His lead. Let Him hold you so close you hear Him whispering in your ear. I pray that "if you get a chance to sit it out or dance, I hope you'll dance". (Lee Ann Womack)

Thank you Lord for calling my name, extending Your hand, and inviting me. I love the way You love me so completely. Thank you for stirring my longing to be held by You. May I remain in Your arms until this dance becomes reality and I see You face-to-face.

Please visit my other blog, "Pondering in His Presence" for a further word on this following.

The Eye of the Storm

2008-09-13T14:40:00.006-04:00

Watching the news last evening I was shocked to see the response of some people in regards to Hurricane Ike. Despite warnings and recommendations to head for safety, there were those who voluntarily chose to remain behind and ride out the storm. Grant you, I'm not a 'storm girl', but if the experts are advising evacuation, well, my suitcase would be packed in minutes and I'd be gone. There is no way I would tempt the forecast, baiting it to be proven wrong or wanting to be hailed as a brave survivor. The residents are knowledgeable of the approaching storm, yet they are responding in foolishness. No way would I knowingly place myself in dangers path...yet...do I?

Danger is anything that makes you liable to loss pain or injury. Do I sometimes choose to walk paths of peril? Do words I decide to say cause pain? Do activities I partake in hurt others? I make some dangerous choices every day. I know they aren't God-honouring, yet I carry on regardless, allowing emotions, instead of truth, to guide my way. You may respond, 'At least they are not life threatening', but that's not true. God's Word says that the power of life and death is in the tongue. My destructive words can kill.

I heard a story once of a suicide note that was found. It simply read, "They said...." Apparently this young person could no longer face the cruelty and accusations that tore at her heart in silence. The childhood rhyme is only half true. Sticks and stones may break our bones, but names do hurt us. Do not allow your mouth to be a weapon of Satan, leaving a trail of devastation greater than any force of nature.

Temptation lures in many areas, and I succumb. The winds that blow with gale force strength can demolish my character and beat upon the lives of others. A decision to follow Christ down a safe street is abandoned to indulge in a thoroughfare of trouble. Why? Because it feels good? Because I think my actions are justified? Because I have my 'rights'? Because it satisfies some sick sense of self vindication? The results of not heeding the Spirit's prompting can range from personal feelings of guilt and failure, to loss of relationships and disappointing God.

There's another path that results in even greater danger and that is a roadway walked in rebellion. Refusing to acknowledge that God is God. One day at His return it will be too late to change direction. No one knows the day, the hour or the time of Christ's reappearing. Unlike predicting the land fall of severe weather, Christ will come again like a thief in the night. Scripture warns of the gradual, increasing winds of wars and rumour of wars, giving opportunity for decisions to be made now. Those who choose to laugh in the face of approaching apocalypse, not ignorant of the truth, but ignoring it's severity, will find themselves tormented in a state of frantic confusion.

God implores, today, while you hear His voice, respond. (Hebrews 3:7-8) Do not harden your hearts. Do not reply in foolishness, believing you alone will be exempt from devastation. There will come a day when all will be judged, both the living and the dead. (1 Peter 4:5)

When warnings are adhered to, lives are spared. May this be a warning for eternity today. If you are not prepared for the sudden evacuation from earth to heaven, a decision today can change your life forever. Christ is the Eye of the storm. He is the calm in the center of life's chaos. Turn to him today. Like those who remained behind in Texas ignoring wisdom, it is the fool who has said in their heart there is no God (Psalm 14:1).

**Please know that my heart goes out to any who lost life in the wake of Hurricane Ike. It is not my intent to sound calous or insensitive to those who lost friends and family in this storm. Please forgive me if any of my words have sounded harsh and uncaring. I realize there were some who remained behind serving as agents of rescue and protection. I just see a parallel between those who took a risk to stay behind, shown on the news broadcast I watched, laughing in the face of danger and those who are risking eternity by the choices they are making today. My desire is to be an agent of rescue as well.

Amazed

2008-09-11T19:48:00.005-04:00

Tuesday evening as I was pulling into our driveway my son came rushing out of the house at the sound of the garage door opening. I could tell by the look on his face that he wasn't running out in panic but excitement. Something good had happened. With uncontained joy he said, "Mom, Auntie Sharon just called".

I knew immediately the reason for his enthusiasm. Back in August my son had written a 3-hour music theory Counterpoint exam, and we were awaiting his results. With "Auntie Sharon" being his piano teacher she had access to his grade upon it's availability. My son could contain himself no longer - "I got 81%!"

Still sitting in the car, I sat in amazement! WOW! 81%! Prior to his exam he was passing the practice papers, but he had not obtained a mark that high on any of them. This is First Class Honours! AMAZING!!!

When was the last time you were amazed? Does it take a lot to bring about that emotion or are you easily surprised by life's joys? Just this morning I read the following verse during my quiet time:

"Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following Him, He said, 'I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel.'" Luke7:9

That intrigued me. Was there any other time that Jesus was amazed? I quickly did a search on Bible Gateway and discovered one other verse:

"And He was amazed at their lack of faith." Mark 6:6

These are the only two times in scripture when Jesus is 'amazed'. Once at lack of faith and once at incredible faith. He reserved this emotion in response to the level of faith.

I wonder, is there anything about my faith that amazes Christ? Which amount of faith would Jesus be amazed to see in my life...in your life? IF Jesus is amazed at me, is it for my great faith or lack of it?

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

**Just have to add one more "Amazed" moment!! I just found out that the Birthday poem I wrote for Holly on Lysa TerKeurst's blog - won! I am so totally surprised!!!! Overwhelmed by the kindness of others and God's love for me!

Blessed Interruption

2008-09-05T14:01:00.007-04:00

"What must I do to be saved".

Acts 16: 30b

It was very early in the morning. My husband had just left for work and I was sitting on the bed, Bible open before me, journal resting on my lap, pen in my hand.

Suddenly the scamper of little feet drew my attention away from the peaceful shroud of silence. I must admit to momentary feelings of frustration as I realized my coveted time in His presence was about to end. Looking towards our bedroom door, the sweetest, little cherub appeared and entered our room. At three years of age it was still a challenge to crawl up on our big bed, but he managed it without too much difficulty, as one accustomed to this daily routine.

Before I could even say 'Good morning' or draw him into my arms for a cuddle and embrace, he looked up at me quite seriously and asked, "Mommy, how do I ask Jesus into my heart?"

So many thoughts instantly and simultaneously invaded my mind. 'Where did that come from?' 'Did he have a dream that provoked this question?' 'Was there a Sunday School lesson that had preceded his inquiry?' 'Oh my goodness Lord, he wants to ask You into his heart. He's only three years old'. 'Father, help me explain salvation in a way he can understand'.

With God guiding me, and my precious little boy beside me, we bowed our heads and prayed a simple prayer of confession and invitation. I will never forget that moment.

Today, thirteen years later, we celebrate my son's decision. He was 'Christopher' then, but he's 'Chris' now. His spiritual birthday is a highlight each year, complete with a special dinner (tonight it is Chinese food), birthday cake and a small gift of remembrance. Sincerely the scripture is true - there is no greater joy than to know that our children walk with God.

As I've pondered those memories today, my thoughts are captured with several wonders.

I wonder...what if I had asked my son to come back later, after I finished my 'quiet time'. Would his desire have waned? Would I have missed that priceless opportunity of witnessing God tugging at a child's heart? What if I had sent him away, not wanting to be interrupted? How often in our quest for holiness do we miss the holy?

Christ's life was not without interruption. On many occasions He was detained or presumed upon by those who were unafraid to approach Him. Those with whom His spirit found entrance and they responded. Their need was greater than their trembling and their nerve stronger than their trepidation.

There was the woman who washed the feet of Jesus with her hair, pausing a meal to feed and nourish her soul. There was the man who was lowered down through the roof, disturbing a sermon for the sake of a message in healing. A woman who reached out believing a touch of the hem of Christ's garment would see faith honoured and rewarded. A father's earnest request on the roadside for his dying daughter that paved the way for resurrection. The adulterous, unharmed by stones, forgiven at the feet of the Solid Rock.

Interruptions. Some are demanding. Some a delight. All are divine. Some I receive, others I initiate. All fall under God's control. He is not caught unaware or surprised. Each phone call, each knock on the door, each diagnosis, each invitation, each casual encounter orchestrated by a God who views interruptions as intentional opportunities to grow in Him and share His love.

Rejoicing today that a blessed interruption changed a life for eternity. Love and hugs to my son, Chris, today!

Unhinged

2008-09-02T19:55:00.004-04:00

Today my son informed me that he needs a new laptop. His appears to be working fine and he's only had it for just over a year. After further questioning as to it's condition, he responded, "It's working, but it's broken". Apparently, it's fulfilling all the tasks required, but the hinges have snapped and one of the keys is missing.

I was thinking of how often I'm functioning and going through the motions, yet my 'hinges' are broken. My relationship with the Lord has been distanced and I'm operating under my own power. I'm looking good on the outside, but my heart is far from God. I'm working, but I'm broken.

Webster's defines a 'hinge' as anything on which matters turn or depend; a cardinal point; pivot; the person or thing around which something turns. Anything that becomes 'unhinged' falls apart and separates from the source. The same is true of my life. If I don't stay connected with God, I can be going about my daily life, but not joined to my Source. He, if you will, is my 'hinge' holding my life together.

I was just reading in Luke 4 a couple of days ago that Jesus came "to heal the brokenhearted" (vs.18). Jesus came to repair and restore. He came to minister and mend. He came to secure and save.

Maybe your hinges aren't broken today, but they are 'rusty'. They need the polishing of His presence and the cleaning of His grace. It's so easy to be working on the outside, yet broken on the inside. Praying that the God who restores will repair and heal any brokenness in your life today. "There is a time to mend". Ecc.3:7

"To heal a broken body
To mend a broken heart
To knit together healthy homes
That once lay torn apart
To glory in the praises that
His grateful children sing
These treasures are the pleasures of the King"

("The Pleasures of the King", Steve Green)

Proof of Identity

2008-08-27T08:37:00.004-04:00

Do you ever have a day that you feel you are running around in circles? Like a little hamster in a cage, you ventured onto that wheel and it's spinning endlessly. Randy Stonehill used to sing a song entitled, "Stop the World, I want to get off". That was my day yesterday.

My morning started great. With nothing pressing on my agenda, and my sister helping over at my parents, my son and I enjoyed a relaxing morning. Just prior to lunch I decided that we should head over to the Health Care offices. My son had recently turned 16 years of age, and therefore required a new photo Health Card.

While completing the paperwork at home, we discovered that some documents were required that he didn't yet possess. He needed "Proof of Identity". Examples were cited of documents that would fulfill this requirement, but unfortunately my son didn't have any of these papers. A "Passport" was listed as one of the acceptable pieces of identification, so we decided to start the ball rolling to acquire a passport. After all, if I'm working on my family to consider a week of holidays in North Carolina the end of next July, that would just 'happen' to coincide with the "She Speaks" conference, it wouldn't hurt to be prepared. :o)

We went to the nearest photo lab and within minutes he had his picture in hand. My son completed all the written forms....until we suddenly came to the very same requirement..."Proof of Identity". We seemed to be up against a brick wall. Again my son owned nothing in this identical list of options. I decided to phone the Passport Office and ask for assistance.

I was talking to a kind young man who quickly told me that if my son had a signed Library Card, the Passport office would accept this as "Proof of Identity". Yay! Now we were making progress. My son and I quickly rounded up all the necessary forms and headed to the neighbouring city to submit the information for his Passport so that in another couple of weeks we'd have the required "Proof of Identity" to complete the Health Card forms.

All was going great at the Passport office until the young lady behind the counter saw my son's library card. She politely informed us that a signature on a library card was't acceptable proof of identity. I explained to her that I had just called the office and been told that a library card would be valid. She checked with a supervisor on duty and came back to report that they couldn't accept it as it wasn't issued by the government. She asked for a Health Card. I felt like I was caught in the pages of the children's book, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie". Here we were so diligently trying to comply with the rules and wishes of others, but caught in a vicious circle, each one requiring the completed paperwork of the other.

So, now here we were again. Back to square one. If it wasn't so frustrating, it would have been comical. I had to have "Proof of Identity" and yet my son was standing right there beside me...was that not identity enough? I was envisioning our entire adventure as a television sitcom. I'm sure "Seinfeld" could do an hilarious episode based on these escapades. I however, wasn't laughing. Didn't the Lord know I had been rather busy lately? Didn't He know I had this day to get some things accomplished and all these set-backs annoying to say the least? My patience was beginning to wane.

As we drove back home, wondering what to do next, I began to see a spiritual application in all of this. (You knew there would be one...right?) The government needed a document with my son's signature on it. Something that proved he was who he said he was. One day our names will be required on another important document - the Lambs Book of Life. It won't matter how many people say you lived a good life, or how you served faithfully in ministry, or how you gave selflessly to others, if your name isn't written in God's book, you too will be turned away.

Although our solution was proving trying, God has made an easy way for you to have your eternity sealed. It's as simple as asking and receiving. We had a list of documents to choose from to complete our forms - all would have been acceptable. There were many roads that all led to the same end. This is not true with eternity. There is only one way into heaven, and that's through the blood of Christ. Is your paperwork completed? Have you come to Him in recognition of who He is and received the salvation and life He freely offers through the death of His one and only Son? There's no standing in line. There's no 'red tape'. Crimson love covers your sins. He is all the proof of identity you need. With confession and belief you can receive your passport to heaven. Unlike these documents required by man that are temporary and will expire in a few years, our salvation is guaranteed for a lifetime. "For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able, to keep that which I've committed until Him against that day".

After over four hours of running from place to place, using up lots of gas in the car, and making phone calls, finally our efforts were rewarded. The Lord intervened and in approximately four weeks my son should receive his new Health Card in the mail and then we will be able to take steps necessary to obtain his Passport. The treadmill we were on stopped, and we sat down exhausted from the days run around.

Before closing, I just want to say 'thank you' to so many of you who commented or e-mailed me after reading my last post, "Embrace or Endure". My Mom is coming along. The therapist visited again yesterday adding further restrictions, which is difficult, and will mean she will need longer care, but the therapist was pleased with the healing process and her recovery thus far. Dad continues to struggle with his own challenges, but he is in good spirits. Your prayers, support, encouragement and love at this time have helped me embrace this journey with patience and understanding. Praying that the fruit of His Spirit will continue to grow in my life as I submit to this season.

Hugs to you all,
Joy

Endure or Embrace

2008-08-21T07:06:00.006-04:00

My Mom and Dad. They will be married 65 years this year. Their theme song? "No two people have ever been so in love as my lovey-dove and I."

Many of you know the last couple of weeks ushered in unforeseen circumstances. It would have never been my plan to surrender my holidays in place of hospital visitation and daily care of my parents, but for some reason, it was part of God's plan. As I crawled into bed last night, exhausted, not so much physically, but emotionally, I questioned the Lord regarding His reason and timing for this unexpected end to my summer. The words I'm hearing Him speak to my heart this morning are: "the time came..." (Gal.4:4)

The time came for what Lord? Surely not purposeful pain.

God's timing in my eyes seems so offbeat. The music of my life was playing beautifully. All the chords were in harmony. I was just beginning some bars of rest with my family on vacation. Then, like a surprise symphony the sound of dissonant chords crescendoed across the pages of my musical score abruptly halting the melody. Why now? Why me?

Have you ever asked those questions? I think back to when my son was really small. We'd be out at the park, laughing, giggling, enjoying some perfect mommy and son playtime when suddenly he would fall and scrape his knee. Oh the tears. As I'd cuddle him close and wipe his eyes as we'd head home for some bandaging and more loving, I would question, 'why'? Why now. Why in the middle of such fun and joy?

Accidents happen. Pain is part of life. Not of our choosing, yet allowed and still controlled.

"The time came..." There is a purpose. God has a plan. Everything is not random or chaos.

The time came...for giving care and love to aging parents. The time came...to surrender my plans for God's will. The time came...for trusting in the unseen. The time came...for releasing self-absorbed tendencies in favour of serving. The time came...for acknowledging that life is not all about me and my wants and desires. The time came...for waiting to see His purpose revealed. The time came...for relying on God.

How am I handling this 'time'? Yesterday the Lord showed me that I have been enduring instead of embracing these days. Instead of asking the Lord to use this season to shape me into His likeness, I've been frustrated, disappointed, confused, and angry. A friend of mine sent me an e-mail yesterday that said...and I quote..."You have such a sweet pure heart and a great attitude." Those words, as kind as they were, stung. My reaction to this hasn't been 'sweet' and definitely not 'pure'. Words have rolled off my tongue at home that have been unkind and accusing. My nerves have pushed me to the edge and over as my mind races to the possibilities and extended ramifications of my Mom's injury and my Dad's challenges. Friends, there are so many days when my reactions are far from 'sweet' and my thoughts definitely not 'pure'.

So...today...this morning...'the time came' to confess my failings. The time came to begin again. The time came to lay my dreams at His feet and take up my cross, not as a burden, but as a delight. The time came to acknowledge my shortcomings. The time came to submit to God's character building. The time came to exchange my hurry for His patience. The time came for revelation of my sinful nature and God's forgiveness. The time came to give up and let go and accept and embrace.

Today I am trading my desire for perfection for His purpose...my longings for God's lot...my moment for His eternity...my unknown for God's certainty...my sunset for His Son rise.

To everything there is a time. Today time has come for you to.......

Enjoy the following. Ecc.3

Each Day is a Gift

2008-08-14T07:02:00.001-04:00

When I was a little girl I would often climb up on my Daddy’s lap and ask him to tell me the story of the “Dale Twins”. Dad would cuddle my sister and I in close and begin a familiar tale of two babies who were spared life by the divine hand of God.

It all started one day when the families only daughter noticed two pink hyacinths in bloom in their front garden. She confidently announced that her Mom, who was expecting a child at the time, was going to give birth to twin girls. This daughter was 18 years old and there had been no siblings in all these years. One baby was going to be a change…but twins? Impossible! Besides, twins didn’t run in the family. Her Father however was hopeful. He declared he would love twins. In fun, he put in his order for identical twin girls with curly, red hair.

It wasn’t long after this that the Mom did go into labour, at 25 weeks, and two precious, little one-pound baby girls with curly red hair were born. No-one had been anticipating twins, and definitely not this early. The Doctor didn’t even know that twins were arriving until he saw the second head coming. Can you imagine the surprise? Upon hearing the news, the teenage daughter was quick to exclaim, “The hyacinths were right!“ The Doctor’s gave absolutely no hope for either babies survival. Born with undeveloped lungs, diseases and other concerns characteristic of preemies, these little ones were just too small to beat the odds.

Feeling the babies were too fragile to be transported to a specialized facility, they were put in incubators and basically left on their own. Their parents made 101 trips to the hospital before they could even touch one of them. My Dad related how the Father would stand by the nursery window, watching their little chests rise and fall, and wonder, would that be their last breath? The agony of each moment. The pain of watching, yet too afraid to tear his eyes away, as if his very presence brought an unseen strength, willing these babies to fight for life.

And fight they did. Surpassing all probability, day after day these little girls clung to life. There were people praying for them all around the world. They became known as the “Miracle Babies”. Each day brought increased hope. Daily miracles were evident. After weeks and months of agonizing uncertainty, these precious little ones finally came home. The journey still wasn’t without challenges, but the prayers of many had been answered.

(I’m on the right!)

That story began 46 years ago today. Those two little babies were my twin sister and I. She and I have been constant companions all these years. She has been my insurance policy against loneliness. Although we have developed very strong characteristics of our own, those who don’t know us well still get us confused and can’t tell us apart. The joke in our family is that I’m the cute one - something I began saying years and years ago, and it just stuck. As babies we were so identical that our parents had to paint the toenails on one of us red just so they could tell us apart and know which baby they had fed.

To my Dad I’m “Peanut” and my sister is “Pumpkin”. Our personalities are very individual. I enjoy…no…NEED…alone time. I’m more quiet and reflective. My sister is very social and needs constant interaction with others on a daily basis. She is a “butterfly”, gracefully involved in the lives of many. Where she struggles with saying ‘no’ to any request presented to her, I need major confirmation from God to say ‘yes’. She has about an inch on me in height, yet still, annoyingly, weighs less. She is very excitable and her voice carries great distances, while I tend to hold more inside and speak quietly. Her son describes “Auntie Joy” as the ‘peaceful one’.

My sister loves to cook and doesn’t seem to mind a mess. I avoid the kitchen like the plague and believe there’s a place for everything and it should be in it’s place. Without a doubt my sister has a very giving, very soft heart. She is the first to respond to a friends need…usually with some baking. Whenever I hear that she has reached out and shown God’s love in a situation, my response is always, “Of course she did!” Sharing Jesus in this way comes naturally to her and she does it willingly, joyfully and without any hesitation. Her Christmas list with names of people she remembers each year is literally pages long. I thought my list was pretty inclusive, but her list puts mine to shame.

We were named after my older sister’s two best friends - Japhia and Joy. “Joy” seemed appropriate, as my parents were delighted to have twin girls. “Japhia” is an Old Testament Bible name that means “shining light”. Can you believe that Japhia was in a wedding as a flower girl when we were about 6 years old, and the Bride and every attendant was named, “Japhia”. It’s the truth!

We have experienced many ‘twin moments‘, feeling each other’s pain and an uncanny knowing when the other needs prayer. Have we always been this close? Yes and no. We’ve had our moments like any siblings. Being the same age, in the same class, dressing the same until High School, there have definitely been periods of rivalry and competition, yet we also always had an instant, available study companion, champion and best friend.

Not only do we share the same birthday, but we were married on the same day, six years apart. We both have only had one child. Both have a son. Our husbands share similar features - dark hair, moustache, glasses. Our tastes in clothes are similar and when we go shopping for clothes, I’ll sometimes try on items that Japhia is considering purchasing so she can see what she will look like in them! We act as a mirror for one another. We both are heavily involved in Women’s Ministry and leading Bible study. We both love dark, orange chocolates, reading, writing letters and Christmas.

Today we are celebrating 46 years. It's a different celebration this year. Traditionally Mom and Dad take us out for breakfast, but as I write this my Mom has been hospitalized since Saturday and our family is facing concerns and challenges with both my parents. I know some of you know that I have been living at my parents home the last few days while my husband and son went away for our holiday. An unfortnate fall has my Mom still awaiting results as to whether it's "just" a crack in her pelvis or if the plate from her hip replacement last year has been damaged which would result in further surgery. My dear old Dad is struggling through other issues and concerns and this year's family celebration has a cloud threatening overhead. Each night as I have been battling sleep I am praying that as my days, so shall my strength be. The Lord gave life and strength 46 years ago, and He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Thanking God for the gift of years that Dr’s said would never happen. Nothing is impossible with God. Today I am thankful for each breath and pray that my life has been worth the gift bestowed on me by my Lord and Saviour. Celebrating and rejoicing in the blessings that surround and fill my life.

Happy Birthday Japhia. And Happy Birthday to me!

Blog Nosh Publication

2008-08-11T14:43:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends,

Just wanted to let you know that tomorrow (Tuesday) a post I submitted to Blog Nosh is being published. You can click on the button below if you'd like to read it.

Thanks. Love & hugs to you all.