Tuesday, December 24, 2013

The Snowman

   It is Christmas eve today. Want to wish all my family and friends a very Merry Christmas. May God bless your homes and family this special time of the year. This has been a crazy month so far. More snow already than we had all last season. My computer crashed, thankfully I'm back. Lost a part of my writings but hope I printed them or at least sent a copy to my sister or cousin.
     A child, kin to a church member is fighting leukemia, it brought back a lot of memories. 47 years ago our family faced the same thing. My niece Liz was just shy of her 4th birthday when she lost her battle 6 months later. I still think of her often.
     Our son Mike has a new job, more time for his family and church. We have 2 beautiful grandchildren Jonah and Wren. Our son James, is doing good. Learning to trust God more everyday.  He has a beautiful lady in his life.
     Decorations any more are outside. The manger scene has been placed in the front yard for more years than I can remember and this year is no exception. Christmas will be spent with James and his friend. Family means as much to her as it does to us and we are thankful she has opened her home to share with us.                  Decided I would share The Snowman, with you. It seems it has snowed all over the country this year already. My precious mentor group at church had a snowman theme for our Christmas get to gather. The Snowman, I wrote this and shared with them.
                                             Love and Merry Christmas
                                                          Brenda



                                                          The Snowman

     The snowflakes fall one by one, created by the almighty God. Each one with a design of its very own.  Moment by moment, then hour upon hour the snowflakes fall. Inch by inch they pile, till everything is covered. A white so beautiful it reminds us of God's cleansing power.
     Winds calm down, snowflakes cease to fall. A peaceful night for the children to dream. A snowman tomorrow will be built of the snow. Each one a creation of its own.
     A breakfast of warm oatmeal and buttered toast. A cup of hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows The children's tummies are full and their hearts are warm. Their pajamas are exchanged for warm winter clothing
     Now socks and galoshes on their feet much go. No cold or dampness will get to their toes. A coat buttoned up to keep in the warmth. A bright colored scarf will keep the neck warm. Next, a hat with earmuffs to keep out the cold. Warm woolen mittens on the hands now go. The door finely opens and outside the children go.
    First thing snowballs are made. Perfectly round, each one the same size. A snowball fight now to begin. Girls against boys, or neighbor against neighbor. No matter the out come it is determined that all are winners.
     One snowball remains, creation begins. At the edge of the yard the rolling begins. With each turn the snowball makes, the larger it grows. Suddenly it stops. So large has it grown, no longer can the children push. The start of the snowman now has a home.
     A new snowball is now formed and its journey begins at the edge of the yard. A new path it makes. Rolling is stopped before it gets home. This one is lifted, carried, and placed with care and procession, on the base of the snowman to continue its growth.
   Another snowball is created with care. This one is the most important of all. It is rolled on its journey, the size must be perfect. The children all say, "That is just right." One child is chosen to carry this one. To the top of the snowman, the growing now ends. The head of the snowman now is in place.
     The children stand back, inspecting their work. No change is required. Decoration time for the snowman has come. Two special wooden sticks are chosen, one on each side used as the arms. Three shiny stones on the middle now go. One above the other, only inches apart, now as buttons on a coat. A scarf is surrendered, a beautiful color it is, around the neck it goes.
     A face for the snowman is the last to be made. Five small stones places in a crescent shape, now as a mouth can be seen as a smile. The nose is the hardest to find. The size must be right for all to see. A big bright red marble is chosen, for the cold the snowman has. Two beautiful black marbles, now shine as his eyes. The children stand back, to admire their creation, but one speaks up,"Something is missing."
     To the tree house the oldest boys goes, for a treasure he has hidden away. An old black top hat over the summer he found. His treasure recovered, to the snowman he returns. With care and a gentle touch, he sits the hat on the top of the snowman's head.
     The children were delighted at the creation they had made. It will stand in the yard, a guard through the cold winter nights. The snowman is proud of the joy he's brought, but he knows in time he will return to his creator God.


© Copyright 2013  All rights reserved.


Thursday, November 21, 2013

Stressed

With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years just around the corner, we are all facing stress of some kind.
Hope this will help you. Have a wonderful and grateful Thanksgiving. A blessed Christmas, remember who we are honoring, and it is not ourselves. A New Year filled with hope for the future. Love your family, you may not have tomorrow. Prying everyone has a stress free season.



                                                                Stressed


     On Face Book you can learn so many things. There are hundreds of post a day. I try to watch who I am connected to. If language or content becomes offensive, I simply unlike them. I have that control.
     A few days ago someone posted, "stressed turned around is desserts." I had never realized that before and I liked it very much. It gave me a lot to think about.
     When we are stressed, often a friend will show up with a hot cup of coffee or tea and a piece of cherry pie or chocolate cake. What a difference that act of kindness makes. Our stress level is suddenly more bearable.
     The stress causer may not be gone, but knowing someone cares and that they are there for you, makes a world of difference. So next time you are stressed or know someone who is, reach out and turn it into a time for desserts. A favorite dessert, a cup of coffee or tea takes the stress level way down.
    Learn to turn stressed times into times for desserts with a special friend.

© Copyright 2013  All rights reserved.









Tuesday, November 12, 2013

A Winter Day

 I don't write a lot of poetry but once in awhile things just come together. At our December ACW meeting, we share stories about Christmas or winter and I was having a hard time finding anything to write. But, I have learned from our group that we can come up with something a lot faster than we think. All it takes is a word or a phrase to get us started. So I started by listing words that pertained to Christmas or winter. To my delight within an hour I had written 3 pieces and working on another. At least one I will share with the group next month.This is one that I wrote about winter. I'm not a fan of winter or hot summer time. This is alternatives to being out side in the winter cold. I'd rather celebrate winter in other ways. I'm thankful for the Ozark Chapter of American Christian Writers, for all I have learned and what I learn each month. When sharing and critiquing one another's work I find it to be very constructive encouragement. Find a group in your area even if all you do is journal.  You may find a writer hidden inside. Hope your day is beautiful and warm.
   


                                                              A Winter Day

                                           The wind, the snow, a cold winter day.
                                           Wrapped in a warm fleece blanket.
                                           Sipping a cup of hot coco and marshmallow cream.
                                           Watching the wildlife play in the new fallen snow.
                                           That's the way to celebrate, A Winter Day.

                                           The wind, the snow, a cold winter day.
                                           Dressed in warmth from head to toe.
                                           A cup of hot tea and homemade cookies.
                                           Our favorite games waiting for us to play.
                                           That's the way to celebrate, A Winter Day.

                                            The wind, the snow, a cold winter day.
                                            The table covered with a 500 to 1,000 piece puzzle.
                                            Family gathered all around, sorting the puzzle piece
                                            by piece, with lots of laughter and love.
                                            That's the way to celebrate, A Winter Day.

                                            The wind, the snow, a cold winter day.
                                            A good time to bake. Pecan pie, chocolate chip cookies,
                                            or a loaf of fresh banana bread. The fragrance in the house
                                            is a reminder of a childhood of long, long ago.
                                            That's the way to celebrate, A Winter Day.

                                            The wind, the snow, a cold winter day.
                                            The fireplace releasing its fire light and heat. Snuggled
                                            back in a recliner, with tissues ready when needed.
                                            Your favorite old movies ready to play.
                                            A beautiful end to this cold winter day.
                                            That's the way to celebrate, A Winter Day.
                                       

    (C) Copy write 2013  All rights reserved.
                                                 
                                         

                                         


Saturday, October 19, 2013

Cartoon Phone Call

     For a change I want to post a short story about Linda and I when we were little girls. I had not thought about the incident in years and one day I saw a cartoon that brought the memory flooding back into my thought. We have a wonderful God that brings back to our memory those special times if we are willing to listen and open to hearing from him. Go with me as I tell the story of the time mom was on the phone and we decided we could leave home.




                                                             Cartoon Phone Call.


     It is often the little things in life that trigger a memory. In the newspaper yesterday, June 24, 2013, there was a cartoon for Family Circle by Bill Keane. The mom was on the phone, the three kids were looking at her and the little girl said, "It's gonna be a lot longer wait now. Mommy just changed ears."
     A priceless cartoon for me and I had to laugh. Linda and I must have been about 7 and our cousin Gordon was at our house playing. His mom, Reaven, called for Gordon to come home.  The three of us didn't want to stop playing. We were having fun the the field west of the house. So Linda and I went to ask Mom for permission to go home with Gordon. The problem was, Mom was still on the phone talking to Reaven. We kept asking, but,  mom never answered. So we finely said, "Bye Mom, we're going home with Gordon."
     We made it to Gordon's house, several blocks away and across the main highway through town. When the three of us went in the house, Reaven was waiting.  Gordon's mom said, "You girls are to go straight home"
     On the return trip home,we had a lot to think about and worry about. I don't remember what kind of trouble we got into, but, we never pulled that again. You didn't interrupt Mom when she was on the phone and you certainly did not leave home.
     That cartoon is now taped to the corner of my computer. A wonderful reminder of a special time in my life, when a lesson was learned, almost 60 years ago.



©  Copyright 2013  All Rights Reserved

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Personal God

     As I considered what to post this week, I decided to post what I am currently working on. As I have dealt with issues the past few weeks, I went back to a writing from several years ago. I have found that there is a deeper meaning to a Personal God. When we allow God to deal with our hearts, he gives us a deeper understanding of who he is. I know as time goes on a Personal God will become deeper still. Journey with me as I share what a Personal God meant to my life then, and I share a much deeper understanding for today. God is not only my Personal God, but, he is yours also. Hard to grasp, that the creator of all, is concerned about my life and deals with me on a personal level as he does everyone. God will meet you where you are at, and take you where there is no pain or sorrow, but, peace, joy, and love and give you a life in eternity with him.

Yesterday I planned to post this, but,ran out of time. We went to the Sight and Sound Theater in Branson to see Joseph, with our youngest son and his dear friend Laurie. What an amazing show. I thought about this writing after the show, it fits so well. It was about forgiveness and our personal heart attitudes when we have been wronged or mistreated. How did we respond, did it bring glory to God?


                                                              Personal God


   One of the hardest things I had to learn was that God is a very Personal God.. When dealing with me concerning any situation, He is concerned with my response, actions, reactions, and my attitude. What was my behavior? That is what I must answer to Him for. In my humanity, I yell, "But I was the one hurt, I am the one that was done wrong. Deal with them, it is not my fault. I want justice, I'll be OK once You deal with them." But God looks into my heart and asks, "Did you glorify Me with your response? I'll deal with them, but in My time, not yours. At this moment, I am concerned about you." That is hard to grasp and most of the time does not seem fair. Yet, I can be comforted that He is concerned just about me. It is hard to take in that God is one on one with each of us, every moment of our lives, God is a Personal God.
   I was once approached after a support group meeting by a person who wanted to talk to me. They felt they could trust me and asked if I would help them find a sponsor. They shared with me a major behavioral issue, wanted to know if there was someone in the group that had medical training and would be willing to work the twelve-step program with them. I wanted to run from the room; I did not even want to talk to them. I just sat there stunned. Suddenly, the Lord spoke directly to my heart. I turned to see who else was in the room and had spoken. It was clear, He said, "Brenda, accept them as a person, not their behavioral problems. Their problems are My business not your."
     I was able to talk with them and knew someone that had medical training and would help them. They were grateful and were able to connect with a sponsor. I learned a major lesson from the Lord that day; I can accept anyone as a person, without accepting their problems or the sin they have committed. That is God's business. Those are two different issues. Their problems are none of my business. How I treat them is and that is what God will deal with, concerning me. Did my  response to them glorify God?
     My behavior, my attitude, and my response should always bring glory, honor, and praise to my Lord. The lost are looking to me for acceptance.They want me to acknowledge that they are a person too. Accept a person and let God deal with the sin and problems in their life.
     I wrote this several years ago and have worked on it from time to time. Thought I was finished, but the last few weeks, I have taken another look at my Person God. I saw a deeper reality.
     When my Lord and Savior was on earth as a human, God did not give Him a free pass, but expected Him to deal with life as I do. When it came to people calling Him names, it was His response to them that mattered most to God. How did He glorify his Father? Did He respond in anger and whine or accept with the grace of love and forgiveness, those that slandered His name and ministry? He showed grace in love and forgiveness for His enemies.
     Luke 2:49 And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?  KJB "Authorized Version" , Cambridge Edition
     How did Christ respond when accused of being evil? He showed grace in love and forgiveness. When He faced satan in the dessert for forty days, His Heavenly Father was more concerned with His response to satan, than He was of the lies satan was telling. Christ knew He must be about His Father's business.
     As our Lord and Savior was arrested, tried, beaten, and crucified on the cross, it was His response to those involved that mattered to God. Did He glorify His Heavenly Father? I think we would all respond, "YES" He glorified His Father.
     It is impossible for me to keep the Ten Commandments. Only Christ was able to do that. What I can do, respond to others with the grace of  love and forgiveness. It is in my response and actions I take towards others that God is most concerned about. That is where God can be glorified and honored. I can respond to evil with evil or hate with hate. I can become bitter, resentful, angry, and unforgiving, but it would not honor God or bring Him glory.
     Do I feel cheated when others get discounts and free passes, but I never do? God never promised me entitlements here on earth. My entitlements are awaiting in Heaven. So great is His gifts awaiting me that my minds cannot fathom what is to come.
    It is learning to respond to others with the grace of love and forgiveness, that God has poured into my life that shows I have His love in me.We are all sinners, some of us thankfully, recognize that and turned to God for forgiveness and seek a personal relationship with Him.
     To a degree I can obey the Ten Commandments. Some are easy or I think they are. What Christ had to deal with as a man, and what I must deal with is my heart attitude. Is It lined up with God? Do I show the same grace of love and forgiveness that my Heavenly Father has shown to me? Our Lord and Savior chose to follow His father, that is something I can do. Love my enemies and those that have hurt me, as my Savior taught me by example. I can have peace in my hearts and say, "It is well with my soul." God's grace will always take me deeper still if I will allow Him to work in my hearts. As I grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God, the Holy Spirit will grow stronger in my life.


© Copyright 2013   All rights reserved.
   





Wednesday, September 18, 2013

The Race

     Today I want to share about the race of life. Who is in control? Who are you following? We are in a race that ends when Christ returns for his own. We daily fight an enemy that only has destruction for us. Know who you follow and why. I continue my journey with my eyes on God, knowing I cannot face the trials of this life without him. Learn to know what it means to say, "It is well with my soul."  Run the race with God leading.



                                                                       The Race


     Satan had made a race out of life, to see how many lives he can destroy. Often we are told  to stand firm in our faith. Some will say, "I can't." They run from their problems, others deny they even have a problem. A few ill stand and hold onto God. Others stand firm, but, keep God at arms length. Many times we run ahead of  God looking for our own answers. We have little patience to wait on God. All we can see is destruction ahead, as we continue in the race that Satan is leading.
     Then, one day we hear, "Stand and know that I am God." Stand still /stand firm, doesn't sound much different. When you stand firm, as I have often done, we are rigid and stiff, almost in a stance of arrogance.  Grabbing at anything to help us stand. But, when we stand still, we are relaxed and at peace. We feel safe and unafraid. That is when God can step ahead of us and we can see Him working in and through our lives. The struggle to run the race is no longer a burden for us. God is the Victor and the race, we know he has already won.


     Ephesians 6:10-11 KJV
    Finelly, my brethern, be strong in the Lord,and in the power of his might. Put on the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.



© Copyright 2013 All rights reserved.

Friday, September 6, 2013

The Good and The Bad Alike

     As I thought about what to post today, I looked at the news. So much bad news is shared but little good news. It seems that the bad behavior and evil doers are rewarded. The Good and The Bad Alike, is what I've chosen to share. Whether we as Christians  like it or not, God does pour out his blessings on the good and the bad. Sometimes the bad people actually follow the principles of God better than a Christian does. I have to stop and ask, where do I stand, following Godly principles. I've got some work to do in my life. Go with me as I share why God blesses The Good and The Bad Alike.



                                                     The Good and The Bad Alike


     Often we see only the ugliness of this world and ask. "How could a loving God allow what is happening today?" The homeless number is growing larger everyday and so many are families. With much suffering and no place to lay the heads in safety. Yet, there are others with great riches, that they waste on the pleasures of life. Many of them will say, "I have nothing to spare!"
    People with sickness and pain, no doctor to see or even the means to pay for medications they need. Some have great beauty but use it to disgrace, full of arrogance and pride. A child goes unfed, another born with an addiction. Many are used to be thrown away for the sickness of sexual addiction. Sadly, to many times the guilty still walk free on the streets, seeking their next victim. Even worse, to many little ones never have a chance, their lives taken through abortion. Then someone asks in anger, "How could a loving God allow it to happen."
     God loves everyone of is! The good and the bad alike. He will not force us to accept and love him. We must surrender our will to him freely, whether we are homeless, wealthy, or in between.  The plain, those with great beauty, deserving or not, he loves each one. He knows every heartache and pain, every sin committed throughout the past generations and the generations to come. He is grieved and saddened because of what man has done with his free will, but still, he must allow man to have his own way. God gave each one of us a free will. the freedom to make our own choices. So often we will hear someone say, "I'll do it may way." We throw God away for the pleasure of today. We are born with a deep desire in our hearts to seek for God, but as we take charge of our free will, we ignore the calling God sends our way. The enemy of God is the one we to often seek and we serve. Sin and sickness will drive many to an early grave. Yet, we dare to ask, "How could a loving God allow it to happen."
     The blessings God pours out is often unseen. Blessings to the good and the bad alike, for there is no difference made. It is only those that have surrendered their lives to God, that has immeasurable blessings, grace, peace, and freedom. Each one of us, he seeks and beckons to share in his life. He alone holds the true freedom we all seek. A personal relationship in love is what God desires with each one of us.
    The good and the bad alike, we all fall short of deserving  the forgiveness and love of God, but his grace is always reaching out to the good and the bad alike. He will seek for each one until they take their dying breath. How could a loving God allow what has happened in this world, how could he allow anything else. He desires that not one of is should parish, but live eternally in heaven as his child.



(C) Copyright 2013   All rights reserved.

Monday, August 26, 2013

He Paid The Price

Sorry, I'm just getting back to my blog. When I look at all God has done for me in my life, I find myself very lacking in sharing how amazing his grace truly is. The price our Lord paid to make it possible for us to spend eternity in heaven with him is was unbelievable. All that God has asked in return is that we believe and accept his son as our Lord and Savior. Is life easy with the Lord, no, but we are never alone and he gives a peace that cannot be defined. Why would we expect God to spare our lives of any heartache, when he would not spare his on son, death on the cross. Go with me as I share, He Paid The Price. He paid that price for you and for me. Loving him should be easy.


                                                         He Paid The Price


     We often forget that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He never changes.Take the time to study and build a personal relationship with the Lord. He will reveal his love and amazing grace in our lives, if we will allow him to. You will find peace in times of trouble, calm and assurance in times of fear. Blessings on top of blessings, instead of loneliness and despair.
    Sin came into this world because of disobedience. That was the beginning of the problems we have today. Sin called for the punishment of death, to pay the debt that was owed. Because we have a Holy God, a Holy sacrifice was required to pay that debt for each one of us. God's love provided the full payment, with his own sacrifice.
     The Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, was the sacrifice that God required. God became man, born of a virgin, a perfect man, in whom no sin was found. He surrendered his heavenly life to become a man, to face every temptation and heartache that we each go through. Gave up all that he was and allowed the leading of the Holy Spirit, directed by the will of his Heavenly Father, to lead in everything he did. When Jesus time on earth was complete, our Lord was arrested in our place, beaten and whipped for each of us.Every stripe from the whip carried a healing for Gods children. On the cruel wooded cross our Savior suffered and died for every sin committed or that will be committed. The greatest gift of Gods amazing grace, Christ rose from the grave, resurrected from death, winning the victory for you and me. God accepted the work of the cross of His only begotten son, as payment in full for what man had done.  Jesus, He Paid The Price, to purchase you and me.

     I Corinthians 6:19-20  KJV
     What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God"s.



(C) Copyright 2013  All rights reserved.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Come Rescue Me

     As I considered what to post this week, I thought about all the times that the Lord as been there for me. Times he has brought me through a difficulty,  a dangerous time, or a time of a broken heart. No matter the situation, he has always been there, waiting for me to call out to Him, "Lord, Come Rescue Me." Knowing I can't face the time ahead alone. Go with me on the journey with the King as he seeks his lost child.



                                                         Come Rescue Me

     The child cries out, "Come Rescue Me." So tiny in size, few even see the heartaches hidden inside. The enemy knew God had great plans for her life. From the day of her birth, the assaults would not cease on the heart of the child. All radiance seems lost, but, deep in her heart, the desire of a rescue still has a spark.
     The kings on their horses, for her will they search. The trail often blocked, obstructions unseen. One after another, a king rides away. They simple say, "The little girl is lost, no more to be seen. The searching must end, it has cost me to much."
     Then, you see a beautiful white horse, no blemish at all. The King of all kings, rides past the weak kings. "I paid the ransom, to me she has great value and worth. I will find the child."
     The enemy band now sees the King of Kings, with the Angels of War at His side. In a great panic, one by one they begin to flee. Not one will remain.
     The child wants to cry out to Him, but, then, seeing the King in all His glory, she hides. Dressed in the dirt of her past, revealing her life. Bowing her head in shame because of her guilt. "I was not wanted except for abuse. My life has no value or worth. Why, would He come to rescue me?" Yet, He sought after her, to give her new life.
     To the angels the King said. "Take my child to the palace. She is to share in all that I have. Prepare a great banquet, a feast to behold. Gather the gowns, fit for a queen, and a crown to be placed on her head. But, the very first thing, she is to be bathed in love, washed whiter than snow. She is to be washed in the blood of My Son."
     "Yes my child, for you I have come. I'm taking you home. You are the bride of My Son."


(C) Copyright 2013  All rights reserved.




Monday, August 5, 2013

I Stumbled Agin

     It seems all I ever do is stumble. Mistakes made everyday. I realize most of us feel we fail in some way each day. So here is a poem I wrote, I Stumbled Again. It is probably the shorted thing I have posted but, that doesn't matter. I share what God lays on my heart, not what I think will get the attention. He has his reason for each post and I just need to trust Him.



                                                          I Stumbled Again


     "Lord, I stumbled again today." I struggle, and try, and fail all along the way. My day began with prayer, for His guidance and grace, as I went on my way "Lord, I thought I was doing my best. Yet, I failed again today. Seems I never will learn to do life your way. Why, do I stumble Lord, so often along the way?"
     Suddenly, I hear the Lord speak, "I don't remember your stumbling today. You sought me, for your guidance and needs, in our quiet time together, as you started your day. I've been beside you all along the way. You may seem to have stumbled, but, you turned and sought for me all along the way. Don't you know, I have forgiven and don't remember the struggles along the way."



(C) Copyright 2013  All rights reserved.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Traveling Grace

Last time I posted it was The Spirit Of Fear, that I shared. On a positive note I want to share about angels. We are told we have a guardian angel and God sends his messengers, the angles to bring news. There are wars being fought on our behalf in the heavens. At times those angels are answers to prayer. I'm reminded that we are often entertaining angels unaware. Today I want to share a time I said a specific prayer for angels, today our son is alive because of that prayer. Journey with me as I share, Traveling Grace. Angels are there to protect us, sometimes we just need to ask.



                                                                     Traveling Grace


     There are times we all pray for traveling grace and many have seen those prayers answered. One time I prayed a very different prayer for travel.
     It was a normal day at work. I was on break when a call was transferred to me from my office, it was our son Mike. He was several hours away at college. We were excited about him coming home for Thanksgiving the next day. He asked me a strange question, "Can I come home early?" I was a little shocked and told him, "Son you never have to ask, you can come home anytime you want to." We talked for a few minutes and I told him  we would have supper waiting when he got there.
     I hung up the phone and started back to my office. As I went through the door way of the break room, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, "Pray for Mike's travel." Down the hall, waiting for the elevator, riding the elevator down to my floor, then down the hall to my desk, I was praying a very different travel prayer. I went back to work and didn't think about it again. After work, I went home and told David and James that Mike would be home for supper.
     As I stood at the kitchen sink, I saw Mike's car pull in the drive. The front door opened, but, Mike only stuck his head in the door and asked, "Who prayed?" David told him, "Son, we have all been praying for you." Mike said, "There was a specific prayer." I told him,  I was lead to pray for his travel after he called and I asked him, "Why?" I knew the prayer had been answered.
     When I left the the break room and began to pray, it was for traveling grace and I was suddenly praying for angels. I had never prayed for angels before, so, I was surprised. I continued to pray angels above and below the car, angels on both sides, and in front and back of the car. The car was encased in angels. Then angels throughout the car, the motor, and the engine were encased in angels. There was a cocoon of angels surrounding Mike.
     Mike sat down at the table and began to tell us about his trip home. "As I started down a long hill, I noticed a car pulling out from a business at the bottom of the hill. I suddenly realized that the car was on my side of the road. I didn't know what to do. If I pulled into the other lane, the other car might pull into his own lane. Should I stay in my lane and hope the other car pulled into his own lane. There was no shoulder to pull off onto, only a ravine. On the left side of the highway was a fence and an incline. Suddenly I jerked the car to the right and heard gravel and then heard nothing. I realized I was suspended over the ravine. The other car, still in the wrong lane, passed by me and continued on. Again, I jerked the car to the left, the car returned to the gravel and then the pavement. As I looked in the rear view mirror, I saw the other car, still on the wrong side, go over the hill and out of sight."
     Realization that the car had been suspended over the ravine, took his breath. Mike took a moment and said, "Thank you Lord for answering my prayer." The Lord said, "Mike, you forgot to pray." To that Mike said, "Thank you for your grace." The Lord said, "Someone prayed for you." None of us had any doubt, the Lord had answered that prayer.
     Today, I pray for traveling grace, but, if the Lord quickens my spirit, there are angels and lots of them. I'm thankful I listened to the spirit that day. We might have had a different kind of travel report , if I hadn't.


(C) Copyright  2013  All right reserved.


Sunday, July 21, 2013

The Touch Of Fear

Over the past several days, reading other posts, fear has come up. So today I thought I would share my experience on one occasion with fear. I can remember a time in my life when fear paralyzed me. So afraid of what was coming, all I could do was scream. Another time so engulfed in fear in the dark, I could not move until the sun came up. God brought me through both of those experiences and gradually taught me about fear and that He did not give me a spirit of fear. When it finely dawned on me that fear is a spirit and not so much a feeling, I learned to stand my ground instead of giving in to the feelings.
When I had to face a breast biopsy, fear came over me but God gently reminded me, only the circumstance had changed but he was still God. and would bring me through whatever I had to face. Everything was fine, but, it taught me a lesson I have never forgotten. Our circumstance changed daily but, HE IS STILL GOD AND HE NEVER CHANGES.
One night the spirit of fear made a visit, I know that it was a spirit that visited me and I rebuke fear whenever it rears its ugly head.
Go with me on another Journey Of Grace, when The Touch Of Fear, came to visit.


                                                                The Touch Of Fear


     Fear = This word in English has two principal meanings; first, that apprehension of evil which normally leads one either to flee or to fight. Second, that awe and reverence which man of sense feels in the presence of God and to a king or other dread authority.
     July 19th, 2012. The heartache I felt, when I learned of the theater shooting in Colorado, just after midnight. A senseless killing. No one in that theater deserved to die, to be injured, or have to suffer the effects for years to come. My heart goes out to everyone that was touched by the sorrow of what that man has done.
     I am reminded this man is not the real enemy. This mans enemy and ours, seeks to kill or destroy, each and everyone of us. He used one of us against another, all the time.It is only the grace of God and the acceptance of Christ as our Savior, that keeps us all from becoming the person behind the gun.
     As I listened to different survivors, one young man really got my attention. Part of what he said was,"I had to wash the fear off of me."I was gripped by that because I do understand exactly what he was saying. I lived under fear for years. A fear that I would drown, or fall from an amusement park ride. I was afraid to take chances. I feared people, rejection, sickness, and most of all I feared being alone.
    To be alone took me back to my high school year. I was terrified being home alone one December day. Feeling I was losing my mind and knew I would never find my way back. It took a doctor that recognized the signs to pull me through.
     Over the years, fear would raise its ugly head from time to time. I had read in the Bible and heard Pastors say, that God does not give us a spirit of fear. When fear would overcome me, I learned to rebuke it and call on God's grace and peace for every circumstance in my life.
     There came a time however that fear became a different realization to me. David was out of town, the boys were gone, and I was alone for the night. I went to bed but left lights on in the house, I didn't want the darkness. Not long after I lay down, I was suddenly startled by a very strange feeling on my right foot. Not in my foot, but, on my foot. I realized my foot was in fear, and a moment later my ankle was in fear, and it was moving up my leg. I know that sounds crazy, but, it was reality for me. I thought, what in the world is going on. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, "That is the spirit of fear touching you." I sat up in bed and said,"Satan, I refuse this spirit of fear. I rebuke you in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ and order you to leave." And then, "Lord, thank you for your peace and grace." I know the blood of Christ covers me, I lay back down and peacefully went to sleep.
     Fear is a spirit that I refuse to allow to rule my life. Will I always be able to resist an attack.? I don't know, I'm not arrogant enough to say, I have it completely defeated. That would open me up for fear to challenge me, but, I pray God will always give me the wisdom and knowledge to recognize what is going on.
   Yes, I do understand how the young man could say, "I need to wash away the fear." I pray those that are in fear because of what has happened in Colorado, will recognize that it is a spirit that is real and torments their lives, and they can call on the God that has defeated the father of fear.


(C) Copyright 2013    All right reserved.



Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Scales Of Grace

     As we watch the news, there are up to date information on trials. Many Judge shows and accusations of wrong doing by someone or a government agency. But I ask "Do we measure wrong the same way God does" I think not. We take offences personally or its against something we believe and we weigh it from that view. But how does God measure the wrongs that are done in this world.  God looks at the heart, we look at the actions, which shows more justice.



                                                                 Scales Of Grace

     How do we measure sin, is it on a scale of 1 to 10? What sin should be least and what sin should be the worst? Many do not look at themselves and admit to their own sin, but, are more than willing to point out those of another.
     Would the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden be the least? After all it was the first, should God have over looked that sin? It wasn't that big of a sin, only disobedience, we all have done that at some time in our life. However, that one bite of the fruit has brought us to where we are today.
     We get angry when someone lies or steals from us, yet, we overlook our own attitudes, or the gossip we spread, saying, "It's only a prayer request". How often do we pass judgement when someone ignores us or speaks in anger? Does murder, rape, and child abuse weigh heavy on the scales of sin? Words said in anger and hate, do they weigh lite on that scale? Where does it weigh, when in anger and fear we lash out at God with words that a Christian should never speak?
     How do we or how should we measure the degree of sin? Should it be on a scale of 1 to 10? There is no scale we can use to measure sin! We can only set a punishment as we see it should be for those convicted of a crime against another. Seems to me we haven't done to good of a job even with that. How dare we be so arrogant and critical of one another.
     What scale does our Heavenly Father use? Does he see the one who was abused as a child and now uses drugs, as one he should over look their sins? Should he say, "It's OK", to the one that has an abortion because of incest or rape?  The one that beats and kills another, is God to over look them too, because of the way they were raised? I'm thankful he is the judge!
     God's scale is called GRACE! The grace of forgiveness. He doesn't overlook the things that have happened to us, or the things we have done, but, we are required with the help of the Holy Spirit to forgive our offenders and ourselves. Then God will forgive us.
     God gave His only begotten Son, to pay the price for our sins. Christ gave His life for you and for me. No matter what we have done, that forgiveness is for each of us and gives us eternal life with Him. Salvation with freedom and peace is offered to everyone.
     When Christ died on the cross, he paid the same price for every sin that was committed, or will ever be committed. The price of death made every sin equal.
 
     Romans 6:23 KJV
     For the wages of sin is death: but, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
 



(C) Copyright 2013  All right reserved.


Friday, June 28, 2013

The Hero /The Bride /My Wedding Gown

     Today is my 46th Wedding Anniversary. In honor of that I want to share 3 writings today. My Wedding Gown, describes the gown my sister Phyllis made for me. Knowing she had taken the time to create my gown made it ever more special on that day. The Hero and The Bride comes from Bible studies I have done. This is not only a look at a bride and groom but how our Lord wishes to be a part of our lives. God sees each of us as the beautiful bride and his desire is that we look to him as that hero in our lives. The groom we are all waiting for.




                                                                 The Hero

     Tall, dark, and handsome, strong, and wise, that is how the hero is seen in the dreams of the bride. He is a hero of great character. Dark in the mysteries of life, guarded until shared with his bride. Handsome in the eyes of his beloved, for it comes from the beauty of his heart. Strong and standing firm in the times of need. Wisely seeking council for the decisions he makes for home and family.
     The hero, speaks gently of love to his bribe. He hears her words and gives wise council. Always standing firm on her behalf, never cruel or hurtful, safety and rest is found in his arms. He is strong but not brutal, wise but not arrogant. He is kind and gentle, but, never weak. His prayers sustain her in times of need. The true hero is a reflection of God from deep with his soul. Short, pale, and plain, it does not matter. Tall, dark, and handsome, he is a hero, in the eyes of his bride.




                                                                The Bride

     Captivating, inviting, desirable, a beauty beyond compare. Beckoning to her love to come near, a deep desire to be as one. A jewel of great value, within her flows the river of life. Is this the things she wants her bridegroom to see, has she stolen his heart? Will he be delighted in the riches of her?
     So many young girls start out with doubts and fears, hiding the true woman inside. Wondering, will a prince ever find me? She doesn't see the power of her beauty. A desire in her heart to create a home fit for a king. Decorated in love and comfort not found in a wilderness life. Reaching out for the world to recognize her mate.
     Does he see the beauty hidden within? A vision of the creator God reflected in the heart of the beautiful bride. Captivated by her beauty, she is reflected, and see in a delicate snowflake. Found in the clouds on a sunny day, the reflection of God in all her ways. The form of the body, the face of a child, making her king drunk with desire. The bride and the groom meant to share in the marriage of life.



                                                          The Wedding Gown



     As I made plans for my wedding day, I knew there was no money for a wedding gown.  I searched and found a beautiful brocaded satin and picked out a patter. My sister,  Phyllis, said, she would make my gown for me.
     The gown had an empire waist, a straight line fit that went to the top of my foot. A matching train attached at the shoulder, the same length as the gown and could be removed. The sleeves were slim and came to a point om the top of the hand. Between the sleeves and the back of the gown there were seventy two satin buttons. The gown was perfect in every way, especially because my sister had created it for me. To me money could not have purchased a more beautiful gown.
     Phyllis gave me more than just the gift of a handmade gown. This was the first time in my life, I felt I was beautiful. As a beautiful bride, I did not feel so plain. I still have my gown and had hoped for a little girl to pass it on it. However, God gave us two wonderful sons. The gown is priceless to me because of the way it made me feel, but, most of all because of who made it for me.



(C) Copyright June 2013  All rights reserved.

                     

                                             





Saturday, June 22, 2013

Miracle Of Two Sons


     In honor of my new Grand Daughter, Wren Earendil Eldred,born Wednesday June 19th, 2013, I want to share the Miracle Of Two Sons. We had been told we probably would not have children. Thankfully God had other plans for us. Now 48 years after surgery for a deformed uterus, I now have a wonderful little grandson, Jonah and his baby sister, Wren. God is so good. My two boys, Jonah and Wren are miracles from God.



                                                        Miracle Of Two Sons


     As I have shared in other writings, at eighteen I went through surgery to correct a deformed uterus. Talking with my doctor just before David and I were married, Dr. Tosh, told me there was a chance I could have children, he just wasn't sure. He said, "If", I became pregnant, I would most likely have to be on total bed rest and that the delivery would have to be by C-section.
     Five years after David and I married, I was expecting our first son. Due date was October twenty fifth. I felt good, rarely had morning sickness, could not eat eggs, or drink orange juice. My one craving, Pepperidge Farm frozen Coconut Cake. Never had to go on bed rest. On October eighteenth, our son Michael was delivered by C-section. We knew we had a miracle from God. It was his grace that made it possible.
     A few years after mike was born, I started having some problems and had to take hormone shots about every six to nine months. In November, after Mike turned four, I went in for a shot, but, this one gave me a lot of problems. I had sever back back pain, carried pillows with me, to sit on all the time. My nerves were a mess, and I cried over everything. In February, I returned to see Dr. Tosh, it was determined I needed a complete hysterectomy. Date was set for six weeks later. I checked into the hospital in Memphis on Sunday afternoon for surgery on Monday morning. The hospital ran blood test throughout the night. The next morning instead of preparing me for surgery, Dr. Tosh came in my room and said," Brenda, I don't do this surgery on pregnant women." I took a migraine headache with that announcement. The second pregnancy had a lot of ups and downs. Five years later, there I was expecting again, due date was set for, October twenty fifth.
     This little one was very active, sucked his thumb, had hiccups and loved to kick. On the sixth of October, he decided to make a grand appearance. James had to be delivered emergency C-section.
     I was so uncomfortable all that day. They gave me a baby shower after work and I was unable to lean forward to pick up the gifts to unwrap. On the way home we stopped at KFC and picked up supper to go. After eating and still miserable, I decided a soak in a warm tub would feel great, and it did. However, when I got out I had started to hemorrhage.
     Telling David I just did not feel good and I was going to call the doctor. The doctor didn't think it was anything serious but wanted me to meet him at the hospital. When I told David what was going on, he turned a little white, grabbed our son Mike and ran to the neighbors on the north, no one was home. He then ran to the neighbors on the south of us. As they opened the door, he scooted Mike inside and said, "On our way to the hospital."
     At the hospital, there was the doctor waiting, in his tennis shorts. I had interrupted his plans for tennis that night. After examining me, he informed me, I had been in labor for hours (no birth canal, so no contractions). As fast as they could prep me and get a surgical team together, I would be going into surgery. The doctor asked me if I had eaten, telling him I had KFC, he said they could not put me to sleep. It would make me extremely sick, I would have to have a spinal injection. So, I was wide awake, 45 minutes after walking in the hospital door, our second son, James, was delivered. David got to touch his son just moments after he was born and walk with them as he was taken to the nursery. James has never slowed down, still as active as he was when I carried him.
     It was the grace of Go, that made these two pregnancies possible. I was able to carry both full term with no major complications and no bed rest. Both Mike, 8.7 pounds and James, 8 pounds, were in good health. God gave us two precious sons. We can only give God the glory, and praise, and say, "they were God's first and he loaned them to us to raise." What a privilege we were given.

©  Copyright 2013 All rights reserved.

   

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Dad And I

Tomorrow is Fathers Day. Not the easiest for me to write about but maybe it will help someone who struggles with whether or not their dad loved them. Dad and I were never close, his dad dies before I was born. Grandpa Aarant, I liked him, but I was young when he passed away. The one that was more like a dad and was my strength and encourager growing up was my brother (my buddy) James. Yet I knew my dad loved me but never showed it. There was a day in my young life that I knew dad loved me and was there when I needed him. If your relationship with your dad is or was strained, after reading my story, look back in your life and see if you can find a time that your dad was there for you and know he did love you. Life often becomes overwhelming, parents and children get separated, the relationship broken.  Find peace knowing he did love you, always have and always will or did, but just didn't know how to break down the barriers. Dad I love you and miss you. I'll see you again one day. What a day that will be.


                                                                    Dad And I


     Looking back over my life, I sadly realized, Dad and I never really bonded. As far back as I could remember, our relationship was always strained. My brother, James, was the one that made me feel accepted and that I was OK. I grew up feeling Dad never cared for me. He never once asked my side of any situation, but believed whatever someone said about me and punished me for it. Yet, somehow I knew he did love me. He just didn't know how to show it.
     That feeling haunted me for many years. Why couldn't I gain his approval? As I started to journal years ago and deal with issues in my past, I was able to recall the end of one of my memories, it concerned the doctor's dog. I was probably in the first grade, mom had taken us to the family grocery store in downtown Dexter. Often Linda and I played in front of the store, skipping on the sidewalk. That day I skipped to the adjacent doctors office. Just as I got there doctor came out with his dog, a Boxer. I scared the dag and he jumped at me growling. I turned, and started running, and screaming all the way past the grocery store, around the corner, and down the alley, I went. Mom yelled, "Jimmy catch her." yelling back Dad asked, "Which way did she go?" "Down the alley", was the reply. Running through the store and out the back door, Dad caught me up in his arms and held me tight. I knew I was safe.
     I know that Dad did care and had come to my rescue, when as a little girl, I needed my Daddy most. A lot of heartaches healed, just from that one memory. Even today, I am not fond of Boxers.
     Shortly after that incident Grandma Carney passed away and a three year battle over the estate began. I believe Dad became over whelmed with life and all the responsibilities he had, there just wasn't much time or energy left for the kids.

©  Copyright 2013  All rights reserved.


Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Learn To Deal With It and The Years Of Physical Pain

     With all the storms and death and destruction, we hear others make comments that really are offensive. People mean well but really don't understand what someone is going through. One of those comments is, Learn To Deal With It. However until you know and have some understanding of what you are going through, it is hard to deal with. As a young teenager, I heard that comment and it was devastating to me. What followed was four years of physical pain that no one understood and no one knew why. That one comment nearly destroyed my life.
     Because of that experience, today I have a lot more compassion and understanding for others. I do not look at someone and simply say, that's part of life and you just deal with it. God gives us knowledge and wisdom and then grace to walk through the tough times that we don't understand. He can use those times to help us grow better or we can become bitter at life. For me, I refuse to be bitter just because we didn't know all the facts.Walk with me as I share a very difficult time in my life.I share both of these writings together because they are so much a part of the other. So bear with me as it is a little longer than most of my post.


                                                       Learn To Deal With It

     Early summer, just after I finished the eighth grade, my monthly cycles started. By the third month, I had extreme cramps. When I went to Mom about it, her answer to me was crushing. "All women have the same problem and you will have to learn to deal with it." I never was able to talk to Mom about my pain and she never understood how bad it really was.
     Four years I suffered, missing a week of school every month. Not one of the family knew how bad the pain got for me. I've never talked to any of them about those years. My sister Linda and brother James, were the ones that would check on me and ask how I was doing, but, I never told them how bad I was hurting.No one ever knew the amount of drugs I took to get through those five days each month. Mom would just remind me, I was not allowed to complain, just deal with it.
     By my senior years the pain became intolerable. No one at school ever knew my problem. Never talked to a friend about it and no one ever asked why, I missed so much school.
     Dr J. Tosh was the doctor God placed in my life, he was the only one that saw the tole the pain was having on me. In December of 1964 he stepped in and told Mom what would be done. He recognized the mental state I was in, but, never said anything to Mom. He talked to me about it two years later, just before David and I were married.
     I was deeply wounded by the statement, "learn to deal with it". No one to share with and at times seemed no one cared. The distance between Mom and I was slow to heal. When I began seeking freedom through God's grace, I was able to see Mom from a different perspective. I can now look back and see how Satan used the pain in my life to drive a wedge between us. Thankfully the Lord helped me heal all the hurts and heartaches before Mom passed away.

     Colossians 3:13-15 KJV
     Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also are called in one body; and be ye thankful.



                                                           The Years Of Physical Pain

     My life began with the protecting grace of God. Throughout my high school years, that grace protected and sustained me. Four years of physical and mental pain that my family knew very little about. I learned first, growing into a women would be accompanied with great pain. Each month only got worse for me. When I sought comfort and advice, I was told, it is a women's burden to bear. We all live with some a pain. Learn to deal with it. But, each month the pain got worse. Frustrated the doctors gave me medications for pain and my nerves. It did help, yet I missed a week of school every month. I had no one to talk to or share with and my grades always suffered.
     Each month, though the pain was bearable with medication, it was still difficult. I did a lot of crying no one ever saw. Dr J. Tosh was the surgeon God placed in my life. The fourth year, my senior year, December 1964, the pain was no longer bearable physically or mentally, even with the medications. No one knew the amount of drugs I was taking just to get by each month. Mostly what no one knew or understood, my mind was no longer dealing with the pain.
     That day in December, I was home alone, suddenly the fear, the loneliness, and the pain became overwhelming for me. I heard myself screaming and could not stop. I saw a large black hole and I was hanging onto the rim, knowing if I let go I would never find my way back. I knew my mind was about to snap and I had no way to stop it. When suddenly, the phone rang, it brought me out of the fear I was feeling. It was Mom. I met her in the driveway and we headed to the doctors office in Poplar Bluff. As I lay in the back seat crying, Mom said, "Brenda, you have to stop crying your making me nervous and it's hard to drive". Mom never heard me cry or saw another tear from me.
     As I sat in Dr. Tosh's office, he kept watching me, as he and Mom talked. Finely, placing his hands palm down on his desk, he said, "Brenda has had enough, I'm putting her on birth control pills to stop per periods completely. It will get her through school without any more problems. After graduation we'll put her in the hospital for exploratory surgery. If nothing is found, we will clip the nerves, she will have her monthly cycle but without pain".
     For six months, I  actually learned what it was like to have somewhat of a normal life. It allowed my mind to heal and flush my system of all the medications I had been taking. Only the grace of God made it possible to set the medications aside with no affect or addiction. Fortunately I took the meds only for the five days they were needed.
     On Monday, after graduation, I checked into the hospital for surgery the next day. I remember a class mate and friend from church, Susan was also in the hospital to have her tonsils out. She was not dealing with it and they had to put her to sleep. Her Mom came to see me. She asked,"You have no ideal what you are facing and yet you are so calm. What is giving you so much peace?' I don't remember what I told her. But, I somehow knew that it was going to be alright. I had faith and trust in my doctor. Today I have no doubt God's grace was sustaining me.
     Family was told I'd be in surgery about forty five minutes. After more than three hours, they were told the doctor had found the problem. Several more hours passed and the nurses were avoiding the family. Finely eight and a half hours later surgery was over and I was in recovery. Dr. Tosh sat down and explained the problem to Mom. My female organs were extremely deformed. He took my uterus out, put it on a table, where he cut it into sections.Discarded some parts and them made a new one from the rest. He then put me back together. He also told Mom that my body could reject all he had done, so for seventy two hours he would keep me asleep. He wanted to make sure that there was no infection or rejection before I woke up.
     I can still remember my three conversations during that time. The first I asked for Mom. My two aunts where with me. Mom had gone out for awhile but would be back soon. The nurse gave me shot and I was back to sleep. The second time, my sister Linda and cousin Sandra were with me. They were holding my arm down, I had jerked upward and that arm had needles in it. Dad was there the third time with flowers from David. I remember telling them I was cold. Another shot. After seventy two hours I started waking up, but I was in a private room with a private nurse. The surgery had been a success and I would be able to have a normal life for the first time.
     Dr. Tosh continued to see me over the next two years for follow ups. In May 1967 I went to see him just weeks before David and I were married. We talked about my being able to have children. He told me I now had a chance, but to expect some problems. Possibly total bed rest. Might not be able to carry a baby full term. and I would have to have a c-section. During the surgery he had to remove the birth canal.
     Before I left the office he talked about that December day in 1964. He said, "Brenda, your family never knew how bad the pain was or how it was effecting your mind, did they"! I shook my head no and he continued, "I saw it in your eyes that day. Your mind was no longer dealing with the pain.I knew we had to take steps that day to get you through until surgery and allow your mind to heal. I knew we were about to lose you. That is why I stopped your periods." He saw what was going on in my mind just by looking in my eyes, yet not one of my family had any idea how bad off I was.
     I am so grateful to Dr. Tosh. He saved not only my life from living in pain, but my sanity as well. He made it possible for David and I to have two wonderful healthy little boys. Most of all I give thanks to God for his grace and protection through those years of physical pain and for the wisdom and knowledge that he gave Dr. Tosh.
     I saw Dr. Tosh over the years. The last time was seventeen years after the surgery. I had to have one more surgery, he had to remove all the work he had originally done. His greatest delight was seeing our two little boys, Michael and James.

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Monday, May 27, 2013

She Said Yes

     So much has been going through my mind this past week. Can't help but grieve with the families in Oklahoma. I can't imagine their depth of grief. I think about David's cousin Deb. She is the main caregiver for her husband and each day a little more of his ability to function slips away. What deep conviction and commitment she has and I admire her very much. Our friend Lavern is the caregiver for his wife. He struggles with what to allow her to try and do and what he must say no to. They have been such a blessing to our lives and we grieve for all they are going through.
     Last night we watched a war movie. I couldn't help but think about my Uncle Loyd. I never met him, he died two years before I was born. A medic in the war, killed while helping another soldier. Mom never allowed any kind of war show to be watched in our home. She was very close to this one brother. Just as I was so very close to my brother James. I still hurt from losing to him to cancer.
     As I have thought about all of these things, I've had to ask, Why? Why,  has God allowed the illnesses that rob us of life itself. Why the natural disasters, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes and I realize it goes back to the beginning of time, when Eve said yes.Go with me as I explore the results of saying yes. How it affected the past and how it will affect the future. I have written from a woman's view point, but this also covers any man that accepts God's calling.
May God bless each one of you. Remember those that have given their life for us. Top of the list is Christ.



                                                                  She Said Yes

     The enemy of God had only hatred for Eve. To the garden of Eden he went for the destruction of man. With lies and deception he had it his way. Adam and  Eve were driven from the Garden of Eden, no longer in close fellowship with the God of creation. Because she said yes.
     Out of the garden into the cruel world, suddenly they realized all they had lost. For their meals and clothing they now would toil. All around was danger and fear. All because she said yes.
     Adam now toils from morning till night, just to provide clothing and food. Eve with great pain in delivery a family is born. Heartaches and sorrow will follow throughout all generations. Because she said yes.
     Death now has come to the people of earth. Sickness, disease, hatred and murder. So many innocent will suffer because of that one sin. Grief for today and grief for tomorrow will be carried into each generation. All because she said yes.
     The Angel of God from heaven above, to Mary appeared. God's plan of redemption would be offered to her. The invitation from God held what had been chosen for her. She accepted her fate and Satan enraged began his plan to destroy the child that she was to bare. All  because she said yes.
     The fate she accepted would bring her great heartache and pain. The burdens she carried would take great courage and strength. Her decision that day would change lives throughout all generations. Yet, she said yes.
     Rejection and shame, the enemy tried to discredit her value and worth. To Joseph the Angel then came, revealing the truth of the child Mary carried. He accepted Mary's fate and by her side he would stand, until he took his last breath. All because she said yes.
     In a lowly stable of stone, our Savior was born. No family, no great celebration was there for the King of the nation. The shepherds and wise men acknowledged his birth with honor, praise and gifts for the new born  King. Mary hid all this in her heart. She carried the burdens, knowing his life would always be in danger from the enemy of God. Because she said yes.
     A troubled life of adventure for the child that she nurtured. Knowing someday he would accept his own fate. With heartaches and tears is how it would end.But still she said yes..
     A special invitation to each woman from God. Will you accept the invitation that carries your fate. From the enemy of God, there will only be hate. A friend, a mother, sister or wife, to stand by the side of a man, to share in his fate. Bringing all glory, praise and honor to our father above. All because you have said yes.





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Friday, May 17, 2013

No Change Is Easy



     Over the past several weeks I have been dealing with personal things in my life that need to change. Not easy to accept that you may need to look at your life and make some changes. We get comfortable with our habits and want to stay where we are at. If our habits and views have an effect on the people in our lives, family, friends or acquaintances, then we need to ask, is it a good or bad effect I am having on their life? Ask,  am I at peace or is there turmoil all around me?  It is hard for a child to change their ways but even harder for an adult many times. As a Christian those changes for the good must have the leading of the Holy Spirit. Are we willing to surrender to the Lord's will in our lives? My prayer is that each of us will look at the effect we have on others and ask the question, is my influence for the good or bad? I share today,  No Change Is Easy, what I need to do to make the changes that God is showing me, need to be made but it is up to me.




                                                         No Change Is Easy

     Are we to comfortable with our old habits and ways? Few of us like changes and some even fear change.   Breaking old habits and changing our views, takes time and effort. It requires a commitment that we don't always want to invest in.
     We do the things we don't want to do and don't do the things we want to do. In the bible, Romans chapter seven talks about this very thing. Even the followers of Christ had to struggle with the same problems we have today. True change can only come as we dedicate and surrender our lives to the Lord. Depending more and more on the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us moment by moment. We cannot be a Sunday and Wednesday Christian only. We must walk daily on his path not ours. Only then will we make the changes in our lives that are lasting.
     With change we grow out of our childish ways into those of an adult. As a Christian we will look at life from a different perspective. Not through our own eyes but with the eyes of God. We will see sin as God sees it. True change, with the Lord in our lives, brings peace, joy and often understanding. Others will see the change and hopefully they will want that change for their own lives. We are not on this earth for our own wants but to fulfill the will of our father in heaven. We have a calling and purpose on our lives. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life and show you the purpose for which you were created.


     I Corinthians 136:11-12  KJV
     When I was a child, I spake as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.




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Thursday, May 9, 2013

Accept The Person



     Woke up early this morning. Lots of concerns on my mind and my heart. Family and friends going through some tough times and yet I see so many blessing at the same time. We serve a might God and miracles happen everyday that we don't even notice. The last few weeks as I had my bible studies and Wednesday night teachings at church, there seems to be a theme of loving our neighbors and accepting others. Two questions have kept coming up, one , who is our neighbor and how do you forgive the unforgivable? If separated from God, our neighborhood is very limited and forgiveness is not often there. These are questions I have struggled with but God taught me some lessons years ago that have helped me through some touch times, I pray it will help you as I share Accept The Person. We are all children of God and he calls us to love even the unlovable and our enemy.



                                                             Accept The Person

     Learning to deal with life, for a time in the past, I was part of some support groups. It was after one of the meetings that the Lord taught me a valuable lesson. 
     A lady asked if she could talk privately with me. Yes, was the answer. As we sat down to talk, she shared that she felt I was someone safe to take to and could help and advise her in finding a sponsor in the 12 step group. She wanted someone with medical knowledge and then she shared about her sexual issues. I was shocked and offended and wanted to run away. Suddenly the Lord spoke to me. His voice was so real and so clear that I looked around the closed room to see who had spoken to me. The Lord said, Brenda, her problems are my business, not yours. Accept them as a person and leave their problems to me. We need to remember that God is not shocked or surprised by anything that happens or we learn about.
     I humbly took a deep breath and told her, I believe I know someone that is in the medical field and would be willing to work with you. If I have your permission, I will speak to them on your behalf. A few days later I was able to talk to someone for her and got them connected. I've never known the outcome, was none of my business and a short time after that she moved away.
     There was a valuable lesson learned that day and it helped to teach me about forgiveness. Years later when the Lord called on me to forgive the man who molested our youngest son, I remembered the lesson that day and was able to forgive the man and let the Lord deal with what he had done. It didn't mean he went free, he had to answer to the law for his crime but, it freed our family of being his victim any longer. The bondage was broken. Forgiveness breaks emotional bondage and prevents another's actions from destroying our hearts. 
     The problems of a man or a woman are Gods business not ours. Sadly to often we are the victim of the actions they take. We are to deal with the legal aspects, they are not to go free when they break the law. But, God will deal with the evil in their hearts. To love the person is what we are called to do.It requires loving God enough to say, I forgive. 


     Paul said it best in the New International Version
     2 Cortinthians 12:9-10
     But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insult, in hardships, "in persecutions," in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.



(c) Copyright 2013 All rights reserved. 
      





Friday, May 3, 2013

Arrogance In America

  As I have watched the news and listened to people while I am out shopping or going for a walk, I hear so much negative.  Everything is about people and their wants and the belief that we owe them a living and a happy life. Very little care for the sick or hurting in the world. America has been so blessed in the past. We have been free to live the way we choose. But with freedom come responsibility to share how those freedoms came to be. It is the brave men and women of this country that have fought and many have died, over the past generations to make sure we have freedom. Today the military is looked down on and pushed aside as if they have no value. We have done the same to God. We demand our rights and freedom to live as we choose with no regard to why or how those freedoms are there for us. It cost Christ everything to purchase our freedom but how many truly care! How long will God tolerate the arrogance in America before he says "Enough".


                                                     Arrogance In America

     How long will God tolerate the arrogance in America? Jobs are being lost and the country is in debt. Look at what is happening to families now! To often both husband and wife have lost their jobs. Some families are living on the streets. How arrogant to think it can't happen to me. Who is their God now?
     What would happen if our great country became like a 3rd  world country. No jobs, no food, no medication, no water. No one to care; because it is the same for everyone. How would we see God then? That he has failed us, he is not there for us. He doesn't care that our children are starving?
    Many look down on those with less than we have, especially 3rd world countries. There they are fighting wars, famine, abuse, no water, no work for anyone. Very few homes and families living together. Children raising younger siblings because both parents have died. Do we look down on the man and think they have no value or worth because they are not providing for their family? How arrogant we are. But for the grace of God that could be America, now or in the future. What will it take for us to bend our knees to Almighty God?
     We look to ourselves to provide for our families. Prayer requests are for the job of our choice. A nice place to live. We don't ask God to provide our needs but to give us our wants. Sadly, to often we have little time to even thank God for what he has done and for what he has given us.
     What would we do, if we had to totally depend on God for everything, moment by moment? Could wee do it? We are called to be his disciples, the fields are ripe for harvest, are we sharing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with our hurting nation? We are to be obedient, to love, to share the gospel message. As the disciples of two thousand years ago, we are to depend on God for all our needs. Are we arrogant enough to believe that God will not strip America of everything to get our attention? Revival must begin in the hearts of the believers. We cannot wait for it to start with someone else, it must start with me and you. Is God calling you to revival? I must ask. am I being called and how will I answer?


     II Chronicles 7:14
     If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.



(c) Copyright 2013 All rights reserved.




Thursday, April 25, 2013

Tears Of Grace


So much is still going on in our country. Many tears are shed for the lost and those left behind that  are have trouble finding peace. We all shed tears through out our lives, tears of joy, happiness, sorrow, grief and regrets. God keeps track of our tears, he gathers them for he knows they are special to each one of us. God shares the joys and heartaches that are with each tear. I pray this will give bring someone comfort in these troubled times. My view of tears as a parent.



                                                               Tears of Grace

     Throughout life we shed tears for many reasons. Tears in every phase of our lives, from our birth to our death. The birth of a baby, their first word spoken, their first steps taken. Tears of pride and joy. A child's first day of school. A recital or first sports event.  The growth through each phase of their young lives. Changing from a child to a teen, tears of pride.
     Drivers test passed, the first date. Watching them blossom with their own special gifts. A singer, dancer, construction worker and some even politics is what the future will bring. The tears of concern as we loosen the strings of parenthood. We watch as they become young adults, leaving home for a new school or a career in life. Watching as they make choices that will effect the rest of their life. The tears of anxiety, pride and sometimes heartaches for poor choices they make.
     Then the years with new concerns, marriage and children of their own. Did we teach them all they need to know or did we fail in some way. Moving into a new life with new friends, new family connections, new homes often far away. They change constantly pulling them further from our home. Tears, a mix of pride, joy, anxiety and hope for their lives.
     Illness and death bring a new kind of tears. Learning of an illness that will change a life and family forever. The death of someone we love, how do we control; the tears. Tears of heartaches and sorrow. Sometimes the tears of anger. In life there is nothing that is perfect or forever. Loss of a home or job, tears of fear facing tomorrow. So many living in hunger and homelessness, many neglected and abused. Others bad choices made. Drugs, abortion, murder and hatred, all seeking our destruction. Tears of great sorrow and sometimes shame.
     The tears we shed, knowing we are forgiven and safe in the arms of our Lord. Each tear caught in a bottle of grace, returned to us as peace, if are willing to receive. No anger, no bitterness, revenge or hate can come between me and Gods forgiving grace. Tears of every emotion there is, but, we know Gods grace is more than sufficient to cover them all. Every tear is caught up in that bottle of grace for each man of creation.  The hands of our Lord to guard and protect for the treasure they are. Tears of grace teaching us and drawing us ever closer to the Lord. The tears of grace is a part of our journey and touches every life.


     Psalm 56:8-13 JKV
     Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: I know; for God is for me. In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise praise his word. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. Thy vows are upon me, O God; I will render praise unto thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death: will not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living.



© Copyright 2013  All right reserved.

Friday, April 19, 2013

WHY GRACE and MORE THAN ENOUGH

Dear friends and family,
My heart is heavy with all the tragedy of this week. Watching the manhunt on TV last night and into today has been hard. I'm thankful that one bomber is out of circulation but there is still one to capture. What is sad is that these young men are not the real enemy but are driven by the enemy of all of mankind. But they are the ones that will answer for what they have done and rightfully so. 
How do we go on after a disaster like we had in Boston and in West, Texas. So many lives affected and many for years to come. My prayers go out to all. What makes it possible to go on after any disaster of any
kind. Bombings, earthquakes, fires, murders, kidnappings, child abuse and illness, how do we continue in life. Heartaches run so deep and grief lingers for years to come. Having had a child molested and cousins murdered, the only way I know to get through the pain is the grace of God. Most of the world throw his teachings to the dogs and want no part of HIM, but often cry out for him in the last moments of life. I want to share with you, Why Grace and More Than Enough. Why is it that we need God's grace? God is more than enough to cover all out needs, heartaches and grief. Learn to lean on him in this time of great sorrow for our country and as individuals who are devastated. Those that love God and our fellow countryman  are reaching out to help and prayers from those that are unable to help in any other way. May you feel the love of God and his peace and the prayers and support of this great land we live in. God may not answer our prayers the way we want but he will be with each of us on our journey of grace. 


                                                              WHY GRACE 

If we have no purpose in life, then we have no need of GRACE. But, we do have purpose and we need Grace in our everyday walk. It is especially needed in these tough times we live in, that are often filled with conflict and doubts. 
Women of God are bathed in grace. Devoted and faithful, with the ability to overcome hardships and defeats. They have a desire to make the world  a better place for everyone. 
Men of God are also bathed in Grace to be a protector and provider for those under their care. They are the warriors and hunters, seeking to be a conqueror and hero. 
We must remember all things come from God. It is God's Grace that goes with us throughout each day. The grace of God heals, provides and sustains our lives. Grace brings peace in times of heartaches and worry. Safety and courage in times of fear and disaster. Sufficient Grace is the umbilical cord that keeps us connected to God.

Psalm 145:8-9
The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion: slow to anger, and of great mercies. The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all this woks. 



                                                           MORE THAN ENOUGH

Is there any way we can have to much of God? NO! He is all we need. He is the calm in the storms of life, that we all go through and he is our guard in the daily wars we fight. When we are weakest, he is our strength. Only God can bring us peace in times of sorrow. When we can no longer walk, he carries us. He is reason in times of confusion. He is more than enough for all our needs. 
     He is our healer in times of sickness. 
     He wipes away the tears of the broken and heavy heart.
     He is our courage and strength to face each day.
     He loves us, though hated by many.
     He is our encourager when we are down.
     He knows our every sin, yet forgives when we ask.
     He gently corrects us when we do wrong.
     He gives us peace and joy for our sorrow and pain.
On the day he dyed on the cross, he thought of each one of us and freely gave his life, that we might be free. He took our sins and made them his own, so that he could pay the debt, that we could never pay. Can we have to much of God, NO. When we allow him to have all of us, we will become a reflection of HIM.


    

   

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