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.





(C) Copyright 2013  All rights reserved.
   

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.




(c) Copyright 2013  All rights reserved.

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. 

      

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.

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.

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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Six So Very Different

    Since siblings is being honored, I thought I would share about me and my siblings. The good things and a few of the disappointments. I was fortunate to be raised in a large family and extended family. Seems we often had cousins drop in for the weekend and some would stay for a time. I love family visits even if it meant
someone had to sleep on the floor. Be thankful for those in your family. Love each one, they are a creation of God. If there is one you have a problem with remember to pray for them. God is the healer of all hurts. You never know what may happen tomorrow and they will no longer be with you. Love them while you can.



                                                         Six So very Different

     Six of us kids in the family. We were all so very different. Phyllis, the oldest, I believe took more after her mothers family than dad's. She has a gentle calmness that reminded me of her grandma Cooper. Even though she was not my grandma, I still claimed her. It was fun to stop and visit at her home. Phyllis does not like clutter. Don't leave anything unattended for long, it will be gone. Her home seemed to always be spotless. Likes the outdoors and being with family and friends. Could make anything at a sewing machine. She made many of her daughter Denya's outfits and things for the house. My dear sister even made my wedding gown. Denya has given her four grand daughters and now her first great grand son. Brent lives is the house across the street from Phyllis, where he grew up.
     James was more like mom. Rarely showed his emotions. He often told me, just ignore the hurtful things, keep peace in the family. He was the one that was always there for me. Seldom was he angry, when he was, you had better listen. When he was hurt, he hurt deeply, but never let the offender see it. If unjustly accused, he would prove you wrong about him. He enjoyed teasing but was never mean or cruel. Loved to cook, was at his best with a BBQ grill. At his death he left behind children, grand children and great grand children. They will miss out getting to know a wonderful man that loved all of them deeply. I miss him very much.
     Kenny is more like dad. Both quick to make judgement calls. Don't tell him he can't do something, he will get it done. Determined to do his best with whatever he sets out to do. Very loyal to those he loves. Hard to gain his acceptance, yet few see that in him. A very good auctioneer. Loves the outdoors and horses. Was active with both of his kids in rodeos. Truly enjoys watching his grand kids ride now. They are all involved in riding and rodeos. Sadly Kenny and I have never been close. We have both lost out getting to know each others family.
     Linda was soft spoken like mom.Seldom did she show her anger. She carried a lot of heartaches later in her life. Linda could not handle rejection and often dealt with it in the wrong way. Could be sneaky when she wanted to be. Because Linda was so small, mom never let her grow up but treated her like a little girl all her life. Mom never knew how much Linda resented that. She was a hard worker and most of her life she cared for the needs of others. We were close growing up, despite the difference mom made in us. Her health issues put a strain on all of her relationships and it finely claimed her life. Linda left behind two wonderful daughters. Now there are three grand sons and two grand daughters. As twins we had a very special bond and there are so many wonderful memories of her. I still miss her.
     Becky, now she was the rebel, still is to a degree. At times quick tempered. More like dad and Kenny. Don't tell her no, she will do what she wants. Stood her ground with dad. Mom would just shake her head when they would start to argue. She often thought Becky just liked to argue with him. If mom didn't approve of what Becky wore, she would wear it anyway. Becky has always loved animals. Was the first and only one of the kids allowed to have a pet in the house, other than a bird. Mad a pet of every animal that came near her, horses, cows, a lama, rabbit, cats and of course dogs. Becky has an amazing son and daughter.
     Me (Brenda), mom once told me she expected me to become the family peace keeper. Was upset when I didn't return to Dexter to live. Rarely do I get angry, deal with it before I speak. Like mom and James I hurt deeply but rarely show it. Forgive quickly and hold no grudges. I'm accepting of others and loyal to those closest to me. Love to laugh and enjoy life. Love to write about God's Amazing Grace in my life. As I'm getting older, I speak up when I need to and it is important, yet still working at it. I have two amazing son, gifts I know that came from God. One grandson Jonah and a grand daughter to be born in June 2013.
     There is over twenty two years difference between Phyllis and Becky, mom said, it was like raising three families. Yet for the most part we grew up a close family. For many years we all lived close to one another and many of us worked together in the family business. Phyllis and Kenny like a lot of the same things. Worked together at different jobs. Both love to be with family and friends and love camping in trailers, not tents.
     James and I were buddies and I can't remember a time in my life when we were not close. His death was very hard for me. We always knew we could count on one another. When all the family was together, we both felt like outsiders. Just didn't seem to fit in with everyone.
     Linda and Becky, they fit with everyone. Linda and I were always close growing up, even though we were treated so very differently. She was the little girl and I was expected to be more grown up and look after her. We both resented being put in that position. Becky probably is the one that is close to all of us. She grew up with all the different ages and was able to make a connection with each one. Becky and I have been close most of her life. I often ran interference for her with mom. We have shared a lot of heartaches together over the years.
     Growing up we had a good home, even though dysfunctional, with lots of love. You learned to accept one another and over look the little irritations that happen in most families. God's grace was always there but we never took the time to notice. God did not have an important place in our lives. I am thankful that today I can look back and see God's grace watching over me and going before me through my life.I love all my siblings and proud of what each of them has accomplished in their lives.





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