FAITH OF A MUSTARD SEED

Today is Spiritual Sunday and I have thought and prayed for a few days now on what I might share this week. Truthfully, I talked for a while with my son John about this, and he encouraged me to share something from my heart that has had a profound effect on my life. The story is long, and I apologize for that, but at the end you will see "why" it was so significant to me.

If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say this to this mountain, "Move from here to there" and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you...Matthew 17:20

For God, there is no problem too complex, no force too strong, and no enemy too powerful. If we don't believe our prayers are effective, they won't be. It's just that simple, and yet that profound. Webster describes the word faith as "unquestioning belief that does not require proof or evidence, unquestioning belief in God, a religion or a system of religious beliefs, anything believed, complete trust, confidence or reliance."

Hebrews 11:1 tells us that "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

To me, these verses describe a mighty God who can do anything at all, however large or small. I believe in life that everyone at different times, depending on their circumstances, has differing capacities for faith. But while our ability to have faith in God is limited as human beings, God's ability to protect and care for us has no limit.

When I was 25 years old, I had been married for a few years and had 2 young boys and a brand new baby. To say I was somewhat overwhelmed would have been putting it mildly. We faced most of the usual problems that young couples face, in that we had very little money, LOTS of bills, and very little time to do much more than care for 3 very young children. We had been Christians for a few years at this point in time, and I was in church and in my Bible at every opportunity that I could accomplish it. I would have told you at that point if I had been asked, that I had a LARGE amount of faith in a very mighty God. However, that faith was put to test shortly after the birth of my third son. My middle son had suffered with asthma from the time he had been almost a year old, and at this time he was about 3. He began having attack after attack, and we spent many a night in the emergency room getting breathing treatments and shots to help him breathe as a result. And when we weren't at the hospital, we were in the doctors office it seemed. My oldest son who was 7, was in school of course at that time, and so we had all the usual things that went along with that. Homework to be done, bed at a decent hour, and getting him there and back etc. Now throw in the care of a brand new baby, recovering from childbirth, operating on a very limited amount of sleep, cooking, cleaning, laundry and all the other jobs that go along with motherhood, and you can begin to get a "feel" of where I was. When the baby was 3 weeks old he came down with pneumonia, and 3 days later I was diagnosed with mono. I really had no one at that time in my life who could help me. My husband was a wonderful help when he was there, but of course he had to work as we desperately needed that paycheck coming in. I'd like to say that was the final straw, but it wasn't. Just as I was SLOWLY recovering from the mono, I began experiencing what I know now to be (but didn't at the time), panic attacks. All I really knew for sure was I thought that I was surely dying at any moment and worried about who would take over the job with my children in that event. I couldn't get anyone to help me out occasionally, let alone take over the whole thing if I were to die. I cried out to the Lord of course, but He (it seemed) remained silent. I had attack after attack, each equally as frightening, and went to the doctors time after time, with no answers. They ran tests, and made guesses, but nothing seemed to stop them. I guess back in those days, panic attacks were not as quickly or as easily diagnosed as they are today. Or possibly MY doctor was not familiar with them, but this went on for many, many weeks. I lost weight and seemed to catch every little bug that went around as well. I began to feel as if my faith had failed me, in addition to the doctors who couldn't seem to figure out the problem. Finally when it seemed as though I had no where else to turn, I began to see that all I really had left was a VERY SMALL amount of faith in God. I began to pray more diligently, and search the scriptures constantly looking for His words of comfort and direction. This was when I came across this scripture and realized that if I had a very small mustard seed of faith (I had that alright) I could STILL move mountains in my life, IF that small amount of faith was placed in a very mighty God. Now one night as I again could feel the beginning of an attack, my husband was home, and I headed to my bedroom to lay on the bed and hope that the attack wouldn't be too bad. I began to pray (as I usually did) and ask God to please see me through it. I had, what I consider to this day, a very miraculous thing happen to me that night. In the midst of this attack, which was as bad as it had ever been, I felt the very real presence of God in that room. It was very overwhelming. I felt a peace fill my spirit and heart that was immediately calming and very obviously beyond all understanding. My heart rate (which soared during attacks) immediately slowed, and suddenly quite literally, it was over. In the past some of my attacks would last for LONG periods of time, and never ended suddenly, but slowly leaving me drained and spent. I have to this day, NEVER experienced another attack. I would love to say that I never worry or have any anxiety about anything at all, but that wouldn't be true. But I have never had another full blown panic attack. I believe God at that time, and in that way, delivered me from this particular affliction. I did nothing to bring this about. I didn't deserve it. I simply prayed to a mighty God, with a very small amount of faith, and BELIEVED He could deliver me if He chose to. And He did. I have such an overwhelming gratitude to Him for this I could never really express it properly. I don't believe that if He had not delivered me it would have meant I didn't muster up enough faith to accomplish this, or that it in any way means that it is always God's will to heal everyone of whatever it is they suffer from. God's will and purposes are always best. I believe He was teaching me that a tiny amount of faith just has to be put in a VERY mighty God, who has everything in His perfect control, and that trusting Him is the best place for me to be.

You will
seek ME and

find ME

when you
seek ME
with
all your heart.


Jeremiah 29:13

To read other Spiritual Sunday blogs click HERE and you will be sooo blessed. Have a wonderful worship day!! So many thanks to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting this wonderful event.

GOD IS LOVE

Today is Thankful Thursday hosted by Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage. I have come to really love this particular event as it so blesses me to visit all the happy, grateful hearts who participate. To find and read all the other blogs who participate, click HERE. You too will be so blessed if you do.

As always there are many things I could chose to focus on for this post. Honestly I have a hard time choosing. I am grateful Melody came for a visit and that all of my other kids were here as well to share a meal and some time together. There are so many of us, and with the busy times we live in today, it is hard sometimes to accomplish. But I think as I was dwelling on things this week, I decided to focus on God's love. It really is the foundation for everything it is I am so grateful for. My salvation and relationship with Him, is at the center of everything that means so much to me.

1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

I love this verse...It was one of the first all of my kids memorized, and has been put to song, so every time I read this verse, or hear it in any way, the song floats through my mind and memory and makes me smile.

The Scriptures are quite clear that God IS love,(1 John 4:8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love) and so when we don't love we can't know God intimately. There has been many times in my life where I have known someone for just a short while and yet discovered that they were a "kindred spirit".. Why? Because this person radiates the love of God. God's light truly shines through them...How sad it seems to me that there are so many people in this world who do not know of this love from God...how many people who feel truly alone and don't have the support and love of a good spouse or family...how many people whose lives are meaningless, desperate and empty? How grateful I am for the people in my life who love me, and for a God that loves us all with an unconditional and everlasting love.

1 John 3:11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another..

As a young girl growing up the words "I love you" were not ones I remember hearing almost ever at all. I don't think it was because I wasn't loved, just that it was never actually said. My relationship with my father was a difficult one, and I seldom "felt" much love from him either. So for me, saying those three sweet words have always been somewhat difficult. Looking back now I regret that I didn't say these words more often to all of my children, husband and loved ones over the years. It certainly wasn't because I didn't feel it for them, as my heart overflowed many times with an overwhelming abundance of love. But dwelling on it now, I feel it is important that these words are said OFTEN to all of our loved ones. People who know they are loved have a cheerier outlook on life. There is a sparkle in their eyes, and they can look you in the eye with a face that reflects confidence. This inner peace will radiate in all of their relationships. It is most difficult to not like someone who says that they love you. In fact, it is almost impossible to do so. So for all of those who know me GET READY you will be hearing these words A LOT from me....

1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another..

Romans 8:39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Much love to you all!

MELLY'S VISIT

Well, she's come and gone...In a whirlwind of hugs, activity, and life. I told Mel on one of our many chats this week-end that I have noticed something definite whenever she is here. I just "feel younger" around her. I am not sure what it is. It might be that she is just so young and full of energy, always happy and laughing, that it is just downright contagious to be around. Or could it be that she is constantly telling me things like, "Mom, your too young for those shoes, or too young for that outfit, or too young for that attitude"..haha. But I think it is because when she is beside me in the car, (with her hand controlling the radio dial, lol) and our conversations flow freely as we both try desperately to get our stories out, that I am brought back to a few years ago, to the days of our many "drives" together where we chewed out life's possibilities, hopes and dreams. Oh how I have missed that. It's not like we don't talk almost everyday of course, but somehow it's just not the same. Maybe it's because she has such an expressive face, where a quirk of her eyebrow can make me go into gales of laughter, or a simple smile says a multitude of things. But whatever it is, I found myself re-energized, refreshed, and ready to go. Not quite sure where it is I am going, but I'm going just the same. We visited and caught up, had a couple of lunch outs ALONE together, got our whole family together for dinner and then we actually played Charades, (so fun) got Mel's pretty hair cut and done by Jessie, enjoyed Michelle's wonderous baby shower together, let Mel get reacquainted with the new babies, and finished it all up yesterday afternoon with one of our famous shopping trips. I have always enjoyed shopping with Mel. She is finishing up grad school this semester and will be student teaching next (hopefully in a paid position if there is one available) and felt like she needed a few more things to wear for work. There is no real shopping for clothes where she lives in Hobbs. She has to travel an hour and 45 minutes to the nearest mall. That has been a REAL adjustment for Mel, haha. AND once she gets there, there is NO Nordstroms, Macy's or Bebe's! Mercy, can you imagine? lol Our trips are always the same. We stroll leisurely through the store selecting items that might work, and eventually make our way to the dressing rooms where I sit comfortably in a chair and she models all the fun new outfits. I love watching her do this for some reason. Again maybe because it brings back years gone by, but also probably because everything always looks soo good on her, haha. She selected a few things, and I insisted on adding a few others I couldn't bear her not to have. She resisted me A LOT harder than she did before she was married, refusing to let me get it all as I really wanted to, but finally gave in as I know she knows I get so much pleasure from it. Mel enjoyed herself for sure, even got in a quick visit to Mike's grandparents, and got to see one of her best friends new baby, but as always she was ready to go home. She missed Mike, her dog Baxter, her own bed, and her new life. Things are as they should be. She is happy and busy and just where God wants her to be...But I have found myself going through the usual "Mel withdrawals" and looking ahead, counting the days till she is back for Thanksgiving, and thanking God for this time we had together.





Mel & I at Michelle's baby shower


Mel & Jess so happy that they got some time to hang out together


LOVE this pic of Mel & Donatella. She LOVED her Aunt Mel


Mel couldn't believe how big Cody had gotten. He is such a little Joe, haha


Right before she left...



At the airport saying our goodbyes


There she goes....Till next time... = (

I also put together a little slide show of the baby shower. It was such a wonderful time. My sister Danae truly outdid herself and put together a BEAUTIFUL shower. Everyone had sooo much fun enjoying all the goodies and darling decorations etc. But I think it was all the happy hearts together celebrating the coming new baby that made the day so special. Can't wait for that new little life to make her appearance. Somewhere during that day I dropped the ball and really didn't get any pictures of her many incrediable gifts, or of the hostess herself, or of most of the guests. I think I must have been pre-occupied with my grandbabies and Mel. But in spite of that, I think I captured the "feel" of the day. (including some pics of Kristi's darling cake creation) ENJOY

remember to click on FULL SCREEN in the upper right hand corner, turn your speakers on, and hit escape on your computer to exist.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

WHATEVER A MAN SOWS, THAT HE WILL REAP..

Welcome to Spiritual Sunday hosted by Charlotte and Ginger. To read all the WONDERFUL posts that others have written, please click HERE

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart...Galations 6:7-10

I believe in these verses are some very profound Biblical truths that we all would do well to remember. There is no changing them, no getting away from these Biblical principles, we WILL reap what we sow rather it is of our flesh (or this world and the "old man") or to our Spirits and everlasting life...I have heard it taught that these verses refer to a comparison of our Christian lives, to that of a farmer. A farmer reaps the same as he has sown. If he plants wheat, wheat comes up. In the same way, if we sow to the flesh, the flesh will increase in size and strength. The farmer reaps more if he sows more, and in like way, we will reap more spiritually if we put time into our relationship with God accordingly, or we will reap all the consequences and results of sin if we sow to our flesh...Why when this is such a simple and basic fact, which of course makes perfect sense as well, do we have such a hard time with it sometimes? Why do we expect it at times to be different? If we spend most of our day and time doing the things of this world that we KNOW will not bring about any spiritual growth or maturity, are we surprised when our relationship with God suffers, and we find ourselves unable to find His presence and His peace? And this principle of course applies to things that are not necessarily spiritual in nature either. For example, if you eat too much, you WILL gain too much weight....if you stay up all night, you WILL be tired the next day....if you drink too much and party too long, you WILL feel the effects in your life.... if you gossip and spread lies, you will harm someone.....and on and on.....I'm sure we have all felt the effects of these principles many times in our lives. I have for sure...it seems the older I've gotten, the more I of course have seen both in my life and in the lives of those around me, and it has proven to be true over and over again.....God WILL NOT be mocked, we WILL reap what we have sown....I am clinging right now to the last verse in this passage where we are told not to grow weary doing what is right, and I am striving to invest more time everyday to things of the Spirit...for I WILL reap the benefits thereof....Remember, we are either feeding our spirits or feeding our flesh every day...which ever one we feed the most will grow the strongest and can therefore then overtake and defeat the other...and the question then has to be, which one do we want in our lives??

I prepared this post last week as this is such a busy week-end for me. My daughter is here visiting and the rest of my family as well to see her while she is here. The visit is going wonderously and I am soo looking forward to worshiping this morning with them all. God is soo good. My heart is also saddened though by the passing of Amy Ragan, We rejoice for her as she is in the arms of our beloved Savior, but my heart weeps for her family left behind. May He bless and comfort them all. I may not get around right away to as many of the other blogs that so bless me on this day as my day will be so full, but I will get there eventually. Have a wonderful day of worship!!

MY MELLY IS COMING!!

Today is actually Wed., but I am writing my Thankful Thursday post now as I have soo much to do between today and tomorrow that I have to do this with the time provided, haha. And with my sweet grandson slumbering beside me, the time seems right. For all the other thankful hearts that are participating in this opportunity to praise God for all their blessings click HERE. I am soo thankful to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting this event.

Psalm 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

In this life we have so many things both large and small that we could be thankful for it is hard sometimes to narrow it down. This week, this day, my heart is so full of happiness and joy it is hard to contain. My Melly is coming tomorrow!!!

For those of you who do not know the story I will try to briefly catch you up as to why this is so significant to me, and for those of you who DO know the story, I'm sorry for the repeat. I had 3 wonderful sons that I loved beyond measure and yet my heart had still longed for a daughter, and had ever since I was old enough to understand I was capable of having children. 23 years ago the Lord granted me the desire of my heart and my beautiful daughter, Melody Joy was born. She and I are as close as any mother/daughter are capable of being and my love and enjoyment of her has known no limits. As she grew into young adulthood our relationship changed to include a friendship that is truly kindred. I saw many years ahead with us sharing our lives as she became a young wife and God willing someday a young mother. I looked forward to all the usual things I am sure most of you would understand. Helping her decorate and set up her home, (another love of mine)shopping and lunches out with just her and I, watching her children grow and play and just being there to play the role of Grandma, holidays and birthdays to celebrate together etc., and on and on. When she decided to live at home during her college years, I thanked God for this added time knowing the day would come of course would she would move on. But never in all my plans or dreams did I ever see my only daughter moving 1000 miles away from me. Melody married the man of her dreams a year ago last June and moved to New Mexico to join her dairy farmer husband and begin a very different life from the one she grew up knowing. So the life with the daughter I had dreamed of has become very different indeed. We do manage to talk to each other almost every day, though there are times of course when it just doesn't happen. I haven't even seen a lot of things she has done with her new home as I haven't been there since last Thanksgiving. She misses most of the family birthdays, and several of the holidays as well. There are no lunches out and shopping and time alone with her has become almost non existent. She has friends I have never met, and clothes I have never seen her in. Which I know part of these things would have happened rather she moved far away, or simply down the street, but I struggle with them all. When she does come to California her time is in great demand. Her brothers and her daddy miss her desperately too, and want to occupy her time as well. She left behind MANY friends who count the days till she visits and who squabble over the time she has available to see her. Melody feels stressed I know on her visits to California trying to keep everybody happy, and often times leaves so tired I am sure she looks forward to getting home just to relax. I try as hard as I can not to add to her stress by demanding she spend more time with me. I do get the lions share of it I know, but it is still hard. Part of me wants her all to myself, and would love to hide the fact that she is even here. But I don't of course.

The Lord has taught me much during this season in my life. A new dependency on Him, and new directions and purposes for my life. I decided today I would dwell on all the reasons I am thankful that things are just as they are and my daughter lives as far aways as she does. At first it took some time, haha, but I did manage to come up with more than I thought I would. I will share a couple of these...first I am so grateful that she is happy and loved and cherished by her husband, and more importantly right where the Lord wants her to be. I am grateful she has grown into a strong and independent young woman living her life to serve her God and taking good care of her responsibilities as a wife and the woman of her home. I am grateful that we can talk on the phone everyday and have the Internet as well to keep connected. Years ago long distance bills and snail mail would have made this so much more difficult. I am thankful she is able for now to visit as much as she does, and that her husband is quick to share her. I could go on but this is getting lengthy (as usual, sorry I do tend to run on) and I hear the baby stirring.

1Chronicles 29:13 "Now therefore, our God, We thank You And praise Your glorious name.

I am including a couple of pictures of her, and her wedding picture slide show that I put together last spring for those of you who have not seen it. Be sure and click on the full screen for the full affect, and it is lengthy (though so worth the time) so be prepared. You can hit the escape button on your computer at any time to exit. Most of you probably already know this, but it was new to me not that long ago, so I thought I'd share just in case. ENJOY your week-end... I know I will....MY MELLY IS COMING!!!







Mike and Mel on their first anniversary..celebrating with dinner out AND in the city, haha


Mel on her last visit home right before she left


Seems like she always has her sunglasses on top of her head in a pic, haha


Mel's 23 birthday party in New Mexico I stole from her facebook


Mel and her beloved dog Baxter

Make a Smilebox slideshow

SEASON'S IN LIFE..

As I finished reading Laurie's wonderful post this morning over at Women Taking a Stand, my mind began to spin in many directions, on both the posts I have written in the past on this subject, and the ones I still have in my heart that I have not put into words yet. It is just something that the Lord has been working on in me for a while now, and so is therefore a subject I have many thoughts on. I have a busy day and busy week ahead of me and I contemplated rather or not I really have the time to do this particular post or not. When I mentioned this to my husband this morning before he left wanting his opinion on rather or not I should post something he said, "Deb, you know you will never rest until you do. Pull out one of your old ones and re-post it." haha He knows me well. Well, I have decided to write somewhat of a combo. I am going to re-post a combination of some of my old ones that I wrote last April I believe, but I am going to add a little bit to it before and and after...

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven...Ecc. 33:1

This is one of those verses that for me is so packed full of profound truth, it is hard sometimes to really get my head around the simplicity of it at the same time. As I have moved through the various seasons in my life, I have found myself both looking ahead to what is still (God willing) to come, and the ones I have left far behind. But one thing ALWAYS remains the same.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

God moves on an eternal time table that is not always readily evident to His people. He works within seasons, and time frames for His own purposes.

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21)

It is right and good to plan. It is necessary for it gives direction and allows us to set priorities. However, yield some white space on your agenda and in your heart for the purpose of God to prevail. This may mean we may have to re-adjust from time to time. But that's OK...In whatever season in life we find ourselves in, we should move forward and plan, and yet yield to the will of God and His purposes, and we will do it all in the power of the Holy Spirit...

This following part is the one I wrote last April that I think fits well into what I am talking about with "seasons in our lives"...

I have been taking to going over to Greenbelt Park recently on the days that Nina comes, and getting out and sitting on the picnic tables there and working on my Bible Study. The day started out kind of foggy and cold, so I was concerned I wouldn't want to sit out there today, but it wasn't long and the sun burned it's way through and it was beautiful, about 72 degrees with a slight breeze blowing just enough to ruffle the leaves on the nearby trees. I sat there working for about an hour and half without another person in sight. I enjoyed the solitude which seemed strange somehow, as I was outside and in a public place. Just as I was finishing up, I noticed a mom and her young daughter making their way toward the play ground. The mom couldn't have been more than at the most 25, and the daughter was probably close to 3 or so. It was a toss up who seemed more excited to be heading towards the equipment. I watched as the young mom put her little one in a swing and began pushing her, and the little girl squealed with obvious delight...simple pleasure, free to anyone who chose to use the park. A few minutes later, a little old man so hobbled and bent it was a wonder he was maneuvering his frail body down the side walk at all, made his way to the bench sitting by the sand, and took up his post watching the small child on the swing. He laughed aloud at her undisguised enjoyment. I was struck with how life changes from one stage to another as quickly as the weather it seems. One minute your the young child in the swing completely dependent upon your mother for all your most basic needs, and the next you find yourself the young mother herself caring for her family...a couple of blinks later and your me sitting on a bench in the park wondering how I could have possibly reached this stage in my life so quickly, and finally the little old man hobbled and shuffling in what is surely his last little while here on this earth. Time races by and things inevitably change. My eyes wondered and I noticed the softball fields off in the distance. How many times did I come to this park, and sit in those stands and watch Melody play a game of softball?? Too many times to count that's for sure..How I enjoyed watching her play..I closed my eyes and could hear the girls chanting their little cheers, and the sound of the balls hitting their gloves as they warmed up for a game. I could even smell the nachos in the snack bar and feel the excitement I always felt as a game was about to start. Those days have come and gone, and today I miss them. I miss her...I miss being the young mom with a large family to go home and prepare a big dinner for. But I was struck with something else today that I don't usually think of when I am in a nostalgic mood. There is going to come a time in my life (hopefully) when I am the old man sitting on the bench and remember what it was like to be the Grandma with all the young grand kids and kids still in their early 20's and 30's. Still living in the house they all grew up in and wondering if we will ever afford to retire. Yes, life goes quickly I have found, but I am no longer in a hurry, and I intend to enjoy this stage in my life and savor it for all it's benefits and pleasures. Because no doubt the time will come when it will all change and other's will find themselves standing in my shoes, and I will be the little old lady hobbling along (I kind of hobble now haha) waiting for the Lord to call me home....

Yes, "seasons in our life" come and go and we all find ourselves on that roller coaster ride called life. Sometimes we are going up and the climb seems non-ending and overwhelming, other times we have reached the mountain tops and the view from the top is exhilarating and majestic, other times we find ourselves plummeting downward at a breath taking speed, our hearts and minds busy with just hanging on. But I find my comfort in knowing that Jesus is always there, always the same, never moving, my rock.


Psalm 62:7 In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.

Please join Ashley over at, At the well HERE for other thoughts and insights on this subject...

THE LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART

Welcome to Spiritual Sunday hosted by Charlotte and Ginger. To read all the WONDERFUL posts that others have written, please click HERE


...For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samual 16:7

In this particular passage of scripture, Samuel made the mistake of judging Eliab based on his appearance. This was the same mistake Israel had made when it came to the failed King Saul. Saul looked the part of a king, but he didn't have the heart a king of God's people should have.

Unfortunately for all of mankind it is very much a fact that man looks at the outward appearance of things. I think in so many ways it is just our natural inclination. A man (or woman) "appears" to be successful if they are dressed well, drive the right kind of car, have a large bank account, the right friends, fame, an important job, a beautiful home, or whatever the particular measuring stick being used dictates. I think sometimes even among Christians this can be true. Who is it that "appears" to have it all together in the midst of adversity? Who is being used more by the Lord, or appears to have a ministry that is truly being blessed by God? Whose kids are more obedient or respectful? Like I said, it all depends upon the measuring stick begin used. And yet everyone of us knows from experience that none of these things means FOR SURE what kind of a person they really are on the inside. Only God can see inside our hearts and know what's truly hidden there. I do believe however that many times a heart truly devoted to God is easy to see. I'm glad it's not up to me to judge anyone. And even though it's been proven over and over again that the attractive person is much more likely to get the job, the promotion, the mate, or whatever the sought after prize might be, we need only to concern ourselves with pleasing God and with what the Lord see in our hearts.

"The world is full of idolatry's, but I question if any idolatry has been more extensively practiced than the idolatry of the outward appearance." BLAIKE

I have been guilty of this for sure, as I imagine most of us have been at one time or another. I think there has been many times in my life recently where I felt like I didn't measure up very well by the worlds standards. I look around me sometimes and feel like I have let too much of my appearance go, my house isn't as clean as it could be, I've never worked much outside of my own home, and have not done much of anything at all that the world would tell me means that I am successful as a person. And yet, this is NOT the measuring stick that the Lord will use when I stand before Him someday. I need to concern myself ALOT more about that, and remember to do the things He would have me do.

In this verse we are told that God looks not at the outward appearance of man, but in his inner most being of his heart. We need to keep our eyes on the Lord as we are not capable of seeing into the heart of a man. Knowing that our natural inclination is to judge someone or something on it's outward appearance does not mean we need to give into that. We should seek the Lord and seek God's heart and mind when looking at other people. There really is nothing as attractive as a heart that has truly been touched by God...

I think what I am trying to say here can be summed up in this Helen Steiner Rice poem...

We are often discontented and much dissatisfied
That our wish for recognition has not been gratified.
We feel that we've been cheated in beauty, charm and brains
And we think of all our "losses" and forget about our gains.
And dwelling on the things we lack we grow miserable inside
Brooding on our "deficits" that are born of selfish pride.
We begin to harbor hatred and envy fills our heart
That we do not possess the things that make others "seem so smart".
And in our condemnation of the traits that we possess
We magnify our painful plight and sink further in distress.
Oh Lord, forgive our foolishness, our vanity, and pride
As we strive to please the eye of man and not GOD who sees INSIDE.
And little do we realize how contented we would be
If we knew that we were BEAUTIFUL when our hearts are touched by THEE....

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE..

Welcome to Then Sings My Soul Saturday with Amy. For other inspirational music lovers click HERE

I LOVE this song. It is was popular when my daughter Melody was in high school and I remember when it would come on the radio we'd turn it up and sing at the top of our lungs with our hearts full of praise for our Lord. I also remember her telling me at the time that her high school sang this almost every week at their chapel service (she attended a Christian high school) and how she loved to watch the kids lost in their worship while they sang it. I also loved the fact that it was a number one hit on the secular radio stations as well for weeks and weeks. The words in this song so speak to my heart. What will I do my I finally see my Savior face to face?? I can only imagine!! Have a WONDERFUL Sat. ENJOY!!

 

Quote

YouTube - I Can Only Imagine (with lyrics) - MercyMe
 

GRATEFUL FOR GOD'S GRACE

Today is Thankful Thursday and I have found myself dwelling for a couple of days now on what to post about this week that I am particularly thankful for. I LOVE the opportunity we have to do this and feel like I could go on and on and NEVER run out of things to sing His praises for...Please join Lynn and other grateful hearts HERE

1Chronicles 16:34 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

1Chronicles 16:8 Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!

2Samuel 22:50 Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles, And sing praises to Your name.

I think I will start with I am thankful for the rain that we have had for the last couple of days. We don't get much of that in Southern California, and we need it so badly. As I layed listening to it fall on the roof last night after I went to bed, it gave me that feeling of.. I'm warm and safe in my house and all is right with the world.. Do you know what I mean?

Lev 26:4 then I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.

Next, I am grateful for the new friendships that I have made in the blogging world. In this busy world we live in, it is sometimes difficult to take the time to get to know new people. We are all soo busy with the "urgent" things that there is seldom the time to spend it takes cultivating friendships. Blogging makes it possible to chat and share with wonderful people all over the United States (the world really I guess) and not only learn and grow with each other, but just simply enjoy each other as well. And all on OUR own time schedules for an added bonus. I have met some truly inspiring people through this process, and some "kindred spirits" as well, and I am eternally grateful.

Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight...

I'm grateful for the time I am able to spend every week with my son Joe's kids, as their mama has had to join the work force with the hard times this country is experiencing with the recession. I don't really have them that much as Joe's job enables him to give most of the care for them himself during the hours his wife is working. I am filling in the holes of the overlap. Sometimes it is hard, I am not going to lie, as the baby is ACTIVE and busy and this Grandma's knees have known better times. I fix dinner for them 2 nights a week, and it's been a while since I have had to juggle babies, homework, and cooking all at the same time. But it's funny how it is all coming back, and I do enjoy helping them with their homework. They say and do the sweetest things and I have lived enough life to know that this time will pass quickly too, and I intend to enjoy this for as long as the good Lord gives me the strength. The baby is sleeping next to me right now, and as I listen to his even little breath and see his sweet little face lost in slumber, my heart swells with a love for him that is hard to describe...

Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Proverbs 17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father.

Proverbs 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed...



I could go on and on as I said. I am grateful my Melly will be here in one short week. Oh how I have missed her. I can't wait to see her pretty little face and give her a BIG hug, and spend some uninterrupted time sipping from our tea cups chatting like we use to do...But as usual when I count my blessings and dwell on all I'm grateful for, my heart wonders to the Lord and all He does for me everyday. The small ways He manages to find to show me He truly cares for me, the richness of His Word that is there not only in the Bible for me to read whenever I chose to do so, but lays hidden in my heart to comfort and strengthen me whenever need be. But most of all for His grace, that looks past my short comings and failures and makes it possible to look forward to what lies ahead for all who believe.



Revelations 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen

THE PUMPKIN PATCH

I hope everyone is enjoying this Fall weather as much as I am. It is just beautiful!!

Gen 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

Saturday Jeff & I took Lindsey and Jeffie and traveled down to San Diego to go to the Pumpkin Patch with Jimmy and Larissa and their kids. We had such a fun time. I LOVE that place they have down there. It was packed, but it didn't really seem to matter. The thing I loved the most was how happy the kids all were to be together. They were soo darling on the day. Be sure and notice the pic where they are holding hands. They did that on their own. It was adorable. Jimmy & Larissa brought along some candy and would periodically hide it for the kids to find telling them that the "Great Pumpkin" (from Charlie Brown) had left it for them. JD was especially enthralled with this. He was so excited and darling on it. Remember to click on the full screen thing in the upper right hand corner, and hit your escape key when you want to exit...OH, and be sure a click off my blog page music on the little bear to the left... ENJOY!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

WHAT MAKES US HAPPY??

Welcome to Spiritiual Sunday hosted by Charlotte and Ginger. If you would like to visit them and other inspirational blog posts, please HERE

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.

As I was dwelling on these verses this morning, I began to think to myself, what is it that makes me happy? What is it that makes most people happy? And is it different from that which I truly delight in?

I think in the world we live in today happiness is something most people assume they were born to experience, and something they feel they deserve to have. So as a result, many spend their lives in the pursuit of this happiness, and do whatever they feel is necessary to gain this sought after emotion. Relationship after relationship sometimes can be the result, as they strive to find the "perfect" mate who will bring them the happiness in life they deserve. Maybe it is their career that they feel is the key, and educate themselves and work diligently to achieve the goals they set forth to bring about the results that will surely lead to a nicer home, a better car, or whatever it is that they are sure will bring them the most pleasure. However the problem is really very obvious it would seem. Nothing is ever really enough, and the pursuit is always allusive.

I think that sometimes even for us Christians as we look for happiness in life, we make the mistake sometimes of thinking that our happiness will come as we read through the scriptures looking for peace of mind and security. But I think as we really read the Bible, and meditate on what it says, we find that God is alot more concerned about holiness than happiness. He is alot more concerned about our hearts, than the state of our feelings. Undoubtedly, the will of God will bring happiness to those who obey, but the most important thing is not how HAPPY we are, but how holy. I think sometimes it might be easy to cultivate a religious joy, without ever cultivating a righteous life.

If a person delights in something, you don’t have to beg them to do it or to like it. They will do it all by themselves. We can measure our delight for the Word of God by how much we hunger for it.

What makes us happy? What gets us excited? This is a good way to see what is important to us. If personal pleasure is the only thing that makes us happy, then we are a selfish, self-centered person. If being with our family or friends delights us, that can be better, but it still falls short. The righteous man finds his delight . . . in the law of the Lord.

The righteous man only has God’s word on his mind two times a day: day and night. That about covers it all!

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Today is thankful Thursday and I am counting my blessings one by one...Thank you to Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage for hosting this wonderful opportunity. Be sure and visit her and find the other grateful, happy hearts that have participated.

Psalm 3:8 Salvation belongs to the LORD. Your blessing is upon Your people.

It has always been very easy for me to name the many blessings in my life and today is no different...Right at the top of my list I thank God for the husband that He has blessed me with. I could never really tell you all the little things he does to make my life easier. From working hard to make the money he has to support our family through the years, to being there for me in every way both large and small. For the last several months my knees have made it difficult for me to get around and so he does all of the grocery shopping for us, making sure to hunt for whatever items I have come up with to try and make my diet more bearable, and has been known to stop on his way home after a LONG day if he thinks I might need something. He waits on me whenever he is around with never a complaint, and keeps my car gassed and washed. He listens with a sympathetic ear and an understanding heart. He is, in my opinion, all the Christian husband should be, serving and loving me with an unselfish and giving spirit.

I'm grateful that the hot summer days have cooled into the crisp cool days of Fall..

I'm grateful that my step dad has not even experienced a "sick" day since he was diagnosed with terminal cancer almost a full year ago...

I'm grateful that I live close enough to some of my grand kids to see them several times a week...and close enough to the others that I see them often...and for their sweet, loving little spirits and the unmeasurable joy they bring me...

I'm grateful that I have found a diet that works and that the Lord has given me the strength to lose 33 pounds so far..

I'm grateful that I have a close, wonderful relationship with all 4 of my grown children and that I enjoy talking to them frequently..and for my two wonderful daughter-in-laws who I couldn't imagine life without..

I'm grateful for the home I have lived in for almost 24 years and the memories we have made here..

I'm grateful that my daughter is coming to visit in two weeks..

I'm grateful that my mother is enjoying relatively good health and that we enjoy a close and loving relationship..

I'm grateful for my sisters and my friends who understand and know me, and are always there for me...

I'm grateful for everyone of the new blogging friends I have made and all the hours of enjoyment and support I have found with them..

And on a lighter note....I am thankful for the double chocolate cake that Jenny Craig makes that is so yummy and keeps my sweet tooth satisfied..

And first and foremost I am thankful for my Lord and Savior to whom I owe everything I have, and without whom I am really nothing at all...

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: "Blessing and honor and glory and power to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESSICA

Today, Wednesday October 7, 2009 is my niece Jessica's 23rd birthday. Jessica is my sister Danae's daughter and is just 11 short weeks younger than my daughter Melody. Melody and Jessica have grown up together and have been not only cousins, but best friends. Jessie spent so much time at our house while the girls were growing up that they truly did seem inseparable. So many of our family events and occasions, not to mention just our everyday life, have been made brighter by the presence of this sweet girl.

Jessica is a beautiful, creative, sweet, caring young woman with a totally hilarious sense of humor. I can't begin to tell you how our family enjoys her. She is a truly gifted hair stylist and does such a wonderful job of moulding all the varied family heads into a semblance of style and grace. I've come to totally depend upon her to not only keep my gray head styling, but to fix whatever disasters may occur. (not mentioning any names Annabel, haha) Since my daughter has moved away, I've come to treasure my time spent with Jessie even more. It's like getting a little dose of Mel sometimes as they are so much alike.


She was Melody's obvious choice for Maid of Honor for her wedding. Jessie did such a wonderful job in this role, doing soo many things for Melody to make her time as "bride" special, both of us will be forever grateful..She not only did Melody's hair for the wedding, but ALL of the bridesmaids, and mine as well. Still not sure how she got it all done, and had us looking soo good too!!


Here she is enjoying a hot fudge sunday for her birthday dinner with her daddy. I had to steal a few pics off of some facebook pages for this post, but I'm sure everyone understands..


This is Jessica and her boyfriend Phil at a wedding this summer. Such a cute couple I am thinking..


This is Jessica and my granddaughter Annabel at her shop after Jess had "fixed" Annabel's little hair mishap...


An old one of Jess & Mel. If I was really buffed I would have dug into old pics and put up a few of when the girls were really young. But these were the ones on my computer so guess they will do, haha...


soo cute..


This was taken at Melody's bachlorette party in Vegas that Jess helped organize and give to Melody. They all had soo much fun...


Enjoying their dessert....how they both LOVE to eat,haha..


A glimpse into Jessie's personality. SUCH a fun girl...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESS!! May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you now and forever more...LOVE YOU, Aunt Debbie

SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAYBOOK

Thanks for hosting the simple woman's daybook Peggy. To read other lovely ladies who have posted a daybook, click here

Outside my window... A truly gorgeous cool Fall morning. A slight breeze fluttering the leaves on the trees.

I am thinking... I want to make some things for Christmas and it's time to be get busy

I am thankful for... my husband, who spent so much of his day yesterday doing things to make my week easier

I am wearing... white capri pants and a light weight multi colored (in browns) top

I am remembering... this time of year when my kids were little

I am going... to go to the apple orchard this week-end with my husband

I am reading...Take Two by Karen Kingsbury...I LOVE her books

I am hoping... to get in more exercise this week

On my mind... I am praying about getting involved in a ministry at church

From the learning rooms... that God can use me rather I am "worthy" or not

Noticing that... there are truly wonderful people EVERYWHERE

Pondering these words... Every good and perfect gift is from above...James 1:17

From the kitchen... I've put a pot roast on for Jeff and John just so I can smell the wonderous smell of it all day

Around the house... I am going to get the new pictures of my grandkids in frames

One of my favorite things~ the smell of my Autumn candles

From my picture journal...