Are You In?

I spent this weekend in Guthrie, at a ladies’ retreat hosted by Lodestar Ministries. It was one of the most awesome weekends I’ve had in a very long time.

Elizabeth and Michael, for my birthday, surprised me with the retreat! They had paid for everything for me and Elizabeth was going, too! Spending the weekend with her and the retreat – it was a treat that I definitely needed!

We had a wonderful speaker, Cheryl Lange, founder of LodeStar Ministries, who among other things, shared with us her own testimony of the faithfulness of God in her life. The theme of the retreat was, “Are You In?”, based on The Great Farini, a man who crossed over Niagara Falls, on a tightrope, many times before a large audience.

At one point, he began carrying his manager on his back across the falls. The audience loved it! Then one time he brought a wheelbarrow into the act. He would get up on the cable and ask the audience, “Do you think I can walk across this cable and all the way back without falling?” The audience said “Yes, we believe you can do it” – so he did. Then he asked the audience if they thought he could carry his manager on his back – all the way across the falls and back. Again, they said “Yes” and became even more excited. Then he asked the audience, “Do you think I can push this wheelbarrow across the cable and back without falling?” This really got their attention and they roared with excitement – wanting to see this feat! He then said, “Okay now all I need is a volunteer to ride inside the wheelbarrow across the cable!” The audience grew silent – they didn’t trust him that much!”

The analogy was made that many of us are like that with God. We say that we trust him in all things, but we’re not willing to step into the wheelbarrow and let Him carry us. It seems too scary to put that much trust into Him, even though He has promised that He will care for us.

I am fearfully and wonderfully made. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day has passed. Psalms 139:14 – 16.

This verse really touched me. I, of course, know that God is everlasting – but to put into perspective that He knew my life even before the beginning of time – and loved me even knowing the choices I would make throughout my lifetime – some good and some bad. There truly is not another being that deserves trust more than God! He loves me for me and loved me with an everlasting love. Jer 31:3.

I have to admit that I am guilty of stepping into the wheelbarrow and quickly stepping out again! Many times I let fear guide my decisions instead of allowing myself to be led by God. I live a good life and I strive every day to live my life in a way that is pleasing to God – but I really struggle with giving up what I think is my control over my life! The truth is - He is in control and the struggle I put forth over letting go creates much more turmoil and stress in my life!

I have been going through some very difficult things in the past few weeks and this retreat came at exactly the time I needed it most! Imagine that! God putting things in place at exactly the right time!

I have been struggling with some life-changing decisions and was most likely headed in the wrong direction. My eyes have definitely been opened and I know that I have to trust in the Lord, my heavenly Father, and make my choices accordingly.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. I John 3:1.

Cheryl encouraged us to keep a faithfulness journal. In this journal, she suggested we write whatever is on our hearts and to pray about it. She also said to write in the journal when God answers our prayer. It's easy for us to forget sometimes, that God is faithful - He hears our prayers and He answers them.

When we are in the depths of confusion, depression, anger, hurt or whatever we struggle with and feel like everyone, including God has deserted us, to be able to open our journal and read of all the evidence and experience of God’s faithfulness, it will become easier to trust Him in everything! The more we read and recall past experiences and the evidence of His faithfulness in those times, the more trust we can put in God and begin to know Him as He really is - thereby leading us to be more like Him!

One of the highlights of the weekend turned out to be a fun one! There were six mother-daughter couples there and so it was decided that a game would be played in our honor. It was played like the Newlywed Game in which first, one was asked a question and the other had to guess what they thought that person would say. Then the other one was asked a question and so on. The team with the most matching answers won prizes. Well, guess who won? That’s right – Elizabeth and I matched more answers than the other couples. That was a lot of fun! Elizabeth and I are so much alike – it seemed easy for me to figure out how she would answer. Evidently, she didn’t find it as easy to figure out my answers but obviously, she did better than she thought she had done!

This weekend was truly one of the most touching and eye-opening experiences I’ve had and I will remember it always!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

A Story of Faith and Love

I sometimes am so blessed in my “Blogville” journeys that I feel that I have to share when I find a blog that truly touches my heart! Joel’s Journey is one of those blogs!

I have been following the progress of a little boy named Luke, who had a near-drowning experience, for a long time after finding him through Izzy’s Blog, while keeping up with the progress in her recovery after her own near-drowning experience! Izzy's mommy, Annie, is my husband's sister, which is how we came to know Izzy!

It’s a big circle, I guess, and even though the circumstances in which these blogs are started is heart-breaking, the faith and dedication to our Lord shown by these families going through their journeys is amazing! I find a lot of inspiration through reading of their faith and belief in the promises of God!

Joel was a little boy, who at the age of 3, began having problems and was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer. Joel was born into a loving family, who lived every day with a love for God and a desire to glorify Him in every way! Joel’s family never gave up, knowing that God could heal Joel, if that was His will. The doctors decided that Joel could no longer be helped by them and insisted that the family stop treatment, but they refused! Their belief was that Joel was alive as long as his little heart was beating and stood up to those who wanted to end treatment. The family has made a film, titled Joel's Journey, which won the Biblical Family Category at a film festival in San Antonio, TX. Their story brought me to tears and yet blessed me, too. I think you would be blessed as well if you take the time to visit and meet the Morris Family.

Grains of Gratitude October 28

Grains of Gratitude
Hosted by Mum2Brady

I am thankful for so many blessings my life! I’m afraid I’ve not taken the time lately to really just be quiet and be thankful! I’m in the midst of so much turmoil right now – not sure what’s going on, but it’s causing me to look at my life in a way that I’ve been afraid to look at it in a very long time! I’m glad to be able to just stop and be thankful and to praise God for the goodness and mercy He affords me.

Today I’m thankful for. . . .

. . . the fact that I am the mother of only . . one . . more. . teenager! I was reading Annie’s blog this morning and when I read about Amanda’s speeding ticket it really brought back some memories! Our two older girls, Toni and Elizabeth were the Speeding Ticket Queens when they were younger! It seemed like one of them was always getting a ticket for speeding! I honestly don’t even know how many either of them received because we never paid even one ticket for them! They each had to go to court and face the judge and pay the “piper” themselves! I’m a huge believer in consequences for actions and they earned the tickets themselves, so they could deal with the consequences themselves! Chance will be 18 in January and the only thing saving us so far, I guess, is that we haven’t allowed him to get his license yet. I think the difference between a 16-year old and an 18-year old is huge and the added two years will, hopefully, give him a more mature and responsible attitude about driving. Of course, that’s only one reason that I’m thankful to have my last teenager almost grown! He’s a great kid, but he’s still a teenager!

. . . my job – once again! I’m so blessed to work in an office with only women. Not only are we an office of only women, but we are all so close in age that we share so much! This past week was a tough one! My job as a Credentialer of Medical Staff at a hospital can be stressful! We work on deadlines – always, and because of the importance of the work done by our office staff, we are under close scrutiny for the job we do for each member of the medical staff! Some of the girls have really been feeling the stress and it came out this week – but it also is very helpful to all of us to know how each of us is feeling. Each Wednesday morning we have a staff meeting to go over any issues we may have that could adversely affect the credentialing process of a practitioner. This past week, because of all the stress, our meeting turned into a crying and hugging session! Boss D is such a wonderful boss! She works very hard to help us each to deal with any issues that may affect us – both at work and at home and will do any thing she can to alleviate the stress! She set aside a couple of deadlines, that could be moved back a bit, and we have all pitched in to help clear up some of the “looming” deadlines that could not be moved! We are an office of nine women and any one of us would do anything in the world for any one of the others! It’s an amazing place to work!

. . . my daughter, Elizabeth. She is such an awesome woman! She and I share a very close relationship and I can’t imagine my life without her! We talk every day – even if we have nothing to talk about! I see her two or three times a week, at least! She listens to me . . . really listens to me and helps me to see things in a different light when I feel overwhelmed or when I feel down in the dumps! She and her husband, Michael are spirit-filled, fully devoted followers of Christ and they are truly an inspiration to me! Elizabeth has taught me so many things and I am still learning from her! God so richly blessed me when He chose me to be her Mother! He sent her to me at a time in my life when I needed salvation in more ways than one!

. . . for all of my children and grandchildren. They bring so much joy to my life! Addy came over on Thursday evening and Joey and Levi came over yesterday. Last weekend was Addy’s birthday party at the Children’s Museum and Blake and Toni were there! I love to see the kids and nothing could replace the feeling of being their mom and grandma.

. . . for the gift of free will! God was so generous to give each of us free will to make our own choices in this life! Even though He knew the choices each and every one of us would make, He still gave us this gift! How much greater that gift becomes when we choose to give Him all the glory and praise for every aspect of our lives! We don’t have to follow Christ – but oh, what a blessing when we choose to make Him the top priority in our lives! How sad for those who make the choice to follow Satan! How sad for those who will never know the awesome power of our Lord! Thank you, God, for free will and for the gift of salvation offered to all!

What are you thankful for today? Visit Mum2Brady and see what others are grateful for today!

Friday's Feast October 5

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you look forward to your birthday?
My birthday is a milestone this year – 50! I have never had a birthday yet that was traumatic to me other than when I turned 25! At that time, I was divorced, a single mom to a 2-yr old daughter that I had to leave with a sitter every weekday while I went to work! That was a tough one! I am looking forward to my birthday this year! AARP – here I come! Gotta love those discounts!

Soup
What is one word you don’t like the sound, spelling, or meaning of?
The one word that I can think of is “uvula”. It’s that little hangy down thing in the back of your throat, but I think the name sounds like a word that shouldn’t be available for public use!

Salad
Do you wear sunglasses when you’re outside? If so, what does your current pair look like?
I wear sunglasses in the sun always when I’m driving! I leave them in the car so that I won’t forget them so, of course when I need them at other times I don’t have them – they’re in the car!

Main Course
If you were to write a book, to whom would you dedicate it?
I would definitely dedicate it to my family and to my Mom, especially. She was such a wonderful lady who taught me to love the Lord and put family at the top of my priority list – just below God!

Dessert
Name a beverage that you enjoy.
I love unsweetened iced tea! My tea is not like everyone else’s tea – it’s very weak! I like just enough to color the water! That’s my favorite!

Don't fill up here! Visit http://www.fridaysfeast.com for more great feasts

National Porn Sunday

Did the title catch your eye? I am blessed to be able to share the love of God with others and this is one message that I pray will be shared with many! I am a member of LifeChurch and next Sunday, October 6-7, I would like to invite anyone and everyone to hear this powerful presentation. Each and every time I attend worship experience at LifeChurch I come away feeling blessed,renewed and ready to share the message of God's love and His grace! Please follow the link below and I know that you, too will be blessed!

National Porn Sunday

Pornography is a multi-billion dollar industry that is tearing apart marriages and families everywhere you turn. This addiction is raping the minds of people all around the world... Christians, non-Christians, men, women, AND children. The facts surrounding this ugly elephant in the room will blow your mind. Join LifeChurch.tv as we partner with XXXChurch.com, the nation's largest anti-porn ministry, for National Porn Sunday. You'll walk away empowered with the truth necessary to battle America's dirty little secret... pornography. Be here October 6-7.

Comfort Eludes Me

"O LORD, God of Israel,

there is no God like you in heaven or on earth

—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants

who continue wholeheartedly in your way."

II Chronicles 6:14

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our troubles."

II Corinthians 1:3,4

Comfort and peace seem to be difficult for me to accept lately. I’m not sure why, but the last couple of months have been especially hard to me. I am missing my Mom so much and am not sure why it’s hitting so hard now.

I know that I lost her months before she passed because of the dementia and knew that her passing was what she had prayed for and desired for some time. She was so tired and felt like she had nothing more to give in this life. It was difficult for her to get around and her eyesight was almost completely gone. Her love for reading and painting was taken from her with the loss of her sight and that was devastating to her.

In my mind I know that she is in a better place and that she is whole again. I know that her passing from this life to begin her life eternal was what she lived her entire life to achieve. I know these things, but I still miss her.

When she passed away I was kept busy planning and taking care of things – making sure that her wishes on the funeral were carried out exactly as she had planned. My focus was still on her and it kept me from thinking. It was such a “safe” place for me to be at the time.

I can’t seem to make it through a day anymore without thinking about her and feeling the emptiness she left behind. I can’t seem to find my purpose since losing her. She had been my focus for so long and I seem to be drifting with nothing to hold onto. I didn’t know it was going to be so hard for me.

I’m trying to raise myself up from the place I’m in now, but for every step forward I feel like I’m pulled backward two. Work is good for me – keeps me busy without any downtime. When I’m at home it’s much more difficult.

I remember my brother asking me if it was going to bother me that Mother died here at home. At the time I assured him it wouldn’t be a problem at all. I was so thankful to have her here and to be with her during those last few months. I wanted her to be here when she passed just as she wanted to be here. I really thought it would be okay. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe I would feel this same way even if she had been somewhere else. Maybe it would have been worse without allowing her to die at home.

I miss her. I want the emptiness to go away. I want the tears to stop. I want to rejoice for her – celebrate her new life – feel joy that she is at last “home”. I pray for a time when I will be able to genuinely feel that joy. I pray for comfort and that my heart will be open to accept it.

"The Lord gives strength to his people;

the Lord blesses his people with peace."

Psalm 29:11

A Tag From Annie

A tag from Annie!

These are the instructions from Annie's site!

It’s very simple. When this is passed on to you, copy the whole thing, skim the list and put a * star beside those that you like.

(Check out especially the * starred ones.)

Add the next number (1. 2. 3. 4. 5., etc.) and write your own blogging tip for other bloggers. Try to make your tip general.

After that, tag 10 other people. Link love some friends!

Just think- if 10 people start this, the 10 people pass it onto another 10 people, you have 100 links already!

1. Look, read, and learn. **- http://www.neonscent.com/

2. Be, EXCELLENT to each other. ***- http://www.bushmackel.com/

3. Don’t let money change ya! *- http://www.therandomforest.info/

4. Always reply to your comments. ***********- http://chattiekat.com/

5. Link liberally — it keeps you and your friends afloat in the Sea of Technorati. ******- http://chipsquips.com/

6. Don’t give up - persistence is fertile. **- http://www.velcro-city.co.uk/

7. Give link credit where credit is due. ********- http://www.sfsignal.com/

8. Pictures say a thousand words and can usually add to any post. *****- http://scifichick.com/

9. Visit all the bloggers that leave comments for you - it’s nice to know who is reading! *******- http://stephaniesbooks.blogspot.com/

10. Make a blogger template unique: change the background colour, or add a background picture to your header. *- http://chris-book-a-rama.blogspot.com/

11. Write positively even if the situation is seemingly negative — spread joy and not gloom. You can do it!**- http://www.aliceteh.com/

12. When you find something that interests you, write about it. Sharing yourself with others is one of the best things about blogging.**- http://jhthomas.blogspot.com/

13. Start draft posts to capture ideas for future posts, so you don’t lose track of them.- http://charmingdelightful.blogspot.com/

14. Be helpful to new bloggers. Remember when you first started blogging and didn’t know how to post a link? Or was that just me?***- http://islandlife808.com/

15. If you have a question about blogging, don’t be shy, go ahead and ask. There are so many bloggers happy to give you help if you need it.*-http://www.arewethereyetmom.com/

16. Remember that blogging is a community - don’t be afraid to comment on the blogs you read. Reach out and make new friends, you’ll be glad you did!- *http://debmomof3.blogspot.com

17. Try to blog daily, this is the only way to build up a “cyber following”*-http://mylifeasmamjodi.com/

18. Check that box on your profile so your bloggy buddies can reply by email to your comments, it makes life so much easier... and by all means PLEASE make your profile public so when you click on your name it doesn't say profile not available. There's no way to reply to you or visit you when you aren't public!* http://mylifeasannie.blogspot.com/

19. Make your blog about you! I enjoy getting to know each blogger individually and it's much easier when the blogger writes about issues that are their own! Making friends is not always easy, but when a person is more open and willing to share - it's much more fun getting to know that person - even if we are separated by miles or countries! annb - Each Day Is A Gift

Okay, I don't think I know 10 bloggers well enough to tag them, but I tag the following:

1. Elizabeth - Home School Mommy from Oklahoma

2. Michael - God Is Good All The Time

3. Natalie - She Who Laughs, Lasts

4. Amy - Amy's Random Thoughts

5. Michael-Valtool's Box

6. Valerie - I Am My Kid's Mom