Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Wow!
My God is an Awesome God...
That is the song on my heart this morning as I write this. I am surrounded by sick babies and I'm tired due to the every 3 hour feedings and the 5:30 a.m. "Hi! I'm awake and it's time to be cute!" 5 month old... but MY GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!
We've spent the past week going through 3 of 4 interviews with the agency who will eventually be processing our possible adoption of our 5 children. I call them our children because that's what they are to me. I have never had a child of my own but God has so far, seen fit to allow me to parent 7 children... two as step-children and 5 foster.
The interviewer assigned to us arrived for her first appt with instruction that the questions she would ask would be deep, probing and on many occasions uncomfortable. She assured us that by the time her report was written, she would know more about us than most of our loved ones. That kind of warning makes one very nervous and the devil has a way of convincing you that you'll never make it past this stage in the process.
By the end of the first interview, we were very comfortable with Laurie and she assured us that she felt the same. She could see how God was so prominent in our lives. She told us that she would not say some things to other clients about God but since we'd brought up church and God so often, she felt it was ok to tell us that she also went to church and believes in God. She also stated that she believes that God puts her with certain families for a reason. Lastly, she told us that she felt that everything was going to go in our favor and she felt good about what the judge will decide in April.
So... after the 3rd interview last night... the bulk of it is done and she is beginning to compile her report. The final interview this weekend will be to tie up loose ends and fill in any holes she may find along the way but the hardest part is over. And it wasn't scary at all. The questions were easier than most I've had to endure at a job interview and there was nothing that made me feel 'uncomfortable'. After all, they're only doing their job and God was in this from the very beginning.
She also told us last night "off the record" that she wasn't the one to make the final decision but she could see nothing in our lives that would prevent us from getting full custody of these precious children and adopting them when the time comes. Thank you Jesus!!!
So... keep us in your prayers. We still have a little ways to go but God is in control and is paving the way! The trial date has been set for April 23-26 and April 30, 2012. They will go to court on Dec 9th to confirm these dates but so far, it looks like that will be it. The parents still visit the children in our home 3 times per week for 2 hours each time until this is all over and done so please pray that God strengthens us to endure those visits and that the kids are resilient to the devils tricks.
But... we're trusting our Lord and Saviour to work all of this out. So far, He's done it so spectacularly that I am breathless in awe.
Our God is an AWESOME GOD!!!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Answered prayer...
I took our 4 yr old to the plaza the other day to pick up a few things at the grocery store. On the way home, our discussion turned to snow and he was telling me how much he wanted to play in the snow. At this point, I'm rejoicing inside because it's the end of October and we're still experiencing sunshine and warmth.
From there, our conversation turned to questions about where snow comes from etc. I told him that Jesus makes it snow. He then proceeded to question a little more and then stated quite adamantly that he was going to 'ask Jesus to make it snow!'.
I joked with him most of the way home that if he asked Jesus to make it snow, I would ask Jesus NOT to. We laughed and argued but at this point, he was just telling me that he was going to ask.
All of a sudden, he blurted out, "Jesus! Make it SNOW!!!", to which I replied, "Ha ha, you didn't say 'please'."
Of course, you know what happened next... he yells, "PLEASE!"
Silently, I was praying, "Jesus, you see this 4 yr old that is just discovering You. Please make it snow so that he will know that You are a prayer answering God and at this young age, it will make an impression to last a lifetime." Of course, out loud I was still teasing him and telling him that I was going to ask Jesus to NOT make it snow.
The next day... you guessed it! It started snowing. Not a lot and if you weren't looking out the window at that moment, you probably wouldn't have realized that it had snowed... but my little 4 yr old seen it... and was rejoicing and thanking God for making it snow. I reminded him that Jesus had answered his prayer just like he'd asked.
So far, we've had 'snow' on three occasions since he prayed. Each and every time, he thanks Jesus for the snow and gets SO excited to go play in it.
So... thank you Jesus... for making yourself real to my little man. But most of all... for making yourself real to me... I love you Jesus!
I am ashamed...
My 7 yr (foster) son came home from Sunday School the other day and said to me, "How come I don't have a Bible?"
I am ashamed....
I am on my way to buy him a Bible...
Thank you Jesus!
I am ashamed....
I am on my way to buy him a Bible...
Thank you Jesus!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
I can feel God...
It's the little things that show me that God is in this the whole way...
We were on our way home from church the other night and my daughter and I were discussing the houses decorated for Halloween. We were saying that we could remember when ghosts and goblin decorations were smiley and funny. I said, "I remember making ghosts out of tissues. We'd put a cotton ball in a tissue, tie a string for the neck and draw two dots for eyes... that was our ghosts!"
Then I hear this little 4 yr old voice in the back seat of the van... "Do you mean the Holy Ghost?"
Thank you Jesus... for living in their hearts!!!
We were on our way home from church the other night and my daughter and I were discussing the houses decorated for Halloween. We were saying that we could remember when ghosts and goblin decorations were smiley and funny. I said, "I remember making ghosts out of tissues. We'd put a cotton ball in a tissue, tie a string for the neck and draw two dots for eyes... that was our ghosts!"
Then I hear this little 4 yr old voice in the back seat of the van... "Do you mean the Holy Ghost?"
Thank you Jesus... for living in their hearts!!!
Monday, October 24, 2011
It's been toooooo long!
It truly has been way too long since I've posted on my blog and for that I apologize. Life has just gotten the best of me for awhile... lol
For those of you who are close to me, you know the reason. For the rest of you... let me give it to you in a nutshell. Children!
Last year, I was in a job where I was not happy and my boss was unbearable. I had a few of my church sisters praying that I would either get a new job, or a new boss.
In July of last year, after receiving a frantic phone call from my husband's nephew, we went to their house and rescued their 4 children. The kids were 5 (r), almost 3 (c), and 13 month old twins (a & k). I have struggled with posting pics of the mess they came out of but for now, I'll just show you three pics. The first is the bedroom that all 6 of them shared (yes... 4 kids and 2 adults shared one room). The view you see is where (S)&(A) slept with the 13 month old twins... on top of all of the stuff you see in the pics. There is a twin size mattress in there somewhere with some deflated air mattresses on the floor beside it... not sure who slept where but I know the 4 of them slept in this area. The second and third pictures are the stove that was used to feed this family. I may post the rest of the pics on another day but this will give you a good idea of what prompted Child Services to step in.
This is coming from a family of 6 as described above, all living in a two bedroom basement suite that had two small basement windows (with security bars over both). One was in the bedroom that they all shared and the other in the kitchen. The bedroom without a window was dubbed the "ferret room" and the father (S) would not allow anyone to sleep in there because there was no window. (Some things don't make sense but God knew what He was doing.) They shared this apartment with a cat, a tank of fish, a gecko, a hamster, 2 (huge) rabbits and 3 ferrets. I won't even begin to describe the stench but imagine all of this without airflow and all animals kept inside. There was feces and urine... well, you can just imagine!
Needless to say, it wasn't great. But... God had a plan! When we would go to visit, we struggled with the question, "Do we call Child Services?" It was a very difficult decision and when it's family, it makes it that much harder. We would pray... (a lot!) that God would keep his hands on the kids... and we would cry... a lot! We feared the system. We had no clue what would become of the kids and whether we would ever see them again if they were taken. They would most surely be seperated... if lucky, they twins would be kept together.
We struggled... big time! We kept in contact with them and visited regularly... but we would always call a day ahead and let them know we would be over the next day... so we never realized how bad it really was. I never went into the bedrooms... only used their bathroom in emergencies... was afraid to see more than what was already visible. We knew there were issues... but never knew the extent.
Then my God stepped in! We received the call from S one Friday evening stating that he and the kids needed somewhere to stay for the weekend because their house was being condemned. We rushed to help and they came for 'the weekend'. (S) and 4 kids. Mother (A) had been banned due to abusive attitude with investigators. Monday morning, they voluntarily signed the kids over believing that it would be for a short period... possibly up to 3 weeks. Hmmm.... God had a bigger plan.
One of the best miracles in this story was how Child Services had come about to be involved. Like I said, we struggled with whether or not to call... but (S) made the initial call that started this journey. Let me explain. They lived in an illegal basement suite as you can gather from the above. They had a lease and it was stated in there that they were not to put a tent up in the backyard. (S)&(A) erected a dining tent in the backyard and were subsequently issued a 14 day eviction notice. Instead of taking down the tent... (S) thought he would get one over on the landlord and report him for providing an illegal suite... so he called the Landlord & Tenant Board. They sent an investigator to talk to (S)&(A) and when he got to their house, he called the Health Board due to the stench coming from the apartment. Once the Health Board arrived, they condemned the house and called Child Services to come get the children. So, we didn't have to make that dreaded phone call... God looked after it!!!
I quit my job in order to take care of these 4 children. I not only got a new job which I had been praying for, but I got 4 new bosses!... lol A 3 week plan turned into a 3 month plan... which turned into an additional 3 months... which turned into Child Services taking over for an additional 6 months.
In the meantime, another child was born into the mixture (m) in June of this year. To this day, (A) denies that she knew she was pregnant but there are signs to prove otherwise. Regardless... now a 5th child is in the house.
In July, after 273 days in our custody, the 4 kids were returned to (S)&(A). They now were caring for 5 kids aged 6, 4, 2 (twins) and a newborn. Their lives consisted of watching movies and playing horrendous, violent video games. (r) was taking the responsibility of (m) and carrying him around and taking him to (A) when he was crying to be fed etc. They were all unkempt and (k)'s exzema was back as bad as ever. Her legs and feet were cracked and bleeding. But I just kept feeling to bide my time and that God was in control and that He would take care of it all in His time! I felt to keep my peace and stay silent. One of the sisters in the church kept giving me scriptures that confirmed this over and over again. My favorite of those was Exodus 14:14 that states, "The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." As a side note, I am SO thankful for my sisters in Christ. I am ever so thankful when they follow their heart and share messages that God has given them for me specifically. They have affected my walk with God in SO many ways. Hubby struggled BIG TIME but actually obeyed advice to keep silent and let God work!
Two unannounced visits later and on September 15th, I receive a call from the caseworkers supervisor.
Let me back up just for a minute. July 12th was the date they were returned to (S)&(A). On Sept 11, Bro. Cody Marks preached a message that touched me deeply. He preached that God will give back what the devil has stolen from you. But, not only will He give back what was stolen, but will give so much more. Why do we settle with just what was stolen?
I was praying about this message the next morning (Sept 12) and thinking about the kids as it was the 2 month anniversary of them being returned to (S)&(A). I was praying and asking God if it was His will that they be in the place they were and telling Him that if He would return them to me, I would raise them in the truth and that I would personally make sure that they knew about Him and would take them to every service that I was physically able to. But... if He seen fit to give them back to me, I wanted them permanently (the back and forth was too hard emotionally) and I needed them with funding because raising kids is EXPENSIVE these days.
On the phone with my sister the next day (Sept 15), we were talking about it. I've been trying to keep her up to date with revival etc so I can convince her that she needs to move to Calgary...lol My phone beeped with an incoming call but I didn't recognize the number so I ignored it. My phone beeped again about 20 minutes later and it was my brother so I told my sister I had to take his call and I would call her right back. I dealt with my brother and started to call my sister back when I decided to check my voice mail. You have to know me to know how much this was a God thing. I can ignore voice mails for days. I've actually thought of having that feature taken off my phone because it's such a pain. 99.9% of messages are "Hey... call me" but for some reason (actually for a God reason!), I decided to check my messages and then call my sister. It was the supervisor... "Call me as soon as you get this and if you get my voice mail, hit 0"... I knew it was urgent. Called her back... got her voice mail... hit 0... they paged her. She says, "So, what do you think about what's been going on with (S)&(A)? Are you at home? Where are you? Can I call you back in a minute?" "Yes, I'm home... and yes, you can call me back!"
What a way to have a conversation. Called my sis back and told her what happened. She said, "I was just praying in my living room while I waited for you to call me back! I was shadow boxing and fighting the devil, saying 'TAKE THAT!' and then you called!" She was EXCITED. We talked a few more minutes and then disconnected so that I could wait for the supervisor to call me back.
Few minutes later she did... "Tell me what you think..." but I could tell she wasn't really listening to me. And I was very conservative in my statements as Exodus 14:14 kept coming back to me. I knew it didn't matter what was happening or what I thought because God was in control and His will was being done!
"If we reapprehend, are you available to take the kids?"
"ABSOLUTELY!"
"What about the baby?"
"Ouch, that's a hard question, but..... ok, we'll take him too"
"Ok... We've got a police escort and we'll be at their house by 3:30... we should be at your house by 4:30. You'll need formula, diapers, a crib, .... I'll bring a voucher with me. What else can you think of? Just let me know and I'll get you whatever you need."
I'm shocked... TODAY??? I had heard "If" we reapprehend... I thought they were just thinking about it... lol
My hubby walked in while I'm making a list with questioning eyes. I got off the phone and said, "The kids are coming home... they'll be here about 4:30."
I could've knocked him over with a feather. I didn't even have to... he almost fainted... lol
So... long story (wouldn't be me if it wasn't long... lol), we have them until this goes to court in Nov to be set for trial in the spring sometime... and Child Services has filed for PERMANENT CUSTODY! If PGO (Permanent Guardianship Order) granted at trial, we can then apply to adopt all 5 kids... WITH FUNDING!!! Paperwork has already been started for adoption... just waiting for the judge to hear the case. Oh... that reminds me... In the year that we had the 4 kids, we were praying for the right judge... "God, open his eyes" etc. But when the kids were returned, they were able to do it without going before a judge because the TGO (Temporary Guardianship Order) expired on July 12 so they were able to just go back. We were frustrated with the system because all along, we'd been praying for the right judge... and it didn't go before a judge! First instinct was to question God. But... I had learned early on in the year not to question God and I just felt that they had to return to (S)&(A) for everything to work in God's plan. Besides, it gave me the summer off to spend with my sister and her kids. God was just giving me a little break before the REAL fun began... lol
So... I'm sure there are 100 details that I've forgotten to post but I thought I'd get most of it out there for now.
If you ever start to doubt God's ability, His Grace, His Mercy, His Fullness, His generosity... etc etc... just come see me! I can reassure you that HE IS GOD and HE IS STILL ON THE THRONE!!!
Looooovvvve my JESUS!!!
For those of you who are close to me, you know the reason. For the rest of you... let me give it to you in a nutshell. Children!
Last year, I was in a job where I was not happy and my boss was unbearable. I had a few of my church sisters praying that I would either get a new job, or a new boss.
In July of last year, after receiving a frantic phone call from my husband's nephew, we went to their house and rescued their 4 children. The kids were 5 (r), almost 3 (c), and 13 month old twins (a & k). I have struggled with posting pics of the mess they came out of but for now, I'll just show you three pics. The first is the bedroom that all 6 of them shared (yes... 4 kids and 2 adults shared one room). The view you see is where (S)&(A) slept with the 13 month old twins... on top of all of the stuff you see in the pics. There is a twin size mattress in there somewhere with some deflated air mattresses on the floor beside it... not sure who slept where but I know the 4 of them slept in this area. The second and third pictures are the stove that was used to feed this family. I may post the rest of the pics on another day but this will give you a good idea of what prompted Child Services to step in.
This is coming from a family of 6 as described above, all living in a two bedroom basement suite that had two small basement windows (with security bars over both). One was in the bedroom that they all shared and the other in the kitchen. The bedroom without a window was dubbed the "ferret room" and the father (S) would not allow anyone to sleep in there because there was no window. (Some things don't make sense but God knew what He was doing.) They shared this apartment with a cat, a tank of fish, a gecko, a hamster, 2 (huge) rabbits and 3 ferrets. I won't even begin to describe the stench but imagine all of this without airflow and all animals kept inside. There was feces and urine... well, you can just imagine!
Needless to say, it wasn't great. But... God had a plan! When we would go to visit, we struggled with the question, "Do we call Child Services?" It was a very difficult decision and when it's family, it makes it that much harder. We would pray... (a lot!) that God would keep his hands on the kids... and we would cry... a lot! We feared the system. We had no clue what would become of the kids and whether we would ever see them again if they were taken. They would most surely be seperated... if lucky, they twins would be kept together.
We struggled... big time! We kept in contact with them and visited regularly... but we would always call a day ahead and let them know we would be over the next day... so we never realized how bad it really was. I never went into the bedrooms... only used their bathroom in emergencies... was afraid to see more than what was already visible. We knew there were issues... but never knew the extent.
Then my God stepped in! We received the call from S one Friday evening stating that he and the kids needed somewhere to stay for the weekend because their house was being condemned. We rushed to help and they came for 'the weekend'. (S) and 4 kids. Mother (A) had been banned due to abusive attitude with investigators. Monday morning, they voluntarily signed the kids over believing that it would be for a short period... possibly up to 3 weeks. Hmmm.... God had a bigger plan.
One of the best miracles in this story was how Child Services had come about to be involved. Like I said, we struggled with whether or not to call... but (S) made the initial call that started this journey. Let me explain. They lived in an illegal basement suite as you can gather from the above. They had a lease and it was stated in there that they were not to put a tent up in the backyard. (S)&(A) erected a dining tent in the backyard and were subsequently issued a 14 day eviction notice. Instead of taking down the tent... (S) thought he would get one over on the landlord and report him for providing an illegal suite... so he called the Landlord & Tenant Board. They sent an investigator to talk to (S)&(A) and when he got to their house, he called the Health Board due to the stench coming from the apartment. Once the Health Board arrived, they condemned the house and called Child Services to come get the children. So, we didn't have to make that dreaded phone call... God looked after it!!!
I quit my job in order to take care of these 4 children. I not only got a new job which I had been praying for, but I got 4 new bosses!... lol A 3 week plan turned into a 3 month plan... which turned into an additional 3 months... which turned into Child Services taking over for an additional 6 months.
In the meantime, another child was born into the mixture (m) in June of this year. To this day, (A) denies that she knew she was pregnant but there are signs to prove otherwise. Regardless... now a 5th child is in the house.
In July, after 273 days in our custody, the 4 kids were returned to (S)&(A). They now were caring for 5 kids aged 6, 4, 2 (twins) and a newborn. Their lives consisted of watching movies and playing horrendous, violent video games. (r) was taking the responsibility of (m) and carrying him around and taking him to (A) when he was crying to be fed etc. They were all unkempt and (k)'s exzema was back as bad as ever. Her legs and feet were cracked and bleeding. But I just kept feeling to bide my time and that God was in control and that He would take care of it all in His time! I felt to keep my peace and stay silent. One of the sisters in the church kept giving me scriptures that confirmed this over and over again. My favorite of those was Exodus 14:14 that states, "The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." As a side note, I am SO thankful for my sisters in Christ. I am ever so thankful when they follow their heart and share messages that God has given them for me specifically. They have affected my walk with God in SO many ways. Hubby struggled BIG TIME but actually obeyed advice to keep silent and let God work!
Two unannounced visits later and on September 15th, I receive a call from the caseworkers supervisor.
Let me back up just for a minute. July 12th was the date they were returned to (S)&(A). On Sept 11, Bro. Cody Marks preached a message that touched me deeply. He preached that God will give back what the devil has stolen from you. But, not only will He give back what was stolen, but will give so much more. Why do we settle with just what was stolen?
I was praying about this message the next morning (Sept 12) and thinking about the kids as it was the 2 month anniversary of them being returned to (S)&(A). I was praying and asking God if it was His will that they be in the place they were and telling Him that if He would return them to me, I would raise them in the truth and that I would personally make sure that they knew about Him and would take them to every service that I was physically able to. But... if He seen fit to give them back to me, I wanted them permanently (the back and forth was too hard emotionally) and I needed them with funding because raising kids is EXPENSIVE these days.
On the phone with my sister the next day (Sept 15), we were talking about it. I've been trying to keep her up to date with revival etc so I can convince her that she needs to move to Calgary...lol My phone beeped with an incoming call but I didn't recognize the number so I ignored it. My phone beeped again about 20 minutes later and it was my brother so I told my sister I had to take his call and I would call her right back. I dealt with my brother and started to call my sister back when I decided to check my voice mail. You have to know me to know how much this was a God thing. I can ignore voice mails for days. I've actually thought of having that feature taken off my phone because it's such a pain. 99.9% of messages are "Hey... call me" but for some reason (actually for a God reason!), I decided to check my messages and then call my sister. It was the supervisor... "Call me as soon as you get this and if you get my voice mail, hit 0"... I knew it was urgent. Called her back... got her voice mail... hit 0... they paged her. She says, "So, what do you think about what's been going on with (S)&(A)? Are you at home? Where are you? Can I call you back in a minute?" "Yes, I'm home... and yes, you can call me back!"
What a way to have a conversation. Called my sis back and told her what happened. She said, "I was just praying in my living room while I waited for you to call me back! I was shadow boxing and fighting the devil, saying 'TAKE THAT!' and then you called!" She was EXCITED. We talked a few more minutes and then disconnected so that I could wait for the supervisor to call me back.
Few minutes later she did... "Tell me what you think..." but I could tell she wasn't really listening to me. And I was very conservative in my statements as Exodus 14:14 kept coming back to me. I knew it didn't matter what was happening or what I thought because God was in control and His will was being done!
"If we reapprehend, are you available to take the kids?"
"ABSOLUTELY!"
"What about the baby?"
"Ouch, that's a hard question, but..... ok, we'll take him too"
"Ok... We've got a police escort and we'll be at their house by 3:30... we should be at your house by 4:30. You'll need formula, diapers, a crib, .... I'll bring a voucher with me. What else can you think of? Just let me know and I'll get you whatever you need."
I'm shocked... TODAY??? I had heard "If" we reapprehend... I thought they were just thinking about it... lol
My hubby walked in while I'm making a list with questioning eyes. I got off the phone and said, "The kids are coming home... they'll be here about 4:30."
I could've knocked him over with a feather. I didn't even have to... he almost fainted... lol
So... long story (wouldn't be me if it wasn't long... lol), we have them until this goes to court in Nov to be set for trial in the spring sometime... and Child Services has filed for PERMANENT CUSTODY! If PGO (Permanent Guardianship Order) granted at trial, we can then apply to adopt all 5 kids... WITH FUNDING!!! Paperwork has already been started for adoption... just waiting for the judge to hear the case. Oh... that reminds me... In the year that we had the 4 kids, we were praying for the right judge... "God, open his eyes" etc. But when the kids were returned, they were able to do it without going before a judge because the TGO (Temporary Guardianship Order) expired on July 12 so they were able to just go back. We were frustrated with the system because all along, we'd been praying for the right judge... and it didn't go before a judge! First instinct was to question God. But... I had learned early on in the year not to question God and I just felt that they had to return to (S)&(A) for everything to work in God's plan. Besides, it gave me the summer off to spend with my sister and her kids. God was just giving me a little break before the REAL fun began... lol
So... I'm sure there are 100 details that I've forgotten to post but I thought I'd get most of it out there for now.
If you ever start to doubt God's ability, His Grace, His Mercy, His Fullness, His generosity... etc etc... just come see me! I can reassure you that HE IS GOD and HE IS STILL ON THE THRONE!!!
Looooovvvve my JESUS!!!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Awaken the Master
Lyrics from song by Mike & Kelly Bowling - Your Cries Have Awoken the Master
Crossing the calm see with Jesus
The disciples were getting concerned
The winds started violently blowing
But He was asleep in the stern
“Does He not care that we perish?
We’re helpless and we’re so afraid”
Jesus arose when they called Him
And said to them, “Where is your faith?”
Chorus
Because you’ve prayed all night
Because you’ve held on with all of your might
Child, your cries have awoken the Master
Oh, He knows your voice
Lift your hands, it’s time to rejoice
Child, your cries have awoken the Master
It hit you without any warning
The storm of your life had begun
Seeing no hope in the distance
You’re frightened and nowhere to run
By now your vessel is filling
And you’re thinking that you’ll surely drown
You’ve cried out for help from the Saviour
And you know you can’t give up now
Chorus
Because you’ve prayed all night
Because you’ve held on with all of your might
Child, your cries have awoken the Master
Oh, He knows your voice
Lift your hands, it’s time to rejoice
Child, your cries have awoken the Master
Now you’re up there worrying
But He’s fast asleep
The winds are so deadly
The waters so deep
But try to be patient
Cause soon He’ll bring peace
Just one word from his voice
And it all must cease
Chorus
Because you’ve prayed all night
Because you’ve held on with all of your might
Child, your cries have awoken the Master
Oh, He knows your voice
Lift your hands, it’s time to rejoice
Child, your cries have awoken the Master
Child, your cries have awoken the Master
Crossing the calm see with Jesus
The disciples were getting concerned
The winds started violently blowing
But He was asleep in the stern
“Does He not care that we perish?
We’re helpless and we’re so afraid”
Jesus arose when they called Him
And said to them, “Where is your faith?”
Chorus
Because you’ve prayed all night
Because you’ve held on with all of your might
Child, your cries have awoken the Master
Oh, He knows your voice
Lift your hands, it’s time to rejoice
Child, your cries have awoken the Master
It hit you without any warning
The storm of your life had begun
Seeing no hope in the distance
You’re frightened and nowhere to run
By now your vessel is filling
And you’re thinking that you’ll surely drown
You’ve cried out for help from the Saviour
And you know you can’t give up now
Chorus
Because you’ve prayed all night
Because you’ve held on with all of your might
Child, your cries have awoken the Master
Oh, He knows your voice
Lift your hands, it’s time to rejoice
Child, your cries have awoken the Master
Now you’re up there worrying
But He’s fast asleep
The winds are so deadly
The waters so deep
But try to be patient
Cause soon He’ll bring peace
Just one word from his voice
And it all must cease
Chorus
Because you’ve prayed all night
Because you’ve held on with all of your might
Child, your cries have awoken the Master
Oh, He knows your voice
Lift your hands, it’s time to rejoice
Child, your cries have awoken the Master
Child, your cries have awoken the Master
Monday, June 20, 2011
Precious
The above picture was drawn by my grand-niece, Aaliyah.
One of her school teachers was going through some health issues and required a kidney transplant. The teacher`s husband was going to donate one of his kidneys but when they started the testing to see if he was eligible, they discovered he has stomach cancer. The school decided to have an auction to help the family and each student donated their `art` to be auctioned off.
Aaliyah`s parrot painting sold for $1500!!!
Aaliyah`s Mom had gotten married last summer to a wonderful man who loves Aaliyah as his own. Aaliyah`s Dad approached the gentleman that had purchased the painting and asked him how much he would sell it back to him for. The gentleman agreed to sell it to him for $53.
Now it hangs proudly in their home and I have my orders in for a painting of my own. You never know these days... it may be worth lots of money someday... lol
(Not that I could ever sell it)
But to me... she gave so readily... that`s priceless!!! I am SO proud of her!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Forgiveness
A letter written to a man on death row by the Father of the man killed by the death row inmate.
You are probably surprised that I, of all people, am writing a letter to you, but I ask you to read it in its entirety and consider its request seriously. As the Father of the man whom you took part in murdering, I have something very important to say to you.
I forgive you. With all my heart, I forgive you. I realize it may be hard for you to believe, but I really do. At your trial, when you confessed to your part in the events that cost my Son his life and asked for my forgiveness, I immediately granted you that forgiving love from my heart. I can only hope you believe me and will accept my forgiveness.
But this is not all I have to say to you. I want to make you an offer -- I want you to become my adopted child. You see, my Son who died was my only child, and I now want to share my life with you and leave my riches to you. This may not make sense to you or anyone else, but I believe you are worth the offer. I have arranged matters so that if you will receive my offer of forgiveness, not only will you be pardoned for your crime, but you also will be set free from your imprisonment, and your sentence of death will be dismissed. At that point, you will become my adopted child and heir to all my riches.
I realize this is a risky offer for me to make to you -- you might be tempted to reject my offer completely -- but I make it to you without reservation.
Also, I realize it may seem foolish to make such an offer to one who cost my Son his life, but I now have a great love and an unchangeable forgiveness in my heart for you.
Finally, you may be concerned that once you accept my offer you may do something to cause you to be denied your rights as an heir to my wealth. Nothing could be further from the truth. If I can forgive you for your part in my Son's death, I can forgive you for aything. I know you never will be perfect, but you do not have to be perfect to receive my offer. Besides, I believe that once you have accepted my offer and begin to experience the riches that will come to you from me, that your primary (though not always) response will be gratitude and loyalty.
Some would call me foolish for my offer to you, but I wish for you to call me your Father.
Sincerely,
God
When I read this, I was reminded once again that we must have forgiveness in our hearts if we are to be more like God... we carry too much 'baggage' and it will only lead to our destruction. Forgiveness also has to be turned inward and we must understand that we are human and we will make mistakes... as will our friends and loved ones. I also remembered Bro. Marks' demonstration with his own son. He stated that there is absolutely nothing that his children could do to make him love them any more or any less than he does at this moment. How great is our God!!!
I love living this life... I love my church... I love my Pastor and his beautiful wife... I love my friends and family... I love the preaching of Gods word... but above all, I LOVE GOD!!!!!
You are probably surprised that I, of all people, am writing a letter to you, but I ask you to read it in its entirety and consider its request seriously. As the Father of the man whom you took part in murdering, I have something very important to say to you.
I forgive you. With all my heart, I forgive you. I realize it may be hard for you to believe, but I really do. At your trial, when you confessed to your part in the events that cost my Son his life and asked for my forgiveness, I immediately granted you that forgiving love from my heart. I can only hope you believe me and will accept my forgiveness.
But this is not all I have to say to you. I want to make you an offer -- I want you to become my adopted child. You see, my Son who died was my only child, and I now want to share my life with you and leave my riches to you. This may not make sense to you or anyone else, but I believe you are worth the offer. I have arranged matters so that if you will receive my offer of forgiveness, not only will you be pardoned for your crime, but you also will be set free from your imprisonment, and your sentence of death will be dismissed. At that point, you will become my adopted child and heir to all my riches.
I realize this is a risky offer for me to make to you -- you might be tempted to reject my offer completely -- but I make it to you without reservation.
Also, I realize it may seem foolish to make such an offer to one who cost my Son his life, but I now have a great love and an unchangeable forgiveness in my heart for you.
Finally, you may be concerned that once you accept my offer you may do something to cause you to be denied your rights as an heir to my wealth. Nothing could be further from the truth. If I can forgive you for your part in my Son's death, I can forgive you for aything. I know you never will be perfect, but you do not have to be perfect to receive my offer. Besides, I believe that once you have accepted my offer and begin to experience the riches that will come to you from me, that your primary (though not always) response will be gratitude and loyalty.
Some would call me foolish for my offer to you, but I wish for you to call me your Father.
Sincerely,
God
When I read this, I was reminded once again that we must have forgiveness in our hearts if we are to be more like God... we carry too much 'baggage' and it will only lead to our destruction. Forgiveness also has to be turned inward and we must understand that we are human and we will make mistakes... as will our friends and loved ones. I also remembered Bro. Marks' demonstration with his own son. He stated that there is absolutely nothing that his children could do to make him love them any more or any less than he does at this moment. How great is our God!!!
I love living this life... I love my church... I love my Pastor and his beautiful wife... I love my friends and family... I love the preaching of Gods word... but above all, I LOVE GOD!!!!!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Paid In Full
A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.
As graduation day approached, the young man awaited for signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box.
Curious, and somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold. Angry, he rose his voice to his father and said, "With all your money, you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house.
Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him that his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.
When he arrived at his father's house, a sudden feeling of sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still boxed Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matt. 7:11, "And if ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father which is in Heaven, give to those who ask Him?"
As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words PAID IN FULL.
How many times do we miss God's blessings because we can't see past our own desires?
As graduation day approached, the young man awaited for signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box.
Curious, and somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold. Angry, he rose his voice to his father and said, "With all your money, you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house.
Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him that his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.
When he arrived at his father's house, a sudden feeling of sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still boxed Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matt. 7:11, "And if ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father which is in Heaven, give to those who ask Him?"
As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words PAID IN FULL.
How many times do we miss God's blessings because we can't see past our own desires?
Monday, April 4, 2011
Moms
I was listening to the radio while cleaning the house the other day and the song "The Hand that Rocks the Cradle" came on. As I was mopping away, I was listening to the lyrics and I started thinking about how important Moms are in this world. The lyrics go like this...
He got here and wrinkled scared and cryin'
The she took him up and held him to her breast
And he sure was glad to get what Mama offered
Then he went to sleep and put his fears to rest
It didn't seem to matter what he needed
He could always count on Mama to supply
And regardless of the sleep she might be losin'
He always found a twinkle in her eye
There ought to be a hall of fame for Mamas
Creation's most unique and precious pearls
And heaven help us always to remember
That the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world
She taught him all the attributes of greatness
That she knew he couldn't learn away from home
And by the time she wore the cover off her Bible
Her hair was gray and her little man was gone
There ought to be a hall of fame for Mamas
Creation's most unique and precious pearls
And heaven help us always to remember
That the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world
Yes, the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world
I thought of how God used a "Mom" to come to this world as a baby, Jesus Christ. Without a doubt, He could have used any method at all to make Himself visible to the world but He chose to use a MOM!
I can only imagine how Mary felt holding that tiny baby and looking into His perfect face. Holding His little hand and counting His toes. She would have rocked Him to sleep and watched Him grow. I'm sure she taught Him to say 'Mama' and 'Dada', wiped his tears and bandaged His scraped knees.
Then I got to thinking about my own Mom... I love her with all my heart. Do I tell her that enough? No... shamefully, I do not. But I must... she won't be around forever and I would never want to live with the regret of not telling her or showing her enough. So... I think I will send her flowers tomorrow, just because. Then maybe I'll send her one of my handmade cards, just because. And then I will surprise her and for once I'll call her instead of waiting for her to call me... Just because.
So... for all of you that are lucky enough to still have your Mom in your life as I do... thank God for her... tell her that you love her and take the time to do something nice for her today... I'm sure she deserves it!
I love you Mom!!!
He got here and wrinkled scared and cryin'
The she took him up and held him to her breast
And he sure was glad to get what Mama offered
Then he went to sleep and put his fears to rest
It didn't seem to matter what he needed
He could always count on Mama to supply
And regardless of the sleep she might be losin'
He always found a twinkle in her eye
There ought to be a hall of fame for Mamas
Creation's most unique and precious pearls
And heaven help us always to remember
That the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world
She taught him all the attributes of greatness
That she knew he couldn't learn away from home
And by the time she wore the cover off her Bible
Her hair was gray and her little man was gone
There ought to be a hall of fame for Mamas
Creation's most unique and precious pearls
And heaven help us always to remember
That the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world
Yes, the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world
I thought of how God used a "Mom" to come to this world as a baby, Jesus Christ. Without a doubt, He could have used any method at all to make Himself visible to the world but He chose to use a MOM!
I can only imagine how Mary felt holding that tiny baby and looking into His perfect face. Holding His little hand and counting His toes. She would have rocked Him to sleep and watched Him grow. I'm sure she taught Him to say 'Mama' and 'Dada', wiped his tears and bandaged His scraped knees.
Then I got to thinking about my own Mom... I love her with all my heart. Do I tell her that enough? No... shamefully, I do not. But I must... she won't be around forever and I would never want to live with the regret of not telling her or showing her enough. So... I think I will send her flowers tomorrow, just because. Then maybe I'll send her one of my handmade cards, just because. And then I will surprise her and for once I'll call her instead of waiting for her to call me... Just because.
So... for all of you that are lucky enough to still have your Mom in your life as I do... thank God for her... tell her that you love her and take the time to do something nice for her today... I'm sure she deserves it!
I love you Mom!!!
Friday, March 11, 2011
New heights...
I've been feeling like a rock climber lately when I think about my walk with God. There are too many days when I rely on my fellow climbers and the safety ropes.
I have to say... I'm enjoying this climb and the view but I want to get to the point where I can reply solely on Christ and see how high He can take me. I'm sure the view from there is WAY better.
I have to say... I'm enjoying this climb and the view but I want to get to the point where I can reply solely on Christ and see how high He can take me. I'm sure the view from there is WAY better.
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