A few Sundays ago the term “ full court press” dropped in my spirit. I’m talking out of the blue this basketball term came to mind and I haven’t watched a game in quite a while. I was pretty certain I knew what it meant but asked on social media anyway to see what people said. As different people described the strategy, I realized that it’s kind of like ALL OUT DEFENSE, all the way down the court. I sensed there was a spiritual element to this which was why I began thinking about it. Opening up my “notes app”, I typed “full court press” and left the note blank.
As a few weeks passed by I came across scripture in my daily reading and added them to my note, not knowing how I was to pull this together. Not only has this basketball strategy been on my mind, also a few different events have happened. Last Sunday my Pastor preached a message titled Next Generation. Then yesterday my husband Ron was talking to a friend at the gym. As they walked side by side on treadmills the man told Ron about people in his church. Sounds like many went to church but their everyday lives weren’t lived as Christians. That’s what I call a “Sunday morning Christian”. Then another person shared with me that her adult son says all she talks about is God.
Truth be told, my own son has said the same about us before. If I remember correctly, I explained it by saying when someone fully completely surrenders to Jesus, He is all that matters. Israel & New Breed have a song titled Jesus at the Center. The lyric as so moving. I will post a YouTube music video at the end of this blog so you can listen.
So how does this all tie in together? We need a ”full court press”, all out defense, when it comes to life and dealing with the devil and his deception. The devil sits on the sidelines eating popcorn, while Team Christian are playing their own game, not listening to The Coach Jesus! Jude 1:3-4 says, “Dear friends, I’ve dropped everything to write you about this life of salvation that we have in common. I have to write insisting—begging!—that you fight with everything you have in you for this faith entrusted to us as a gift to guard and cherish. What has happened is that some people have infiltrated our ranks (our Scriptures warned us this would happen), who beneath their pious skin are shameless scoundrels. Their design is to replace the sheer grace of our God with sheer license—which means doing away with Jesus Christ, our one and only Master.”(MSG). Folks, this is serious business. It’s time to pray like never before. Being a Christian is all about having a relationship with Jesus. You can’t have a relationship if you don’t spend time with someone and value time spent together. God wants all of you. Not just the parts you are willing to share with Him. Come on! Generations are at stake. The world needs to see our love for God and our surrender. Our walk needs to match our talk. 1 Peter 2:9 tells us, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (NLT)
It’s past time for a “full court press”, all out defense. I see people struggling to live victoriously. In all honesty, we can’t do it alone. We need to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. Today I read the following scripture: “But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.”Jude 1:20-23 (NLT)
I know life is tough. It’s easy to focus on struggles and problems. What we need to do is get over ourselves. Thinking of ourselves less, frees us to focus on Jesus and the things that are of Him. 1 Peter 1:6 -9 says, “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.” (NLT)
Let’s rise up and seek the Lord like never before. Walk in unity and love. Pray and praise your way through each day. Build up your brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s let our light shine for Jesus glory. Full court press, all out defense…. from the moment you wake up until you lay your head down at night. Defense! All throughout your day. Let’s go! The world is watching. Team huddle…1,2,3…all for JESUS!
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.
I’m laying here on the bed considering “calling it a day and hitting the hay“ For anyone reading this outside the USA, thats just a figure of speech meaning I’m tired and ready for a good nights sleep. My heart is so full right now though and while the day is fresh on my mind, I figured I would get some blogging done.
It seems like this is going to be one of those really transparent blogs. From time to time those are good to share. I love when people are real and genuine.
Towards the end of summer my Bible study group decided to pick up with our Fall study. The only setback was our leader was a part of a different study and wasn’t able to join us. When the girls asked if I would lead the study, I remember slowly responding, okay. Inwardly I was asking God, “Are you serious Lord? How can I do this? I cant see the book. “. There are four girls in our Bible study group: one hearing and three deaf. I am also legally blind. We all have different reading skills and different ways of learning. I knew the book we were planning to do was a bit difficult for a couple of our members but they wanted to try anyway. Over the summer one had told me she liked it best when someone explained things to her. Kind of like acting it out in story form. I have kept that in mind.
Funny thing, when you tell God He’s got the wrong person for the job, He will prove you wrong. I cant tell you how many times I’ve flat out said “Lord help me. I cant do this”. Every time I buckled down to give it my best try, I end up standing amazed at how God is working.
I can’t see the book unless it is under my video magnifier machine. So I sit in our home office in from of my machine with the book zoomed in so I can see. I have my ipad notes ready to take notes to teach from and use the iPhone to look up scripture on YouVersion app. I like being able to see different transplations,when trying to interpret into sign language. Some translations are easier to interpret than others. Sign language is in a different word order and conceptual. As I prepare my notes I’m trying to see it from their perspective and word the notes in such a way they can really gleam from the study. Since it’s hard for me to even see my ipad notes unless they are zoomed in large, going over the notes again and again so I dont have to look frequently has been the best approach so far and the girls are participating. That is so so beautiful.
Over the last two weeks we have been studying Leah and Rachel who were both married to Jacob. To be honest, I’m not a fan of speculation. God has given us His Holy Bible that was inspired by the Holy Spirit. In my point of view, you don’t add anything to it nor take anything away from it. While we are getting a lot out of the this study, some things the author says doesn’t quite sit right with us. Meaning we aren’t in total agreement, simply because the author speculates about certain aspects of the study. This really creates some awesome discussions among us. Today one of my deaf friends took the open Bible on the table and began searching for a certain scripture to prove her point. My other deaf friend thought she knew what she was looking for and they found it together. Talking about awesome. These two girls just bought their bibles last fall and now they are digging in deeper to see what God has to say about something. That is a truly beautiful thing. There is nothing more beautiful that a person fully surrendered and submissive to the Lord.
I would have never thought I’d ever be teaching a bible study. However I am a willing empty vessel that God is choosing to prove He can use. It is so humbling and exhausting. God can use anything He wants to full fill His divine purpose.
Just about every week I find myself saying, “God help me. I can’t do this. It’s too much.” Then in response, each time I say that, God pours His grace, enabling God to get it done. I am in awe of how God works. He chooses the broken things to bring about His desires.
Moral of this blog, never say never. In everything do it for the glory of God. You’d be surprised at how many people are watching how we handle situations. Make it a priority to shine for the Lord. It’s a dark world in need of light. Be willing to be a light for Jesus.
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.
Years ago when my son Joshua was 6, we took tae kwon do lessons together. I loved it but he never really took a keen interest. Before each class we had to recite some “reminders”. I still remember two: Always finish what you start and always be ready or prepared. To this day, nearly 20 years later, these reminders still apply to every day life. Whether you are training to spar, preparing to teach a Bible study lesson, preparing cookies for book club, or spiritually training to be ready for what the enemy daily throws, you must be prepared. You must be ready.
I haven’t written a blog post since the war began in Israel. The conflict is alarming and much prayer is needed. I’m not extremely familiar with end times prophecy, although my husband Ron is knowledgeable. He has always been intrigued about prophecy and the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I do much Bible study but it’s more for daily living. Daily preparation to get through life’s struggles.
With the events unfolding in Israel our conversation has turned more to prophecy. All my life I have seen signs of the times and prophecy is a roadmap to current events. It’s like labor pains in pregnancy. As the time nears for a woman to give birth her labor pains increase in intensity and that is what we are seeing in the world today.
Luke 21 verses 5 through 36, is full of information and I urge you to read it. Israel became a nation in 1948. According to Luke 21:32, “I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place.”( NLT) The last time Israel declared war was in 1973, 20 years ago. Take into consideration that Israel is surrounded by enemies that want to see them destroyed . They are Gods chosen people. Also consider the scripture, “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NLT). Folks this is where we are today. Scripture is unfolding right before our eyes.
The question must be addressed. Are you ready for Jesus Christ soon return? Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Are you anticipating His soon return? Are you living in such a way to bring glory to God? Are you ready?
About a week ago Ron was watching a pastor on YouTube talking about the end times. The pastor said he believed many in the church would leave the service unable to tell you what the message was really about . I believe many play the part of being a Christian. What it really boils down to is who you belong to. Do you belong to Jesus or do you belong to the world? God calls us to be set apart from the world. We have to live in the world but we don’t have to be like the world. God wants us to be true to Him, not just play the part.
Always be ready. 1 Timothy 4:12 says, “ Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” (NLT) There comes a time when we need to take inventory of our lives and honestly think about why we do the things we do. Sometimes we must ask ourselves the hard questions and finish what we star. This present world is passing away. Eternity is forever. Do you know where you will spend eternity? Stop, drop and roll doesn’t work in hell!
If you have wandered away from Jesus, He is always willing to forgive us when we confess our sins and repent. He is waiting for you with open arms. If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, there is no time like the present to surrender toHim. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (NKJV)
I invite you to say this simple prayer if you desire to surrender to Jesus. Dear Heavenly Father I come to you in the name of Jesus. I believe that Jesus is the son of God. I confess my sins to you and ask you to forgive me and wash me clean. I desire to have a relationship with you and learn your ways. I need your help and trust you to help me every step of the way. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins and thank you for coming back to life on the third day. Thank you for the victory and free gift of salvation. I invite you into my heart. I love you Jesus Amen. Welcome to the family of God.
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!
A couple of days ago my husband Ron and son Joshua humored me by agreeing to a Fall afternoon of kayaking. We had not seen Joshua in over a week but he had the day off and agreed to join us. I was so excited; a few hours doing one of my favorite things with my favorite guys.
This was our first time going as a family. I had gone with Ron once and had gone with Joshua once, but since we just have two kayaks we borrowed one from a friend. It was a beautiful sunny Fall day with a slight breeze. This may have been our last paddle of the season because the next night temperatures dipped down into the 40’s.
How can I describe the sheer joy and happiness those few hours brought me? Being on the water is so relaxing, especially when there aren’t many boats out. The beauty of nature with the sun shining and breeze tickling my skin makes me smile from my heart. What a feeling! The sky was reflecting off the calm water. We didn’t talk that much out on the water. I did wear my old cochlear implant processor though. We would paddle a ways then pull together for a water break and to chat a bit.
I found out later that neither of them had wanted to go but they both knew how much I love it and they wanted to do it for me. I am thankful for these two. Joshua has grown up and Ron has been having some health issues over the summer. Relaxing times with just the three of us doesn’t happen often but it sure did bring joy to my heart and they both ended up having a good time. I do believe they will do it again next season. I think the trick to drawing them will be finding new interesting places to explore and catching Joshua when he’s not busy.
Live in the moment and cherish times spent with those you love. Tomorrow is not promised. If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!
Has it ever crossed your mind what your aim is in life? During different stages of life my aim has changed. Currently I’m happy when I make it through the day, still standing, with a sense of humor. The last few months have thrown some “ugly pitches” (and no I don’t like baseball). Things pertaining to my experience living with hearing and visual issues I can share. Other situations when I’m along for the ”rollercoaster ride” with a different role, I’m not able to share. Whether it’s the role of wife, mom, Bible study member or whatever, I want to be ”all I need to be” in every role.
Truth be told, it can be exhausting. Recently my husband and I were sitting at the kitchen table talking after dinner. I told him I felt so tired and drained. (granted, we have had quite some hurdles lately in life) I explained when I’m with deaf people my eyes are strained trying to see sign language. When I’m with hearing people, I’m trying hard to understand and I can only do so much in that area. When I’m doing Bible reading my iPad is zoomed in large on YouVetsion app. When I’m doing Bible study, I’m sitting at my video magnifier with the study book, making notes for the girls in the group on my ipad, looking up scripture and words to explain meaning. When it’s all combined I feel overwhelmed by it all. God has really opened my husbands eyes to see how I feel and it’s so nice to be understood. As we sat there talking, I admitted that I would probably not be where I am spiritually if I could hear and see everything. God has me at a place where I depend heavily on Him for strength, courage and resilience. Is it hard? YES! Is it worth the struggle? Oh YES! While it is hard, I am at a point where I feel the eternal benefits of my limitations. I don’t have all the distractions of the world to compete with my focus on Jesus. My aim is to serve Jesus. I love how Colossians 1:29 puts it: “That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.”(NLT) (As a true Southern would say, “now ain’t that the truth!)
My aim is to be pleasing to the Lord in whatever role I am in. So often my prayer is, “Lord I can’t do this. You’re going to have to help me.” God has given me a sensitive heart to the needs of those around me.
Two days ago I had lunch with a friend at Chick-fil-A. As we were talking (sign language) one of the employees was persistently trying to help us. As I observed his mannerism I realized he was special needs. It dawned on me that he was connected to us because we too are “different”. My friend and I are both hearing impaired. It took extra effort to understand him but I tried my best. It’s my desire to bless those around me. 2 Corinthians 5:9 says,“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.” (NKJV)
Sometimes God gives us opportunities that we don’t feel equipped for. About a month ago my Bible study group asked me to lead the study we are doing. While I do much study on my own and God has taught me much, I still feel inadequate. You need to be able to see the book to teach. You need to be able to read scripture. I was like… but Lord I can’t do this! Two in our group are completely deaf and I know the book is a bit of a challenge. While I can’t carry my video magnifier around to use to teach, I figured I could make good notes on my iPad and zoom in to teach from those notes. As I work on the notes and lessons, I ask God to help me simplify it in a way to get the message across in an understandable way. Defining any words to bring the meaning to life for them. Today was our third lesson and somehow with Gods help I am doing it. One friend gave me a ride home afterwards and mentioned I was doing well. I was pretty stunned. I told her right before our time to get together I said , “Lord help me do this. I need your help.” I will never understand how God works but I know from experience when we make ourselves available, He will pour into us and use us for His glory. Psalms 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with my eye.”(NKJV)
While my hearing and visual senses are way off, I am grateful the Lord gives me spiritual aim to keep my focus on what’s important in life. I love Acts 20:24: “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”(NKJV) That’s what it’s all about. Let your aim be high and you true focus on Jesus. He will take you places in life you otherwise would never attain.
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!
I love a good rain storm and don’t mind walking in the rain. A little rain never hurt anybody. Although I have yet to actually “dance” in the rain.
What about life’s “storms”. With as many “life storms” I’ve gone through in my 54 years, I should be a professional dancer by now but of course I’m not. Each “life storm” has its own “song” and this one has left us trying to catch the “beat”.
It’s kind of ironic because yesterday during Bible study we talked about how God always sees what we are going through. He is sovereign. Absolutely nothing takes Him by surprise. We have to trust God in the waiting. That’s a lot easier said than done. We also talked about how God knows our breaking point. He knows exactly how much we can take. God is not going to give us more than we can handle and He is right there with us.
Another thing we discussed in Bible study was things that seem impossible. The irony of it all, I’m sitting there teaching about El Roi, the God who’s sees and I begin to share what all is going on in life and ask, “God do you see all this?” My friend Tami was sitting across from me and started signing “Abraham, Abraham. Abraham”. You might wonder why. Abraham had to wait a LONG time for his promise. But God made a promise to him and all Gods promises are yes in Christ Jesus.
We aren’t thrilled about this current “season”. Geez it is hurricane season of life. One after another, they come through. May we have this dance? No choice but to get out there an boogie. Although I am changing the music here. Today I told my husband Ron, I wish I could sing because he would like the song playing inside me. He said to sing it anyway. The lyrics I sang we this: “Almighty fortress, you go before us. Nothing can stand against the power of God. You shine in the shadow, you win every bottle. Nothing can stand against the power of God”. ( Battle Belongs, Phil Wickhan) Yes we will dance to that. And the next song will be, Yes I Will (Vertical Worship) “I count on one thing, the same God that never fails , will not fail me now, you won’t fail me now. In the waiting, the same God who’s never late, is working all things out, your working all things out.”
So in this apparent hurricane season of life we will praise God through it all and watch Him work it out. I’m attaching the YouTube song video links below . Take a listen and join us in our “dance”. Perhaps we should create s whole playlist of worship songs. Comment any suggestions.
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!
When you dig deep, revelations come to light. Some people read the Bible on a “surface level”. You know just read a few verses and give yourself a check mark for the day. One check off on my to do list. God wants us to go deeper. He wants to bring things to light as we study. When I read the Bible I invite the Holy Spirit into my quiet time. I invite Him to bring things to light that are hidden. I invite Him to change me for His glory.
My Bible study group has started up again, studying women of the Bible. Lately I have been studying the account of Hagar in Genesis 16. What a fitting place to start. The girls have asked me to teach this go round. It is through Hagar that God reveals Himself as “The God who sees.”
God sure has a sense of humor. If you only knew the inadequacy that I feel in accepting this role. My hearing loss is not an issue since others in the group are deaf and one is hearing. However with my low vision I can not see the book without my video magnifier. Okay Lord you are going to have to really help me! (And that is such an understatement). This is just a little “scratch on the surface”.
As I began the study, I had my iPad out to take notes, iPhone out to use YouVersion for scripture reading and the study book itself. I put it all under the video magnifier except my iPad. (which is always zoomed large.) I figured I could use the notes to teach. As it turned out, I felt led to simplify the notes to also share with the group. In all honesty it is a time consuming process but when one friend said it helped her to understand better, it made it worth all the effort. When somone is deaf at a young age, it affects their language skills. This is going to be a team effort. Where I lack good vision, they see well. Where they may lack fluent English skills, I can help there. My friend Tami said she would be my eyes. So this week we will go over our first chapter on Hagar.
Speaking of Hagar, what an ironic place to start. Let me briefly sum up Genesis 16 if you’re not familiar with the story. God reveals Himself to Abraham and tells him to leave his place of birth for an unknown land God would give him (Canaan). Once Abraham and Sarah reached the land, there was a severe famine so they lived temporarily in Egypt. Abraham asked Sarah to tell the Egyptians she was his sister because she was very beautiful. Using this deception shows Abraham did not fully trust God with their protection in Egypt. Sarah was brought to Pharaoh and he gave Abraham servants and animals. This is how they gotHagar, Sarah’s servant. God sent a plague on pharaoh because of Sarah, so he sent them away. They returned to Canaan and settled there. God had made a promise to Abraham, that he would be the father of many nations yet Abraham and Sarah had no children and were very very old. Sarah came up with a plan to “help God out” by taking Hagar and giving her to Abraham as a wife so she could have children for her. This was not God idea but a shortcut to the goal. God doesn’t want our help. He wants our obedience. Hagar conceived then despises Sarah, who then blames Abraham for the problems with Hagar. Sarah mistreats Hagar and she flees to the wilderness. There the Angel of the Lord finds her and reveals Himself to her. God reveals Himself as El Roi, the God who sees.
That was the shortest version of Genesis 16 I could share. Please refer to the scripture if you aren’t familiar with the story.
One of the key lessons I learned from Hagar is “God sees me”. He sees me when I hurt. He sees me when I fall short. He sees when my attitude isn’t right. He sees the good, the bad and the ugly, yet He loves me.
Recently I came Isaiah 48:10 that says, “Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.”(NKJV) Yeah Lord I surely know. In all honesty I do find myself wondering, “God do you see all this? There are many afflictions in life that not only touch me but also my family. Like Hagar I find myself crying out to God. Yet I know God is sovereign. He is in complete control. I can fully trust Him. He is with us regardless of what we go through. We are never alone. There is scripture in Isaiah that touches me deeply. “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah 43:1-2 (NKJV)
I find this to be very encouraging. I know I’m not alone. There are many going through hard difficulties right now. God sees us. I don’t know the whys. All I know is to trust Him and live in obedience for His glory. When He opens a door, even if you don’t feel adequate, step forward! He will meet you there. So this week I’m going to be obedient and lesd Bible study. Well honestly, I’m going to be a willing empty vessel for Him to fill and pour into others. God is doing a deep work in my heart. It’s hard and humbling but I’m grateful. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!
Yesterday while changing the sheets I felt the rectangular shape inside the lining of my pillow. Several years ago I put a picture inside the lining of my pillow. (I honestly don’t remember exactly when I did it.) Yesterday when I was changing the sheets I decided to open the pillow liner and see which picture it was. Lo and behold, it was was our son Joshuas “Identi-Kid” 2009 id from elementary school. No, it hasn’t been in my pillow liner for that long. I guess I picked that one because as an id, it’s thicker and would last longer than a normal picture.
You might be wondering why in the world I did that and it’s still in there. Hear me out! I strongly believe in prayer! You could even label me a“radical prayer warrior”. You wouldn’t be far from the truth. Truth be told, when I wake up at night and feel that picture, I pray for our son.
Just yesterday I saw an Instagram video story of him and a friend in Florida in the Atlantic Ocean. He’s helping a friend move back to Charlotte. You know Hurricane Idalia is brewing off the gulf coast of Florida. I showed my husband Ron the video and asked if it was Joshua and his friend and he said it was. I texted him and said, “I saw that video. Isn’t the surf rough? Looks very rough!” I was relieved when he responded, “Yes it was rough but it was fun.” I texted back, “Y’all are crazy! Be safe!” He replied, “You know it!”
He is ALL boy! I could tell you some nerve wracking stories. Some good and some I want to forget. Always seeking one adventure or another. As a mom of course I worry. Over the last twenty five years, I’ve learned that worrying does nothing but prayer changes things. He told me this summer that I’m a little over the top. I bet deep down in that tough guy but sweet heart of his, he’s glad he’s got a praying momma.
Im going to keep that picture in my pillow. When I feel it at night, I will continue to lift up a prayer for our son. As parents we can’t always be there physically but our Abba Father sure can. I found the perfect little sign a while back. It says “Give it to God and go to sleep”. It’s the perfect reminder for me.
My sign and daily reminder.
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!
I can’t let this weekend end without giving a BIG shout of PRAISE to the LORD! Yesterday 8/26/23 marked my brother Forrest bone marrow transplant birthday #3! Thank you God for this walking miracle! He is a true testimony that God can bring you through the darkest time. It was a tough experience that I can’t begin to even fathom BUT GOD brought him through. Hallelujah! He and family cling to Psalms 91. Today he is doing well and encouraging others going through this same ordeal. He shines the light of the Lord in the darkness of their trials, bringing hope. We are so proud of him and thank God for bringing him through!
Excuse me while I have a praise session…..🙌🙌I will sing of ..all you’ve done, I’ll remember how far you carried me. From the beginning …til the end…. You are faithful, faithful til the end🙌 Thank you Lord for answered prayers!
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