LIKE HEAVEN TO ME

Some heart thoughts from my journal.....

LIKE HEAVEN TO ME

Busyness beckons, schedules shout!

Pins need pinning, blog posts call out!

But I hear His sweet voice calling unto me....

"Daughter, won't you come and sit awhile and share your heart with me?"

Busyness beckons, schedules shout!

Pins need pinning, blog posts call out!

And again I hear His sweet voice calling unto me....

"Daughter, won't you come and sit awhile and share your heart with me?"

Love patiently lingers....My Saviour waits for me.

 His divine invitation strumming the cords of my weary heart.

Love leaning closely listening for my reply.

My surrendered heart now melting...

"Oh yes Lord, all else I will deny!"

In quietness and stillness 

I will sit in your Presence

and 

listen to the whispers of your love.

Stillness...Listening...Waiting...Longing

Drawing closer to Him

Love drawing closer to me

Deep calling unto deep

Doors of my weary heart wide open now

Tears flowing

Heartaches pouring

Divine exchange

Questions answered

Weariness fleeing

Strength poured in

Wisdom imparted

Healing flowing

Burdens lifted

Light shining

Darkness fleeing

Hope arising

Blessed assurance

Faith soaring

Peace abounding

Joy astounding

Time seemingly standing still as the depths of my heart are poured into His and His into mine.

Held within the embrace of His loving arms of mercy and amazing grace!

Busyness beckons, schedules shout!

Pins need pinning, blog posts call out!

And again I hear His sweet voice calling unto me....

"Daughter, won't you come and sit awhile and share your heart with me?"

"Oh yes, Lord...All else must wait!"

Your Presence is all I need!


Your Presence is all I want!


In the glory of your Presence I find peace that makes me whole!


In the glory of your Presence I find rest for my weary soul!

"Oh yes, Lord!"
In quietness and stillness 

I will sit in your Presence

and 

listen to the whispers of your love.

Your Presence is like Heaven to me!

He's waiting........


Love and Sweet Blessings!

HEY YA'LL!!! UPDATE!!

Hey ya'll!!!!

Ok, so my last post was uh....almost three months ago.....I can't believe it!! So much going on here I hardly know where to begin!  BUT, before I begin, I want to thank each of you for praying for my Sweet Mama and my family.  You have no idea how much your emails of encouragement and prayer have meant.  Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart!  Many a day I've felt like I could fall apart, but thru His strength and encouragement and prayers of sweet friends I'm taking it one day at a time......Bless you!!!  I may not know what today holds, but I know our todays and tomorrows are in His hands and He always brings us through!!! 

Mama is still with us but it's really been a very rough road.  She beat the pneumonia, but her transition (as hospice calls it) has been difficult to say the least.  Some days are better than others and my daily vigil by her side has been so heart breaking. However, true to my mama's ways, she remains an example and deep reservoir of encouragement and true faith and trust in the One who holds her in the palm of His hand.....she is such an amazing women of faith and I count it as a true honor to have her as my mom!!!  My sister, Diane, stayed for a month and we made such rich and lasting memories as we sat with mama and took many trips down memory lane and reminisced of bygone days.....moments that will forever be etched upon my heart and precious nuggets to treasure.  One of my favorite moments was when we crawled into bed with her....I'll never forget that moment....we hugged, giggled and cried....priceless!!

Well, in the midst of all this, we were informed that the house we were leasing was in foreclosure and would be sold on the courthouse steps!  Our landlord just pocketed our rent and let the house go!  You may recall we sold our home last year and leased this house (which I loved!) with the plan of staying here until hubs retires in a few years and move back to Phoenix (he works in N. AZ).  But those plans came to a screeching halt when the lease house was purchased by investors with the intention of flipping it and would not entertain continuing our lease....SO BUMMED, YA'LL!!!  I'd really nested and settled in that house and I'm a nesting, decorating, wanna be settled kinda gal!   Thank God I found a cute, but little, small, tiny, bungalow style house.....uh, I think you get the picture....cute, BUT TINY, bungalow  house that was vacant so we leased it and I went into "throw everything overboard" mode and quickly got into my downsize AGAIN pack and move groove.  All the while, visiting mama most everyday, endless phone calls with medicare, medicaid, hospice, etc. (the federal red tape is just too much) and rushing to make numerous trips to donate stuff to Goodwill, and Salvation Army and local charities.  I even managed to have a mother-load garage sale and sold allot of my lodge/rustic/moose decor and got some cash to decorate my new TINY place....another post on that another time...hint - I switched from moose lodge to beach cottage (weird to think of beach cottage in northern AZ mountains I know...but I'm lovin it, ya'll!). We managed to move without too much fanfare....just allot of sore muscles, short tempers and bruises....news flash - I'm not 25 anymore!! : )) Unpacking stuff and re-settling is just the pits but we're getting there - thank God!  I did, however, do the DUMBEST thing, ya'll!........   

In an attempt to hurriedly decorate the space above my kitchen cabinets with the cutest stuff from Home Goods and Ross, I climbed onto the counter without a ladder and without my hubs home to help and slipped and fell and clobbered my leg pretty bad.....it was almost one of those "my life flashing before me moments" as I fell!  Seriously, I know that His angels kept me from hitting my head on the island....I would have landed on my neck and I can't bear to think of what would of happened!  I laugh about it now, but it was no laughing matter at the time....note to self - you're not 25 anymore!  So, my decorating stunt put me out of commission for a while spending allot of couch time watching American Pickers and Storage Wars - not sure why I like these show so much except maybe it's comforting to see that there are people out there that amassed more junk, stuff to get rid of than me! LOL!  

Side note...For some odd reason I've also found Swamp People to be strangely entertaining....anybody else out there find the alligator huntin', cajun bayou culture interesting?  Just curious!!  

Anyway, I still managed  to limp over to the nursing home and visit mama as much as possible, unpack, rest (???!) and continue to trust Him and take it one day at a time!

I mentioned above that ALLOT has happened in the last ninety days......So much that my head spins somedays.  My hubs had a health scare but praise God it turned out ok!  I had a severe bronchitis attack and also weird excruciating nerve pain in my jaw that required that I take strong migraine/anti-seizure meds to calm the nerves down so the pain would subside.....the meds made me sick as a dawg and again I was put out of commission but praise God I'm on the mend now! Thank You Jesus!!

And lastly, with a sad heart I want to share that Chris and Laraine (my son and DIL) lost yet another pregnancy and she had to have subsequent surgery.  Wild horses couldn't have kept me from being there with my kids as they went through this heartache again.  So, in the midst of all the other chaos and demands going on in my life, I dropped everything and went to Phoenix to help and be there for them for a few days.....that's what mothers do....love, pray, support and encourage, isn't it.  That's the example my Sweet Mama has lived out before me and sowed into my life and I am so grateful.....and that's, with His help, what I want to be for my children!  Also, I covet your prayers for Chris and Laraine.  We are standing firm upon the promises of God for grand-babies!!!

Also, you may recall that my daughter Katie fell ill several months ago and I wasn't able to leave my mama at that point in time and go be with her in Florida.  She is doing well and I so appreciate your prayer for her!  I still haven't been able to go but my hubs was able to fly out for a visit last month and I hope to get there soon!!  I sure miss her and would love to be transported to Florida this very moment and lay on the beach with her......if only!!!!

Oh, and the icing on the cake......I got a "speeding" ticket last week in my neighborhood.....I was clocked at the break neck speed of 38 in a 35!!!!!  OMG 38 in a 35....can't a girl catch a break!!! (Just had to vent a little)!!! : ))

Seriously, no doubt the last 90 days have been peppered with heart ache, tears, frustration, disappointment, fatigue, cratering emotions and stress.  But as I type this post and reflect again, I also see 90 days flowered with the beauty of His presence, mercy, strength, grace, power, favor, healing, encouragement, protection and faithfulness!  Where would I be without Him!!!  Praise Him Forevermore!

Well, I'm so glad that I unpacked my Mac and got plugged back in today and I look forward to "hearing" about what's going on in your bloggy corner of the world.  Your words and ponderings bless me so....I've really missed ya'll!!!  Gotta run....gotta a whole lotta unpacking and settling in and nursing home visit to do today!!!

Thank you again, dear bloggin' friends for your prayers and encouragement!  You are such a blessing in my life.....I continually lift you before the Throne of Grace!  We serve a Mighty God!!

Let's always remember.........

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you,

He will never leave nor forsake you.

Do not be discouraged.

Deut 31:8 NIV

HE IS FAITHFUL!!

Love,

THE GREAT SHEPHERD'S LOVE......

Hey ya'll!

I pray that each of you had a wonderfully blessed weekend!  Alot going on here, my heart is full and allot to share so this post is a bit longer than usual.  But I pray that you'll stick with me to the end...

I    hardly    know    where   to   begin,  but  want  to first share that 

little   did   I   know (BUT HE DID)  that  my  last  Thursday's   post 

"STAY FOCUSED" would become the Word of the Lord...a Living Word and anchor from His Heart to mine by Friday afternoon.  I shared in Thursday's post that the Lord has been speaking to me allot lately about keeping my eyes set and fully focused upon Him and guarding my mind against runaway thoughts of doubt, fear and unbelief and securely placing my hope, faith and trust upon Him and His promises LIKE NEVER BEFORE.

On Friday afternoon, as I was walking in the door with an already heavy heart from visiting my Sweet Mama at the nursing home, we received a call from our dear SIL Bryan that our daughter, Katie,  had fallen seriously ill and was rushed to the hospital.  Of course, as with any parent, receiving news that your child is in crisis or peril sends a jolt to your heart and mind, but as I learned the news about Katie it was as though I could hear the words of my last post...."STAY FULLY FOCUSED UPON HIM"!..."KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS AND GAZE FIXED UPON HIM AND HIS PROMISES"....."IT'S TIME TO BE BELIEVERS WHO REALLY BELIEVE HE WILL DO WHAT HE SAID HE WILL DO AND PLACE OUR COMPLETE FOCUS, TRUST AND THOUGHTS UPON HIM AND ABIDE IN HIS PERFECT PEACE"!........

I knew immediately in my Spirit that this was why He has been speaking so strongly to my heart about keeping my focus upon Him and His Word and reigning in any and all  thoughts that were contrary to His Promises.  As I sat down at the kitchen table with my husband and began to pray, the strongest sense of PEACE I've ever experienced came up from within me....a Peace that is beyond understanding...Glory to His name!!  When my mind was tempted to wander and be carried away with worry, it was as if a Holy Spirit magnet would draw my thoughts quickly back to His Promises and into His Peace!

We were up most of the night praying and on the phone with Bryan getting updates and I finally fell asleep in the early hours before daybreak Saturday.  As I was waking up, I began to pray Psalm 23 over Katie....As a parent I wanted so much to hold and comfort her but they live in another state....my heart was aching.  I continued to pray Psalm 23 and found my heart personalizing it just for her.  It brought this mama's heart such comfort to know that The Great Shepherd was with my child and holding, protecting and ministering to her every need.  I then felt led to  paraphrase and personalize Psalm 23 over myself, my husband and each of my children and their spouses...the anointing was so strong as I layed upon my bed before daybreak praying His Word in such a personalized way.  After awhile, I found myself praying over both mine and my sisters entire family!  There seems to be so many of my loved ones walking through deep valley's right now.  The anointing was so sweet and strong upon my prayer time....It was as if The Great Shepherd was tenderly holding each of my loved ones against His breast and ministering Peace and Comfort to their heart.  I arose from prayer and went to my computer and typed what the Spirit had ministered to me and emailed everyone "A Love Letter from The Great Shepherd".  Bryan immediately printed Katie's and took it to the hospital to encourage and comfort her....oh, the wonder of the technology of our times! PTL!

I feel led, dear blog friends, to share what the Lord gave me and pray that it blesses and encourages you as well.  One of my family members told me earlier today that their "Love Letter" ministered such comfort and assurance and reminded them that they are never alone....The Great Shepherd is with them every step of the way.  Glory to God!

As I noted above, I personalized each "Love Letter" by inserting my loved ones name.  In the "Love Letter" below I encourage you to insert your name wherever you see the highlighted area.  I usually don't permit copying of anything on my site, but feel in my heart that The Great Shepherd wants you to have His love letter too,  so please feel free to copy it if you'd like.  You are His beloved child and just as a shepherd watches over his sheep, He lovingly watches over every detail of your life and holds you in His tender care........

The Great Shepherd's Love Letter

"Because I Love You So!"


Psalm 23
(adaptation and emphasis added)

I, the Lord, am your Great Shepherd.

I lovingly guard, protect, defend and rescue you.

I make a way where there seems no way and provide for your

every need in every way.

Because I love you so!

I make you lie down in green lush pastures beside still quiet waters.

I speak to your storm "peace be still" and My great calm flows over your entire being.

I heal, restore, make brand new and refresh your

Spirit, Soul (mind, will and emotions) and Body......

reaching unto your very core.

You are forever transformed by my Mighty Hand of 

Mercy and Grace.

Because I love you so!

I guide you along the right paths....

My ways and My ways of doing things.....

and you follow.

My heart delights as you stay close and follow me, your

Great Shepherd.

Even though you journey the darkest valley and seasons where there seems no light on the horizon - I, your Great Shepherd, 

will hold you close to my heart and bear you up upon my everlasting arms and lead you through to complete wholeness and freedom...nothing missing, nothing broken.

Because I love you so!

Therefore, my beloved, you have no reason to fear....

for you are with Me and I am with you, my child.

Like a shepherd's crook and staff leading his tender flock,

I your Great Shepherd, guide, protect and defend you and bring you into safe and comfortable places.

Because I love you so!

I prepare a banqueting table laden with my unending provision of great and precious promises in the presence of the one(s) who are against you and I.....

For when they touch you, they touch Me....I am your strong defense.

Abide in my Presence and partake of my promises, for in and through Me, all darkness must flee and My Hand you will see!

Because I love you so!

I lovingly pour over your life the blessing of the rich, 

productive, fertile and living

Oil* of My Spirit

and you shall overflow and bear much fruit for my Glory!

Know assuredly, my child, that My Spirit is within and upon you.  And my loving kindness, mercy, goodness, unfailing love and faithfulness will overshadow you all the days of your life and you will continually dwell in my sweet Presence forever!

Because I, your Great Shepherd, love you so, ______!

*Oil=Hebrew "shemen".... richness, fruitful, perfumed, become fat - rich and fertile

Praying that you have a wonderful week, dear friends, and rest in the assurance that as we fix our focus upon Him, The Great Shepherd, will tenderly guide, provide and protect us all along our way!

Also, I humbly ask that you would remember my daughter Katie in your prayers for complete healing, restoration and quick recovery, in Jesus Mighty Name!

HE IS FAITHFUL!

Love and Hugs!

Image credit:
Shepherd Image via: adw.org
Heart image via: dezignus.com

Latest on Anne Marie........

Hey all you wonderful prayer warrior bloggin' friends!

I want to share an update on Anne Marie......When I spoke with her last week she was sooo appreciative of your prayers and just the thought of prayer warriors from all parts of the globe standing with her means so much and encourages and strengthens her faith!  She sent me an email this week thanking you for your continued prayer, but before I share her words with you, I want to bring you up to speed on what's been going on. Last week was a roller coaster week for Anne Marie and Mark.  My sis, Diane, was with them helping out and kept me informed so specific prayers could cover Anne Marie.  Anne Marie was prepared to begin a regimen of various aggressive chemo treatments last week (as I posted in my last update), but out of left field, her pre-chemo heart tests reported that something was wrong with her heart!......This report came as a total surprise and as you can imagine "piled-on" what was already a difficult time for them.   Her chemo treatment plan was halted because the type of treatments ordered for her can be hard on the heart and a heart cath was performed last Friday to determine what was going on there.  BUT, after earlier heart test reports indicated heart problems, her cardiologist was happy to report that the heart cath showed that her heart is perfectly fine!!  PTL!!!  What began as a bad report became a GOOD REPORT!! ........  Rejoicing in the good report of the Lord!!  Hallelujah!!

Anne Marie was cleared to begin her treatments......They've been "here" before (nine years ago) and have seen Him work miracles in the midst of the storm!  We covet your continued prayer support as we stand upon the healing promises of God for her full recovery and total healing and that her treatments have no adverse side effects and do her body good and no harm!!   In the Mighty Name of Jesus!!

I want to take a moment to introduce you to the precious little guy in the photo above with Anne Marie........that's Mark and Anne Marie's precious little miracle - Joshua! Oh, and I must say that he's the light of my sister, Diane's, life....let me tell you!!  Mark and Anne Marie were told nine years ago when she was first diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer that they most likely would never have a child of their own due to early menopause that would be brought on by the extensive chemo she would have to undergo.   Anne Marie and Mark stood upon the promises of God and in the face of tremendous obstacles and mountains of oppositions, believed in the One Who makes the impossible, possible and in faith believing became pregnant and gave birth to  a perfectly healthy baby boy.........little Joshua came screaming into this world two years ago.......he is a TOTAL MIRACLE and a constant reminder of the faithfulness of our God!!  Hallelujah!!

The scriptures tell us that...

And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb 

and

the word of their testimony.....

Rev 12:11

THAT'S WHAT WE'RE STANDING UPON!  THE BLOOD BOUGHT COVENANT PROMISES OF GOD OF COMPLETE HEALING AND WHOLENESS AND THE TESTIMONY OF WHAT HE HAS ALREADY BROUGHT THEM THROUGH!!  HE IS FAITHFUL!!

Here's a few words from Anne Marie's update email I want to share with you.......

"Please tell everyone how much I appreciate their prayer support.  We are praising the Lord for the good report we got last Friday when I had the heart cath and they said my heart is normal!!!  I start back on chemo tonight and will be on it for one week then off a week and will continue to this for at least 12 weeks (I'm not sure what the long term plan is).  This morning I had the first shot of the bone building drug.  I'll have this every 6 weeks as it can be rough on the kidneys.  Thursday I'll have the drug that is very effective in fighting this type of cancer but this is the drug that can affect my heart so they will watch my heart closely with echocardiograms every 9 weeks.  I SHARE THESE DETAILS SO YOU AND THOSE SPECIAL PEOPLE WILL KNOW HOW TO PRAY.  I'm trusting that according to Psalm 91, I'm protected and no drug will do my body harm!...........You all mean so much to me and Mark - thanks for your love and prayers!"

Love,

Anne Marie

Thank you "Special People" bloggin' prayer warrior friends for standing in prayer for Anne Marie and Mark!  Your prayer support lifts up and encourages the weary in battle, buoy's their faith and STOPS the advance of the enemy!!

....The prayer of a person living right with God 

is something to be reckoned with!

James 5:16 MSG

I'll keep you posted.......

Trusting in the One Who makes the impossible, possible.......He is Faithful!!

Love, Hugs and Sweet Blessings!

Thirteen Folds to Freedom

As the morning sun announces the breaking of another day filled with new Mercies, America pauses to celebrate Memorial Day.  Sadly, to many citizens of this great land, it's just another three day weekend filled with family festivities, firing up the barbecue and celebration of an extra day off work. And yes, I also will enjoy a hot dog, apple pie and watermelon today but this morning my heart is deeply stirring and saddened for the condition of my nation.

As I ponder Memorial Day, my thoughts are drawn to a different time and place.......a time when America was hailed and respected as a shining beacon......America was revered.....America was esteemed.......and those who proudly wore an American armed forces uniform and valiantly fought and died for our freedoms were highly honored and celebrated.  A time when every town, city and municipality and classroom large or small passionately celebrated the greatness of our blessed nation and wavered not from the principals and standards from which she was birthed.

My memories continue to drift to a Georgia elementary classroom where the Holy Bible lay on my teachers desk and Old Glory stood along side. Daily allegiance to the stars and stripes was proudly pledged and the time honored and proven declarations of "One Nation Under God", "In God We Trust " and patriotic heartfelt choruses such as "God Bless America" and "My Country 'tis of Thee" flowed freely and often from our lips.  Oh, how far we've drifted away from our foundation......a foundation forged by the Hand and Grace of God.  Forgive us, oh God......we've forfeited Your foundation for the shifting sands of man-pleasing, political correctness and acceptance of other gods!

On this Memorial Day, I choose to honor the One who birthed this great nation and be ever mindful of those who served and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for my freedoms!  The beautiful fabric of America was and continues to be woven with the blood stained threads of those in uniform who loyally served and gave their all to protect and defend our God Given rights.  May the significance of their sacrifice never be diminished or forgotten!

My first memories of witnessing a flag draped casket were those of fallen warriors returning for burial from Viet Nam.  Images still pass through my thoughts of air plane hangers lined with dozens of flag draped caskets awaiting transport to their families.......I will never forget that image.  I was ignorant at that time of the true significance of the U.S. Flag-Folding Ceremony that is performed at the conclusion of the burial of those who have honorably served in uniform.  My heart was deeply touched once I learned the true meaning of each of the thirteen folds and share it with you below.  Whether you're reading about it here for the first time or have read it before, I believe the Flag-Folding Ceremony will bless you and impress upon your heart the importance of sincerely remembering Memorial Day..... because the freedoms you and I enjoy were and always will be very costly......they are not free!..........

The U.S. Flag-Folding Ceremony

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks 

who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace through the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature;

as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him

we turn in times of peace, as well as in times of war,

 for His Divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country,
for in the words of Stephen Decatur,

"Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right,

but it is still our country, right or wrong."

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie.

It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag

of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, 

one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through

the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag
against all enemies,

whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the 

valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, 

and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother's day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through 

their faith, love and loyalty and devotion that the character

of the men and women who
have made this country great have been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too,
has given his sons and daughters

for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens,
represents the lower portion

of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes,

 the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents and emblem

of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes,
God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.

The thirteenth fold, the flag is completely folded,

the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto,

"IN GOD WE TRUST"

My prayer for my nation......

Father, my heart cries for an mighty outpouring of your Spirit upon this nation.  Forgive us, oh Lord, for our lethargy and indifference to You and Your immeasurable Mercies and Grace so lavishly bestowed by your hand. You and You alone are the One True and Living God and have so graciously and faithfully heaped blessings upon blessings upon us!  Your Hand has established us, blessed us, prospered, guided, protected and defended the United States of America!  May our hearts burn for You and Your ways.  I pray that American hearts turn from all other gods, distractions and the spirits of this age that have so subtly enticed, deceived and drawn us away from the God of our founding fathers.   Forgive us, extend your Mercy to us and help us Lord!  Heal, cleanse and restore our land as we turn from our wicked ways and cry out to You!  From the White House to every house may a deep insatiable hunger and thirst for Righteousness break forth!.......From border to border and sea to shining sea may we behold your Glory upon the United States of America, Oh God!

In the Mighty Name of Jesus I pray!  Amen!!

God Bless America!

Update-Mama, This-That and Buckets-o-Tears!

Hey ya'll.....
First I want to sincerely offer my gratitude to each of you for praying for my Sweet Mama and my family.  My sister and I have felt our arms lifted and heart encouraged by your prayers, comments and emails!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I humbly ask for your continued prayers as we navigate the transition of Mama's special needs as a result of her stroke last week and horrendous fall and leg wound.  My sister Diane arrived Monday and together we are making decisions for our Sweet Mama's care and it's been so very difficult and heart breaking to say the least.

So much has happened in Mama's life since my last post.  I've literally seen her mental state change and her body age so rapidly.....very sad...tears.  But, I know her times are in His hands, so I rest in that and my sis and I do everything with His power working through us to comfort and love her through this season.  Last Sunday she was transfered to a wonderful skilled wound care and rehabilitation hospital and were told that she would be there approx 6 to 8 weeks but learned yesterday that due to medicare guidelines and assessments she will be released 4/26 and must go to a 24 hour skilled nursing facility.  (So much buracracy and governmental red-tape.... I shutter to think what we are facing with Obama Care....very scary.....'nuf about that!!)!  Anyway, Diane and I cried buckets yesterday.  We visited many skilled 24 hour nursing care facilities and Senior group homes and were overwhelmed by the whole nursing home thing. Many times we pulled over on the side of the road or paused in fast food parking lots to pray for guidance and cried our eyeballs out!  I wouldn't even think of placing my Mama in most of those facilities.......Now that I think about it, I wouldn't even put Murphy my kitty there!  BUT, we know that He is faithful and will lead us to the right place for Mama!

Got home late last night after an extremely emotional day and was very blue....I'm just being real here my bloggin' peeps....I was overwhelmed with sadness and disappointment and cried another bucket full - (wow, I sure have been a cry baby!!).   My Sweetie and I and our kids have had a family trip to FL planned for many months to celebrate the return of our wonderful SIL Bryan (whose just like our own son) home from deployment tomorrow (PTL whoo! hoo!).....big welcome home plans in the works and I was so excited about spending time with our daughter Katie! (We're still praising Jesus for raising her up from near death last December)!!  Glory to God!!  BUT, I knew in my heart the right thing to do was to let them go on without me.....I needed to stay here and trust God to help my sis and I find the right place for Mama.

This a.m. was really tough.  Watching them fly off without me and then calling Katie and telling her I wasn't coming was so hard (understatement!).  She totally understands but is very disappointed......we  encouraged each other in the Lord and then I cried another bucket......ummm I think that's bucket no. 3 or 10....lost count!!  After the waterworks stopped I regrouped with the Lord and sis and I prayed together before heading out to another day of touring nursing home facilities and then to the hospital to be with Mama.  While in prayer, the Holy Spirit spoke two scriptures to my heart and another to Diane.  I personalized those scriptures and quickly jotted them down to carry in the car with us.  His Word is so powerful....we started our day bleary-eyed and heavy hearted BUT carried on in His strength and direction and the leading of the Spirit.  Throughout the day we pulled out our scripture cards and spoke them over us before touring a nursing facility.  We've had such a sense of peace this day and the last facility we visited this afternoon seems to be the right one.  I'll be starting the process of Mama's placement there tomorrow a.m.!  We've got a long, unknown transition to navigate ahead BUT He is always faithful and hears and answers the heart cries of His children!!!

Below are the familiar scriptures that the Lord encouraged us with today (please pardon my chicken scratch - wrote them hurriedly).  Maybe you're in a place of needing Divine direction, wisdom and clarity as to which way to turn and maybe sadness and despair is looming over your emotions.  If so, I encourage you to grab these paraphrased promises of God and keep them before your eyes, pray them, speak them and trust in His Faitfulness to see you through to victory.  It may not be overnight and you may feel as if you'll cry buckets of tears, but He knows where you are and what you're going through and He will bring you through to the other side!!!  HE IS FAITHFUL!!!

Thanks again, wonderful bloggy praying friends!

......The ernest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

James 5:16 NLT

I'm outta buckets and resting upon the promises of God!

Love, Hugs and Sweet Blessings!

SOS! Sick as a dawg!!!

Hey Ya'll!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend!  Quite frankly, mine and my sisters was awful - we were sick as a dawg!!  As I've previously shared with you, my sister arrived last week to spend time with our mama who's health has been failing.....it's been very emotional but wonderful time!  Hearing mama retell of her angel sightings has been beyond precious.....Oh, what memories Diane and I will have to cling to after mama goes to heaven some day.  We've shed tears and been blessed with moments of  laughter...God is so good!

Diane and I decided to take a break and headed out on a short road trip to enjoy the beautiful Northern AZ spring weather and headed to Flagstaff friday with plans to continue on the The Grand Canyon on Saturday.  We checked into The Hampton Inn in Flag friday evening and was wonderfully surprised to find that my hubby had arranged for us to have a suite with a fireplace and a wonderful view of the snow capped San Francisco Peaks - simply glorious!!  After relaxing by our fireplace a bit we decided to take in a little retail therapy and then splurge on a sumptuous dinner.  We deliberated upon our dining choices and decided to head on over to my #1 pick in Flag if authenic, western, cowboy grub is what you're hankering!  We ordered identical meals, down to the same selections of salad samplings from the salad bar and sherbet for desert.  It was delicious!!!  I used to live in Flag and have eaten there many times but friday nights meal was the best ever!!  Diane and I have a saying that we use alot...."this will be a memory"!  Little did we know what a memory this cowboy grub would be!!!

We returned to our hotel plopped down on the sofa, propped up our feet in front of the fire and enjoyed ourselves......we laughed, reminisced and contemplated as the flames danced before us. We really needed this respite.  Can you say FABULOUS!!!  We decided to call it a day and anticipated an early morning departure to the Grand Canyon!!  So excited.....my heart always sings at The Canyon!!

Fast forward to about 2:00 a.m. and I'm really not feeling too well.......And so it began, I was in the throws of food poisoning!  About thirty minutes later Diane comes dashing out of her room with the same thing!  OMgosh!  We were so sick.  I've only been that sick one time before in my life and it was when I had food poisoning and ended up in the ER!  I called my husband to pray.....we were really sick!  Diane and I tried to pray but basically were only able to call upon the name of Jesus in between bouts of severe nausea and everything that accompanies it....you get the picture I'm sure!  I managed to stagger to the phone and call the front desk to tell them that we were not checking out tomorrow and told them our plight.  We had great favor...they were wonderful and sent someone across the street to buy us Gatorade, Pepto-Bismol, soda's and ice.  After about 32 hours non-stop of being horrifically sick we were finally able to check out and make the 1-1/2 drive home with a emergency bucket between us in the car...THANK YOU JESUS!!  We're still feeling really rough today, but so thankful last weekend is over.  Certainly not the memory we planned on, but I'm sure when we're all better and able to reflect we'll find something funny and memorable.......we always do!!

What I wanted to point out to you is that after I called my husband to pray, I kept wishing I could get to a computer and dash a quick SOS prayer request to all you wonderful bloggin' prayer warrior friends!  Even in between barfing (sorry, to be so blunt...but there was alot of that going on!)  I was trying to figure a way to post an SOS!  I thought if could just log on with my new droid phone I could post a quick prayer request to my bloggin' prayer peeps but trying to focus upon my text keyboard while being cross eyed with nausea was out of the question.

I thought allot about that situation.  You know, the world calls this bloggin' thing "social networking"- but to me it's soooo much more!   I've been blessed and amazed the times I'll be up posting in the late hours and get a encouraging word comment or a"praying now" response within  a few minutes!!  We bloggin' for Jesus gang are a powerful force - Glory to God!!  I looked up the words "social networking" today to learn of it's true meaning and origin and this what I found.....

Social is a 14th Century word with one of its meanings as
 "allied with or ally"

Network originates back to 1535 with the definition of "a fabric or structure of cords or wires

that cross at regular intervals and are knotted or secured at the crossings"

Ally is also a 14th Century word meaning "to bind to, to unite"

To put this into my own vernacular........Social networking is not a new thing.  To the contrary, it's an old thing that I believe the Spirit of God is using in our generation as a powerful bloggin' tool to strengthen members of the Body of Christ and point the lost to His heart......to knit us together as a strong structure representing the power of the completed work of Jesus upon the Cross........to come into strong unbroken alliance with one another in the Mighty Name of Jesus......to have each others back.....link arms together and be about the Fathers business.....to stand in prayer for one another and encourage and lift the arms of those that are weary in battle and continue advancing forward!  When one member sends up an SOS we have them covered and pray and stand with them!!  It may be just social networking to some, but for us bloggin' for Jesus gang it's part of a mightily armed structure bound together by the Love of God and the Blood of Jesus and the Power of the Holy Spirit!!  Hallelujah!!  This is what's been stirring within my heart in the midst of all the yuckiness of food poisoning over the weekend.   I didn't know I'd get my preach "on", but just had to share, my prescious bloggin' allies!  I've got your back, I'm praying for ya......when I see an SOS for help/prayer I'll stand with ya.....together with Him we will finish our race strong all for the glory of God!!

Oh.....and here's my delayed SOS!!  Please pray that my sister and I will get our strength back quickly!!  Diane must return to NC on friday.  She and her husband are pastors and it's necessary for her to be there for Easter, understandably.  But, it's gonna be very difficult for her to leave mama.  Would so appreciate your prayers of strength and encouragement for her.  Blessings to you my anointed ally friends!!

Gatoraide anyone?

I'm watching for your SOS!!

He is Faithful!!

Love and Sweet Blessings!

P.S.  It just occurred to me that the pink and green on my blog remind me too much of Lime Gatoraide and Pepto Bismol pink!!......I thought I was about ready for a bloggy makeover, BUT NOW I'm really ready!!! LOL!!!  I'm gettin' right on it!!!  LOL!!

Angel Sightings!!

Hey ya'll!

I want to thank each and everyone of you for your prayers, words of encouragement and emails regarding my mama and what she's going through right now.  Words cannot adequately express what your love and prayer support means to us.  My mama may not understand the whole blog thing, but when I told her that my bloggy friends from all over the place were praying for her, she smiled........She UNDERSTANDS the power of prayer and the Lord's faithfulness!!

Oh, thought this would bless you.......she spoke yesterday of twice seeing an angel casually leaning against the wall.......She described the angel with hair the color of my sisters (brownish-blonde) and the most beautiful glowing, flowing robe she'd ever seen!  He was just relaxing as if to let her know he was there, she said!  As she shared this with me, my heart skipped a beat and I inwardly rejoiced in the comfort that the Holy Spirit is ministering to her in the midst of her pain.  I also had to laugh at my mama's continual wit ....... She kinda laughed with/at the angel about why he would wear such a long gown - "doesn't he trip over his gown?".... she jokingly quipped in her weak, gravelly Southern drawl between episodes of shooting pain.  We both burst out laughing!!  Another one of those memories that will forever be etched upon my heart that I just had to share (tears welling now)........

This Guardian Angel picture from my childhood and precious scripture comes to mind as I'm sharing mama's angel sightings with you.  May your heart be encouraged by this reminder that as we abide in Him we are forever surrounded by His loving embrace and mighty protection through every season........

For He shall give His angels

charge of thee,

to keep thee

in all thy ways.

They shall bear

thee up in their hands......

Psalm 91:11-12

Bless you precious ones for your prayers!  I'm praying for you and yours as well!!  We serve an awesome God!!!

He is Faithful!!

Love, Hugs and Sweet Blessings!

My Sweet Mama needs your prayers!

Today is my sweet mama's 91st birthday but it's been a very difficult day for her.  She had a fall  last month and has been in increasingly intense pain and under heavy pain meds which often make her nauseous and at times delirious.  My heart breaks to see her in such pain and now mostly confined to a wheel chair!  Several times over the past several weeks she's told me that she thought she wanted to die - the pain has been so unbearable.  I've devoted much of my time to being with her at the assisted living home where she lives (thus very little posting and blog visiting) and will forever have etched upon my heart one recent evening as I sat on the side of her bed and read scriptures to her as she went to sleep.  Mama purposed within her heart years ago to try her best to not ever let a day go by without reading the Word.  Even through her failing eyesight she always has her Bible close by or her scripture cards from her old scripture bread of life box.

Jesus is everything to mama.  She is a strong woman of the Word and has seen His faithfulness over and over in her lifes journey with Him.  Anyone who knows my mama, loves her!   I am so blessed to have such a mighty woman of God as my mom!!

We learned today that she has two compression fractures in her lower spine.  Surgery is not an option at her age so the general conclusion between her doctors and I is to manage her pain and try to comfort her.  After I tucked her in this evening, I left the facility with a heavy heart and tears flowing.  For those of you who have watched your precious parents age and decline you know where I'm at right now.

I humbly covet your prayers for my mama.  She needs peace in her body and the comfort of the Holy Spirit this night and into her days ahead.  My sister is coming from North Carolina in a few days.  We're feeling that time is of the essence now.  I know that the moment she leaves this side of Heaven she will step into the arms of her Jesus and dance a Divine Dance within His embrace through eternity.  Oh, what a contradiction of emotions I feel as I'm typing this sweet friends - hot tears of heartache and joy bubbling from deep within my Spirit.

Thank you for your prayers for mama - everyone calls her Miss Helene.  It will encourage her tremendously to know that people are lifting her in prayer.......She's always so faithful to pray fervently for others!

I ran across this news story video recently that reminded me so much of my mama's tenacious and unwavering faith and stand upon the Word of God..........This 92 year old ladies story made the evening news and will bless and encourage you to HIDE THE WORD IN YOUR HEART!!!

Watch and be blessed!



Thanks again for praying for my mama.  Someday when we are all with Jesus, I look forward to introducing her to you!

He is Faithful!!

Sweet Blessings!

He's looking and listening to your heart cry!

I had this scripture on my heart this evening and wanted to share. I pray that it ministers encouragement and hope to your deepest heart cry..........

The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous

and 

His ears are open unto their cry.

The righteous cry and the Lord heareth and delivereth  them

out of all their troubles.

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart and

saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

but

the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

Psalm 34: 15, 17-19

He is Faithful!

Sweet Blessings!

Out on a limb with Jesus - it's all good!

Ok, if you've just checked the news media this morning (at least Fox News.com) you've already been totally disgusted and dismayed at the headline story regarding comedian Larry David and his over the top bash and outright attack against Christianity!!  Apparently he and HBO on the show "Curb your Enthusiasm" (which I have never seen) find it "entertaining" to produce a skit with Larry urinating on a portrait of Jesus in an effort to de-bunk the idea that people who follow Christ believe He appears in the most miraculous ways and places!

Now I must say here, I realize my blog is new and that the purpose the Lord placed within my heart for this blog is to bring a fresh word of encouragement and draw us into a deeper walk with Him so I'm really stepping out of my comfort zone and out on a limb here but I feel so strongly about this that I just had to write this post.

At first, I was just flabbergasted and then that transformed into anger and I wanted to curse Larry David and send him to "h" - Hey, I'm human - I mean I'm just being honest here people - you just can't get a way with attacking my Jesus ............ He died for me and set my wounded broken heart free and made a way for me to be in right standing with the Father!!

BUT, as I sat here in front of my MAC  - I paused just watching the flashing cursor and awaiting the perfect vicious wording to attack this pathetic comedian and HBO once again.  And then it happened, my gaze refocused on the picture above and as I did so my heart began to soften and my emotions of rage were subdued by His eyes ..... those precious eyes of Jesus looking into the face of Larry David!  I melted (understatement), my heart softened, emotions no longer inspired by rage and disgust, but emotions touched by the Love of the One who loves Larry David just as much as He Love you and me!!

As an American my heart weeps about the distance we've placed between our land and God.  The callous flippant depths America has plunged away from the one and true Living God is staggering!!   What's happened to us!!!!!  I truly believe we're a nation that's in a state of slumber and it's within those shadowy moments, days, years and decades of slumber that the enemy has methodically obtained an "all access pass"with the sole purpose of "de-valuing" what made this nation so valuable - One Nation Under God!

I realize my statements above regarding America are not new or full of "fresh" insight but it's stirring within my heart this morning with overwhelming force.  We, as Americans, we as the Body of Christ must PRAY for AN AWAKENING to a supernatural move of the Spirit of God like never witnessed before!! The prayers of our forefathers that covered this land are still hovering over this great nation - God hasn't forgotten them or the plan He has for us and the foundation stones of faith in the One true and Living God are still here!  Wake Up America, Wake Up Body of Christ and call upon His Mercy and Grace for our homeland - There is nothing too difficult for Him (Jeremiah 32:17)!

Oh, and as for Larry David.......As I look at the photo above my heart is stirred with similarities of Saul beholding Jesus on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:1-22).  It was in the midst of Sauls persecution of Christians and Jesus that he had a Divine Encounter  and the scales were removed from his eyes and he beheld Jesus the Savior for the first time and he became a new man! " Larry, I'm praying for a Divine encounter that sooo touches your heart that you bow before Jesus and proclaim "Yes Lord, once I was blind now I can see - You and You alone are my Lord and Savior!!!"

So there, I completed the assignment placed upon my heart - I feel refreshed.........I went out on a limb with Jesus and it's all good!

Sweet Blessings!