So I am baking this pie today and I posted a picture of it on the Internet.

I received several comments and one especially that said “It looks delicious”

My response was of course, thank you. But as I was about to respond more in depth this came to my mind, “but always remember, looks can be deceiving; what matters is what is on the inside!”

Isn’t that the truth? Everyone  knows the question “you can’t judge a book by its cover?” Right? And many times people think

They are buying a great vehicle and it turns out to be a lemon!

Likewise a person, male or female, can be quite becoming;  but spend one hour with them and oh my goodness you want to run. 

The Lord in  1 Samuel 16:7 says this: “Look not on his countenance, or upon the height of his stature,; because I have refused him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

I’m not sure how the pie will taste, but I

can tell you it looks great! I guess we will find out soon enough. 

Let's Talk

~terriotterman

 

 Our daughter put me on an Exercise routine. The first week I thought I was going to die due to muscles I found that had been dormant for so long! I will say that its gotten easier and I am not in pain anymore. However, it is a challenge to meet the routine goals every day even though they are not that much really. But I push on because I have a goal. What goals are you trying to reach for your life today?

Hebrews 12:1-3

New International Version

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

In Hebrews 12:1-3 the Bible tells us that Peter persevered in his walk. He knew that people were watching him. He kept his eyes on Jesus and therefore was able to keep going.

I know our daughter, my Coach is watching. She subtly checks in to see if I am staying on course. Just what I need.

The Holy Spirit is like that too. When we veer away from God's plan for our lives and what He wants us to do, we are gently nudged back into perspective. I love that about Him.

What are your eyes focusing on these days? Are you reaching towards the goal you set for yourself?

There is plenty of room for you

Some days I spin round and round, trying to reach the next goal, the next rank, the next prize.

I find myself in a state of mind that even I cannot shake. It gets frustrating when I don't meet my own expectations. Isn't that how we are? Sometimes I am the hardest, most critical person of me. But why is this? Why are we not satisfied with who we are?

I was reading the other day that to consistently praise a child, or anyone, generically can do more damage than good. Let me explain the way I read the article or at least, my take on it.

If I tell my child over and over, "you are beautiful, you are smart, you did a great job" when he excels or not, isn't that just showing my love for him, especially if I truly mean it in my heart?

Well...maybe not. What the article writer was saying, is this, that kind of praise can be more damaging than saying, "Wow, I can see how hard you worked on this math and I am proud of you". In other words, if my son receives a "D" on his test and I only acknowledge an "A" as being acceptable,  when he receives a lower than acceptable grade, and I respond accordingly, he might feel less than amazing and like a failure. Make sense?

Growing up if we earned and A on our report card, we got maybe 50 cents, B - 25 and C 10. for D's nothing and F in trouble! If my siblings got straight A's and I earned B's and C's, or even a D, I did not receive as a much dough and it made me feel less successful! Nogt saying this is right or wrong, it was the way our parents knew, to make us try harder next time.

Even today, a clerk who works at a fast food restaurant, is often looked upon as less successful than a Bank Manager or CEO of a company. It is the way the world looks at success, and to me that is not the right way. Truth is, not everyone in this life can or will reach the top, whatever  or wherever the top might be. There is just not enough room.

I am so thankful that we have the assurance from our Lord that we are good enough and we will make it to the top. I am grateful that He tells me in His Word that I can do all things because He gives me the strength ( Phil. 4:13)

"The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom." (Deut. 28:13)

The assuring hymn states;

"Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee
O Lamb of God, I come! I come"...

When I accept His invitation to follow Him, I am accepted, just as I am. I do not have to clean up and dress in my best attire. He takes me and you, in our muddy mess.  Every day he molds us, and makes us more like him. We do have to bend a bit, we do have to heed his instruction, we do have to do our part, but we do not have to be perfect. That is the best part.

Isnt that truly how we, as parents love our own children? we love and accept them with every imperfection, after every failure? Is seems,our love grows even stronger during their tough times, or at least mine does.
So now, when I am frustrated about where I am in this life, whether I am good enough, or if I'm going to reach my next goal, I can breathe knowing  I've already received the best prize of all.  I will spend eternity with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at the top, and there is plenty of room left for you too! ~Let's Talk

Just Rest

Our lives can become so busy, so cluttered, we forget about what is most important. Constantly we are being pulled in many directions, we barely have time to breathe. Suddenly chaos and frustration creep in and it becomes our new "normal". The older I get the less stress and the more peace I need. I find myself tired, weary and in need of rest. Sure I know that comes with age, so they say, but I have never been one to sit still.
God's example to us all in Genesis 2:2 is this, "so on the seventh day he rested from all his work". Even God rested!

Why is it so hard for us to find time to just be still? Why do we feel guilty if we take a "quiet moment" for ourselves?
Jesus said, "Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest".
He didn't say sit down an rest! He didn't say stop your world. He said "Come and I will give you rest." He knows that unless I'm forced, I won't stop, until it's too late and I am forced to.

So he beacons. He calls. He reaches out his hand. When we are unable to rest in ourselves, we can rest in him.

I urge you and me, to come, to be still, to rest. Take his hand. Sit at his feet. Call his name. Say it with me, "Jesus". He is waiting to hear your voice, to answer your call, and to give you rest. ~Let's Talk

A Big Ordeal

"Don't make a big ordeal". I can hear her say in my mind, as I've heard her say so many times before. "Just slow down, relax, be still, stop quivering". Over and over she'd say these things to me.  What my mother was really trying to say in her roundabout way was, stop, and smell the roses. She loved flowers.

As a little girl, I never could sit still, and that trait has stayed with me even into my mid-life. I am one that has to be doing something, if not physically, mentally. If my body is not moving my mind is rolling. I wonder how the kids are, what will I make for dinner, what's on tomorrow's agenda? It never ends! Sometimes I just want to unplug the brain, and turn off the motion switch. I just want to lay by the pool and listen to Classical Music for crying out loud! Honestly, some days I just want to run away, from me!

Ever feel that way?

How Could He?

How could he? I imagine Peter ,must have felt that way after he denied Christ the third time. He had to have just wanted to run and hide under a rock, or dig a deep hole and bury himself. The sorrow, the disappointment, the anger must have been unbearable, at least it would have been for me. Jesus foretold it, he heard him, he witnessed it. One of his closest friends, or so he thought, acting as though he'd never known him;  and during his greatest time of need.
 As Jesus hung on the cross, about to breathe his last breath, if you read between the lines, I'm sure he must have said,  "It's okay Peter, it's supposed to be this way. I still love you, everything is going to be okay."

 Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

 Have you ever hurt someone like that?  Does your mind race with the thought, will they ever forgive me?  If that person is till alive, please, go to them and ask for pardon. You might be surprised.


 Mark 11:25:  “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.

Do you pray? That sounds like a crazy question. It seems everyone prays at one time or another. So, that being said, if you do, do you pray with a clear conscience? As you ask God for favor, do you ask for forgiveness as well?
We are all sinners, let's face it, we were born that way. Our desires, our wants, our selves are usually top priority. We have Adam and Eve to thank for that, right? But does that mean we have to follow in their footsteps?

Christ's death gave us a better way. His sacrifice paid for all our wrongdoings. Do we then have pardon for the asking? Yes. But we must ask, and believe, and we must also forgive. ~Let's Talk

shorter than we think

life is short, much shorter than we think
it flies by each day, we barely have time to blink.
love big, pray hard, serve without regrets
you never know who you'll meet tomorrow or who will not be here yet.

Smile, hold hands, share a glass of tea
a hug, a whisper, and kind words,  are free.
remember the good times, make it a point to be glad
forget your hardships, they have a way of making you sad.

reach for the future and all it promises
forget the past, it's over, take time to live
every day is new, each moment a blessing, though some may be hard
know, that each experience gives wisdom to the heart

Grateful Forever

Ephesians 3:20 - "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all we ask or think, according to the power that is within us, to Him be the glory in the church, and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever, Amen."

Have you ever asked God for something and thought to yourself, "He won't give me that." or "I don't deserve this."?
Have you ever thought "This is too big of a request", or "He can't heal me"? Or maybe "My disease is a result of my sin, I won't be healed", or "I am being selfish asking for this, He won't do it."?

I you answered  yes to any of these questions, I am here to tell you that nothing is too big for God, and your sin does not need to stand in the way. You can be forgiven, just ask.

I don't think I've ever really written this before, but I think it's time to do it.

For nearly 8 years, I was plagued with the desire to have another baby. My husband married me and my 4 children (from my previous marriage), and had no biological children of his own. We had a strong desire to have a baby together, one to call our own.

I went trough a Tubal Reversal , with no luck conceiving. We sat in various Counseling Sessions on fertility, and even to a couple Adoption Seminars. All were Expensive and had no guarantees!

I was hurt for a long time. My friends were having babies (most were younger than me), and while I was happy for them, I was sad for us.

One day, while walking downtown and seeing many strollers rolling the sidewalks, I was prompted in my heart to ask forgiveness. I needed forgiveness for being selfish. I asked God to take the desire away if it wasn't from Him. I literally, in my mind, got on my knees weeping and begging for a change of heart. That didn't happen, the desire was still strong, but I began to trust like never before.

 In as little as 2 weeks I received a text from a friend asking me to call her. When I did, her question was "Do you and Jim still want to adopt?" What do you think my answer was? "Yes, of course!" That evening I received a call from the expecting birth mother. We hit it off right away. Without  a doubt I knew this was from God! For 3 months, we talked, shared dinner, shopping, even hair appointments. In a short time we bonded and it was as if we were closer than sisters.

A few months later, our precious boy was born, while we watched in the delivery room. The delivering doctor happened to be my own Physician (because her husband got sick)! She allowed me to catch our baby boy, and my husband to cut the cord! 2 days later we left the hospital with our newborn son, and the rest is Heaven!

There are many other details to this story that define it as a Divine Appointment. Nothing can convince me otherwise. My God heard the cries of our hearts. Even though it wasn't exactly the way we thought it would be, the story of having our baby together came true.

Forever, we are grateful to our Birth Mother, for our Precious Baby Gift! There is nothing big enough that could repay her for this Selfless Act of Love. And to God, we give the glory,  for hearing our desires, and making a way to fulfill them. He blessed us in an amazing, miraculous way. He is ever faithful, and forever we are grateful.

So, when you pray and ask for the desires of your heart in Jesus' Name. When His Word is in line with your request, Believe! Don't let your faith waiver. Surrender with all you have and then some. And maybe, just maybe, one day, you will be holding the desire of your heart in your arms, as well.

Let's Talk.

Do You Need Refreshing?

I've made a vow to read the New Testament in a year, along with the Books of Psalms and Proverbs. It seems my days get busy and before I can blink an eye, the day is through. Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if God got so busy and forgot to check in on you, and your loved ones? If He was too busy to make sure all was okay? What if you put your baby to bed, and forgot to check on him for 24, 36 or even 48 hours? If we fail to check God's Word for direction; if we fail to call on Him for help during our busy days, what do you think would eventually happen? I can only imagine what my life would be like, and where I would end up if I didn't trust and rely on God to help me make it through. 30 years ago, I was too busy, and too distracted to realize I needed a Savior. It's not that I didn't know anything about Him. I was raised in a Catholic home, even attended Catholic school for 8 years. I knew He was the Son of God, I knew He died for me, and I knew about His many miracles. As I reached adulthood, I didn't see the need for Religious things. I didn't have time for church; I didn't even own a Bible. I was married, and enjoying my life. Every weekend involved partying, dancing and friends (at least I thought they were my friends), and much of what goes along with the lifestyle. Deep inside, I always believed there was more to life than what I had. My lonely heart began to wander and soon ended up entwined in the lies of this world. Little did I know, all along, Jesus was on watch for my soul. He kept me safe and one day, lifted me out of the nasty pit. He changed my way of thinking. He set my heart and mind on what was Real, what is True. He brought me to the place of refreshing, a new place of peace, joy and love, His love. Acts 3:19 it states "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." Do you need a refreshing deep down in your soul? Do you need rest from the hustle and bustle of your busy life? Deep down do you long for something more, something real, something true? In Matthew 7:7 Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." It's that simple. If you want a life that is full of His peace, full of His joy, Full of His love, just ask. He is waiting for you to ask. His desire is for you to surrender your busy mixed up life, and allow Him to be your Savior! What are you waiting for? You don't have to go through another heartache, at least not alone. Let's talk.

Forgiven in His Eyes

I have made a few mistakes in my life, many to be exact, but Thank God, He has forgiven me. He has forgiven me and continues to love me anyway. His Word promises that nothing can separate me from His love. My sin and mistakes may have broken a few ties with others, and I might not be forgiven by those I hurt, but not so with God. In His eyes; they not only are forgiven, they are forgotten.

Romans 8:38-39 New Living Translation (NLT) 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Forgiven and forgotten? Not so fast, I must do my part. I must ask His forgiveness and then remain faithful to Him. I must sip no more from the cup of sin.

When you reach the age that I am, you tend to "look back". You re-live your life, but in slow motion. If you are not careful, you will find yourself criticizing, rather than praising yourself, for all you have accomplished.

I encourage you, forget the past, look to the future. Let bygones be bygones. Press onward to all that this life has to offer. There's much more to accomplish, so much more to do.

So get on your best running shoes and run the race. If you are His, it's going to be an amazing win!

1 Corinthians 9:24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! Let's Talk

Forever Grateful

With September 11th just around the corner, we are reminded never to forget 911 and the great sacrifice many went through on that tragic day. For the good of our country, we must remember the thousand's of lives that were lost and saved. We are told never to forget Martin Luther King and how he lead the Civil Rights movement, and George Washington our first President, and our founding fathers for the many great things they have done for our country. And on and on I could go.

But what about the One that came to die so we could live? What about the baby lying in the manger who was sent to save the world? He is the One I want to remember as long as my nostrils breathe. He is the One I long to see when my body is deep in the grave.

1 John 4:9-10 New Living Translation (NLT) 9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. When I was young, I didn't feel the need to have Him in my life. I was having a great time, living the life, until one day I realized I couldn't make it on my own. That day, I knelt at the altar, I poured my life and all that I was out to Him. I asked His forgiveness for my many faults. I surrendered! And He heard my cry. For that I am forever grateful.

I will never forget the tragedies of 911, and the ones that followed. It is important that we always keep the families of the lost in our hearts, minds and prayers. We owe them at least that. But more so, I will always be indebted to my Lord and Savior. He is the One who gave all just for me! He is the One, that even if I was the only one in need of a Savior, He'd do it all again. Thank you Lord. My love remains for you, always.
Let's talk

Only a Childhood Dream

"When I was young, I dreamed my life would be spent with a certain someone, I'd be doing something else, and I'd be someplace else. Thank God they were only dreams and that He is the One who sets my path. He is the One who called the steps of my life to be, because I am His. Thank God that His plan is perfect and His ways are far better than any of my childhood dreams. Thank God that He has placed my feet right where they are today, right where I am supposed to be! I love my life! Without Him (God) in my life, I don't know where I'd be today. Thank You God for always keeping me surrounded in your loving arms. Amen"

......I posted this the other day on facebook because I had some serious thinking going on. I had recently re-connected with and old friend and the memories were spinning in my mind, so much so that they led me to grade school!

When I was in the 3rd grade I noticed my Mr. Right for the first time. James was the boy of my dreams. I imagined I'd be his wife one day and that we'd have six children, we'd live in a big house and live happily ever after; just like in my favorite television show at the time, The Brady Bunch! James didn't even know I existed! I remember on Valentine's Day one year, I gave him at least a dozen cards! I saw him tear one of them up right in front of me, I was terribly heartbroken! But that didn't stop me, this dream went all the way through grade school and then he was gone, or so I thought. One day after we both graduated our attended High Schools, he came into the store where I worked. As soon as I saw him, my heart fluttered. When he came through my register, I could barely think, let alone talk to him! And then, he was gone; never to be seen again!

Needless to say, I did not marry the James from my grade school years, I do not live in a big house (like the one on The Brady Bunch) and I do not have a six children! Rather, I married another James, the love of my life. We live at the beach, in a cozy little beach house, have five children, and are extremely happy!

I am so thankful God knew what was best for me; and that He is the One that has set my path in place. I'm thankful, that when I was a rebellious teen, He kept His hand firmly on my shoulder. I'm thankful, that as a young adult and wife of my first husband, He kept me safely under His wing.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

It took many heartaches to get to where I am today. I have not always lived in His will for my life. For many years I'd been lonely, searching, unhappy, but finally, at the age of 23, I'd had enough. I totally surrendered my life and soul to God, and that is when life began to turn for the better. With still a few heartaches in my future, I pressed on and He brought me where I am today. I can't thank Him enough. To Him I give all my praise!
Let's talk,

A Full Quiver is a Blessing from the Lord

Ever since I can remember, my statement was "I want 12 kids". I remember in High school my friends thought I was crazy. Being from a family of 6 children, I knew the joy of having a brother and sisters to play with. Yes, my parents had 5 girls and 1 boy, and oh boy was he spoiled! Not only did he have the benefit of being the only boy, but he also was the youngest of all. But that is a story all it's own for another day!

In Psalm 127, the Lord speaks of the happiness a man feels when his quiver is full. I am certain that my dad was an extremely happy man with his quiver. He, to this day, lights up when his children, now adults, enter his home. And, I must say I take after him! Psalm 127:4-5 New King James Version (NKJV) 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. 5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

In a world so full of hatred and self love, it's a shame some people even have children at all. So often we hear of prents murdering their children or beating them uncontrollably.

In Ephesians, we are told as parents not to act unreasonably toward our children. Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Does this mean we should never scold or spank them? God forbid! The Bible tells us that failing to discipline means we don't really love our children at all.

Proverbs 13:24 New King James Version (NKJV) 24 He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.

We are instructed to train our children in the correct way. The world is so full of evil, and our children need to be taught the difference between good and evil. As a mother again, it is extremely difficult to raise our little boy correctly. In one way I don't want to scold him (because I love him so much and don't want to hurt his feelings) but in the other way, I know if I don't, he will get out of hand.So I choose to follow the Word of God.

Proverbs 22:5-7 New King James Version (NKJV) 5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards his soul will be far from them. 6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Being a mom of a toddler at my age is quite tiresome some days, but even as Jesus made time to love on and pray for the little children, I choose to do the same. Our children need us, without our love, where would they be?

Matthew 19:13-15 New King James Version (NKJV) Jesus Blesses Little Children 13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.

Someday, my today's ministry as a mom of a little one will be over and I will look back as I've done before and say, "I miss those days".
Let's Talk.

Who'd have thought?

Who'd have thought that at the age of "over 45" I'd be a mommy of a newborn again! God is so faithful, and so hilarious at the same time. I always knew Jim and I would have a baby together, but to tell you the truth, I felt my time had run out! But His timing is perfect and knows no limits, unlike mine. And He has all the time in the world!

For 8 years now my husband and I have been up and down the roller coaster of becoming "2nd half of life parents". We've held onto our dreams, and watched them shatter. We've tried and failed; and yes, we nearly gave up a number of times. But I can honestly say, my faith had never faltered. In reality, I felt it was too late, but in the Spiritual realm, I knew nothing was impossible for my God.

So here we are today, with a 3 month old loving and enjoying live like 20 somethings! Wow! Life is Grand!

I remember Hannah and her pleading with God to give her a child. How she suffered to see Penninah bare children and she remained childless. How that must have hurt her!

I remember the many times Jim and I prayed for God to bless us with a child together. How we'd walk downtown and see parents with their little ones and wonder why we could not have had a child of our own. Then one day in the depths of my heart, I plead to God. Not for a son but for forgiveness. Forgiveness for my selfishness, forgiveness for not honoring God's plan for our lives. And then I totally surrendered, my desires, my will, my emotions to Him.

In 1 and 2 Samuel: Then Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” 9 So Hannah arose after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the tabernacle[c] of the Lord. 10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. 11 Then she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.” 12 And it happened, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli watched her mouth. 13 Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. 14 So Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!” 15 But Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. 16 “Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman,[d] for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.” 17 Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” 18 And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. 20 So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel,[e] saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.”

Just as God heard Hannah and blessed her, so God heard me and blessed us. Just as Hannah promised to surrender her son to God, I surrendered my desire to be a mom again. And in that surrendering, God moved.

Even though we did not name our son Samuel, we still can say as Hannah did, we received "because we asked for him from the Lord".

We can truly agree with God's Word that states in James 1:17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."
Let's Talk...

It's been a long time

Wow, It's been a long time since I've written on this blog, actually, since I've written at all. It makes me wonder what it feels like to God, when I find myself too busy to communicate with Him.

With that thought in mind, I am reminded about the scriptures of Matthew 26 verses 36-48.

"Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?"

How many times have I had the good intention of praying, and reading the Word of God, and fall asleep? Not that the Word of God is boring, but I find myself exhausted as a result of the busy life I lead. So busy doing things on my list that must get done! What's wrong with me? Communicating with my Father is such a blessing, why do I so often make it the last thing on my list?

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”


As I'm writing I can vision Jesus coming to His disciples in great despair and finding them asleep. Hurting, He makes His request again, and walks away. A third time He asks, prays, and afterward, the hour comes. His heart is crushed. His friends, His best friends, could not stay awake and pray with Him for one hour! They were with Him in body, but not in spirit.


I believe Peter, James, and John were worn out from all that was going on around them. They too were exhausted! They were probably wishing for a pocketful of toothpicks about that time. They had spent many hours, days, and months with Jesus, listening to Him preach, heal, and tell of His fate. They must have been overwhelmed. In my mind, I believe they desired to watch with Him, but in my humanness, I understand why they slept.

I wonder how often we, even with all that God is doing around us, sleep. To the unbeliever, Christ's death is a tragedy, but to the one who believes in His name, an amazing Blessing! I pray that all of us, who are called by His name, discipline ourselves to slow down, stay awake, watch, and tarry, until the great day of His mighty return.

Let's Talk...

Do You Ever Find Yourself at a Loss for Words?

Ephesians 6:18-20 (New American Standard Bible)

"With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,

for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."



As I read these scriptures, I am reminded that Christians are supposed to pray at all times. That means always. Does this mean we are to be on our knees 24/7? Well, if God tells me that, where He leads me I will follow. I feel what it means is, all day long we are to be mindful of His presence in our lives, to acknowledge Him for who He is and what He has done for us. Throughout our day, to remember the He is Lord and King, and to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ!

Unfortunately, the daily business gets me every time. It's easy to continuously get caught up in the "doing" and before I know it, the day is at it's end.
"God forgive me and help me to be more in control of my time and actions. Lord help me to spend the time necessary in your Word and in communion with You."

We are also told to be on the alert with perseverance and petition for the saints. Growing up I learned about St. Mark, St. Anthony, and the like, so I figured a Saint was someone from a long time ago. But in reality, you and I are the Saints, if we are followers of Christ. So with a "keep on keepin on" attitude we are to religiously lift each other up to God in prayer. We are to pray without ceasing and be on the watch for each other, ready and strong to fight all spiritual battles that come our way.

But when I've prayed all I know, and grown weary, and when I find myself at a loss for words, what then?

Seek the One whose strength is enough for me, spend time in and with The Word of God, Himself. As we bury ourselves in His Wisdom, and bask in His Presence, the stronger we spiritually will become, and the easier it will be to pray and to share of His love.


Let's talk,

Blessed for My Quiver

Psalm 127:3& 5
3 "Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them."

I am one of those proud moms who rarely missed a game, who cheered "cheerfully" as our sons and daughter played sports, performed in the bands, and cheered at High School Football Games.

I was one of those front row parents taking pictures at Elementary School Choir Performances, Spelling Bees, Tropicana Speeches, Dance Recitals, and Little League Games. I eagerly went to Cheer Competitions, and Drum Corp. Events, and anywhere else our children adventures led me.

The other evening, Jim and I had the opportunity to see the Army Band perform on Vilano Beach Pier, and what a Performance they did! Hats off to those men and women who not only Serve our Country with their talents but also those who are willing to SERVE, period. Even though I knew our youngest was far, far away in South Korea, I still felt like i wanted to support these young men and women, for his sake.

I remember, years ago, as our oldest son was big in the percussion field growing up, I secretly (and at times verbally, so I'm told)longed to see him play for the United States Army Band and for our President. As I've quickly learned, my dreams were not the same as his dreams and that's okay.

Each of our children, has his/her own personality, his/her own goal, his/her own adventure to follow. What is good for mom, is not always the best for them.
I wanted our daughter to have a dozen babies by now, our middle son to be a Preacher, and our youngest to still be home! But guess what? None of them did as I desired either.

Our children are now Young adults, and doing great things. And I look at them with an even greater love and respect as I did back then. I am proud of them for the choices they've made and things they are accomplishing.

They will always be my "Pride and Joy", my "Blessings from God", my "Heritage" And I thank God every day for filling my quiver full! I am truly, truly blessed!
Let's talk.

God Sent Another One of His Angels My Way!

Wow! It happened again! God is so faithful! He continuously reminds me just how Big He really is!
When I look at my life and all that has gone on over the past 2 years I can't help but wonder why? But I am reminded that it is not the why that I am supposed to worry about, rather the where and the what?
Where does He want me to go, and what does He want me to do? It's not about what I want, or where I want to be, it's got to be about Him and His desires.
Today I met another one of His angels, or messengers, if you will, standing in line at the local grocery store. She was a bit shy and yet a bit bold, as well. Her smile was beautiful! Her shoes were worn and her dress a little torn, but I didn't care. I met her by God's design and that is all that matters anyway, isn't it? We transferred our hellos and went about our way. She left before me and I looked for her when I finished by business, but she was gone. Luckily, she wrote down her name. She had a mission, and that mission was me. And I do believe that whatever mission she is given, she would do it with bells on! Praise God, today, she did as she was told.

In the Word of God, in the book of Isaiah, the LORD asks the question...

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
Isaiah 6:7-9

If you read the beginning of Isaiah 6; you will see that Isaiah had just had burning coals placed on his lips, OUCH! If that were me I don't think I'd be so willing to see anyone or go anywhere, except to my room and scream!
But you see, Isaiah, had just experienced the presence of the Almighty God! He just felt His cleansing, forgiving power! As if that's not enough to be excited about, come on!
Realizing what God had done for Him, just made him want to tell the world! To repay God even! Isn't that the way you felt the day you experienced His awesome forgiveness? Do you still feel that way today?

Thank God, He doesn't require us to do anything in return for His precious GIFT. He just desires us to love HIM deeply and share HIS love, with those we meet!

Oh, if we all would be willing to do just as Isaiah, and just like my "new friend".
Let's Talk.

God is Spirit...I AM

“God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship (HIM) in spirit and in truth." John 4:24

I ask you, "What does this scripture really mean?"
To me it means that God is infinite, and we know He is. It means that He is Truth, and we know He is. If I am His follower, one that believes in Him as my Lord and Savior, and I do, then I must believe that "He Is". I must worship Him as "He Is". And I must Proclaim that "He Is".

God said to Moses, "I am who I am . This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' "

God told Moses and He tells us who He Is, over and over in his Word.

He said in His Word:

I Am the Lord who brought you out of...
I Am your shield...
I Am the God of your Father Abraham...
I Am who I AM...
I Am the Lord Your God...
I Am He who will sustain you...
I Am He, there is none besides Me...
I Am the First, I Am the Last...
I Am the Lord your God who teaches you...
I Am the Sovereign Lord...
I Am with you...
I Am coming...
I Am gentle and humble in heart...
I Am the Christ...
I Am the Son of God...
I Am willing...be clean...
I Am well pleased...
I Am ready (before His death)...
I Am...
I Am The Bread of Life...
I Am from Him Who has sent Me
I Am from above...
I Am the Light of the World...
I Am the Gate for the Sheep...
I Am the Good Shepherd (who laid down His life for you)...
I Am the way, the Truth, and the Life...
I Am in the Father and the Father is in Me...
I Am the True Vine...
I Am the King...
I Am in you...
I Am sending you...
I Am Coming Again...!!!


Matthew 28:19-20 (New International Version)

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
So how do we worship Him in Spirit and in Truth, I ask?

Believe that He is who He is, sent by God Himself.We acknowledge Him and that Heis Spirit lives in us, and then we GO to the ends of the earth and spread the Good News of what He has done and that He is coming again!

He's not finished with me yet

Every day I get excited when I find yet another thing that God is working on in me. Maybe it's my temper-that needs to be lowered a degree or two, maybe it's my lack of trust in Him evidenced through worry and fear-that needs to be raised a bit, maybe it's my overall disposition of being dis-content with where I am at this stage of my life-(now that is a greater task)that needs readjusting, or any of the many other faults I bear. Two things I am certain of is this, I cannot change these things on my own, and He is faithful!
I didn't acquire these misdemeanors overnight. Circumstances and time enveloped them into my being. So then why do I expect so much of myself? His word tells me that HE is ABLE to complete that which He has begun in me. He looks at me and sees the completed project, I see me in the now. What a reassurance: He's not finished with me yet!
Philippians 1:6 (KJV)
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ"

Let's talk.