V-I-C-T-O-R-Y

A defeat that leaves you humble is much better than a victory that leaves you proud!

What a Sermon!

Wow! Ever felt like God is speaking directly to you? I know probably numerous times but lately his presence has been remarkable! Not only was God speaking to me, but others as well. Isn't it great how God gives us those "little" affirmations? He always knows what we NEED! It is so fullfilling to be in God's house and feel his presence and be able to worship with other believers with whom you have a common factor...Our Heavenly Father!
Words from Paul in Ephesians Chapters 4-6:

17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

20You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26"In your anger do not sin"[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them.

8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."

7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

9And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

The Armor of God
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

I pray you, my friends, who like myself feel "wounded", find God's words healing and His presence uplifting.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to you bones. Proverbs 3:6-8

They call me the Fireman, that's my name!

My younger brother is living a dream he has had for many years. No, mom! He isn't 8 stories high on this ladder! We agree that he could be dad's twin! Has something to do with the sun glaring off the top of his head! LOL! Barry, wear your helmet!!!!

Update on Dawnielle(Beth)

Dawnielle was scheduled today to have her tonsils removed. Beth had to get a sitter to spend the night with the other girls because the hospital was so far away. After arriving at a hotel, to spend the night for surgery today, it was cancelled. Dawnielle had a fever and the doctor was afraid to proceed. Beth was very uneasy about the surgery, so she was relieved. They did however enjoy some together time! Beth said she was spoiling Dawnielle last night. The doctors will recheck her in a week or so.

Pray for Beth

My friend, Beth, needs your prayers. Her husband is serving in Iraq and she is at home with there three beautiful little girls. I met them a couple years ago when they moved into my neighborhood. They came to know Jesus as their Savior, while living here. They moved to Germany and it hasn't been easy being without her husband by her side. She is currently living in Arkansas, close to family. Please join us as we are praying for God's guidance and for her husband's safe return. Beth will be returning to Germany in June and her husband will be returning in July.

It's Gonna Be a GIRL!

I can't believe I forgot to post the fact that we found out two weeks ago that we are having a girl! So in doing so I thought a pink layout would be appropriate! I dearly love my boys but it is definitely GIRL time!!!! We are almost ready. We have put down flooring in the nursery, painted, and are currently assembling baby furniture! Can you tell we are a little excited?

Oprah believes God is only a feeling?!

Thanks again, Patty, for hosting God Stop Friday! I wanted to share something a little different this week. Hope you don't mind. God is so real and shows himself to me daily as I am sure he does to most of your readers. If I only had the time to share all of them!
I got an interesting email this week and God wants me speak out to let everyone know what is going on with Oprah's "New Church". I hope you, along with your readers will join me to let people know Oprah couldn't be farther from the truth! I have always liked Oprah and enjoyed watching her show but what in the world is she thinking? I will be interested in knowing what your readers think about the situation

God is everywhere!

Hope everyone is well! We have been battling the virus sickness at our house! Yuck! I don't ever remember having so much trouble bouncing back from "the crud". Could be an age thing?




Anyway, as I was working Thursday night and the Connection Service Praise Band was rehearsing and they were singing one of my favorites, How Great Is Our God, and suddenly God's presence was all over me! I stood right there in the restroom with hands lifted to God! (toilet bowl cleaner in hand may I tell you, because I am the "Cleaning Lady"!) It was as if the whole building was shaking the music was so loud! There I was in the restroom, praising God and I assure you if any would have walked in they would have wondered what in the world was goin' on! I didn't care. God was there and I wanted to praise Him! I normally don't work when they are rehearsing but I know now why I was there. Just goes to show you, God is everywhere!

Thanks Patty for hosting God Stop Friday. It is wonderful to be able to "keep in touch" and read your encouraging posts!

Easter Blessings

I wish you many blessings as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ this Easter season.

Fun In The Snow!

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

We Had snow! Not much and it left as quick as it came but we had fun!!

God Stop?

Patty at Girlfriends in God has God Stop Friday and I commented on her blog about God initiating prayer. I commented on Thankful Thursday but thought it may be a God Stop as well. Patty was right in sharing that God initiates prayer. God does initiate prayer and this week in a different kind of way for me. I was working at one of my churches and accidentally locked myself out. I knew the instant the door slammed it was God saying "Did you forget something?" No, it wasn't my keys but the fact that I was too busy to spend my time with Him! I normally have devotion and prayer with the boys on the way to school. Yesterday I left really early and my husband took the boys to school. When the door shut I immediately looked up and told God I was sorry I had been too busy but it was 30 degrees outside! I was in capris and a short sleeve shirt! My cell was with my keys. The pastor normally comes in at 8 am but not today! God wanted His time and He got it! He always wins! It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and the birds singing. I did spend time with God while walking briskly, of course to keep warm. The pastor came about 20 minutes later and when I shared with him why I was outside we laughed together and he agreed with me that God does initiate prayer. I am so thankful that God not only shuts doors but opens them as well!

Family Matters Continued...

My brother which has lost his job has prayed for God to reveal to him what he would want him to do. So, yesterday he interviewed to become a Firefighter. I was really worried about his long drive before, but now? As we were sharing scripture he told me that he had read Matthew 6:25, "Do Not Worry". He also shared with me that a close friend had told him "If you find yourself in a hole...Stop digging!" He actually felt like he was in a hole at his last employment. I would like to share this with a few "not so close friends" in my life but am not sure how accepting they would be. I think sometimes we grasp at straws when there are no straws to grasp. Instead of moving on and letting God lead us, we tend to hang on to something that is no longer what God desires in our lives. Some of us learn the hard way, instead of letting go and letting God be in control! Whether it be money, pride, peers, or something else, it could be preventing us from doing the work God has called us to do. I am proud of my brother for seeking God's will and letting Him be his guidance! Please pray for his safety and God's guidance while opening this new chapter in not only his life but ours as well.

Family Matters

I found out yesterday my younger brother has lost his job. I am sure at this time it can't possibly seem like a good thing but he was driving 2 sometimes three hours one way! (Atlanta traffic) He and his family moved there a couple years ago and we miss them terribly! Maybe this would be the perfect time for them to move back home!

On another note my grandmother isn't doing very well. At 91 she has cancer and recently decided to not forgo any other treatment. She isn't in any great pain but I have noticed a great change in the last two weeks. The only comfort is knowing what God has in store for her!!

Please pray for them!

Helping Others

Okay. I am joining all you bloggers! I am sure it will be a struggle to find time but I really enjoy being connected and sharing thoughts with those who share the same interests as myself. So, my thoughts for today?
I, with my children, do a daily devotion. We can't wait to peek at what lies ahead and Monday's "Time with God" is The Joy of Helping. I love to help others! The scripture is 1 John 3:17. It talks about showing compassion for others in need and if you shut someone out, is God really residing in you? The devotion talks about helping others who do not have clothing.
One of my joys in helping others is the fact that I like to clean (yes, I did say clean!) and what a better way to help others who are not so fortunate to be able to do so? Yes, it does pay, some better than others, but the real reward is being able to help those in need. I have an elderly couple whom I clean for and what a blessing they are to me! The elderly man is bed ridden from a stroke. The lady of the house has a really bad back but her love for him...AMAZING! She works none stop every day doing for him what needs to be done, anything! He calls for her repeatedly..mama, mama. She respondes with "yes dear". I wonder does she ever get short or aggravated with him? Not while I am there. How are you helping others? Do we tend to get "caught up" in putting our own needs first and not showing compassion for others?