My Mom the Prayer Warrior

My Mom has been one of the best prayer warriors in my life. She never gives up, and she constantly yields to the will of God through prayer. I was thinking about her as we were driving to see her the other day. Saturday, my parents will leave to return to the frozen tundra, (Michigan.)

She's never had an easy life. Personal virtues were taken from her in childhood. (Hell does have a perfect purpose.) I hate what others have taken from her. I am longing for God's justice to them.

I'm also very thankful for my Dad who stepped up to the plate of fatherhood, at only 19. He too, gave up many ideals to become a father and provider. They're still together after 48 years of marriage.

In spite of hardships, she never turned on God. She always told me God was the only constant variable we can ever count on in our lives. There was never a truer statement, everything and everyone will pass away, but God is always constant and true.

Like the rest of us she has her faults, but I'm so thankful she's been my mom. God makes no mistakes in choosing the parents He places us with. My mother was so young when she gave birth to me. She could have given me up, or aborted me. She gave up so many dreams to keep me. My Mom is one of the best blessings God gave me.

Now, I almost always find her praying or reading her Bible before the rest of us wake up. She says she can't sleep, but I'm sure it's really just a matter of wanting to staert the day alone with God. She's prayed our family through some really bad times. There are many things I admire about my mom, but the greatest virtue she passes down to her family is her constant devotion and prayer life to God. She knows where TRUE PEACE comes from, and she seeks it.

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

For surely, O Lord you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." Psalm 5:11&12 (NIV)

I'm so thankful God so often uses the gentleness, that only a mother can give to show us His love and kindness.

What can take away all my sin? NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS

"The biggest problems in the world could have been solved when it was small. " Witter Bynner

I have to disagree with this statement. Sin is the biggest problem we all face in Life. It multiplies and grows daily. Yet the only cure for sin is Jesus Christ. Through His sinless life, death on the cross for our sin, and His resurrection we have forgiveness and restoration with God the father.

None of that could have been solved through a small event. We have an awesome Savior who paid a huge price for our biggest problems.

"And He said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." Luke 22:15

"And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it and gave it to them, saying," This is my body given for you:do this in remembrance for me." Luke 22:19

" In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying,"This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."

Luke 22:20 (NIV)

An awesome price was paid for our sin. Have you accepted that gift of salvation from Jesus? Easter really represents New Life In Christ.

It Only takes a Spark to get a Fire Going!

Have you ever heard or sung that song, "It Only Takes A Spark?" When I was a teenager I use to sing that with some of my girlfriends in church. People always liked that song when we sang it. "That's how it is with God's love, once you've experienced it, fresh like Spring, you want to sing, you want to pass it on!" Isn't that so true?

I was doing a little gardening the other day. Two years ago I planted just little bitty flocks, on a side hill. Some of them didn't have enough roots to really grow, they died shortly after I planted them. But there were a few, that were small, but their roots were nourished, and they flourished. In fact three of them were so over grown they had reached the cement in the driveway. Bless there hearts they were still growing.

So, I transplanted some in the backyard around my back porch, and on that same hillside just in the back around some mock orange and Leland Cypress trees. I hope they'll grow, and go like their parent plants. While I was transplanting, I was singing that song and thinking about how cool God's family of believers really is. That love and bond we share in Christ is so awesome, it literally creates a glowing sensation in my heart. That love for God and other believers burns constantly in my heart. It never grows faint, or lacks enthusiasm.

I appreciate the love between a man and woman. It's also a special gift; but so often grows cold and lacks appeal. Not, that I don't love Mark, I do love him. We just grow tired, and loose appeal for each other. Something always rekindles that love, but it's not as appealing as it once was. Those of you who have been married more than five years probably know what I mean. We're more like the favorite pair of shoes you want slip into, after pulling high heels off. He's still the one, it's just not that much fun, sometimes.

As Christians it's so cool the way our relationship with Christ doesn't lack luster even after my 37 years of being a Christian.(I'm a ripe old lady, almost 48 this year.) God's word is always new and refreshing and keeps me coming back for more. Sure there have been stale times, but for the most part it's always fresh and exciting.

And just like those little flocks; as the gospel spreads God's producing new believers at a non stop pace! That's so Awesome! Even more awesome are my Christian brothers and sisters who keep growing and sharing. Finally, we will all be together, like never before in Heaven. :) We have so much to be thankful for!

"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal,flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing tweleve crops of fruit,yielding it's fruit every month.And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in city,and his servants will serve him. they will see his face and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of the lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever." Revelation 22:1-5 (NIV)

One time I got really sick in Louisiana. I went into a semi comma. During that time, Mark said, I slept for 3 days. I seen this river. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever saw. You can see way down in it, and there are all these beautiful clear colors like rare stones. There really are streets of gold. And we will know our loved ones even though they look different, I don't know how - you just do. But I didn't get to see Jesus face. He wouldn't turn around.

I kept chasing after Him, but he kept saying, "No, you have to go back." When I woke up, I cried a lot, I didn't want to come back. You will not either, when you get to go. But I'm glad now that I did come back, there's so much to do still. But more than that though, I yearn for the day I can go and stay. It'll be so good when He lets me come home to stay. When He turns around with open arms, I'll be jumping right into His arms. Not for a day, but for Eternity! :)

Express Your Love while You Can!

I know it's risky business to tell people you love them, but I think it's selfish to hold love and friendship back. The worst that can happen is the other person could reject you. Isn't that person the one who really looses? I think so. Everyone needs more love and encouragement. Has anyone ever died from too much love? I doubt it.

Yet, we all seem to hesitate to make the first move toward saying I love you. When Mark and I fight it hurts, and often I'm slow to hug or kiss him. After 28 years of marriage I'll smile or say a kind word first, but rarely make the move to hug or kiss him. He can only take it for so long, after a smile or a few kind words he has to hug and kiss me. I'm glad he does, I need it!

Love often is the very emotion that refuels my batteries. (My nickname in the Fisher family is "The Energizer Bunny." My sister in law told me that a few months ago. Ironically, they joked about me for several years now. "Does Mark take her batteries out when he wants her to lay down and go to sleep?" ....Well actually he does something else, and I sleep like a baby. :)

My point is this, whether it's a friend, spouse, brother or sister in Christ, or in your family please don't hold back your love. It's one of the only things we can give away, and get at least twice as much back. Hugs improve health and happiness. We may all live on little money, but true wealth is found in the gifts from God, especially love.

Read 1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 13. We all have different gifts, just as the body has many parts, But we need to do everything we do in love, because love never fails. See verse 8 in chapter 13. :) Without love we have, and are nothing.

Those of you who know me personally, I hope you know and feel my love. Consider your self hugged and very loved.

Reoccuring themes in life and the Bible

God seems to show me many life lessons from nature. I think that's the main reason I love being outside, or at least watching life outside my window. Yesterday, while I was eating breakfast, I seen a huge bird with a wing span of at least 12 feet swoop down and grab a very large squirrel on a top branch.

The Hawks talons pierced into the squirrels back close to his head. As the fight progressed I watched in amazement. The bird couldn't get a good grip on the squirrel, so he kept pecking and grabbing farther away from the squirrels head. Finally, his powerful talons went deep into the fat of the squirrels back. Just when I was sure the fight was over, the squirrel turned around and bit the birds leg. In shear pain the hawk released, the squirrel. Needless to say the squirrel didn't wait for the next attack. Likewise, the hawk didn't wait for another piercing bite, before he flew off.

I have no doubt those talons and piercing pecks must have hurt the squirrel , but he kept on fighting. He scurried down the tree and shot thick into the woods for cover. There was so much to learn in that scenario.

"Be self controlled, and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

Just like that hawk, Satan will put his talons in you.He will try to kill you, or worse than death, he will try to pull you away from God. It is so easy to be tempted and swayed away from God, and His ways. Never be fooled believer, Satan will wait for the advantage of your weakness to take you down.

There are reoccurring themes from beginning to end in the Bible; write them on your heart. The main theme God continues repeating is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. The second theme is that we learn His ways and walk in them. God wants nothing less than first place in our lives.

"Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. Do not follow other gods of the people around you. For the Lord your God, who is among you is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land."

Deuteronomy 6:13-15 (NIV)

... "Do what is right and good in the Lord's sight, so that it may go well with you and that you may go in and take over the good land that the Lord promised on oath to your forefathers"

Deuteronomy 6:18 (NIV)

God was talking to the Israelites in this passage, but aren't we all God's children? As Believers, we belong to God the father, through Jesus the Son. The best way I know to stay close to God the Father is through reading and applying His word daily to my life, seeking him in prayer and constantly listening and doing what He asks. Satan still tries to attack me physically and spiritually, but when I'm armoured with God's word and hiding in my Savior, I will survive his attacks, even in physical death, I belong to God my Father. When I am absent from my body; I will be present with my Lord! :)

If Christ is for us , who can be against us? No in all these things we are more than conquers!

"You need to preserve so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. " Hebrews 10 : 36 (NIV)

God's Transformations

I was out in my yard again yesterday. The day before, I was in the back yard, looking at an old glider. When I had purchased it, I had visions of rocking and singing grand babies to sleep in it. Seven years latter, there are still are no grandchildren and the glider which was covered in a plastic weave is very brittle and broken down. In fact it would scratch your legs, and make your hinnie stink if you sat on it now. Two days ago, I had determined we'd have to throw it away.

But as I looked at it yesterday, a vision of how it could look danced in my head. So, Mark and I carried it to the back porch where I began taking it apart. The duct tape I used to help some of it stay together a year or two ago, was still in tact, but the majority of it was a mess.

Isn't that like our lives? We try to fix things with duct tape, or something that will piece things together temporarily. Ultimately, we look again and life is so tattered we're ready to give up. Temporary fixes never really work, do they?

Just like America, the stimulus package really can't stimulate the economy to the point of restored economic health we need. Only Jesus can turn each of us around and correct our nation one person at a time for a full recovery. Health, wealth and abundance starts with you and I finding what we really need in Jesus.

"For Zion sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch." Isaiah 62:1 (NIV)

"No longer will they call you Deserted, or your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married."

Isaiah 62:4 (NIV)

"You who call on the Lord, Give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth." Isaiah 62: 6 & 7 (NIV)

PS. That doesn't mean making Jerusalem the capital of Palestine either. God calls Israel His Land. We need to keep it that way, or suffer the consequences of God's promised wrath to all nations who do not bless Israel.

God said, I will Bless them that bless Israel and Curse them that curse Israel. He Always Keeps His Word.

My God's Refiner Fire

"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver." Malachi 3:3 (NIV)

Today was a beautiful day in GA. In fact I went outside to weed around my flower beds all afternoon. I love these days of weeding, it gives me time to weed my life's garden while I'm on my knees. :)

While I was out there a friend down the street came down, and we were able to take a nice break and catch up on life, since this cold old winter. We talked for quite a while about all the changes that seem to be taking place so quickly now. She expressed her concerns about the abortions, euthanizing the elderly and stem cell research with embryos. Sharon is in her early 60's and she has so many great qualities. For example, she's a retired school teacher who is thrilled to be home schooling two of her grandchildren.

While I was outside, I heard children laughing and playing. I seen a lot of my other neighbors, who like my husband are retired, but very active and full of life. I often wonder who in their right mind would want to kill unborn children, older people or anyone because of an illness or disability? God never made junk. We all have value and worth in God's eyes. We need to appreciate and value each other.

There are so many people I love as family and friends. God has richly blessed me with both. One lady in particular was really on my mind today, Geraldine Christensen, she is a saint! Geraldine has taught my husband and my kids in Sunday School. I had the privilege of teaching with her when we lived in Michigan for a few years. Geraldine has been my friend and a lady who has helped, prayed and been someone I truly look up to. I love her dearly. I can't tell you how wonderful and understanding she has always been. She's older now and it's so hard for her to get around, but bless her dear sweet soul, she has volumes to teach people. God is still working through and with her. It's been such a privilege, and a treasure to know and love her.

My point is, God will put everyone of us through some very fiery furnaces in life. Geraldine has lost her husband, has a daughter with cancer, and she has many health problems. Yet she never complains, she just keeps growing closer to God. May we all consider the fact we are not here to play God. We were sent here to glorify God. Endure His tests, enjoy His love and Grow until it's time to go home! :) Glow as you go through the fires.