People Always Fail, But God Never Does

"Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord the one you love is sick."

When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's son may be glorified through it." Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was for two more days. John 11:1-6 (NIV)

Jesus loved this family dearly. I think all three of these people were some of Jesus dearest to his heart friends. Jesus is God in the flesh, so he knew how sick Lazarus was. Remember, Jesus is all knowing. How do you think Mary and Martha felt when Jesus didn't immediately come to their house to help Lazarus? Like you and I; they probably felt aching heart pain beyond what they'd ever felt.

Then Lazarus died. In fact when Jesus arrived where Lazarus was he had been wrapped and put in a tomb for four days. Mary was so sad and probably upset with Jesus that when she heard he was coming, instead of running out to greet him , she stayed home.

Martha, did go out to meet him, but she was upset. "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will do whatever you ask."

Jesus said to her,"Your brother will rise again."

Martha answered and said, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

Jesus said to her, "I am" the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

John 11:23-25 (NIV)

Martha told Jesus she did believe; and then she ran back to get Mary, because Jesus wanted to see her as well. When Mary heard this she got up and quickly went to see Jesus. Mary also told Jesus she knew Lazarus would not have died if Jesus had come like she had asked.

Jesus felt their pain, and was also sad because Lazarus had to suffer before he died. In fact when he saw the tomb where they had wrapped and laid Lazarus Jesus cried. The One who made us knows us so well, and he knows and sympathizes with us in our pain. He's always there, if we allow him to be a part of our life.

As they stood there, in front of the cave where Lazarus was Jesus told them to roll the stone away, he wanted to go in. Martha argued with Jesus, she said by now Lazarus will stink. (Dead flesh does stink, as it deteriorates.)

At this point Jesus asked them, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always heard me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe you sent me."

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice,"Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."

John 11:40-44 (NIV)

Sometimes, I think we all expect too much from other people, and from God. We all forget, this life is not about "me." Everyone of us that are given breath from God are here to glorify Him. Stop getting wrapped up in the death linens of, "who hurt me in life and love." Focus on the good in life, because of God.

Jesus cried when he saw the physical death of Lazarus. He doesn't like what pain and suffering does to individual bodies, or the emotional pain sickness and death cause. If Lazarus hadn't physically died, could Mary and Martha, or we as believers know the peace about the resurrection and life we have in Christ today? Yes, but it would not be as clear as God made it through this example.

Remember your purpose in life, regardless of circumstance, is to glorify God.

We Ask, Just One More Thing Lord...

" 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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame,and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and loose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

When I first asked Jesus into my heart I had an unmeasurable joy! My whole life centered around pleasing God. As time went on it seemed as though "other goals," pulled my focus from Jesus. It started out with, "Please Lord, will you please give a mate, and if we could just get married; I'll be happy." From there it was, "Lord, if we could just have a baby boy." After Michael was born, "Lord, could I please have a baby girl too."

God was so kind, he more than granted my request. Why does it take us so long to finally realize, all I ever really needed was and is, Jesus? As I think back to some of those request, especially the selfish material things I've asked for over the years, they were not necessary. In fact some of those things like boats, cars and even houses have weighed us down in debt I wish I'd never ask for.

Yesterday as I was washing my car I imagined some of those very witnesses in heaven, like my mother in law and Grandpa Mason. If they were looking down, I'm sure they were laughing. If they had a conversation it might have went something like this:

Smirking Grandpa might have said, "There's our Kacker, washing that pearl Park Avenue she always wanted. How well, does she like it now, after making all those payments? "

Grinning from ear to ear my mother-in-law might have said, "She and Mark always thought that would be their ultimate dream car. I've heard Mark cuss it more than once. Do you think they've learned, Jesus is the only true satisfaction in life yet?"

I'm sure Jesus laughs at us as well. We quickly find out the payments and flaws of "the things we want," which almost always disappoint and fail us. Then there are the hard knocks that go along with things.

"My son do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not loose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?" Hebrews 12:5-7 (NIV)

As I cleaned my car I thought about how loving and patient God the Father is with each of his children. I've been blessed with the lessons and love, I continually have from God. I am so thankful that he continues to love and draw me back to his love and forgiveness even when I fail to see what's really best.

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

So we say with confidence,

"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:5 & 6 (NIV)

Maybe, Jesus easily empathise with our immature ways and poor choices because he has lived among sinners. He knows our need for his grace He's our creator and sustainer. The author and perfector of our faith! What an awesome God we have!

His Angels Watch over You

"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" Hebrews 1:14 (NIV)

It has been said mothers couldn't be everywhere, so God gave us angels. Looking at my own life over the past 48 years, I can honestly say I am thankful for the angels God has put in charge of guarding my family and me. I'm amazed at how many "close calls" I've seen, and yet continue to thrive, in spite of difficulties. There are so many times no family member, only God and His angels could have saved us. Our whole family at one time, or another have been close enough to taste death. All of which have turned out to be brushes with death, instead of an early physical death.

On a cold rainy day in Louisiana, I was determined to go to the grocery store. For three days I had tried to go, but couldn't seem to find the time, because so many little things kept popping up. Our cupboard looked like Old Mother Hubbard's, almost bare. When Mark came home from work, he wanted to ride along. We were less than ten miles from home, going around a windy curve, when the car hydroplaned. Just before the car flew off the side of an embankment, Mark said, "Kathy we're gonna die today."

Almost emotionless, I shook my head yes and said, "I love you." Right after that we began hitting trees and flew over the bank going about fifty-five miles an hour. The front end nose dived and hit a huge tree. As the car flung around, I remember my body flying up, and my head slammed the roof. I was knocked unconscious before I flew out the right rear window.

I woke up, hanging by my legs, out the passenger side back window. I heard lots of sirens, and people screaming. Some lady from an ambulance ran down the hill. She lifted my legs out of the car. She laid me on a back board, tied me down, and set me over to the side. As I looked up at the car from the ground, the radiator was steaming. The car was knocked in on all three sides. The door that I came out of was folded in like a "V."

I began yelling, "Is my husband dead?" A man came over to where I was laying. He said, "Your husband is fine. He has a sore leg, but it's not broken."

We just need to take you both to the hospital. As the paramedics carried me up the hill on the back board, the lady paramedic looked down and said, "Lady, you scare the $**# out of me. The way you flew out of that window you should be dead. There's no way you should be alive from that impact. Your head should have been cut off as you flew out. God must have something special for you to do!"

(A few weeks before that accident we had put a window tint on all the windows. As my head crashed through the window, it shattered and popped the glass out. I only suffered a sprung neck and had to have the glass splinters dug out at the hospital. Except for some bad bruises, a concussion and totalling the car we were fine. :) )

On the way to the hospital I said, "Did you ever hear that story about Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego?" Their God and my God are one in the same!

She just smiled and said, "Yeah, I know."

Obviously, I wasn't wearing my seat belt that day. I wouldn't advise anyone to be as foolish as that. In fact it's a sin not to obey the laws of the land, unless they go against God's will.He has angels watching over all of us. As a parent we can completely trust our children to the God who gave them to us. Jesus intercedes for us daily.

One day, my time on earth will end. At that point Nothing Here will stop me from going Home. Just remember this, because I am saved through the blood of Jesus Christ, when I am absent from my body, I am present with my Lord. :)

"Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death-that is the devil-and free all those who all their lives were held in slavery by there fear of death.

For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." Hebrews 2:14-18 (NIV)

We have an awesome God, who cares for us in every way, mentally, physically and spiritually! Please live life to the fullest. Do not fear an earthly death if you are in Christ Jesus.

"....Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."

Hebrews 4:7 (NIV)

It's so important to Listen, Believe and Act.

"for anyone who enters God's rest also rests in his own work, just as God did from his." Hebrews 4:10 (NIV)

Broken Promises and Shattered Dreams

Friday I tried to schedule an eye appointment, only to find out our eye insurance is going to be gone. When I called the benefits center I was told, "many changes are coming." Isn't it strange that my husband worked 30 years, and was promised a retirement with benefits, such as health and life insurance; only to have it all taken away.

"You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3 (NIV)

Currently, America is full of, "broken promises and shattered dreams." As I think about this, I remember the broken promises we've made to God. "One nation under God," we've been doing everything under the sun except submitting to God and His will for a long time. General Motors for example, named their parts plant in Monroe LA. "Delphi." The name Delphi was the name of a Greek city, there the people consulted a false god for wisdom and help. No nation has been allowed to worship false gods and continue to exist. Obviously, major and minor companies can not either.

"With life and liberty for all," abortion, euthanism and poverty dominate our land. The rich have made sure their pantries, and lives are full. "Go on take the money and run," seem to be the laughing and scoffing corporate worlds theme song. Could someone please tell the "white house" that you can't finish stealing our money through taxes to pay for this mess?

"You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. " Exodus 20:13, 14, 15 (NIV) Remember these?

While the rich in America are thriving, the other 2/3 of American families are trying to survive.Some of our families are living in boxes, in the woods, or out of their cars. Many more will loose their homes, additional "broken dreams." Yet, I know my God is still in control; and the wrongs will be justified.

America, if you want to continue to exist, it is time to get back on track. Go back to the basics, read and apply your Bibles. Remember that little country God called "Israel." God clearly defines it's borders in the book of Judges. God has always claimed Israel as his land. The warnings are clear that Israel belongs to His people and specifically to God. Changing it's borders, and not defending Israel, would be a devastating mistake.

We have an awesome omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient God. (He is: all powerful, always present, and Jehovah knows everything that is going on.) God created us to glorify him. When you hear the question,"What is my purpose?" The answer is clear for everyone, to glorify God. Start with following his commandments.

Read Exodus 20, there you will find the 10 commandments. After that if you read through chapters 24 you will be even more enlightened. :)

What's Next?

"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of of our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith." 1 Thessalonians 3:9&10(NIV)

I can't wait to see some of you again in Michigan! Lord willing, we'll be there the second week of June. Some we'll see at Stanton Baptist or Lincoln Ave. :)

Thank you all, for your patience with me, as I studied for the college entrance exam. Some of you prayed that I would pass, thank you, I passed.Mark has been so patient and good during all of this. He has helped me around the house, and tried to keep himself busy, and happy most of the time.

I will begin classes in early July. I thanked God almost all the way to Athens yesterday. What a wonderful life he has taken me through so far! As the pieces of the puzzle come together it is awesome to see how He puts all the mysteries of life together. If it were left to me I'd look at all the pieces and say, "No Way-I can't!" But God does supply all our needs according to His great riches in Christ Jesus!

Timing seems to be the key, in almost everything that has happened. For example, if had I finished school when I should have, we would have never been blessed with Michael and Heidi.

The doctor who delivered Heidi left the placenta in me. After several D&C surgeries, I was still full of infection. A gynecologist removed my uterus. It was full of precancer cells, but I would have never known without it being removed.

Five years latter I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus. That doctor said I would be dead before my 35Th birthday. On Sunday I will celebrate my 48Th birthday.:) Doctors are not my God.

My son, Michael is back in college now pursuing his engineering dream. He's married to a very nice lady, we all adore. They live in South Carolina. They seem happy and healthy!

Heidi graduated from college. She's serving in Rome Italy, until October 2010. After that, only God knows where she'll go; she truly is my world traveler. She enjoys going to new places, and making friends with new friendly faces.

In between marriage and family God has blessed my life with so many awesome opportunities. I've worked as a teachers aide for both handicapped and gifted students. They taught me so much about life and love. I was a substitute teacher in Louisiana. I taught everything from kindergarten to twelfth grade English, which was my favorite.

As a realtor in Georgia, I have had a blast. I met and worked with so many wonderful clients and agents. Every day there was someone, or something new. Real Estate laws continually evolve, so there were very few "boring days."

Then, I wrote the book, "Let's Really Live before we Die!" Which was an interesting, enlightening experience. After it was published last July, I thoroughly enjoyed book signings and a few speaking engagements. It was wonderful to meet new friends, and share stories about life.

It amazes me the way God has turned even the worst things in my life, like Crohn's disease, for His Glory and good. I love how he pulls me closer in the midst of the storms of life.We have an awesome Savior who really loves us more than anyone ever could. God continually provides mentally, physically and spiritually, in spite of my weakness and short comings. No one could ever take care of my needs the way my God does! God has blessed me beyond my wildest imagination.

In His Time He makes All things Beautiful! Again and Again my friends! There is an awesome peace and release in surrendering to His Will. :)

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress I will not be shaken.

My salvation and my honor depend on God;he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Trust in him at all times people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:5-8

My daughter Heidi left little notes to Mark and me before she left on her two year assignment. She is so thoughtful in so many ways. The verse below was written on the last note I found a few weeks ago.

"If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.

I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Psalm 119:92&93(NIV)

God is the giver of both physical and spiritual life. Our days are not measured in the length of days we are given, but by the depth of love we have for God and others. Short lives can make big strides, when given to God. :)

Everything we have belongs to God

"Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to." Deuteronomy 15:10 (NIV)



I wish you could have seen what I saw yesterday out my office window. As I set there drinking my coffee, and looking over Internet mail; a little girl, walked by with her Momma. Her momma was pushing her baby sister in a stroller. Bella is a delightful, three year old, who loves flowers.



In my front yard there's a small "island" where an angel statue sits on a bench and some miniature roses grow. Every since Bella was just a baby she has loved those pink roses. As her parents pushed her in the stroller, Bella turned her little head as if she was memorizing every detail of those flowers.



Yesterday, Bella trailed behind her momma, clutching her baby doll. Suddenly her little legs turned around, and ran back to the pink rose bush. First, she sniffed them. Then one of those cute little chubby hands reached up to pick one.



"Bella, stop, come here right now!" Bella's little hand disappointingly and slowly went down. There she stood, just admiring all that pink. Reluctantly and soberly, she walked back to her momma.



I hate it that people feel like they shouldn't be in my yard.(But I still don't want other dogs pooping in my yard.) I'd rather neighbors and friends were comfortable enough to just walk up, and enjoy the flowers, like Bella did.Why is so much of the joy in life is taken from us in childhood? Shortly after that I picked Bella a whole bouquet of roses and gardenias from my yard and took them to her house.



Her little eyes lit up like a Christmas tree as she said, "Oh wow!" Then she hugged her momma and said, "I love flowers." We just laughed. Bella is so precious.



I love the flowers in my yard too, but I wouldn't treasure them at all if I couldn't share them. You can't imagine how often I wish I could pick a bunch and take them to family and friends I love. What good is anything, if you don't have loved ones to share them with?



"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.



May the people praise you O God; may all the people praise you.



May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the people justly and guide the nations of the earth.



May the people praise you, O God: may all the people praise you. Then the land will yield it's harvest and God, our God will bless us.



God will bless us and all the ends of the earth will fear him."

Psalm 67 (NIV)

What direction is your will taking?

"My son give me your heart and let your heart keep to my ways."

Proverbs 23:26 (NIV)

God should always be given our first priority in life. When he is first the rest of our life will fall into place. He asks us to give from our hearts, not because we are required, but because we want to.

It has been been said: The mind hears the truth. If we belong to God, our heart will love the truth. But our personal will determines the course of action we take. We all struggle in some area of life; you are not alone if you find your feet, or hands going in a contrary direction from God's will for your life. You're human like the rest of us.

But the more we give to God and want to please him, the more directed our feet and hands will follow. Does that make sense? When we are doing what we are suppose to do in life we are happier. Then it becomes easier to keep following God's desire for our life.

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one. Father just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world will believe you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they maybe one as we are one. I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Father I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world." John 17:20-24 (NIV)

It's not always about us, but also about others around us. Think about the ones who need to see the light of God in us. May God keep us all on the right path, with souls that shed light everywhere we go.