We were meant to be Together

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.. And let us consider how we can spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing; but let us encourage one another -and all the more as you see the day approaching."
Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV)


"Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering? Sometimes you were exposed to public insult and persecution, at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that yourselves had better lasting possessions.

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to preserve so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:32-36 (NIV)


There are no better words than those above to explain how much we need Christ to be the center of our lives, and then to have at least a few close heart to heart friends in Christ we can share, love and build our lives with. Good friends promote growth and love. God did not make you an island to stand alone as the four winds blow your world apart. Cling to Jesus first, and let others help you. You have brothers and sisters in Christ that love you and want to help you cling to Jesus.

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)

There is a special joy in my heart for the "true friends in Christ" I have. It is so wonderful to shoulder burdens together. Frankly, the load is lighter with a friend. Love, understanding, forgiveness and sharing in Christ are some awesome life changing gifts that are so fulfilling to share. Because of the bond in Christ friendships and love for each other are bound forever together.



Not everyone inside the church doors is a real believer. Be careful and slow when you call someone a friend, poor choices can lead down dark paths away from Christ. If they're really seeking God's will and you share the bonds of friendship and brotherly love, God has probably drawn you together to weather the sunshine and storms of life together.



True believers in Christ will help build you up in Christ. As you draw closer to God and his word, you will share joy and sorrow, grow in love and grace and become more like Christ. Isn't that what our goal in this life is?

It will be so good to hear: Welcome Home!

"...Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is and is to come." Revelation 4:8 (NIV)

"You are worthy our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things and by your will they were created and have their being." Revelation 4:11 (NIV)

Are you looking forward to the time we spend eternity worshiping God?

I am, frankly I can't wait. I often think about it as we sing when the roll is called up yonder in church. Selfishly, I can't wait until all my saved loved ones and friends are united in heaven with no more tears, pain or sin.

Heaven will be more than words can describe. Just to see and touch Jesus is going to be so awesome! Do you ever get homesick for heaven?

"Therefore, "they are before the throne of God.'

and serve Him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.

never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst.

The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat.

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:15-17 (NIV)

There are Tunes and Rules to Follow

"Shout to the Lord, all the earth. worship the Lord with gladness: come before Him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God, It is he who made us, and we are his: we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100 (NIV)

Mark and I were in a little church we use to go to a few weeks ago in Michigan. It was wonderful to see and be with those believers. But I have to be honest, their music has a lot to be desired. They've abandoned their hymn books, for songs they don't know, and try to sing to words written on a screen. I don't say these things to be mean or make fun of them, but to point out a fact. It's awfully hard to follow a tune if you don't know what the tune is. Not just for some, but for everyone.

Likewise, God gave us a written word and love letter to follow called the Bible. Just as God expects us to follow his word by reading it ourselves, rather than getting a watered down or sometimes poorly interpreted version from someone else once a week. It's not up to preachers, teachers or fill in leaders to spoon feed you the Bible. Just as music can be horribly distorted from not following the given notes, christian lives can be driven way off track from the lack of reading the Bible.

I would encourage you to go back to reading the Bible daily, praying and listening for God's prompting in your life. How you choose to grow, and go in this life influences what will happen in your next life which lasts for eternity. Lack of self discipline is no ones fault, but your own.

A Mighty Fortress is Our God!

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."

Surely He will save you from the Fowler's snare and from deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with His feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys in midday." Psalm 91:1-6 (NIV)

Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." Psalm 91:14-16 (NIV)

Those words are so very true for me. Probably half of the gray hair in my mothers head are there because of the dumb things I've managed to do, or the stunts over the years I've pulled. Last night was no exception.

My husband and I own a bicycle built for two, that I love to ride. We live in a little subdivision that has some pretty big hills. Getting up those hills is a bear, especially when we put Roscoe's booger cart on the back. (Roscoe, our dog is a chunky little pug, who weighs at least 25 pounds.) Sailing swiftly down the hills is sheer delight! I love to cut through the air going at least 45 mph, and often we're going even faster than that.

Last night Roscoe was really getting into it as well. He was hanging out the front of the cart, almost laughing, as his jowls and ears were being blown back. Mark was in the front driving and really controlling the speed, and steering and braking. To put it mildly, he was having a blast putting on a show. Several of the neighbors were getting a kick out of the three of us. But on our second lap around, Mark turned a sharp corner going about 45 mph.

We had done this before going this fast, but I often whacked him and told him, "I'll never ride again if you don't slow down." But deep down there's also this thrill of defying death, just one more time, (kind of sick isn't it?)

You probably know what happened next. The tires were squawking as Mark stood up to try to stop. Roscoe's cart jack knifed, and so did the bike. The back tire, with me in the rear, slammed into the curb. Roscoe was silent. I whacked Mark and told him what a stupid J.A. he was. The booger cart laid on it's side all tore up. Quickly I unzipped the door, to check on what I thought was our dead dog.

Poor Roscoe, there he laid, his eyes were as big as a womb-bat. His tail stretched straight out, not curled like it always is when he's happy. If he could have spoke I have no doubt he would have said, "What in the hey happened?" He amazingly jumped out the door, as if to say, "We'll don't ask me to do that again!" In the cart laid this little poop. But I guess anyone, or anything would have left something, after being almost scared to death. Immediately he headed for home. I was right behind Roscoe at first, stomping and cussing as we went.

After a few steps, I went back to check on dumb you know who. The wind had certainly left his sails as well. The back wheel was almost pretzeled in half. We were about half a mile from the house; so it was a long walk back to carry a heavy bike and cart.

I was so mad, I didn't dare speak to Mark until he came in the kitchen and started to argue with me. Then everything came out at once. Beginning with I knew that was going to happen; and that God had given us so much more than mercy. Frankly, I'm surprised my head wasn't split open like a ripe mush melon splattering on the pavement.

Needless to say, I will not do that again, unless he promises to drive sanely especially around the corners! God has saved my bacon many more times than I ever deserved. I'm very thankful for a Most High God who really is our refuge in all times.

I seen a bill board a few weeks ago that is so true. It read: "They may take our home away, but they'll never be able to take my God or faith away!" How True, God bless You.

Are You spiritually Healthy?

"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." The Third letter of John verses 2-4 (NIV)

John 3 has so few words, and yet it has such a powerful message. As John tells about the believer, Gaius he is so pleased that he shows others his faith through deeds. Gaius is out among the nonbelievers showing the difference that Christ makes in our lives, by loving them as Christ did.

Love and hospitality goes such a long way in life. When you show people you care about their life, they pay attention to you. Soon they will want what you have, which opens the witnessing door wide open. It's always good to know the verses to lead others to Christ. If you don't have them memorized, use the concordance in the back of your bible to find them.

"Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. " 3John 1:11

Did you notice how much John values what's going on in this believers soul?

Why do we value these temporary bodies so much? The body dies, but our soul lives forever in heaven or hell. Shouldn't we first focus on whether our family and friends are going to live eternally in heaven or hell?

How we live and even die may affect whether nonbelievers accept, or reject Christ. Make your physical life count from the beginning to the end, live for Christ. Worry more about spiritual growth more than physical health.

Be more concerned about your family and friends spiritual relationship and growth in Jesus Christ. Eternity isn't as far away as you think. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! Just remember: The only way to heaven is through Jesus the son of God.

I write these things to you so that you will know you have eternal life.

"He who has the Son of God has life;he who has not the Son of God does not have life. " 1John 5:12

"This is the one who came by water and blood-Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it's the spirit that testifies, because the spirit is truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 1John 5:6-8 (NIV)

"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God:to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome." 1 John 5:1-3 (NIV)

The Father, Son and Holy Ghost are the three parts of one our one God. When Christ (who had no sin) died for our sins he was the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. His burial should remind us of a death to sin.

Rising from the grave He gave us freedom over a spiritual death, providing we accept it. Physical death may take these earthly bodies, but our soul will live forever. :) If we accept Christ as our Savior we will go to heaven when we die. (Your free Will allows you to decide.)

I pray you'll allow the holy ghost to work in and through you until we all get to heaven! Life is good, but God is Better! May God grant us all: Life, Love and the pursuit of holy happiness.

Sail on, as the sea of life roars on!

"...Fear not for I have redeemed you: I have summoned you by name; you are mine. when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you a blaze.

For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy one of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead."

Isaiah 43:1-3 (NIV)

"I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.'

Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth- everyone who is called by my name whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." Isaiah 43:5-7 (NIV)

There maybe times in your life when you ask, "Does God really care or even know what I'm going through?" I would like to assure you, God does care and has provided a way to see you, or your loved ones through everything you will go through in life.

God is here let Him help you.

"Be strong and courageous, Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

Whether you're fretting over your self, or a loved one today, remember God has given you everything you need to overcome the problem through the Holy spirit that dwells within you, if you've asked Jesus Christ in your life as your Savior.

"You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

1 John 4:4 (NIV)

Life can be an angry sea, that can toss us all to and fro. It is so important to remember, that the same God who formed us is in control. There is nothing you can not get through with Jesus Christ. Let go of the fear, and cling to God, your sustainer.

If you're concerned over a loved ones seemingly wayward lifestyle remember this dear friend: The same God who provided your salvation through Jesus His son, has placed that person in your life. As you read over Isaiah chapter 43, take verses five through seven into your heart. God entrusted the children, spouses or friends we have into our lives for a reason. Live your life as a godly example. The best sermons are preached by example, not by words. In His time God will bring them back. Until then, keep loving, and living Christ in you the hope of glory.

What a wonderful trip to Michigan!

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Greater love has this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:12&13 (NIV)

It was so nice to be with people I love in Michigan, even if our time was short. God uses long trips, and treasured time with loved ones to bring us closer to Him and each other. I can't explain the joy I felt just being in your presence again.

I was able to have lunch with two dear friends from grade school. I hadn't seen Susan since we graduated from high school. She's still as zany and lovable as she always was! Glenda, is just as sweet as she ever was. I'm so glad they're my sisters in Christ. Faith and life experiences have brought us closer to Christ and each other.

I spent an afternoon with my dear friend Nancy Lacy. She once said we were "kindred spirits" bound in Christ's love and blessed with a cherished friendship. I'm so glad she and her family are back in Michigan to live. After twenty three years of absence, we were setting across the table laughing and talking again, as if we'd never been apart. But then, maybe we were never really far apart, because she was always in my heart.

Mark and I spent lots of time with family. What a pleasure it is to visit intimately with people, not just the surface, hi how are you doing surface talk. We enjoyed deep conversations, meaningful times reading God's word, long walks with deep thoughts, and enjoying lots of wonderful fattening foods. (I think everyone over fed and lavished us on our rich favorites. My sister Steph should open her own restaurant-she's an awesome cook!)

As I think back over the trip God brought me closer to Him and all the people I was with. It really is a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of the family of God. I thank Him everyday for each one of you. God has woven our lives together and I'm so glad He did. I love you all dearly as my family in Christ, but also as my beloved friends. I hope you know and feel the love.

I am so glad God commanded us to love one another. In Christ that is so easy to do with all of you!

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)