Warriors and Builders accomplish great things together

"Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city." Proverbs 16:32 (NIV)

Wouldn't we all rather be the patient man who doesn't have to fight? The Lord knows I would rather not fight, yet there are appointed times when a fight is inevitable. Like it, or not God puts us into battle to stand up for what's right, to defend the helpless, or to take a city.

"The lot is cast into the lap, but every decision is from the Lord."

Proverbs 16:33 (NIV)

God chooses who will go into battle with the purpose to win the fight. If God has called you to be a warrior fight for God! Count on Him for wisdom, grace and sustenance throughout the battle and emerge the victor in Christ. Even if you loose the battle, Christ will win the war, fight with all you have in Christ! Battles often strengthen our body and minds. They can also draws us closer to God. Isn't that why we are here?

First Chronicles chapter 28, is an interesting chapter you might enjoy reading. David wanted to build a temple to house the ark of the covenant for the Lord, but God said, "No." God chose David to be a warrior, not a builder. God appointed David's son, Solomon, to build the temple.

God the Father knows best. He makes no mistakes. We must follow His directions.

"So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commands of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever.

And you my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with whole hearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever."

1 Chronicles 28: 8 & 9 (NIV)

"David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished." 1 Chronicles 28:20 (NIV)

God puts warriors and builders together for a reason. The warrior knows from experience that regardless the situation God will ultimately fulfill His will. The builders create God's design. It takes both the warrior and the builder to fulfill God's mission.

We All Disappoint God

"The holidays can be a very unfulfilling time can't they? Most of us begin with "great expectations," that somehow inevitably take a major dive. Yet, every year we seem to build those great expectations hoping life will be better this time.

Obviously this year is no exception, yesterday my husband of almost 30 years told me I was a "selfish, self centered B (I'll let you finish that word.)" He went on to say, "Last year we brought you home from the hospital after your surgery. This year we have to go through chemo treatments with you. You just ruin every holiday anymore."

I really had nothing to say to that. I put my straw hat, pulled it down in hopes that no one would see me cry and went outside to pull weeds. Frankly, I will be glad when I don't have to endure anymore of these, "Merry Christmases or Thanksgiving" on earth. Even my excitement about Heidi's return has been squashed like a bug. She'd rather be spending her holidays in Italy with her friends. Pulling weeds and a good cry helped me put life back into perspective.

Imagine how God feels when His family fails over and over again. Through all that He keeps loving and guiding us, wow, now that's true love. What a great example of parenting! Yet I know He has limits too.

"The lord was grieved that He had made man on earth, and His heart was filled with pain. So the Lord said I will wipe mankind from the face of the earth-men, animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and the birds of the air for I am grieved that I have made them. But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord."

Genesis 6:6-8 (NIV)

All through the Bible right to the end He keeps trying and we keep failing. Sometimes He even gets frustrated with His chosen people in Jerusalem.

"You have rejected me," declares the Lord.

"You keep on backsliding." So I will lay hands on you and destroy you; I can no longer show you compassion." Jeremiah 15:6 (NIV)

I was talking to a close friend the other day. She asked if I remembered the pictures of Jesus carrying around a lamb. Sure I do that was one of my favorite pictures I remember in our church down stairs, maybe in a Sunday school room. She said the reason Shepard's carry those little lost sheep around is because the Shepard broke it's leg. It is better for the Shepard to break it's leg and carry it than constantly have to wonder off leaving the fold, to find the wondering one. By the time the wandering sheep's leg heals that sheep always wants to stay close to the Shepard. Besides saving him from the wolves the shepard has personally fed and cared for the straying lamb.

Aren't we often referred to as God's sheep? Do the trials in life bring you closer, or push you farther from God? It depends on your spirit, doesn't it?

Finally consider Hebrews chapter 12, read the whole thing for yourself. The day will come when God shakes the whole heaven and earth-so that what can not be shaken remains. (Faith, Love, Hope, God, our security in Christ... you know the things that can not be bought or made by man's hands only through God's love in us.)

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that can not be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)

Maybe it's better that "family gatherings" aren't the "beloved events" we hoped for. We need to get our hearts and minds back on the One who really loves cares and is in control of our best interest at heart. We have an Awesome God who loves us enough to die and rise for us, that we might enjoy eternal life with Him.

Life Belongs to God

"Jesus did many other things as well. If everyone of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." John 21:25 (NIV)

Often it is not always easy to see what God is doing in and through our lives is it? Yet, when I read this verse there's so much comfort. Although I can't see where all of this is going God Knows and is in control.

"Jesus said,"Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands and someone will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, Follow me!"

John 21:The last part of verse 17-19 (NIV)

The farther I go with God the more I understand it's more important not to always know why, but more important to know that whatever happens God controls my destiny. I am here to glorify God, how ever God chooses to use me.

The Best Part of my Life

"I always thank God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints." Philemon 1:4-7 (NIV)

I can't express my feelings with mere words how much I love some of you. Some of you are in my biological family, but I think almost all of you who read this are in the family of God. When I think about how you've prayed and encouraged me over the years I wish you could feel the glowing embers of love in my heart for you.

I was thinking of you all on my drive to Decatur to see the doctor yesterday. Of all the wonderful things I've seen and felt in my life, love really is my most treasured gift. Because of your love I have been warmed and cheered on some of my life's stormiest days. Your love encourages me when I think I can not go on. It inspires me to try when I would have rather given up and just laid down and died.

The power of your prayers has prompted God to restore my health, lift my spirits and healed my flesh. If ever you doubt God is listening to you, think of me. He listens and restores because of your faithfulness to Him.

Then I think about God's love, that really pours out the tears of love and joy. What an awesome Savior. What are we God that you're mindful of us? You create us, sustain us and even love us so much you'd give your life for us. great is your faithfulness, love and mercy. With all that you also give me these wonderful sisters and brothers in Christ who love like you do.

Love definitely is and was the best part of my life!

"Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:12-13 (NIV)

Why Charity Needs to Begin at Home

"And my God shall meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NIV)



We have been taught that God will supply all our needs. For most us that faith is made sight through how our fathers and mothers took care of us. If those basic needs weren't met as a child it's hard for anyone to imagine a loving Heavenly Father caring for them. That is why it is critical for all family members to meet each others basic needs first.



I was reminded again this week that all our family members may not know Christ as their personal Savior. Our actions regarding their needs may pull them from Him, or they may lead them to Him. The way we care and love our family members may help them to choose life in Christ, or eternal damnation because they can't see the difference Christ makes in our life.



"Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. The widow who is truly in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and ask God for help. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. Give the people these instructions too, so that no one may be open to blame. If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." 1 Timothy 5:3-8 (NIV)



"Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives."

Titus 3:14 (NIV)



How sad would you be to know a loved one went to hell because you neglected their physical, emotional and spiritual needs? Have you ever sought popularity in church, or cu dos from society instead of meeting a family members needs? Maybe we all have at one time or another, but God put us in the family we're in for a reason. Mend those family fences before it's to late. Family memories need to be seasoned with lots of love, grace and forgiveness. Start with the basic needs first. When the basic needs are met, then love and happiness will follow.

God's Filters in Our Lives

"Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:14-16 (NIV)

"David said to his son Solomon, "Be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished." 1 Chronicles 28:29 (NIV)

( *Remember your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.)

I was thinking about the importance of filters in our lives yesterday as I was cleaning out my goldfish pond. Think about the human body's filtering systems. For example the kidneys filter out impurities and balance our chemical structure.Without them we would die within 24 to 48 hours. Each kidney is only three inches long, but together they filter over 48 gallons of water and blood every day. Forty-seven gallons of those transporting liquids are reabsorbed into our body. We release the other gallon through the final filter system of urination.

As Christian brothers and sisters we need to help each other examine and help sort each others problems. That is why close fellowship with at least a few close believers is so important. Time alone with God and in his word is even more vital for a Christian. God's word is a bright pure light that shines on our soul. If applied it can pierce and remove the crud in our lives. Sometimes it takes another Christian's view to point out our problem areas. Either way, God uses both for correction, which ultimately prolongs our days and our happiness.

"He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness.

It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the Lord will be shattered. He will thunder against them in heaven; the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.

He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed."

1 Samuel 2: 9 & 10 (NIV)

"So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him,"Since you have asked for this and not a long life or wealth for yourself, nor have you asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be."

1 Kings 3:9-12 (NIV)

Discernment and wisdom are worth more than gold. God's precepts and lifestyle will give you true happiness and a long life. As you please God He will provide; most of the time He will grant you more than you need. But remember He judges your motives more than the actions.

"When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.

Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known." Proverbs 14: 32 & 33 (NIV)

Did you notice the Bible says "when calamity comes" it doesn't say if it comes. Everyone will experience pain in life. God isn't being mean or bitter- this is simply part of life. If you were born you will hurt, live through sorrows, and taste bitterness. It's your choice whether to get back up and enjoy the pleasure and happiness in life. Life isn't about waiting for the rain to stop, we have to learn to dance in the rain.

"And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:7-9 (NIV)

He is Faithful

Have any of you ever listen to any of Wayne Watson's music? I took a sentimental journey as I caught up on some deep cleaning around here. I put one of his old Cd's in Monday and cried like a baby as I remembered all the good things God has done throughout my life. God is Always faithful even when I'm not. (My Bible reading sometimes gets pushed aside while I occupy my life with what I think I "have to do, " for example washing walls and cleaning cupboards.)





There's a song called, "Watered Colored Ponies," on one of Wayne's CD. I've played it so much I'm amazed it still plays. Children are an awesome blessing from God, but all too soon the Watered colored ponies really do ride away. There are no more finger paintings hanging from the refrigerator door, the smudges of kisses from little faces have all been washed from the windows, and the only laughter from our children's young voices exists only in our minds.





May God provide children somewhere around you all the days of your life. People of all ages keep our minds healthy and happy. Is there anything as sweet as a child laughter, or an older persons smile? What can compare to hugs from any of those you love-Nothing!





Time really does fly, I remember hearing the words, "Baby, what will we do when it comes back to me and you?" Before I knew it suddenly Mike and Heidi had grown up and gone. Mark and I were alone again.





Before that time, both Michael and Heidi were saved by grace, through Christ. (A mommas greatest JOY!) And just as I had asked God for their salvation, I also asked that they would mount up as eagles and do what He wanted all the days of their lives. Michael and Heidi did mount up as eagles, they are both soaring high for Jesus. God is so good and faithful.





There's another song on that CD called, "Somewhere in the World out there." I remember asking God to give Michael a Godly wife. So I was praying that whoever that little girl was Jesus would help her love God as well. I use to wonder what she'd look like, where she was and what she was doing. Ironically I seen some pictures of Neva when she was a little girl about a month ago. Guess what, she was this cute little girl in cowboy boots like Mike-about the same age. But while he was building snowmen in Michigan, she was probably playing outside in GA. Isn't it neat how God puts us all together?





God gave Michael and Neva to each other as marriage partners for life . :) She's beautiful, a lovely Godly Woman and they have a marriage grounded in Christ.We all love her very much. Michael is a wonderful son, you can't imagine how much I love my Michael. God has been so Good!





I use to ask God to please let Heidi go to college. She was an absolute little doll baby, born with styled hair, long eyelashes and a cute little round nose. I use to ask God to help her finish college and not quit like I did to get married. Heidi has her bachelor's degree; now she's going back for her Master's degree. She's dating a good Godly man and maybe they'll become a family.





Sure I still have unfulfilled blessings like grandchildren, but God has already gave me so many wonderful blessings. Sometimes I feel like God has given me a lifetime of Christmas mornings with lots of presents. Not all gifts come with ribbons and bows. The best ones are from God! Yes, there has been illness, death, horrible trials, and pain, but the good is what I remember, and there has been so much!





"But grow in grace! and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever! Amen" 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)





"For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.


The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love."


Psalm 33:4 &5 (NIV)





"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.





The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made.





The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down."


Psalm 145: 13 & 14 (NIV)





"For no matter how many promises God has made they are, "Yes" in Christ. And so through Him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 (NIV)





God keeps everyone of His promises. He fulfils every promise in our lives for His glory. We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus. May God help you see all the blessings He has bestowed on you, so you can glorify your Father in heaven.





So many of you wrote to me and said you are praying for my health. Thank you so much! Your prayers are helping. I thank God for you every day. I love you.

Thou the sails are torn and battered the Anchor holds!

"Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of my Lord forever." Psalm 23:6

Tonight is one of those nights, I have to cling to Jesus, more than ever. The pain in my back from my spine all the way around to where my stoma exits my body is hurting bad. The wafer came off this afternoon and the blood flowed freely down my leg, to my foot. Chron's is a wicked, wicked disease that literally is eating my flesh and intestines away.

I'm so thankful we were able to go to church this morning. The service at Beech Haven Baptist in Athens was especially a blessing today. We were created to Glorify God! We are the only living creatures with a soul and spirit to have fellowship with God our Creator, Sustainer, Author and Finisher of our faith. He's been the constant Anchor in the midst of every one of my storms. Though this body, like a ship out on a rough sea, is bloody, battered, ripped and torn my Anchor holds in Christ Jesus!

If you want- pray for me, but if you do, pray for God's Will and Grace until this ship finally sails home. Heaven is where my heart and Savior is.

I go to Decatur for an MRI on Friday. Only God knows the number of my days, but whether I endure much more, or just a little more, I'm thankful for the journey. It's been a wild but enlightening ride. I have truly loved a full rich life, especially the days I've had with Jesus, my family and friends!

Open our Hearts Lord

We've all been there-frustrated over family members, or close friends that never accept Jesus. They hear the message, see the walk and are loved by people who show them compassion and understanding, yet they choose to turn away. Time runs out, the unbeliever dies. They are eternally separated from God and their believing loved ones.

"Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing they do not hear or understand."

In them is fulfilled the prophet of Isaiah:

"You will ever be hearing, but never understanding; you will ever be seeing, but never perceiving."

For this peoples heart is calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they close their eyes." Matthew 13:13-15 (NIV)

"When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This seed was sown along the path." Matthew 13:19 (NIV)

Even if the seed is sown sometimes it springs up among the weeds. Christians living among unbelieving friends and family, become weak from lack of nourishment of God's word and other believers. They get just enough spiritual food to exist, but they never thrive. Often they feel choked out by Satan's plot to keep their beloveds soul from God. The threat of your loved ones entering eternity without Christ is a huge weight on your heart. Rightfully so- Your family's eternal life is more important than their earthly life. (See Matthew 13:24-30)

Staying away from God's house and your Bible may cost your loved ones security in heaven. Although accepting Christ is a personal decision everyone must make for them self, what parents teach by doing is vital to how a child sees God. How horrible to consider your children never accepting Christ as their personal Savior, (especially if you neglected to live for Christ.) Personally, I'd rather die ten times over.

Then there are the believers who spring up so quickly in rocky soil. Gun hoe to be a "Christian" because everyone else around them is one. They want what others have , but are not willing to grow in faith through trial, or circumstance. Believer beware, in every life a little rain must fall. They cry out, "Why did God let this happen? He doesn't love me!" So ends their adventure in the "Christian Life." Bad times do fall on "good people." Would any of us ever grow without trial and error? I couldn't have. (See Matthew 13:20-23)

God is the only One who can give sight, hearing and belief to the unbelieving heart. We need to pray hard for those we love who are not grounded in Christ. We all need good soil and food to grow. For Christians that consists of a Godly group of believers, grounded in God's Word daily to thrive. Studying your Bible alone is even more important. Remember this is a "personal relationship with Christ." Groups and friends are wonderful, but you'll soon fall if there's not a one on one relationship with Christ.

If you're living with a non believer or weak Christan, try reading your bible daily. Do Not force it down your spouses throat. Quietly consume it on your own, until they want to share it with you. When he/she asks why you're reading and trying to live it out, explain how you want to live for Christ. This might be a good time to express your love and desire that all your family would know Christ. Most true believers see Christ in a loved one, or friend prior to becoming a believer. The peace which surpasses all understanding is inviting and intriguing. God designed the human heart with a void only He can fill.

Imagine the joy in your home if Christ became the center of every one's life. No it doesn't mean you'll never fight. Believe me, married believers fight-I know this first hand. Growing together and knowing your spouse and children will be in heaven is an awesome blessing.

The Church is far from perfect. In fact, it's just a group of forgiven sinners who meet and try to encourage each other to try to follow Christ. There is sin in every part of Christ's church, some of it is down right ugly, but the good far out weighs the bad.

"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he went out and hid it again, and then in his joy he went and sold everything he had and bought that field."

"Again the kingdom of heaven is like a a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."

Matthew 13: 44&45 (NIV)

I hope what you've found in Jesus is worth sharing especially with those you love. We only have one life, but if it is lived well, that's enough to glorify God. Life is short; don't leave earth without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. :) Love ya

When you think Jesus doesn't know Consider these things...

If you've ever doubted that Jesus knew what you're going through read what he says in the New Testament. He knows everything that has and will happen. Don't be afraid because He has sent the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort you.

"Be on your Gard against men; they will hand you over against the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." Matthew 10:17-20 (NIV)

"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. " Matthew 10:26 (NIV)

"Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body but can not kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

Matthew 10:28 (NIV)

"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him." Matthew 11:27 (NIV)

"Come to me , all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

If you are one whom the Son has chosen to reveal salvation to I pray you'll have the strength to endure as long as He gives you breath. Life can be hard but it is well worth the journey with God on our side. Grasp every thing you can learn from God. He's preparing you for eternity!

Jesus is the bridge to God the Father.