Who will you cling to on your last day?

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

Colossians 3:17 (NASB)

So many of you have called, or wrote today wondering if we survived the storms that riped across Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee yesterday. Thank you for your prayers and concerns. Our family which is spread all over the nation has been kept by God so far. But I have absolutely No doubt He will take each of us as our time on earth ends. Please pray for the families who have lost their homes, jobs and even loved ones during these trying times.

We serve a Living Awesome God. He is not dead, but in fact rides on every storm we face in life. Think about all the major earth changes we have seen in the past couple of years, consuming earth quakes, tsunamis that have swallowed thousands of lives in vast walls of water, lightening strikes that ignite fires, and now tornadoes that reach ten miles into the atmosphere and are a mile across that blow lives completely apart.

There has never been so many Warning Signs from heaven.

God seems to be pleading, "I Am Coming Back For You Soon; Are You Ready?

I Love You, But I'm tired of your unfaithfulness to me. I want to be the center of your life, but you continue to ignore me. What will it take to get your attention?"

169 devastating tornadoes riped through the South yesterday. Many were labeled F4, which meant they were over 169 mph. some were even F5 which means they were over a mile wide and rotated over 200 mph. There are still people missing, at least their bodily forms are missing. The creator-our sustainer, knows where their souls are, either in heaven or hell.

As I sat looking into a baby blue calm sky today, I wondered, how many people I know really are prepared to enter eternity? How many of my neighbors would be in heaven if God the Father had decided last night Shepherds Crossing would be wiped off the earth? God rides all our storms in life. But He never forces His presence. People accept or reject Him.

Would you cling to Him as a giant wave took the breath from your lungs? Could you praise God if a tornado swept your helpless body into a tunnel of wind? Will you call Him your Savior and Friend if a disease like cancer slowly whittles the life out of you?

Lord Jesus, help us all to understand we are like blades of grass. We may be here today and gone tomorrow. You Lord, are the giver and keeper of life. Our bodies are not our own, but yours. Remind us and keep us close while we are in these bodies teach us to love and serve you, our Almighty Sovereign Lord. Praise God from Whom ALL Blessings flow.

"For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude."

Colossians 2: 5 & 6 (NASB)

If you have been blessed to have accepted the Son of God-Jesus Christ as your personal savior, share Him with others. You are the light in a dark world, those you love, or care about need our savior too. Would any of us want our loved ones to spend eternity separated from God?

(The picture above is some orange blossoms and roses I picked from my back yard. Imagine towns around you being wiped off the earth, but most of the roses in my back yard were still in tact this morning. How can anyone doubt God's power or love?)

Adjust your sails and press on!: Stay Young at Heart

Adjust your sails and press on!: Stay Young at Heart: "Mark started a different shift yesterday, which allowed me to work in the yard until almost 9:30 last night. It was so nice to get out the..."

Stay Young at Heart

Mark started a different shift yesterday, which allowed me to work in the yard until almost 9:30 last night. It was so nice to get out there and dig in the dirt, transplant roses to new areas and enjoy the company of so many wonderful neighbors. I love it when people just stop to visit. I especially enjoy the little children.

Children just give you a refreshing out look on the simplest pleasures of life! Do you remember picking dandelions as a child? Emily, one of my little neighbors reminded me of that joy. She carefully walked around my yard selecting the fuzzy "perfect ones" as she called them. She'd gently pick each one inspect it for perfection and carry it around until the wind caught it and disfigured it, then she'd go find another one to pick.

As a child I loved picking the "dead heads" as I called them and blowing the fuzz off. I made chains, necklaces and rings out of their hollow stems. Steph and I could spend all afternoon decorating life with our special treasures from dandelion stems. One time we even made "lace curtains" from a bunch of those stems for our play house, which was really nothing more than a sunken living room in the middle of our woods.

I'm so thankful for the presence of little children in my life. Their honesty, gentleness and out look on simplicity should be brought back to life in adults. We need to live and love with sincere passion, like we did as children. Actually, being around people of all ages is what I really enjoy. Older people have gleaned so much knowledge, who can't learn from one who has lived longer? People my age share many of the same triumphs and trials. But a child can simply put life back into it's proper perspective. God has put so many details into life. I hope we can always learn and grow from the beginning, until the day or evening we exit this life, don't you?

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And He called a little child to Himself and set him before them, and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name, receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

Matthew 18:1-6 (NASB)

"Wisdom is with aged men, With long life is understanding."

Job 12:12 (NASB)

"A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity."

Proverbs 17:17 (NASB)

Should we Reveal all our Personality Traits to each other?

God is the only constant variable in my life. At any time friends, family, home and everything else can be taken away. Because Christ is my Savior I can forever rest assured He's with me every step of the way. The peace, love and joy I've found in Christ Jesus is the single most important gift I want to share with others all the days of my life.

That being said, we all still have an ugly sin nature. When sin gets the best of me it reminds me of how thankful I am to have the Holy Spirit guiding and directing me, unless I choose to yank those reins out of God's hands. A few months ago I revealed one of those times to a friend, so she could see how sinful I can be. That revelation was overwhelming to her and did more damage than good. I simply wanted to show her the only good in me is because of Christ Jesus.

I have been labeled by counselors in the past as having post traumatic stress disorder. That "label" means that if anyone backs me into a corner, slams me with certain phrases or actions I will verbally and may physically defend myself. My reactions can be more aggressive and distasteful than few people have ever seen, or heard me do before. I'm not proud of this part of my personality, but it's there because of past horrible events. This coping defense is my mind's way of protecting my body, mind and soul.

The sin's I struggle with may not be things you struggle with at all. We are put together to help each other grow. Iron sharpens iron. Neither of us are better or worse than the other because of differences.

Please read Romans 7:14-25 I am not going to write all that here, you can read it and glean what you need from it.

"Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin."

Romans 7:25 (NASB)

This verse sums it up so well!

The thought I'd like to close with is this, those inner defenses I have do have a purpose with a reason. But if I could let go and let God keep the reins during those times I could defend myself without slanderous slurs. As far as physically defending myself- there are times when it is necessary. God doesn't want us to give up and let others kill us. I am eternally grateful that God accepts me where I am today. He continues to work on and through me, in spite of my short falls.

How can we help each other if we are not honest about everything? That being said some things are better left unsaid at certain times. Acceptance and understanding along with Biblical guidance are required to help each other.

(The picture above is Heidi and Neva. Sister in laws and best friends :D )

Can you Praise Him in the Worst of Times?

Yesterday was just an ominous day at Emory. Before I even sat down in the waiting room I was greeted by another gaging patient who had just had a "NG" tube put in in the bathroom. Bless her heart she was gagging for all she was worth. NG tubes are horrible- I've had a few of those insertions myself. If you're awake, when the doctor inserts them, it is especially horrible.

(A "NG" tube is a small flexible tube that is inserted through your nose, runs through your esophagus down to your stomach. It is used to empty the contents of your stomach, it's inserted when they want you to stop throwing up. Which seems very crude, obviously it's easier to throw up rather than blow chunks through a tube out your nose. However, it does stop that gastric upheaval.)

As I entered the waiting room the mood became even darker. The atmosphere reminded me of what a concentration camp must have felt like-many skinny bodies with long sad faces, some balding from toxic chemicals. Some how I manage to stay on the plump side. Obviously ice cream and your prayers are the answer! Bet you're not surprised! I've always loved both. :) For a moment, I felt like bolting out of there, but I quietly sat down instead.

After my IV was started I learned that the research oncologist who was working on a cure for Crohn's had slipped into eternity last Saturday. She too, had lost the battle with cancer, leaving her husband and 10 year old son behind. Please pray for this family and the grieving staff at Emory. Her positive disposition, friendship and dedication to her work will all be missed by the staff and patients at Emory.

Christians are Not immune to disease, death or sorrow. Jesus never promised to spare our lives from these things. Why should He? Jesus himself gave up his life to pay for our eternal life.

Sin isn't always the culprit for these events either! Christian, as long as you experience a physical life- you will experience a physical death, unless Jesus comes back first. Jesus has promised to be with you through it all, if you've accepted Him. This life is not always going to be a jolly fun ride. The world watches our actions and reactions to every tragedy and triumph. Can they see Jesus being glorified in every event?

Glean as much wisdom as you can from the Bible and take Jesus hand, and hold on tight. Life is a wild ride, but it's ALWAYS better with Jesus by your side.

Sometimes He calms the Storm, but more often He calms His child and goes through the storm with them. Either way you're gonna be okay. One day we will wake up in heaven with perfect minds and bodies. At that point we may even appreciate the struggles because they brought us closer to Christ. Can you praise Him during the sad as well as the glad times?

Father, help us hold tight in the darkest of our nights. Thank you for riding the storms and carrying us close in the worst of times.

The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face to shine on you,

And be gracious to you.

The Lord lift up His countenance on you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He searches the hearts knows what the mind of what the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

AND we know that God causes all things to work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Romans 8: 26-28 (NIV)

Your Kingdom come, Your will be done-not ours, Lord Jesus.

Cast All Your Cares on Him for He Cares for You

"Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For you alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety. " Psalm 4:8 (NIV)

"But I have trusted in the Your loving kindness; My heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me." Psalms 13:5 & 6 (NIV)

The Bible is full of verses that confirm God's ways that He cares for different believers over the years. As wonderful as all those verses are I feel even more devoted to God because of His love and caring ways He has dealt with my own family, friends and in my life. Can you also think of His caring devotion in your life?

We serve a God who is, not one who was, Awesome, Loving and so Caring. The more you go through in life the closer you can get to Him. Take advantage of the hard times, disasters, triumphs and victories to Praise God from whom All blessings flow. Yes, the hard times can be a blessing, especially if you'll accept them and draw closer to Christ. He loves you, love Him back.

Lord help us to see your loving face in every place we are. Give us your eyes and hands to help others see you too. Use our bodies for your will, not our will. As our creator and sustainer you know what is best for our life, help us seek your will, Lord.

I'll be going in for chemo this morning. Please ask God to help me help others while I'm there. Thank you for your prayers, I'm sure those prayers help get me there and back home safely. Interstate 85 is always an adventure, especially when I'm tired. :D

God bless you Today and Always,

Kathy

How many Believers would have failed Jesus simple request?

Imagine the mental anguish Jesus must have endured before they even lead Him away to be hung on the cross.

"When He arrived at the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." Luke 22:40 (NIV)

Then Jesus went into the garden to pray to God the Father. Have you ever felt spiritual pain and sadness? He knew what He was going to have to go through. He dreaded it, but knew it had to be completed because of our sin. Imagine how you would have felt as you approached the sleeping disciples.

"When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, and said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation." Luke22:45 and 46 (NIV)

What did Jesus find more painful- the betrayal of beloved friends or the anguish of the cross? For me, the betrayal would have hurt far more than the physical pain. Why couldn't the disciples stay awake and pray as Jesus had asked?

Yesterday, God opened my eyes, we all may have betrayed Him. Depression, physical and mental fatigue and other simple weaknesses weaken our abilities to perform the simplest tasks for our most beloved friends and family. It's so easy to be critical of others, until our eyes are opened to the reality of human weakness.

I have an old friend from high school. This girl is the spitting image of loyalty, devotion and just all the qualities in life Christ Jesus has asked us to be. I don't know too many more people who are so loving and devoted. If Martha asked me to do something for her I think I'd jump, and do it.

A while ago, she fell on the ice, cut her leg open and was pretty banged up. I haven't been on face book much- just have been too tired and not feeling like it. I didn't know Martha had fell until I seen it on Face Book. She felt totally betrayed by many, because no one really said much about her fall.

Were the disciples mentally exhausted from the news that Jesus was going away? I'm sure they were-none of it made sense. Why was He talking about suffering and His body being broken and poured out for them? (See Luke 18:31-33 and Luke 22:14-23)

Then Jesus asks them something so simple, to stay awake and pray. They failed and so did I. Something so simple, yet I was tired weak and never even knew. I'm thankful for a forgiving Savior and friends and family who love me in spite of my short comings.

All of God's children are favored in His eyes. We need to remember that our brothers and sisters in Christ, are His beloved children. Yes I know the following verses are abut a "child,' but you are God's child-right?

"Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great." Luke 9:47and 48 (NIV)

What if God had an "A" type personality?

Have you ever wondered what our lives would be like if God had a different personality?

Think about how forgiving, accepting and loving God is. He always loves us where we are. He doesn't tolerate sin, but sends The Holy Spirit to try to turn us from it. There are very few times He abruptly ends a life the first time a person falls short of His plan.

What if God had an "A" type personality? I don't know about you, but my life would have ended long ago if God was staunch and unforgiving. I fall short daily, most of the time it's because I'm unintentionally careless, or tired. Countless times He has spared my life on the road, outside and sometimes even inside during bad asthma attacks, or stupid mistakes I make.

On the other hand what if God was extremely carefree and non attentive. Who would save us from the blunders? How long would any of us have live if our God was too busy to watch our every move?

I'm very thankful that He is all knowing, yet so loving and compassionate to accept and protect in spite of our personality flaws. God's compassion inspires me to be more accepting and forgiving of others. Lord, "please give all your children "Your eyes." We need to see and love others the way you do Father."

"For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others , then your heavenly Father will not forgive your transgressions." Matthew 6:14 & 15 (NIV)