The Winds of Change are Blowing!

We spent some time walking at the Dukes creek Falls yesterday. The falls were so filled with water it was an awesome little adventure. The sights, sounds and smells were so strong. I love being outside and close to God!

The winds of change continually blow through, and over my life. I'd appreciate your prayers, as the winds blow. Some of you may have heard or know, the doctors I've been working with simply can not understand, except some have admitted that a miracle has taken place. (None of my doctors expected me to live more than five years max in the final stage of Crohn's I was in six years ago.)

I was told, I'd never be off so many of the medications. After the surgery and blood work in Feb. they simply can not find Crohn's disease in my blood or body. I'm taking no medications for Crohn's disease.I am healthier than I've been in six years. No special formula for my health will be found outside the fact that God has simply healed my body.

I really feel that I need to go back to school. Real Estate was fun, but very stressful. I think it's best to pursue what God keeps prompting me to do. I need to help others. I'm checking out some medical programs to become a medical assistant. Eventually I may even pursue an RN's degree and work with ostomy patients. I could help a lot of people with ostomies. :)

I still must pass a physical. Except for the heart attack I suffered two years ago; what could hold me back? Living with a bag isn't the worst thing in the world. Minds adapt to the changes of matter, or lack of it. :)

More than anything I desire to please God. Please pray I'll do what I am suppose to do. I need to do it with a smile, and a song in my heart.

Finally, as the warm Southern Breezes blow; I'm longing for a sweet escape to the gulf. I'd especially love to go to Sanabel Island, even if it's only for a day, and or a night. I miss sailing so much right now. I'd love to just be on a sail boat even if it's only be for a few hours. I need to feel the breeze and sun on my face. Seeing dolphins jumping and tasting the salty sea would be extra sweet toppings on such a sweet needed treat!

Remember the 23rd Psalm? God is so good! "You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:5&6 (NIV)

Christ Jesus will provide what you need!

Do you remember the first time you held each of your children? Or the first time they locked their eyes into your eyes, while you were feeding them? How about the first time you went to put them down, but they clutched you as if to say, "Please, not yet?"

There will be storms in your life, if you haven't already experienced some, they are coming. As a believer, you may even ask your Heavenly Father to take them away. Sometimes He will. But there are gonna be really hard times when instead of easing your pain, grief or stress, Jesus will let you know it's time for a faith building test. As he gazes into your soul, He will wait for you to allow Him to take control. As soon as you release your life into his omnipotent will, He will hold you close to His breast, much like you held your baby for the first time.

As He holds you close to Himself, you'll cling closely to His powerful loving breast. So quickly, the things of earth will grow dim. The storm of life will rage on, sometimes even close to death, but closer than ever to Jesus, you realize God is in control, nothing else matters.

Set your mind on the permanent, not the fleeting events, or things of this life time.

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you loved him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. " 1 Peter 1:6-9 (NIV)

If Christ is your Savior you never have to walk alone. Anything He puts you through in this life, He will provide what you need to finish the race with Him. He will see you through to eternity from beginning to the glorious end. He promises you that.

"No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5 (NIV)

Nothing can separate us from our God. Live boldly with a purpose!

Maybe Some Friendships are like parts of Trees

I heard a comedian make a really profound comment last night. It made a lot of sense, yet it hurts. Friendships are like parts of trees. At the root of any tree are it's roots. They actually nourish and give life to the tree. So Jesus, our family, and closest friends, consist of the roots in our lives.

Then there is the trunk of the tree that would be who we are and our significant other. We generally grow together, or at least that's the goal.

As the trunk strengthens and grows the branches of friendship should develop. I would caution, this doesn't mean you have to give up your friendships from your past. If another person strengthens, loves and nourishes you, don't give them up. If your partner doesn't understand, then you'll have to decide whether it's best to prune that branch. Just remember deep pruning into friendships, can cause the whole tree to die.

Then there are the leaves. They pop out in the Spring and flourish for a season, only to die and blow away in the fall. I have a hard time with these kinds of friendships. I don't like to spend, or share myself for a fake flourishing frenzy. Maybe I'd be more like a Hemlock tree. Just a slow steady grower, needing lots of water, and the shade of other trees to survive. I'd rather have the constant growth that stays for years.

For those of you leafy trees, try to remember not all of us shed in the fall. We have feelings that run deep. But whether you're an oak, cedar or one of the many other trees in the forest of life, we all need to get the main nourishment from Jesus.

See Philippians 4:10-23

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

... "If God is for us who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 (NIV)

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble, or hardship or persecution, or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" Romans 8:35 (NIV)

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39 (NIV)

Christ Jesus, should make friendships stronger and deeper by far than mere earthly friendships. Where are your friendships grounded? (The picture above is Michael and Heidi raking leaves at Grandpa Mason's house a long time ago.)

It's just a Rainy Day

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, 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-put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8 & 9 (NIV)

So often, I need this verse to remind me God is in control and I need to let Him have His way. Today has just been one of those days. If I start crying, I'll probably cry for at least two days, and probably more.

So many things are out of my control. It's best just best to let go, and let God do whatever He sees fit. Sorry I'm not very happy or inspiring today. Hope your day is going a lot better than mine.

Christ The Lord is Risen Today Halelujah!

That first Resurrection Morning gave us a permanent security to God the Father, through Jesus the Son. Though these earthly bodies will die, unless Jesus comes back first, as believers our soul will not taste death. That's Awesome! When I am absent from my body I will go directly home to heaven to be with Jesus.

Easter is awesome because it represents new life in Christ. Some people think the bunnies, chocolate and big meal are a disgrace. Personally, it reminds me we have a reason to celebrate. I love to eat; if you don't well then just push away from the table. I'll be glad to eat your ham and deviled eggs latter.

The bunnies represent new life. Rabbits multiply fast, may we as Christians spread the word and multiply just as fast!

As for the chocolate, well I love that too. If you don't want yours, I'll eat that too! Hope you went to church today. It's an awesome place to celebrate what Christ did, and will continue to do in and through us.

"So it shall be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor and raised in glory; it is sown in weakness and raised in power; it is sown in a natural body and it is raised a spiritual body."

1 Corinthians 15 : 42-44 (NIV)

Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

Hoppy Easter!

One Day or Living He loved me

When I was eleven I was "saved." That was the coolest day of my life, in so many ways. Those first few steps up the church isle, my feet felt like lead, but the closer I came to the pastor, I was almost running. I remember Pastor Shepherd's arms opening wide, as he scooped me up. (I had been a regular visitor at his house for over a year before. Often interrupting his Sunday afternoon naps, dew to joking and giggling with his girls.) So many of my New Beginnings in Christ were at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church in Ionia Michigan.

I remember asking Jesus to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart. I sobbed because I knew my sin caused His death. But after I was forgiven and asked Him to come into my heart; I remember feeling like hot bubbles were filling my insides. I smiled a lot after that, and Mr. Reinhart nick named me Son Shine. Some of those same people still call me that today. Although many of them have gone "Home," as the years quickly passed.

One of the most memorable ladies in the church was Sophie Ranger. She intimidated me, but I respected her. She was the pianist, who loved to play. She loved this song called, "One Day." I'm sure some of you know it. I remember Sophie bouncing around pumping those pedals with her feet, and her hands wildly pounding, as we sang along. She'd often glance back with a big smile. As teenagers, some of us got a big kick out of watching her.

Sophie passed away two Sundays ago, sometime just before Sunday School usually starts. I couldn't help, but think what a wonderful day that must have been for her. Sophie had a nine year old daughter who loved Jesus. Janet was riding her bike, not a block from where she lived on M-44 in Belding Michigan, one day after school. She was probably singing and smiling she went along. A driver coming home from work was temporarily blinded by the sun. That lady never seen Janet; and Janet probably didn't see her. The car hit Janet and she died.

As Sophie was absent from the body and present with the Lord, I'm sure Janet was one of the first to hug her, Momma. I'm sure that was the best Sunday morning worship service they enjoyed together! There's a peace that surpasses all understanding in knowing Jesus. I hope you have it!

I was singing that song outside today. In the chorus it talks about all the basics of Salvation. So many verses flood my head again today. They're so good print this off and look them up God will bless you with them, I promise!

The following in orange are the words in the chorus. Go ahead sing it if you want to! I still love that old song, and sing it sometimes in the shower! Aren't you glad you don't live with me? ;)

Living He loved me (Read Mark 12: 29-33)

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 (NIV) How true!

Dying He saved me. "For the wages of sin death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 6:23 (See Psalms 68: 20 too)

Buried He carried my sins far away As you asked Jesus to forgive your sins those sins were buried with Him, if you were baptized, as you went under the water that represented death to sin. They're no longer part of you. Live and act pleasing to Christ Jesus. (See Romans 6:4)

Rising He Justified Freely Forever Just as Christ died, was buried and rose again so you too shall do, unless he returns before you die. You must be born again though, accept Christ as your Savior if you want to go to heaven. You will go to either Heaven or Hell depending on your relationship with Christ, forgiveness and allowing the holy ghost to guide and direct your life.

(See 1 Corinthians 15: 35-42)

One day He's coming, Oh Glorious Day! The books of Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation all talk about His Return. I think were living in the "last days." Are you ready? I'll be glad to pray with you if you're not. Email me, and I'll call you.

Happy Easter!! kathlenefisher@yahoo.com

Here are a few more verses if you'd like to look them up: Forgiveness Matthew 26:28 Luke 24:47 Faithfulness to God: 1 Corinthians 4:2

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12 The same Lord who began a good work in you will complete it!

Awesome Friday!

I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about what Christ had to go through for us. You know there had to be a tremendous amount of love and longing for intimacy with us. Not only did He stretch out His arms and say I love you this much to die, the betrayal of all twelve disciples had to mentally crush His heart. (They denied they knew him, and scurried like scarred dogs.)

I've lived through some difficult physical circumstances, but I can endure physical pain with love and emotional support. Do you need love and support through trying times? Often love and emotional bonds with God, and others are my only sustenance for survival.

So many passages are flipping through my head this morning, there's no way I'll be allowed to write them all out, so please print this and take the time to go over them when you're alone, or with your family and God. I know He'll appreciate and bless you for taking the time to appreciate His love and sacrifice for you.

Think about the night before the crucifixion. (Mark 14:17-51) Jesus asks His closest friends to go with him to the garden of Gethsemane. His feet must have felt physically weak and weighed down, but his heart felt the the betrayal he knew was coming from his dearest friends. He asked them to keep watch and pray while he spent time alone with God the Father; they fell asleep. Imagine sweating drops of blood fromemotional and mental pain. As you return your closest friends are snoring, and at peace as you face your final physical hours on earth.

Once again, Jesus wakes them, and asks them to pray for their own spiritual welfare, but again he returns to slumbering weak followers. (Remember, Jesus is also God, part of the trinity, so He knew all that was coming.) Peter was one of his closest friends.

"Peter declared, Even if all fall away I will not."

"I tell you the truth, Jesus answered, today-yes tonight-before the rooster crows twice you will deny me three times." Mark 14:29-30 (NIV)

And sure enough, as the cock crowed the second time, Peter had denied he knew who Christ was. Can you feel the pain? Imagine Peter's guilt and shame as he caught Christ's eyes.

Until, Jesus stretched out his arms and endured death on that cross, you and I had no way to God the Father. The blood of spotless animals was used for a sin offering. Believers had to go to a high priest with a sin offering, and confession to the priest. If the priest, who took the offerings of sacrifice into the holy temple was unclean, he died. Mere men always have the sin factor. There isn't one of us who can even come close to God's measure of righteousness without Christ's shedding of blood. These priest went into the holy temple with a rope around their leg. If they had any sin in their life, the Spirit of God killed them for entering. Needless to say a lot of dead priests.

(Read Matthew chapters 26-28) Jesus Christ endured and over came so much for us. He was the only sinless perfect sacrifice that would be the final payment once and for all for our sins, if we want a relationship with God the father.

"And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split." Matthew 27:50 & 51 (NIV)

That curtain was torn for a reason, you and I can go directly to God the Father for forgiveness. We are all equal and accountable to God. He wants your love, devotion and soul. He literally spilt his blood, and broke His body for you. Jesus Christ is the only way to God the Father and an eternal life in heaven after you die. Like Jesus, your spirit will leave your body when you die.

Open arms, and an ultimate sacrifice are awesome, but most of us need even more. As Jesus was dying Luke recorded a very emotional side of Jesus. "Jesus called out with a loud voice, Father into your hands I commit my spirit. when he had said this, he breathed his last." Luke 23:46 (NIV)

When you're physically, mentally or spiritually beat what do you do?

I am reminded of an incident a few years ago. I had been betrayed by a friend at work. I was talking to my boss about the incident and I began crying. She felt my pain. She said she'd just like to give me a hug before we parted.

As her warm arms wrapped around my shoulders I remember hugging her so tight. It felt so good to feel love and understanding. I felt like a melting snow cone on a hot day. As she began to release me I begged her, "Could you just hold me, just for a minute?"

She graciously did. I knew she knew how much I needed her love and friendship; I still do. We all need certain people and love in life, God designed us, it's healthy to want to give and be loved. Stop fighting it, love is the best blessing in life!

As Jesus spirit went into His Fathers arms how long do you think they embraced? More importantly, it gave Jesus the courage and strength to go down and stomp Satan's head in hell. Hard enough he bruised his heel.

It's always so good when the hard things in life are over. No more, it's finished, I'll never have to do that again. Jesus felt it too.

"This is what I told you while I was still with you: everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. he told them, This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all the nations beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses to these things." Luke 24: 44-48 (NIV)

After that God sent the holy spirit to guide and direct us. :) And soon Jesus will be coming back to take us Home, but that's for another day!

It's hard to understand why Good Friday is rarely observed. No other name under heaven was given that we might be saved. Thank you for spending time with me thinking about the ultimate sacrifice. God bless and keep you and may He make His face Shine upon you! Kathy