What's Next?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everything we have belongs to God

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Psalm 67 (NIV)

What direction is your will taking?

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

Proverbs 23:26 (NIV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michelangelo what an artist!

Michelangelo has been my favorite artist since I was a child. I remember the first pictures I saw of the Sistine Chapel, and his sculpture of David. Obviously, he was a man who wanted to please God and found beauty in all of His creation. His work illustrates an awesome love for God and the details in God's creation.

I heard earlier this week Michel was one of the first people to have a copy of an Italian translated Bible. Although it was forbidden at the time for Catholics to read the word on their own; Michel found God's word fascinating and enlightening. For example as he read he knew there was no longer a need for confessions to a priest. Although he did a lot of work for the Catholic church he continually tried to point any admirer of his work directly to God. For example, his portraits of people in churches may be looking out the window, or upward toward heaven, instead of at the priest. This conveys the fact we no longer need to confess to mere men, or priests, but to God.

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)

Another thing I love about Michelangelo was that he found the naked body beautiful. I love to be outside, but there isn't anything more fascinating to me than a naked body. I'm not talking about pornography, I find that demeaning and disgusting. But if you look at how the body is created, it is absolutely beautiful. There are so many wonderful details that God puts into our bodies. We really are fearfully and wonderfully made as the Psalmist said in Psalm 139:14. Do you think Michelangelo regretted that Adam and Eve sinned in the garden? (It is a shame to have to cover our bodies because of sin.)

Did you know Michael Angelo also wrote poetry and believed in staying fit? He was quite a guy; someone I know God inspired and created. In turn Michelangelo inspired others to serve and admire God, in his life time and to this very day! That's quite a legacy to leave, don't you think?

It is sad to think Michael spent the last few years of his life fearing the church. The Catholic church constantly criticized his paintings, and even threatened his life. Many of his paintings were "corrected" with clothing, because of the church. God always deserves honor and praise for His creation. Man's sinful nature has corrupted some of God's beauty.

What special gift has God given you to serve Him with? There's only one you, use what you have to love others and give glory to God. More than anything have peace with God and yourself about what God gives you to do.

"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:5-7 (NIV)

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

The Essence you're seeking is there for the asking!

Yesterday we went to the movie, "Angels and Demons." Personally I think the Vatican has nothing to fear from this movie. The movie begins with scientist trying to capture the essence of God. They want to know how He created the heavens and earth. Too bad they didn't recognize Genesis as reality.:) (Ironically, none of the movie is about real angels or demons.)

The angels in the title refer to the statues of angels in Rome. (Part of me wanted to see the movie hoping to see Heidi in one of the shots. Heidi my daughter, is living in Rome. :) I seen the statues and a lot of the churches and places she has been, but not Heidi. :( ) The only demon in the movie was living in a priest in the movie. It was suspenseful, but the story was full of flaws and holes.

For example the professor flew from America to Italy on a flight. When he arrived it was still the same day, during afternoon hours. Rome is six hours a head of GA. time, so that's impossible. That was one of many flaws.

I know that there really is a science Lab in Switzerland that is trying to make an antimatter to capture the essence of God. Isn't it Ironic, that as believers we have captured the essence of God? By simply believing and asking Him to come into our heart and guide our life, we have His guiding force for the rest of our life. We only have to trust and obey.

If God has opened your heart, mind and soul to His light, you have been given the very things scientist and scholars are seeking. Let's pray that God will also open others eyes to the realities that are simple enough for a child to understand, yet more complex than anyone of us will ever figure out. Humans have a very limited mind, but God's mind is absolutely limitless and all knowing.

Maybe that's why, when people say aren't you scared of.... I can confidently say, "No, God is in control of my fate. When He doesn't calm my storms, He holds me close. I am confident God will see me through whatever this life throws at me."

I don't say that without knowing there will be days I hate what is happening. . Does that make sense? The storms I've already weathered with my Lord, have brought me closer to the God I love.

"Then Jesus Cried out, "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at me he sees the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness."

John 12:44-46 (NIV)

"But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:25 (NIV)

" This is what God the Lord says-he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to it's people, and life to those who walk on it:

"I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand, I will keep you and make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free the captives from prison, and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

"I am the Lord, that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols." Isaiah 42:5-8 (NIV)

This is the I AM the scientist seek and maybe who you are seeking. He wants to be your personal Savior! Ask Him to open your eyes.

"The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they can not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is in the image of God." 2 Corinthians4:4 (NIV)

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)

Just as we can not see the wind we feel it and know it is there. God is not seen, but felt. He must open our eyes and heart to His spirit, but when He reveals Himself it's critical that we trust and obey Him.


Believers we need to pray hard that God will open the hearts and minds of our family, friends and world to see and know Him.

God is Just

Tell me, is it a sin to be glad people are no longer in this world? Those who have taken things from your very soul? I'd really like to know. I found myself happy that someone was dying in a hospital today. I have never felt like that before today.

When I was three a certain man tried to rape me. He held me down and tried to force himself into my small body. I cried kicked, screamed and even bit him to get away. Sweaty and partially naked I broke free and drug my baby sister to my bed room where I slammed the door, and locked it. I stood in front of that door sobbing, until my mother and father came home from a date.

As soon as they came home my uncle snuck out the door. I heard my mother coming down the hall. She came to the locked door, and tried to open it."

"Kathy, it's Momma let me in."

Reluctantly, I unlocked the door. I remember her scooping me up. I sobbed and sobbed. My long blond hair was so matted and wet from sweat, snot and tears. I felt so dirty and sore. I remember clinging to my mother and wishing she'd just hold me all night, but please clean me up too. That night still makes me cry.

My mother did clean me up. I fell asleep, as she cried and rocked me. I remember my Dad storming out of the house. He found my uncle and put him on a bus back to Ala. The next day my mother took me to the doctor.

Latter, those same scars would surface in my marriage. Every time Mark would do certain things when we were on the couch, or in bed, I'd grow horribly rigid and start crying. Sure I've had counseling. Mark has paid for lots of counseling, but the scars remain. I've learned to live and cope with it. The scars remain, but most people don't see them.

That same uncle, and I sat at my Grandmothers table one night. He asked me, "Do you really remember what happened? You were only three," he said with a smirky smile.

I went through all the details of how he coaxed me up on the couch under a wool, green army blanket. As I described the way he held me down and pulled my pajama's down, the smirk left his face. His eyes grew teary, as the tears rolled down my cheeks. I described the pain in my wrists as he pinched them down, and the force he used on my three year old parts. He apologized and told me he was sorry that I remembered. (Isn't that amazing, he was sorry I remembered;- he wasn't sorry for the act? )

I forgave him, but the sad thing about this is, he continued to abuse children. If it could have ended with me, it would have been so much better, but he continued even after I told him explicit details-WHY?

Today he lies in a hospital with internal head injuries. I wonder if the demons from hell aren't teasing and tormenting him, as they wait to carry him to an eternal damnation. As he enters hell will the flames fan higher as they consume his damned body?

That man's death will deliver justice to every child's body, mind and soul he damaged. God's Justice comes in His time, not ours. God makes no mistakes.

"And I heard the altar respond: Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgements." Revelation 16:7 (NIV)

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self indulgence. Blind Pharisees! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean." Matthew 23:25 &26 (NIV)

"And he said: I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Therefore, whoever humbles himself as a little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believes in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

Matthew 18:3-6 (NIV)

God sees and knows everything. His timing will be just. Please do not abuse or mislead a child, your penalties will be worse.

Marriage in the Park :)

"See! the winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of the doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms it's early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come my darling; my beautiful one, come with me." Song of Songs 2:11-13 (NIV)

I know just how Solomon's lover felt! The winter is finally over, and it's beautiful outside. Let's go enjoy it together! Mark and I took a long walk, probably a little over seven miles today through an awesome park. The Mountain Laurels and Honeysuckle were so beautiful. Certain sights and smells still spark romance in this old lady's bones! :)

In fact as we walked I began fantasizing about how wonderful it would be to have a wedding in God's awesome outdoors instead of a stuffy building. You can't imagine the detail He puts into the flowers beauty and fragrance, unless you take the time to admire His creation for yourself. Why spend fortunes on pomp and circumstance while this natural beauty of Springtime cries out, "Bring your lover, enjoy God's perfect romance outside! Our Awesome God provides sights, smells and sounds that no human can even remotely create."

I wish I had realized this 28 years ago. Mark and I would have been married in a park, and honey mooned in the same setting under the starry, starry skies. :) Why do people waste so much time and money on a ceremony? Shouldn't we be in awe of our creator who loves us, and focus more on the happily ever after, that should last a lifetime according to the vows we took?

Keep Christ in the center of your life as a captain. Keep Him in the center of your marriage for a unity that will last a life time. When Christ leads your family, the journey will be much sweeter.

As you're blessed with the pitter- patter of little feet, remember they're taking everything they see and hear at home to heart. The first glimpses of Jesus will be reflected through your actions. In other words is there a difference between Mom and Dad who believe in God, and the family up the street who never go to God's house? I hope so, because if they can't see the difference, all your trips to church will be in vain. Jesus belongs at the core of our lives. Maybe the best place is to start is with a wedding geared around Him, instead of all the bling and things. :)

"A deacon must be the husband of one wife and must manage his children and his household well. those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy3:12 (NIV)

"Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:

He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

(You and I were made in God's image we have a body, soul and mind, which will either go to heaven or hell when we die. You must really believe and accept Christ as your Savior in order for His Holy Spirit to dwell in you. Christ in you is the hope of glory which will make the positive difference in you.)