My special place

Everyone should have a favorite place to go; this is one of mine. I could spend hours here. The rush of the water, the warm southern breeze blowing up through the trees and through my hair. The warm sunshine gently streams down. Any day I have the privilege of going here is a wonderful day!

It's amazing, yesterday it was only 48 degrees, but today it made it all the way up to 63. I love GA. this is really where my heart is. When I think about different places I've been, there are a lot of neat places to visit. None of them feel quite like GA. There are people and places here that have simply stole my heart. I am so glad God transplanted me here.

Do you have a place in your heart on this earth that you can really say this feels like home? I sure hope you do.

"After David had finished talking to Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself." 1 Samuel 18:1 (NIV)

It's awesome to love someone so much that you'd do anything for their good.

Michael and Neva married 8 years next week!

This past weekend we spent a few days with Michael and Neva, at their home in Edgemore South Carolina. We had a blast. They sold their new home and purchased a fixer upper just a few miles away.

This home they're living in is coming along with lots of their personal touches. It tickles me at all the pride and self they're putting into this "project" together. Neva is cleaning up and fixing old flower beds in the yard. I think she's the best drywall mudder I've ever met!

Mike is busy with all kinds of carpentry, plumbing and is still repairing all three of their vehicles. He's installed a shower, pipes and pretty cherry bathroom cabinet with a travertine top. He's a whiz kid at inside and exterior doors and crown molding.

Michael really loves his yard! He couldn't wait to start a "Friday night bomb fire."We all laughed and joked around the fire just like we did when he was so young. It amazes me how much your children take with them after they leave the "nest." Values, love and so many good things accompany them in their "new lives"in their own nests.

I'm so proud of the home they've made, not the "things," but the qualities of life they choose to carry with them. Maybe, Mark and I didn't mess our kids up too bad, after all. But the best thing both Michael, Heidi and Neva took with them was the importance of keeping Jesus in the center of home! That fact alone is worth volumes of knowledge, love and understanding. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

"Unless the Lord builds the house, it's builders labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are son's born in one's youth.

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with there enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127 (NIV)

Heidi Is Fine

Some of you probably know that my daughter Heidi is working in Rome Italy. You probably know that there was a horrible earth quake early this morning there. That earth quake was about 45 miles north of where Heidi and Taylor are living.

My father called this morning before I seen the massive damage. I called Heid, but she was over at a friends house watching her children. Taylor told me, Heidi slept through the rumble and shaking. I'm not surprised, that's my Heid. :)

The alternator on my car went out on an express way in Louisiana. I literally, coasted into a Sears automotive shop. After 3 hours it was finally back together and running again. While I sat there with the kids I talked to the nicest older black lady. It was almost 9:00 at night when my car was finished. The repairmen told her an hour earlier that she'd have to find a way home, because they weren't even close to finishing the repairs on her car.

I offered to take her home. She said, "Oh No child, you can't take me home. A pretty little white girl like you would end up dead going down in that part of town after dark."

I felt like I was suppose to take her home. So I waited while she called several family members who all refused to go in that part of town at night. Bless her heart she began to cry. I hugged her and told her, "I'm suppose to take you home." I knew God would see us all safely through.

She was so scared for us. She fretted all the way there and sure enough when we arrived, her windows were all bored up and there was lots of "activity in the neighborhood." (Prostitution, drugs and even some shooting.) She quickly got out, but gave me her number. She wanted me to call her as soon as I got home.

As we left her house and drove down the street we ran into people shooting at each other on both sides of the street. I screamed, "Lay flat on the floor and don't get up until I tell you to!" I floored the car and went right through the shooting as fast as I could. I'm still not sure how we missed being hit.

Michael laid on the floor crying. He yelled out, "My daddy is gonna be so mad you took us down here."

Then up popped that little blond toe head Heidi. With a great big smile she said, "That was so cool, can we do it again?"

"No, get your hindy back down on that floor, right now!" She always has been my little thrill seeker. I've always loved the spice and adventure in life too. I Know as God brings me to things; He always sees me through. Fear is rarely a factor in my life. That being said, I am always concerned for my family and friends.

Please pray for Heidi as her sense of adventure does sometimes lead her to narrow escapes. God will take care of her though, I have no doubt about that. He is an awesome sovereign God!

Read Hebrews chapters 11, 12 and 13 they're Awesome! :)

"So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:6 (NIV)

"May the God of peace, who through the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen" Hebrews 13:20 & 21 (NIV)

This life is not about our bodies, or our emotional needs. It's about bringing Glory and Honor to Jesus! If he asks us to do something, we need to do it. Life and Love are never boring with Jesus! :)

The picture above is: Heidi Fisher, Taylor Emonds and another friend of theirs Amber who will be in Milan shortly. Taylor and Heidi share a 2 bedroom apartment and work together. Please pray for all believers here and through out the world that God would work through and use them to bring Him glory and honor.

Secure Your Salvation

Looking back, yesterday I seemed awful blunt about my feelings toward sexual sins, especially within families. I apologize to anyone I may have offended. I have forgiven those individuals, although I would never trust them with any child alone. Nor, will I take back what I said, hell has a purpose.

Forgiveness, doesn't mean you give the guilty person the keys to the kingdom. However for your sake and theirs it is necessary to forgive. Ideally, full restoration is the goal on both ends of forgiveness. If that is impossible because of continuing sin, or hardened hearts it's best to respect each other and move on, either together or apart. Does that make since?

Finally, I would encourage you to read the 18Th chapter of Matthew. Look at verses 21 through 35 especially. As you read this keep in mind this is what Jesus commands, it's not just suggested.

" Then the master called the servant in. "You wicked servant," he said, "I canceled all your debt of yours because you begged me to. shouldn't you had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you? In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should be paid back all he owed.

This is how your heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." Matthew 18:32-35 (NIV)

Do you understand that? You can not ask, nor will you be forgiven, unless you are willing to forgive. I guarantee no one can buy their way into heaven. We only go through the pearly gates after Forgiveness and new life in Christ. Christ himself is saying you can not be forgiven without forgiving others who wrong you. Nor does this mean, you can stop forgiving after you've accepted Christ as your Savior. If you are a new creation in Christ you must forgive, or accept God's rejection towards you. Stop sinning, please start forgiving.

My Mom the Prayer Warrior

My Mom has been one of the best prayer warriors in my life. She never gives up, and she constantly yields to the will of God through prayer. I was thinking about her as we were driving to see her the other day. Saturday, my parents will leave to return to the frozen tundra, (Michigan.)

She's never had an easy life. Personal virtues were taken from her in childhood. (Hell does have a perfect purpose.) I hate what others have taken from her. I am longing for God's justice to them.

I'm also very thankful for my Dad who stepped up to the plate of fatherhood, at only 19. He too, gave up many ideals to become a father and provider. They're still together after 48 years of marriage.

In spite of hardships, she never turned on God. She always told me God was the only constant variable we can ever count on in our lives. There was never a truer statement, everything and everyone will pass away, but God is always constant and true.

Like the rest of us she has her faults, but I'm so thankful she's been my mom. God makes no mistakes in choosing the parents He places us with. My mother was so young when she gave birth to me. She could have given me up, or aborted me. She gave up so many dreams to keep me. My Mom is one of the best blessings God gave me.

Now, I almost always find her praying or reading her Bible before the rest of us wake up. She says she can't sleep, but I'm sure it's really just a matter of wanting to staert the day alone with God. She's prayed our family through some really bad times. There are many things I admire about my mom, but the greatest virtue she passes down to her family is her constant devotion and prayer life to God. She knows where TRUE PEACE comes from, and she seeks it.

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

For surely, O Lord you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." Psalm 5:11&12 (NIV)

I'm so thankful God so often uses the gentleness, that only a mother can give to show us His love and kindness.

What can take away all my sin? NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS

"The biggest problems in the world could have been solved when it was small. " Witter Bynner

I have to disagree with this statement. Sin is the biggest problem we all face in Life. It multiplies and grows daily. Yet the only cure for sin is Jesus Christ. Through His sinless life, death on the cross for our sin, and His resurrection we have forgiveness and restoration with God the father.

None of that could have been solved through a small event. We have an awesome Savior who paid a huge price for our biggest problems.

"And He said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." Luke 22:15

"And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it and gave it to them, saying," This is my body given for you:do this in remembrance for me." Luke 22:19

" In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying,"This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."

Luke 22:20 (NIV)

An awesome price was paid for our sin. Have you accepted that gift of salvation from Jesus? Easter really represents New Life In Christ.

It Only takes a Spark to get a Fire Going!

Have you ever heard or sung that song, "It Only Takes A Spark?" When I was a teenager I use to sing that with some of my girlfriends in church. People always liked that song when we sang it. "That's how it is with God's love, once you've experienced it, fresh like Spring, you want to sing, you want to pass it on!" Isn't that so true?

I was doing a little gardening the other day. Two years ago I planted just little bitty flocks, on a side hill. Some of them didn't have enough roots to really grow, they died shortly after I planted them. But there were a few, that were small, but their roots were nourished, and they flourished. In fact three of them were so over grown they had reached the cement in the driveway. Bless there hearts they were still growing.

So, I transplanted some in the backyard around my back porch, and on that same hillside just in the back around some mock orange and Leland Cypress trees. I hope they'll grow, and go like their parent plants. While I was transplanting, I was singing that song and thinking about how cool God's family of believers really is. That love and bond we share in Christ is so awesome, it literally creates a glowing sensation in my heart. That love for God and other believers burns constantly in my heart. It never grows faint, or lacks enthusiasm.

I appreciate the love between a man and woman. It's also a special gift; but so often grows cold and lacks appeal. Not, that I don't love Mark, I do love him. We just grow tired, and loose appeal for each other. Something always rekindles that love, but it's not as appealing as it once was. Those of you who have been married more than five years probably know what I mean. We're more like the favorite pair of shoes you want slip into, after pulling high heels off. He's still the one, it's just not that much fun, sometimes.

As Christians it's so cool the way our relationship with Christ doesn't lack luster even after my 37 years of being a Christian.(I'm a ripe old lady, almost 48 this year.) God's word is always new and refreshing and keeps me coming back for more. Sure there have been stale times, but for the most part it's always fresh and exciting.

And just like those little flocks; as the gospel spreads God's producing new believers at a non stop pace! That's so Awesome! Even more awesome are my Christian brothers and sisters who keep growing and sharing. Finally, we will all be together, like never before in Heaven. :) We have so much to be thankful for!

"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal,flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing tweleve crops of fruit,yielding it's fruit every month.And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in city,and his servants will serve him. they will see his face and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of the lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever." Revelation 22:1-5 (NIV)

One time I got really sick in Louisiana. I went into a semi comma. During that time, Mark said, I slept for 3 days. I seen this river. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever saw. You can see way down in it, and there are all these beautiful clear colors like rare stones. There really are streets of gold. And we will know our loved ones even though they look different, I don't know how - you just do. But I didn't get to see Jesus face. He wouldn't turn around.

I kept chasing after Him, but he kept saying, "No, you have to go back." When I woke up, I cried a lot, I didn't want to come back. You will not either, when you get to go. But I'm glad now that I did come back, there's so much to do still. But more than that though, I yearn for the day I can go and stay. It'll be so good when He lets me come home to stay. When He turns around with open arms, I'll be jumping right into His arms. Not for a day, but for Eternity! :)