Friday, July 17, 2009

Killer Words

Well, it certainly has been quite some time since our last visit....

I have missed you all! I have continued to pray for you all! And sometimes, I've even been able to sneak over & read your wonderful blogs.....

Life has been nothing short of BUSY for the past year! Last September my hubby was laid off from his job & I went full time in the part-time job I was currently working. It was a complete HORROR!

I know now why my desire has always been to be @ home with my kiddos....The world is a dangerous place. Even for the most seasoned believer. It is extremely easy to find yourself dropping your guard to the "small" things the world has to offer. For example...choice of words or use of language.

I have always believe that one of the things that causes a Believer a to stand out among other is their CHOICE of words. It is a choice to use "ugly" or "curse" words. I chose such language when I was walking in the world as a teenager. I thought it made me "cool" and "accepted" by my friends. It made me sound so IMPORTANT!

HA! HA!

That couldn't have been farther from the truth....it actually made me appear very ignorant! I didn't realize that until I was older & a little wiser. My husband and I returned our lives to LORD shortly after our daughter Bailie was born! What a joy it has been & how it changed not only our "words" but our attitudes, demeanor, & desires!

Here are some scriptures I found regarding our tongues:

Your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor, you who practice deceit. Psalm 52:2

Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. Psalm 139:4

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Proverbs 10:19

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. James 1:26

Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. James 3:5

There are many, many more scriptures concerning the use of our tongues, but I think these give us a good idea of what the Lord intended us not to use our tongues.

I must confess that I have fallen prey to the world in many instances with my choice of "words". They have not always been kind, considerate, caring, or uplifting. It is amazing how easy it is to slip into using those words, actions, and attitudes.

There is a "killer" on the loose....and his desire is to destroy you...He will do it by whatever means is necessary. Including something as simple as your choice of words! Be careful that you watch your words.....I was always told as a child that your words gave way to what really lies in your heart...I want what really lies in my heart to reflect Jesus! So from this day forward I am standing firm that my choice of words will be different from the world. I want to stand apart from the world. Be separated. After all...I am marked for Glory!

Friday, April 17, 2009

Still Praisin'.....Amen!

Well, I bet y'all have wondered happened to a gal....huh?

I sure have lots to tell! God is soo good...even when we struggle to fight off temptations and urges that draw us from HIM!!!

Not sure where to start, but here goes...

Work has been CRAZY busy!! I mean really, really crazy busy. It's unusual given the current state of our economy, but I am glad...without these folks....I wouldn't have job to go to..Amen!
It is mighty stressful though. It has cost me a few rough weeks and sleepless nights. Not to mention the strain on my family. I thank Big Daddy every day that he gave me such a loving, understanding, giving family! Praise you Lord!

Aside from that, we have had our share of "close-calls" as well. It seems that trials and tests were coming from all directions!
Let's see if I can list a few:

Bailie tripped out our front door and caught her big toe on the bottom of the metal screen door and proceeded to rip (i do mean Riiiiip!) all the skin from the side of her big toe. It looked like a mangled mess and it was really close to the bone. We ended up in the ER later that night because it was green looking. I may not be much of a nurse, but I know that green equals BAD!
Turns out she was a trooper even when they removed the dangling flesh from her toe, cleaned it, and bandaged it for home. The Dr. was extremely impressed at Mikey's nursing skills (luv ya babe) and complimented him on his "repair" work! Glad to say that God healed her toe in record time and other than a small scar, she's absolutely Bailie!

Later that week, Brenna Gail tripped out the front door as well and skinner her knees and hands pretty bad. She was also a trooper and let Daddy nurse her back to health. Praise God she has NO scars from this one. (Never mind the other 20-30 she already has!)

Mike had a motorcycle accident sometime the end of last year. ( a story to tell later) He flipped over the handlebars and landed head first on the ground. Result...he's now paying for it in his lower back and hip area. This is the 2Nd time in two months that his back has given a lot of trouble. He has fended it off with pills up til now, but yesterday's doctor trip confirmed that there is a possibility his "waiting" may have caused a little more damage that we originally believed. Now his "not-do-list" had increased to include the one thing most men love most....mowing! He's not allowed to much of anything....no lifting of anything that weighs more than a bag of sugar....We have been covered in prayer and are believing that God's healing powers have already healed him and his flesh must catch up! Amen!

This past Monday, I came home from work a little early and decided to have myself a little nap...my back popped a little and a slight twinge ran down my back, but I didn't pay it too much attention. I chalked it up to one of the "getting older" moments I hear my mom warn me about! Haha... Well, later that night after doing some shopping with my kiddos, I came hope to potty and guess what! I couldn't get up! Couldn't move an inch! I immediately called for Mikey and we managed to 'drag' me to the bed and get me in it. Now it was my turn for pills....

Fortunately, we were both able to see the Dr at the same time....her first questions was of course exactly what had been up to?! Gave us a good giggle. Mine turned out to be simple muscle strain and her prescription was a vacation! yay!!! Praise God!!!

So I am filled with praises and salutations to Big Daddy for his quick healing in my back! By his wounds I AM ALREADY healed. Claiming it from the start was a very important step and I feel he honored it by speeding up my recovery! I still can't lift 50lb buckets '0 icing...but I surely return to work tomorrow....

Praise your holy name Father! Glory be yours forever and ever...Amen!

Glad to be back! Hope I can re-add this to my daily routine!

10000 Blessings!!

Monday, February 9, 2009

Trying vs Trusting

Out of curiosity.....

Are you trying or trusting?

....more to come.....

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Love For Everyone

Hello to all...

I pray I find you all well and blessed!

Wow! We are already into February and Valentine's Day is approaching quickly. I must admit that I am totally NOT a material girl.....I am much more into Romantic gestures that are thoughtful and handpicked. I would find completed laundry, an emptied sink/dishwasher, disinfected bathroom, or various other 'chores' completely fanciful enough for me.

I am fortunate to have such a man. He is kind, thoughtful, helpful, and 100% in love with me! How wonderful to be loved like this. To be cherished. To be thought of. To be treated like you never dreamed possible....

This man of mine hasn't always been this way....oh no! This creature is new and unique to our marriage. It is a complete 180 degree turn. When my man "sold-out" to Big Daddy....everything in our lives felt the ripple!

Including the way he viewed me....

The way he looked at me....

The way he held me...

The way he spoke to me...

EVERYTHING CHANGED...

and I so very happy to tell you that it wasn't a single blame thing I said, did, instructed, nagged, flagged, bought, sold, told, etc.

It was 100% Big Daddy God!

When Mike felt so loved that he couldn't contain it anymore... it began to spill over into other areas of his life...namely me! (and of course our lovely children)

I hope you have some idea of how wonderfully easy it became to LOVE him back. It happened without any purposeful thought....it just was!

Love....can only come from Big Daddy.....filling you so full that the only way to withstand the feeling is to share it with everyone...

What a fantastical thought.....LOVE FOR EVERYONE!!

Happy Valentine's Day.......Love, Big Daddy!!! (& the Meltons too!)

Friday, January 23, 2009

God Is In Control....

Well, Hey Y'all!

I pray I find you all joyous and well into our New Year!

Wow! What changes have come this year already....There are too many to list, but I am sure several come to mind. The most prominent "topic" of lately, is, of course, Barack Obama. His name has crossed the lips of almost every single person I communicate with personally. Very, very varied opinions are found to accompany politics. It's not very often that in a group of 3 or more you will find complete agreement on any topic brought in for discussion.

My sister and I were having a conversation just last night about the new President and the ideals he chooses to believe in and support. However, during our conversation, the topic turned to the Inaugural Prayer given by Rick Warren (which was magnificent btw). I was sharing with her what happened the day I learned that Rick Warren had been chosen to give THE prayer. I was actually in shock....I thought the man on the radio had mistakenly named Rick Warren, or perhaps I had misunderstood and it was a commercial or something.....NOPE.....The radio guy repeated it again...almost as if he had me questioning him.....Obama chose Warren to give THE prayer....Wow! How could this be Lord? Why in the world would Mr. Obama choose Rick Warren? Mr. Warren doesn't believe anything Mr. Obama supports, in fact, several things Mr. Warren speaks out against....
I felt certain that as I sat there stunned and pondering the news update....God spoke to me that Mr. Warren was a "guidepost" of sorts for his people. It was a bonafide blazin' response to much prayer from his chosen. This was God saying, "My hand is in this! Continuing Praying! Harder! Faster! More diligently!"
My sister and I giggled as we wondered if Mr. Obama himself understood WHY he had chosen Rick Warren to give that prayer. Would Mr. President understand that God picked Mr. Warren to pray? Maybe...Maybe Not...I'm leaning towards NO IDEA WHATSOEVER!!!!

I encourage you to pray more diligently my brothers & sisters. Times are getting harder than they have ever been...but God's people are still under his umbrella of grace...this will not change. We, as believers, have nothing to fear from a new government, a new president, or hard-pressed economic choices. God is God! He is our God! He desires to prosper us...He loves us beyond any love we have ever known....He is still saviour to the lost....We are under his ever watchful eye and held in his gentle loving arms!

10,000 Blessings My Brothers & Sisters!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

A Different Kind of Christmas

Hey Y'all!

I pray y'all are as blessed as my family and I.

I know it's been quite some time since my last post, and I've truly missed blogging...a lot!

Well, the retail world is slowly-slowing down. Along the way, I moved right into a 3rd shift positions in the bakery! Yee Ha! (it's really been a blessing in disguise for many reasons).
At first my hubby was none-to-thankful for my transitions, but now, he's glad to have me home in the daytime. Schooling is on hold until January! Yee Ha! Although testing is in February, there's always too much excitment to focus around this time of year!

I just spent the last 2 1/2 hrs reading the blogs of others and "catching" up on what I've missed the last 4 weeks. It was fantastic to sit, sip a cup of coffee, and read about what God is doing in all your lives! I learned a litttle, laughed a little, and prayed for each of my friends. What a treasure you all are.

Christmas is now only two days away. It seems to come faster and faster each year. I remember as a child how Christmas vacation from school was truly a treat and it seemed to last FORever.... now, it slips in and out without much fuss or hassle...

We don't celebrate Christmas in what most would consider a "traditional" manner. We chose not to put up a tree, go in debt buying gifts for loved ones, or get too caught up in "Santa Claus." This has caused quite a controversy with some of our family and friends. We however, have peace in God about our choice and try to be careful not judge others for their decision to celebrate differently.

It does excite me to think that this season might bring a chance for those who wouldn't normally hear about Jesus Christ, to experience His loving kindness, peace, goodness, faithfulness, and maybe catch a glimpse of the hope they think is so fleeting.

This past Sunday when the body we meet with came together, Pastor shared a terrific word that was right on the money for this time of year. Pastor Disher has been leading us in a series of teachings based on the 52 questions Jesus asked. This past one was " WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE CHRIST?" It was fantastic. He went to share how the Sanhedrin attempted to "trap" Jesus and therefore be able to kill him...but Jesus was keen to thier schemes. He was leading to the point that no matter what you may think of the Christ, scripture is definitive...there is only one way to the Father...through Jesus Christ. Jesus said so...didn't He. Jesus also stated that he and the Father were one....doesn't leave much room for "guessing" who the Christ is does it? He is surely God, born of man, given over to death, to bring everlasting life to those who seek him.

I encourage you this Christmas season to not only focus on the miraculous birth of the Son of God to a virgin girl, his spectacular sinless life, or even his persecution and death on the cross....but the joy in everlasting life, hope with salvation, peace with redemption.

Pray that God will allow you the opportunity for a divine appointment with someone who needs to hear about the Love that came down from heaven...no matter the season.

Hugs and More Hugs...Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Friday, November 21, 2008

God is SOOOO Good !!!

Long time...no blog!

Glad to grab a minute to catch you up!

Things around here are more than CRAZY!!!!

I seem to be stretching myself more than thin - does that ever happen to you?

Working retail is hectic this time of year and doesn't slow down until early January. Things are going fast, fast, fast.

However, Mike and I have decided to make the time for another date night (or date day)! I am so excited....He still makes me giddy like a school girl every time he bats his long eyelashes at me!
I know....I'm a sucker for my man!!!

The kids are trucking right along in school! The youngest one has now started a 26 week "pre-school" lesson! It should take her through the alphabet and number up to ten! It's been great for Mike to have the lessons! They involve movement and that's great for any 4-year old - ya know!

Mike is almost finished with his GED prep work! OH what prayers have been asked and answered concerning school! What a difficult choice it was to go back and do all that needed to be done in order to please God! He is the one who made it all possible for Mike and the spiritual growth goes without saying!!! It's fantastic - he should be able to take the GED before Christmas! BEFORE Christmas! I smell a fantastic party coming - you???!!!

I have been invited to speak at RENEWED Conference for Women. It is held locally - in Lexington. Renewed comes each spring and brings with it a well-known speaker as well as many breakout sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. A catered lunch is provided in the ticket cost and it is always enough to make you want a quick nap before session 2 in the afternoon!

The Lord quickened me to share something "deeper" than normal this coming year. I will be speaking on the "Feasts of the Lord". It is a fantastic topic that I have been reading and studying about for several months. It simply facinates me to learn about the history of Isreal, why God chose the feasts he did, and how they related to the arrival, sacrifice, and resurection of our Lord! I hope it intrigues you to take a look as well.

As usual and as I am able, I will be happy to share tidbits from what I learn.. you know I can't stop myself!!! As the conference approaches, I will be sure to update you with info and link over the website! It's always blessed me to attend and now that God has begun allowing me to share his word with women, I gain so much more spiritually than I could have ever imagined!

And just in case I'm unable to blog again before the coming holiday!

HAPPY GOBBLE-GOBBLE Y'ALL!!! STUFF THE TURKEY NOT YOURSELF!!!