Healed!!

My hairdresser, who is a friend of mine and attends our church, told me that her left wrist and arm hurt really badly. She was very concerned, of course, since it made it very difficult to work. However, about a month later, as I was once again getting my hair cut, Jackie shared with me how God had healed her.

Jackie had been desperately praying and asking God to please heal her hand. It was making it very difficult to continue working with such pain. As she was preparing for church two weeks ago, she felt the Lord's presence so strongly; she felt certain that He was going to bless her in a special way. That morning in church, as her right hand was raised in worship, she felt the Lord speak to her heart and say, "Will you give me your left hand." She immediately answered, "Yes!" and raised her left hand as high as she could while she continued to worship. Suddenly, she felt as though she was wearing a long white glove and, starting at the elbow, she felt hands beginning to slowly peel the glove off her arm and hand. When it felt like the glove had been completely removed, her pain was gone! The next day she worked a seven-hour shift and had no pain all day. The day after that, she worked a 12-hour shift and had no pain. At the time she was telling me this story, it had been ten days since this miracle took place and she still had no pain!

Praise God for his healing power that is still at work today! "Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases." (Psalm 103:2&3)

Tags: Women, Religion, Healing, Christianity

When to Keep Silent

My friend came to me and told me a very juicy piece of gossip about a mutual acquaintance. We were hanging out together at Bible school when she shared this with me. Later, as I was wondering if this was really true or not, I thought I might ask another friend about it to see if they had heard the same thing. However, I immediately felt checked in my spirit. I realized that if it wasn’t true, it could damage this person’s reputation by spreading gossip about them. I also knew that by talking about it, it wouldn’t help the situation at all, but only make things worse. Finally, I realized that it really wasn’t any of my business, so I decided never to mention it to anyone. Do you know that I never heard this rumor again from anyone else’s lips? It could very well be that by keeping it to myself, I stopped that rumor in its track and a young man’s reputation was spared.

The following was posted on Facebook. The author is unknown. I felt it was worth sharing with you.

Don't open your mouth WHEN:
1. You are angry- Prov. 14:17
2. You don't have all the facts - Prov. 13:18
3. You haven't verified the story - Deut. 17:6
4. Your words will offend a weaker person - 1 Cor. 18:11
5. Your words will poorly reflect on the Lord or your friends or family - 1 Peter 2:21-23
6. You are tempted to make light of Holy things - Eccl 5:2
7. You are tempted to joke about sin - Prov. 14:9
8. You should be ashamed of your words later - Prov. 8:8
9. Your words would convey wrong impressions - Prov. 17:27
10. Your words would damage a friendship - Prov. 16:28
11. The issue is none of your business - Prov. 14:10
12. Your words will damage someone's reputation - Prov. 16:27
13. You are feeling critical - James 3:9
14. You are tempted to tell an outright lie - Prov. 4:24
15. You can't speak without yelling - Prov. 25:28
16. It is time to be listening - Prov. 13:1
17. You may have to eat your words later - Prov. 18:21
18. You have already said it more than one time (it becomes nagging) - Prov. 19:13
19. You are tempted to flatter a wicked person - Prov. 24:24
20. You are supposed to be working instead - Prov. 14:23

May we all be like the wise person in Proverbs 12:18 "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Lord help us to use our tongues to bring healing to those around us.

Tags: Women, Gossip, Devotional, Christianity

Speaking in Tongues

"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirt and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." (Acts 2:4)

I love the baptism of the Holy Spirit because with it comes the ability to speak in tongues, which enables me to express myself to God most clearly. When I am burdened about something and I spend time on my knees pleading with God for an answer, I allow myself to begin to speak in this foreign language called tongues. I cannot understand what I'm saying, but I sense in my spirit that every word is understood by God and I'm more eloquent in expressing my concerns than if I prayed in my own language. How do I know He understands me? Because after praying, my burden is lifted and I find the strength, hope, and joy to continue on. "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." (Romans 8:26)

There are other times when I want to just worship God for how great and awesome He is. It's in those times I become aware of my inability to find words to express the depth of what my soul is feeling. However, as I begin to speak in tongues, such joy wells up in my heart and I feel the Holy Spirit is saying what my soul longs to express.

I know that many Christians do not believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues is for today. I also know that pentecostals have often been made fun of for speaking in tongues. However, I cannot deny the truth of what I have personally experienced. This is a gift God has given to the church and I'm so glad I have accepted and received what He has for me, for I have truly been blessed by it.

Tags: Holy Spirit, Religion, Tongues, Christianity

"What Does It Mean to Fall in Love With God?

A young teenage girl wrote to me recently and asked, "What exactly does it mean to fall in love with God? Do you get a tingly feeling like you would when you fall in love with a guy?" I was impressed with her question. While so many young girls her age are more interested in fashion and being a part of the "in" crowd, this young girl wanted a better understanding of her relationship with God. Following is what I answered her:

I suppose people react differently when they fall in love depending on their personalities. Some may cry, while others feel a deep, deep certainty that there will never be anyone as special as this person, yet others laugh and shout with joy. There are all sorts of emotions. However, falling in love must go hand-in-hand with commitment. You can love someone emotionally and then fall out of love with them emotionally on a trying day or week or year. Emotions come and go. However, commitment is forever. You choose to stay in love. You choose to be faithful. You choose to look for ways to keep falling in love with this person again and again. That is true love.

It is similar with God. There are times when I am so emotionally in love with God that I just weep. Other times I am so overwhelmed by His love for me that I weep or laugh for joy. Yet most of the time I just feel a deep contentment in knowing that He is with me. I feel secure in His love. However, I must also be committed to love Him. There are times in our lives where we are distracted by life and we begin to question even our faith. It is those times we must decide to stay committed and faithful no matter what we feel at the moment. Feelings can be wonderful. Emotions can be great. However, feelings and emotions are changeable. We must be committed and faithful to God no matter what we are feeling at the moment.

Tags: Women, Religion, Teenagers, Christianity

A Really Difficult Morning

This mornining started out like any other morning for my daughter. She got up and got herself ready for her classes at MSU. Everything moved along as it normally does, until she walked out of the door of the house. That's when her morning changed from routine to the unexpected.

She realized we had a frost in the night and her car needed cleaning. She tried to open the trunk of her car for the icescraper, but the trunk wouldn't open...must have been frozen shut. So she ran to the house and asked if we had one. After checking in my husband's car and not finding one, I ran upstairs and asked my husband if he knew where it was. He did and we found it. At this point, Amanda was running late.

She finally got her car clean enough to drive, and took off. After a 15-minute commute, she parked the car in the commuter lot and was running towards the bus that would take her to the building where her class was, when it took off. She felt certain the bus driver had seen her running, but took off anyway. The next bus wouldn't be there for another ten minutes, which would really make her late for class, so she got back in the car and began driving to the meter parking ramp. As she got closer to the ramp, she got behind a bus that was moving at a snail's pace. There was such heavy traffic that she couldn't get around the bus. At this point, she called me to tell me she can't believe how bad her morning has gone. No sooner did she tell me that when her trunk that wouldn't open at home suddenly popped open in the middle of traffic.

What else could possibly go wrong?! I suggested she look for a place to move over and put the trunk down again. Amanda said, "I can't! I'm in the middle of traffic and there is no place to pull over." She kept crawling along in traffic with her trunk popped open, feeling like every eye was watching her. This is one of those moments when you wish the earth would open up and just swallow you (or perhaps a good time for the rapture.) Anyway, as she was moving along at a snail's pace, someone who must have assessed Amanda's predicament correctly, walked behind her car and put her trunk down. She had no idea who this person was, be it angel or human, she was just so glad they did. By the time she got in front of the parking ramp, Amanda was so late for class that she felt too embarrassed to even show up.

Have you ever complained about the routine of your life? Everything is the same day in and day out. Well, after the morning Amanda had this morning, I imagine she is longing for a routine morning tomorrow.

Tags: Difficulties, College, Routine, Christianity

God In America

Tags: America, Religion, Politics, Christianity

Can You See Him in the Crowd?

When I first fell in love with Curt, I loved to think about him all the time. I wondered if the next phone call would be from him. When we had a date planned, I spent much time deciding what I would wear. When I walked into a crowded room where I knew he would be, I searched through the crowd until my eyes fell on him. Everyone else was a blur; my eyes were searching for the one I loved most.

Are you really in love with God? This world is so crowded with things that would distract us from God, but are you searching for Him in the midst of the crowd? The tendency of our flesh is to do the opposite. Instead of the world being a blur to us until we lay our eyes on Jesus, in actuality God is a blur to us because there are so many other things to take our minds off of Him. God knows how vulnerable we are. God knows that most of the world does not follow Him, so most of the influence around us tends to distract us away from Him. No wonder God inspired the Apostle Paul to write to the church "pray continually" (1 Thes. 5:17). That means we should always be talking to God and making Him a part of our entire day, i.e. while your driving or working or shopping, etc. When other thoughts want to distract you, turn your thoughts back on Jesus. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." (Mat. 22:37)

Love doesn’t stay strong on it’s own. It needs to be nurtured. You must nurture the love you have for God or the flame will die down and eventually be extinguished completely. God’s love for you will never die, but His love means nothing to you unless you love Him too. If I loved Curt, but he didn’t love me, our marriage would fall apart. We could still share a house, but there would not be a real marriage. In the same way, you can still attend church, but only you and God know if you are really in love with Him or if the love is just one-sided. "Come near to God and He will come near to you." (James 4:8)

Tags: Women, Religion, Devotional, Christianity

My Son

Has it been seventeen years since I was pregnant with my son? Where did the time go? On September 13th, 1991, I brought my 9 lb. 1 oz. baby boy home from the hospital. Will you bear with me while I tell you about this precious gift?

At two years of age, his favorite toy was his stuffed bear named "Teddin." Although he loved his bear, he didn't mind placing the blame for his misdeeds on his faithful stuffed animal. When he was in trouble and we'd ask, "Brendon, who did this?" His answer would be, "Teddin did it."

Brendon discovered the joy of biking, skateboarding, roller blading, soccer, and basketball at a young age.

In his pre-teen years, he decided he'd look better as a blond. I thought, "Why not? His dark hair will grow back again."

We adopted our dog, Scampi, when Brendon was about 11 yrs old. Brendon claimed, "He's my brother from another mother."

This Saturday, Brendon will be 17 years of age. He stands at 6'4" and towers over me. Brendon is active in his church youth group. He enjoys weightlifting, swimming, golfing, basketball and running. He plays XBox Live with his buddies. Brendon just loves to have fun. Anyone who knows him, knows how much he enjoys a practical joke. He's a faithful friend, a devoted brother, and the best of sons. We could not have asked or hoped for a better son than we were blessed with. I love you, Brendon, and am so proud of you. Happy Birthday!!

I'm an Alien

I’m sure many of you know what it’s like to have to start at a new school. It’s especially scary when you can’t even understand what people are saying. My family had immigrated to this country in April, 1969. By September, I understood some English, but there were still many gaps in my understanding. I will never forget my teacher that year. Mrs. Dix took me on as her special project. While the rest of the class worked on an assignment, she put her arms around my shoulders and led me to the back of the class and taught me how to read in English. She never allowed me to feel inferior to the rest of the class. When I had read through my first book of "Dick and Jane," she had me stand and read a portion of the book to the class. When I finished, the entire class of about 25 students stood and gave me a standing ovation. They helped me feel proud of my accomplishment. I know what it feels like to be a foreigner, and it’s so much easier when you feel like you belong.

When I am around nonbelievers or when I watch T.V., it doesn’t take long before I feel like I’m a foreigner in this world. Their views about life are so contrary to God’s Word. The Bible says, "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." (John 15:19) As Christians, we are citizens of God’s Kingdom (Eph. 2:19) and not the kingdom of this World.

I feel like I’m in my home country when I worship God at home or at church. Like Mrs. Dix, the Holy Spirit wraps His arms around my shoulders and leads me to the altar for some one-on-one time with Him. I’m God’s special project that He’s working on. Yes, we have to remain foreigners in this World until God comes to take us home. However, He does not want us to feel inferior while we are here. Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33.

Tags: Women, Religion, Devotional, Christianity, Foreigners

Healing Is A Gift

I absolutely believe that Jesus still heals today. Yet I am still waiting for my healing. I have tried all sorts of things, i.e. fasting, fervently praying, pleading, demanding. Maybe if I say it just right, in a way that might please God, He will heal me. I prayed in the midst of the worse of this ailment and I have prayed when I was feeling really well. Yet, I am still waiting.

In the middle of my devotions one day, a verse popped out at me that finally set me free of this desperation I felt to find the right words that would induce God to heal me. In Acts 3:16 I read, "By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through Him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see." I finally understood that I cannot create this faith to grow in me by saying just the right words or speaking loud enough or whatever. The faith comes from God. I just need to ask and keep seeking Him.

The Bible clearly states in 1 Corithians 12 that healing is a gift. Jesus said in Matthew 7, "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Therefore, I have determined to keep asking of my Father in heaven for complete healing. He also told us, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." He said "everyone." That means you and me too.

If you need healing, don't become discouraged. Keep seeking your Father. Don't look at others who have not been healed. Their testimony is not your Bible. Look in the Word of God and allow God to build faith in you for your healing. Romans 10:17 says, "Consequently, faith comes by hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." Go to a Bible-believing and Bible-preaching church and get saturated in the Word of God. Read your Bible at home and spend time getting to know God. This is a walk of faith that God has taken us on. Submit to Him and let him build faith in your life. When your healing comes, shout it from the roof top. Let eveyone know what a great and mighty God we serve.

Tags: Women, Religion, Devotional, Christianity, Healing

She's 19 Today

It doesn't seem that long ago that I taught her how to read and write. In my mind, I can still see her playing with her Barbie dolls or watching Barnie and Veggie Tales, or playing with her little brother and all their stuffed animals.

It doesn't seem that long ago that she was taking piano lessons and feeling nervous about an upcoming recital. It never matter how nervous she felt; she still wanted to do it, and do it well. Amanda was up to almost any challenge.

It doesn't seem that long ago that my little girl became a teenager. I was warned that these would be awful years. What were they talking about? As Amanda was identifying who she is, we had some of our best talks ever.

And somewhere along the way she became more than a daughter to me...

...she also became my friend.

I love you, Amanda.

Happy 19th Birthday! (Your last year as a teenager, and then start the 20s!)

Memorial Day

We had a great Memorial Day just relaxing at Curt's parents' house. We enjoyed a delicious meal, good conversation, long walk, and a boat ride...all of this in the midst of much laughter and teasing. It was a great day!

"The love of a family is life's greatest blessing." - Author Unknown

(picture: my brother-in-law, Marty; Curt; Curt's Dad)

Family Reunion

I haven't had time to blog recently because I was gone so much. First, Curt and I went to Springfield, MO for the 10-year birthday of "Save Europe's Children." It was great seeing old friends and making new ones.

Then we had District Council. As soon as I got home from District Council, I packed my bags and left the next morning for my cousin's wedding in New Jersey.

This actually turned out to be quite a family reunion. I got to see aunts, uncles, and cousins that I haven't seen for anywhere between 1 year to 39 years.

My aunt and uncle in the small

picture I had not seen since I left

Brazil in 1969.

We spent a lot of time talking about old times and bringing each other up to date on our lives today. We spoke to each other in German, Portuguese, and English. It was really quite humorous. We only had two days to spend together, but we made the most of this time. Thank you Aunt Helene and Uncle Rudy for opening your home to all of us.

Rapture Sermon

Tags: Women, Religion, Rapture, Christianity

Florida Spring Break

Curt and Amanda were in Florida last week for Amanda's spring break. One of the difficulties of having one child in college and one in high school is that they do not have spring break at the same time.

Curt and Amanda got to spend spring break with (from left to right) Curt's aunt, Arleta, and Curt's parents, Ginny and Ollie Dalaba. It was obviously a windy day at the beach.

I wasn't real thrilled about Amanda flying to Florida alone, so I suggested that Curt may want to go with her and visit his folks. He loved the idea and booked his flight. Amanda had been battling a flu for a few days. The night before their flight to Florida, Amanda developed a fever. She took some antibiotic and was actually feeling much better the next day. However, I was so glad that Curt was going with her to make sure she was feeling alright during their travel.

Curt and Amanda got to spend time with some of Curt's cousins and another aunt, Jacquie. They also went on an air boat to view alligators and even got to hold a baby alligator, which they described as "soft." I can't imagine an alligator being soft. I guess I'll have to find out for myself some day.

They went fishing one day and caught quite a few fish, which my father-in-law is cleaning in this picture of him and Curt.

While Curt and Amanda were gone, Brendon and I had a nice time too. We went out to Brendon's favorite restaurant, Applebee's, for Brendon's favorite food, boneless buffalo wings, a few times. We had some good talks. Basically, this was a good time for some mom and son bonding.

Curt and Amanda arrived home on Saturday. They had a near accident on the way to the Tampa Airport on Saturday morning while it was still dark outside. They noticed a truck flashing its lights on the opposite side of the road. Suddenly they noticed something in the road in front of them. My father-in-law slammed on his breaks and stopped in time to keep from hitting a car that had been in an accident just minutes before and was in their lane without its lights on. The truck behind them slammed on his breaks too and went around them. What is most interesting is that just prior to this they had stopped for gas and had some major delays at the gas station due to a very slow cashier. Perhaps, it was a "divine delay" to keep them from being involved in this accident. I am just so glad that our lives are in God's hands and that He brought Curt and Amanda safely home to Brendon and me.

(Curt took this picture one morning at the ocean just walking distance from his cousin Lisa's house.)

Fairy Tales

Remember to pray for our upcoming presidential election this year.

Valentine's Day Party

This was the message I shared at our Valentine's Day party at church on Friday:

Do you want to know how to have complete joy? I mean the kind of joy that doesn't depend on other people. I have heard my husband tell our congregation when speaking about marriages, "If you are an unhappy single person, you will be an unhappy married person. Marriage is the great intensifier." That means you can be married to the perfect spouse and still be unhappy (and make your spouse's life miserable as well). So how do you get this joy?

The answer is in John 15:9-11 where Jesus says, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."

As we obey God, His love will fill us. Imagine you are an empty glass and God pours His love into you. What happens when the glass is completely filled? Does that mean you don't need more of God? No! It means that as He pours more of His love into you, that love spills out on those around you. Instead of demanding more from your spouse or your children, you are so filled up that you just want to pour more of your love out on those around you. Oh...how we need more of God in our lives!


Our theme was "A Night Under the Stars" and our setting was an outdoor Italian cafe.

Curt and I were one of nine couples playing "Apple of Discord" (with everyone else watching us). We had to keep the apple between our heads as we followed instructions such as "take a step to the right," "squat," "jump." The apple was suppose to stay between our foreheads. Oh, well... :-)

Tags: Women, Religion, Devotional, Christianity, Valentine's

His Friend

I have observed my parents’ marriage of over 50 years and I have now been married myself for over 20 years. The one piece of advice I would like to share for a successful and happy marriage is that each partner apply the "fruit of the Spirit" to their marriage. What is the fruit of the Spirit? It’s found in Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

Stop for a moment and take an honest look at your relationship with your husband. Are you finding yourself lacking in any of the fruits mentioned above? Sometimes it seems much simpler to live out these virtues when relating to acquaintances or friends because we don’t have to live with them. However, real excellence comes by applying the fruit of the Spirit to our marital relationship.

Learn to be his friend. Strive to be his source of encouragement. Make it possible for him to look forward to coming home at the end of the day. Tell him what you appreciate about him. When your husband shares his thoughts with you, don’t criticize him. Listen attentively and influence him with gentleness and respect. If anyone criticizes him, you defend him. In 2 Samuel 1:26, David said about Jonathan, "Your friendship was wonderful to me. More wonderful than that of women." That verse always bothers me. I am determined to treat my husband in such a way that he will never be able to say that about any other friendship. I want to be his best friend.

Tags: Women, Religion, Devotional, Christianity, Marriage

Don't Want to Let Go

It's so hard for us to put away our Christmas village. It took so long to set up and now we just want to sit and look at it. After all the work that went into setting it up, we don't want to box it up until we absolutely have to.

I'm so glad that God feels that way about his creation too. He does not easily let go of us. He works with us to help us become what he planned for us to be. His plans for us are only for our good. It's often easy to lose sight of that when we want something badly and do not care whether it is good for us or not. However, we have a loving father who keeps working with us. Exodus 34:6 says that God is "the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

"The Life in the Spirit" Study Bible says that because of Adam's sin, "all humans are now born into the world with an impulse toward sin and evil." (Found in Romans 5:12 study notes.) That means that God understands our tendency toward sin, yet He made a way for us through His Son. However, this does not give us an excuse to sin. As we continue to spend time with God, drawing close to him and allowing him to consume us, we will have less of a tendency toward sin and greater strength to live godly lives. As long as we are always striving to overcome sin and are looking for every opportunity to get closer to God, He will draw close to us and help us until we become all He meant for us to be. God does not have a wimpy grip on our lives. Even when we want to let go for a little while so we can do our own thing, He admonishes us and gives us every opportunity to return to Him. He paid with His blood to save us and He is not going to let go in our moment of weakness. However, we must continually strive to overcome our weaknesses and not use them as an excuse to sin.

"For we do not have a high priest (Jesus) who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but 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." Hebrew 4:15 & 16

Tags: Women, Religion, Devotional, Christianity, Weakness, Christmas

Anticipating 2008

During my devotions on New Year’s Eve, I read in Psalm 121 "I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber." When a New Year begins, we feel excitement about a new beginning and some concern for what might be ahead. What comfort we find in Psalm 121.

At the beginning of 2007, I had no idea that our daughter would lose control of our car on black ice while crossing over a bridge with cars all around her. I was sitting in a church service at that time, when I thought of her and prayed a quick prayer for her safety. It was actually quite miraculous that she did not hit another vehicle as she spun out of control and that the car did not flip over. She sustained no injuries and the car had only a few scratches. "He who watches over you will not slumber."

At the beginning of 2007, I also could not have known that my husband was allergic to wasps to such a degree that one sting could end his life in a matter of minutes. When he was stung in June and his blood pressure descended at such a fast rate that he lost consciousness within minutes of the wasp sting, I felt complete helplessness. I stood over my husband’s bed, with the lady from 911 talking to me as I prayed in tongues over my husband. I don’t know what she thought of me and I really don’t care because I had "lifted my eyes to the hills because I knew my help would only come from the Lord." The ambulance arrived within ten minutes and my husband’s blood pressure had already started to rise.

Praise God for His faithfulness in 2007! I can anticipate 2008 with joy knowing that God remains faithful always. No matter what I may have to face, He will be with me to strengthen and guide me. Psalm 121 ends with, "The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

Tags: Women, Religion, Devotional, Christianity

A Prayer for the New Year

"Lord, I give up all my own purposes and plans, all my own desires and hopes and ambitions, and accept Thy will for my life. I give myself, my life, my all utterly to Thee, to be Thine forever. I hand over to Thy keeping all my friendships; all the people whom I love are to take a second place in my heart. Fill me and seal me with Thy Holy Spirit. Work out Thy whole will in my life, at any cost, now and forever." --Betty Stam

Making Fun Memories

This was Christmas Eve at our house. My sister and her family, as well as my parents, shared this day with us. We wanted to add to all the special memories we already share, so after lunch we played a game. We divided into two teams, guys against girls, and raced to see who could make the best Santa in 7 minutes using only wrapping paper, tape, scissors, and cotton balls. We laughed so hard as we were making our Santas and even more when we viewed each others Santas. Just in case you're wondering, my mother is one of the Santas and my brother-in-law, Robert, is the other one.

It's so important to find things to laugh about. The Bible says that laughter does good like medicine, so finding things to laugh about will keep your family healthy.

This week, we received a very sad e-mail telling us that the wife of a pastor in our town suddenly died on Christmas Eve of a heart attack. She was only one year older than I am. None of us really knows how much time we have together, so we need to look for every opportunity to make good memories. As we were taking family pictures on Christmas Day, our kids asked if we could take one "crazy" picture when we were through with all the nice poses. Why not, if it will help them to remember all the fun that we had together? So this is my family being very silly.

Baby Jesus

It was the day AFTER Christmas at a church in San Francisco. The pastor of the church was looking at the manger scene, when he noticed that the baby Jesus figure was missing from the cradle. He immediately turned and went outside and saw a little boy with a red wagon walking down the street. And in the wagon, was the figure of the infant Jesus.

So he walked up to the boy and said, "Son, where did you get
that little baby Jesus that's in your wagon?"

The little boy replied, "I got him from the church."

"And why did you take him?" asked the pastor.

The little boy replied, "Well, about a week before Christmas, I prayed to the little Lord Jesus. I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas, I would give him a ride around the block in it."

(Someone sent me this e-mail. It was too cute not to share with all of you.)

Logan, the Sky Angel Cowboy!

It's Time To Grow Up

My daughter, Amanda, was about five years old when I overheard her telling her three-year-old brother, who was holding a toy she wanted, "Brendon, should I hit you or do you want to give me the toy?" Anyone who knows Amanda today, knows that this is so out of character for her. I believe the reason she no longer behaves this way is because my husband and I spent time with her and helped her to mature.

When you see attitudes in your own life that disturb you or you have sins that seem too difficult to overcome, do not lose heart. The Bible refers to God as our Heavenly Father. He also does not allow His children to stay as immature believers. He wants us to grow and mature and become like Him.

Just like it takes a lot of time for parents to raise their children, it takes a lot of time with God to help us to mature to the people God is making us to be. Every day in His presence draws us closer to that goal of maturity. It was not a once-a-year visit from us that taught Amanda what was expected of her. It was the daily observation, time spent near Curt and me, and acceptance of our discipline that caused her to mature. You must spend time in prayer and the study of God’s Word, and ask God to fill you with more of His Spirit, so you can grow in your understanding of God. Then you will learn to love the things He loves and hate the things He hates. You will become like Him.

"Be joyful always; pray continually. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:16,17,22-24.

Tags: Women, Religion, Devotional, Christianity, Family

The New Pledge of Allegiance

I received this e-mail today. This was written by a 15-year-old student.

Since the Pledge of Allegiance
And The Lord's Prayer
Are not allowed in most
Public schools anymore
Because the word 'God' is mentioned....
A kid in Arizona wrote the attached
NEW School prayer :

Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.

We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen

Is He Still Your First Love?

In the second chapter of Revelations, God tells the church in Ephesus all their good qualities. However, verse 4 says, "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love." In order to gain a better understanding of this chapter, I want to tell you a short story.

A young couple got married while the husband was still in college. While he studied, his wife worked full-time to help pay the bills. Eventually he finished college and got a well-paying job. They had two children and she stayed home to raise them. She kept the house clean and organized. Although things were rough at work for him sometimes, when he came home he almost always found a clean house, a gentle and caring wife, and a prepared meal on the table. His children would run to greet him and his wife would kiss him and tell him how nice it was to have him home. Things had gone on like this for about ten years. However, one day he came home and, after his wife greeted him in the usual way, he told her that he would like to rent an apartment so he can have a place to live with his mistress. He would continue supporting his wife and children. He would even come home for a couple of hours on the weekend, but he wanted to spend the rest of his time with his mistress. He said he still loves his wife, but he loves his mistress too.

Are you shocked? I hope so. Yet how is this any different than what we do to God when we go to church on Sunday, pay our tithe and offerings, but have so little time for Him the rest of the week. This husband had forsaken his first love, which is exactly what the church in Ephesus had done. They worked for God, they hated wickedness, and the Bible says they even endured hardships for God’s name and did not grow weary. This sounds like a good church to me. However, God looked at their hearts, and He saw that they did all the things they did because they felt it was the right thing to do, but they no longer loved Him. It was just a tradition and something they felt strongly about, but it lacked any love for God. Have the pleasures of this world become your mistress?

"...The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

Quote

The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.

- Dwight L. Moody

Church Attendance = Spiritual Health

"Church attendance is as vital to a disciple as a transfusion of rich, healthy blood to a sick man."

- Dwight L. Moody

Tags: Women, Religion, Devotional, Christianity, Parenting, Church Attendance, Sunday

My Prayer

Give me the love that leads the way,
The faith that nothing can dismay,
The Hope no disappointments tire,
The passion that will burn like fire,
Let me not sink to be a clod:
Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.

Written by Amy Carmichael

Work Until The Very End

Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.
- John Wesley

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." Hebrews 6:10-12

Contentment

Contentment is not found in having everything,
But in being satisfied with everything we have.

"She's Just Like You"

In 1996, when my daughter was seven years old, we decided to go shopping for fall clothes. We arrived at the department store and chose a couple of outfits for her to try on. However, neither of the outfits fit to my satisfaction, so I told Amanda that I would go out and choose a couple more outfits for her. Rather than have her get dressed again, I asked her to stay in the dressing room and wait for me.

My daughter did not appreciate this suggestion. She told me she didn't want to stay alone in the dressing room. I explained to her that she could peek her head around the curtain of the dressing room and watch me while I looked around. Again, she refused to stay. She said she didn't want me to walk away from her.

At this point I felt myself becoming frustrated. I said, "I have never left you anywhere and not come back to pick you up. Why is it you are afraid now? I would never leave you alone."

Reluctantly, Amanda finally agreed that I could go out and look around for some different outfits. As I turned back to look at her, I saw her clinging to the dressing room curtain and smiling at me. She was not going to take her eyes off me.

On our trip home, I thought about our dressing room experience. It bothered me that my little girl was reluctant to trust me. Afterall, I had never allowed any harm to come to her. Immediately, I felt the still small voice of my Heavenly Father say to me, "She's just like you."

I had also been confronted with strange and unfamiliar situations. I was forced out of my routine into circumstances that I never would have dreamed of or wished for. At first, I asked God to please stay close to me and tell me which way to turn, but by my actions, I knew I was not trusting Him or believing that He would do it. Anxiety began to build in me as I relied on my own judgment rather than trusting God. Before long, the peace I felt at the start was seeping away. I am sure that God must have been as frustrated with me, as I felt with my daughter in that dressing room.

I could still see her clinging to the curtain of the dressing room, a smile on her face and her eyes on me. As long as she could see me, she knew she was safe. I realized that as I grab a hold of the transitions I must face in life, I too can have a trusting smile on my face as long as my eyes are on my Father. God is telling us today what He told Joshua a long time ago, "I will not fail you or forsake you." (Joshua 1:5) Again, God reminds us of His faithfulness in Hebrews 13:5 "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you."

Tags: Women, Religion, Devotional, Christianity, Parenting, Trust

Which Is More Important?

I am reminded that one old saint was asked, "Which is the more important: reading God's Word or praying?" To which he replied, "Which is more important to a bird: the right wing or the left?"

- A.W. Tozer, "Jesus, Our Man In Glory"

A Grandmother's Secret

A grandmother tells the secret to her long and happy marriage. Click Here to find out what her secret is. I think this is really good advice.

Persevering For Good Health

My husband and I went for a walk this morning in 5-degree weather. There were about 4 inches of snow on the ground, with a thin sheet of ice over it. It was actually quite pretty, but not ideal weather to walk in. However, with the goal of "good health and weight-loss" in view, we bundled up and went for our walk. Although my face and toes were freezing, I persevered and went the entire distance.

As I was walking, I thought about how God told us we should persevere in living a godly life. If I am determined to have a healthy spiritual life, I must be willing to persevere and keep going even when I would rather be doing something else. Let me tell you, there were not many people out this morning. Most people stayed in there warm houses, but I knew I needed to walk. In the same way, most people are content living very complacent Christian lives. However, that is not what God wants us to do. The apostle Paul compares our spiritual walk with running a race in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body
and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

Most Embarrassing Moment

Can you think of the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you? Unfortunately, I can. My husband and I were visiting a church near the town where I grew up. As I was standing inside the church, someone came up to me and asked me, “Do you know Tom Anderson?” (He is a young man I went to college with and, of course, that is not his real name.) I smiled and said, “Yes! Are you his father?” The person answered, “No. I am his mother.”

Please let me explain why I said what I did. This person was overweight, wearing jeans and a loose-fitting flannel shirt, with salt-and-pepper hair which was cut short like a man’s and no make-up on. What was I suppose to think? However, I quickly said, “Oh, yes! Mother. That’s what I meant to say. You’re his mother.” I don’t know what she was thinking. All I was thinking was I hope I never run into Tom Anderson again and have to explain my mistake.

There are lessons to learn in every experience we have. The lesson I learned here was, not to be so quick to speak. When the lady said, “Do you know Tom Anderson?” I should have only answered the question she asked. I should have said, “Yes, I know Tom.” Then I should have waited and let her speak. But NOOOOO! I had to open my mouth and put my foot in it.

“My dear brothers (and sisters), take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19

Tags: Women, Religion, Devotional, Christianity, Embarrassing Moments

Help Us Have A Listening Heart

God's eyes still roam over the earth looking for attentive, submissive hearts so he can show himself strong and mighty on our behalf. Let's ask God for the blessing of a childlike heart such as young Samuel had, so that when the Lord calls our name we, too, can say, "Speak, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10).

Lord, help us to have a listening heart that is soft and teachable. Save us from being so filled with ourselves that we can't hear you. Give us the grace to both listen and obey when you speak to us. Amen.

- Jim Cymbala, "The Life God Blesses"

Tags: Women, Religion, Devotional, Christianity, Blessings

What?! No Boyfriend?

Teenage girls are under such pressure to have a boyfriend. They get the feeling that they have not achieved success until they have a boyfriend. When my daughter was 12 or 13 years old, an adult asked me if my daughter has a boyfriend. Why in the world does a 12 or 13 year old need a boyfriend? Does it make her more beautiful if she has a boyfriend? Is she more talented or a better student if she has a boyfriend? Of course not. What is this terrible pressure that society puts on teenage girls?!

It is a wonderful thing to be a teenage girl. It is your chance to connect with other girls and develop close friendships. This is the time for you to develop your talents and read books you will not have time to read when you get older. This is your time to laugh and giggle and socialize with all your girlfriends. Have a pajama party with your friends. Go shopping with your girlfriends and try on clothes you will never dream of buying. Go skiing or snowboarding with your girlfriends. Don't allow the pressure of having to have a boyfriend rob you of this time of building friendships with girls.

One of the funnest weekends I had as a single girl was when a bunch of us girls rented a room for a weekend at the beach. There were about four or five of us. We were all in our early twenties. None of us had a boyfriend at that time. A couple of us had just broken up with a boyfriend. The others just could not find the right guy. However, we decided that we would forget about guys for one weekend and have fun just being girls. We rented this room at the beach, we went out to a fancy restaurant, we got tan in the sun, and we basically had a great time together.

These times with our girlfriends won't last forever. Not much after this weekend, one by one we all had a boyfriend and are now all married. I never see most of these girls anymore. If we had moped around the house because we did not have a boyfriend, we would have missed out on such a great weekend together.

If you are single and without a boyfriend, please don't allow others to put needless pressure on you. Just keep praying and asking God to bring that right man into your life. However, while you are waiting for that to happen, don't put your life on hold. Take a vacation with one of your girlfriends. Go to Disney with a bunch of girls. Go skiing in the Rocky Mountains with your girlfriends. Go eat at a fancy restaurant. Get a new hairdo and makeover, but take a friend with you and enjoy the experience together. Remember, if you can be a happy single person, then you will be a happy married person. If you are a grumpy and depressed single person, you will most likely be a grumpy and depressed married person.

"...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11

Tags: Women, Religion, Parenting, Christianity, Boyfriends, Teenagers, Singles

How Boldly Do You Ring?

Prayer pulls the rope below and the great bell rings above in the ears of God. Some scarcely stir the bell, for they pray so languidly. Others give but an occasional pluck at the rope. But he who wins with heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continuously, with all of his might.

- Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Conquer Fear

Every accomplishment large or small begins with the same decision: I'll try.

- Ted Key, "Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul"

Mother-in-law/Daughter-in-law Relationships

Recently, at a local women's club luncheon, a young woman sitting across from me spoke of the camaraderie she felt with her mother-in-law since they'd opened a small craft shop. We all looked at her in disbelief as she talked about the many tasks they performed together. When someone asked how she managed to avoid the typical in-law clashes, she answered, "It helps that one of us has a good disposition." The woman was asked which of them that was. "Oh," she laughed, "we take turns!"

-- Jane Paramore, Denton, TX. "Heart to Heart," Today's Christian Woman.

Tags: Women

Warning!

Spiritual weakness has a direct link to spiritual neglect.

- Curt Dalaba, Sr. Pastor at Greater Lansing First Assembly

Love Them Anyway

Even if your teenagers wear the name ENEMY, love them. In your heart they will change from enemy to friend.

"He drew a circle that shut me out--
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But Love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle that took him in."
- Edwin Markham, Outwitted

When you feel all loved out, take time for refilling. Relax and let God love you. Lavish yourself in a day of solitude.

True unconditional love cannot be attained except through prayer, complete acceptance and expectation of God's love.

- Patricia H. Rushford, "Have You Hugged Your Teenager Today?"

You Can Do It!

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along." You must do the thing you think you cannot do.

- Eleanor Roosevelt

"I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Philippians 4:12-13)

Not a Single One

Little Chad was a quiet, shy, withdrawn little kid. One day he came home from school and told his mother he'd like to make a "valentine" for everyone in his class. Her heart sank. She thought, "I wish he wouldn't do that." Because she had watched the other children when they walked home from school. Her Chad was always alone and walked behind the others. Chad was never included. But he insisted, so she purchased paper, glue and crayons. Then for weeks, night after night, Chad painstakingly made 35 valentines, his expressions of love.

Valentine's Day dawned and Chad was beside himself with excitement. He carefully stacked them up, bagged them and bolted out the door. His mother decided to bake his favorite cookies and serve them nice and warm with a cool glass of milk, his "bested" snack, when he came home from school. She just knew he would be disappointed and maybe that would ease the pain. It hurt to think that he would not get many valentines, maybe none at all.

That afternoon, cookies and milk ready, she heard the kids outside. She looked out the window and sure enough, the kids were laughing and having a good time. But as always, there was her Chad in the rear. He walked faster than usual. She fully expected him to burst into tears as soon as he got inside. His hands were empty, she noticed, and when the door opened she choked back her tears.

"I baked your favorite cookies and here's a glass of milk," she said. But he hardly heard her words...he just marched right on by, his face aglow... And all he could say was "Not a one! Not a single one!" And...then he added. "I didn't forget a one, not a single one!"

- Robert J. Stand, Moments for Marvelous Mothers

Not until I became a mother did I understand how much my mother had sacrificed for me; not until I became a mother did I feel how hurt my mother was when I disobeyed; not until I became a mother did I know how proud my mother was when I achieved; not until I became a mother did I realize how much my mother loves me.

- Victoria Farnsworth

Chinese Proverb

"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it."

- Chinese Proverb

A Friend's Embrace

When sorrow came
with tears and pain,
a friend embraced me.
"I'm so sorry..." were her only words.
Then--we cried.
A burden lightened for me that day,
My friend carried half of it away.

- Patricia H. Rushford, Have You Hugged Your Teenager Today?

Moment By Moment

When my husband and I were having to go in a new direction in our life and we had no idea what would lie ahead of us, a friend of ours gave this poem to us:

Moment by moment, trust Him,
Not knowing what lies ahead:
Following my Savior,
Step by Step I’m led.

Listening, quiet, patient,
Waiting for His word,
Keeping still before him.
Until His voice is heard.

I will not harbor worry,
I’ll plan no strategy.
I will not ask for blueprints
Of His plan for me.

Moment by moment, trust Him,
Resting in His care;
Never doubting Jesus,
Knowing He’ll be there.

Refusing all impatience,
Resisting every fear,
Moment by moment, trust Him,
Until He makes it clear.

- J. Burkhart

Go Ahead and Flirt

“You and Dad still flirt with each other,” my daughter told me. Do we? I hadn’t really thought about it, but I suppose she is right. We enjoy lovingly teasing each other and laughing together. It reminds me of the words the pastor spoke at our wedding, “Let not your eyes forget the tender rays with which they shone in courtship’s smiling day.” It’s not enough to smile at each other and laugh together until you get married and then begin to treat each other like a typical old married couple. We need to continue our courtship and maintain each other’s affection throughout our married life. I want my children to enter into marriage knowing that the fun doesn’t stop after the marriage vows. Marriage certainly has its difficult times such as finances, health, worries about our children, but I maintain that through it all we must remember to continue our courtship with our marriage partner. So go ahead and flirt...with your spouse.

Tags: Women, Religion, Devotional, Christianity, Couples, Marriage