Are you ready?

I am so excited about the 90 Day Challenge beginning on Monday.  God has already been preparing my heart for this time, and yesterday, I found confirmation of two other things He was calling me to do during this time.

I am so very thankful that God has placed so many 'like-minded' people in my life over the past year.  It is so sweet to have wonderful, precious women in my life that God is calling to a higher place.  It is so sweet to walk this walk with friends.

I hope you will join me as I journal my way through the next 90 days.  Even better, join me in reading daily.  I just know God is going to move me and change me in mighty ways!  I am excited for the journey!

Sharing a new song....

I love this song.  I love the words.  I love the passion behind it.  I love that it speaks to so many people in my life.  I love that it is true.

I'm saddened however, because one of the people I love most in this world... doesn't see it, doesn't believe it, doesn't think it applies to her.  It is so hard to see someone run so hard away from what you know will solve all of their hurts and wounds and what will give them PEACE!

So... I keep praying.

90 Day Challenge is almost here!

Go on over to Mom's Tool Box and sign up for the challenge!  It will change your life.  I did this challenge last year, although it did take me a little longer than 90 days.  But my heart grew closer to God as he revealed things that I had never seen.  He made the "old stories" fresh and alive!

Join me in this walk!?!

Think...

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.  Philippians 4:8

Recently my pastor spoke on this verse.  I admit this is truly a verse I need painted on every wall, maybe even stamped on my hand.

Some days this thing called "my life" is amazingly wonderful.  I am so very thankful for those days.  Those are the days when it is easy to think on good things.  Think about happy things.  Keep my thoughts pure and lovely...

But mixed into those wonderful days, there is chaos.  I admit that I do not like watching the news.  I do not like to be ignorant of things going on in this world, but if I watch too  much news or talk shows, it created unrest in my very soul.  I have to remind myself that God is ultimately in control of everything.  Every time I take a breath into my body or exhale, He has control.

There are so many things that stand at the door of my mind, ready to take over and wreak havoc if I allowed.  And sometimes these thoughts do find their way in under the cracks.  Sometimes I open the door wide with my attitude or "not nice" thoughts about things.  I leave myself open and without any defense of the lies of the enemy when I do this.  I leave myself open to unrest, lack of peace, hurt, bitterness, and more.

For me, I have to PURPOSE to listen and abide by this scripture.  I have to have it constantly on my lips and before my eyes.  I admit that I am not very good at it so far.  But I am working on it.  Setting my mind on the things of God, rather than on the things of men, changed my total attitude and feelings.  When I allow my mind to think about all those things that relate to that verse, I allow my heart to be closer to the Father.  I allow myself to let go of all that tried to tie me down and weaken my walk with Him.  

What do YOU think on?  Maybe you are like me... and allow news, finances, family members, and everything else that causes unrest to cloud your mind instead of focusing on all the good things of God.  If you are...  write this verse out, stick it everywhere your eyes go on a regular basis.  Begin to train yourself on "right" thinking.  I promise, those days, are so much sweeter.

Lord God,  I am sorry that I allow so much to cloud my mind.  I know that You can help me.  I know that Your Word reminds me to think on good things.  Father, may I begin each day, with my eyes focused on You.  Help me to keep blinders set in place that would keep me from going into places that cloud my heart and mind with unpleasant things.  You are a good God, so very Good to your child.  I am blessed. 

When Storms Come...

Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone,
A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed.
He who believes in it will not be disturbed. 
                                    Isaiah 28:16

Alabama (and the South) was forever changed on April 27th with a massive tornado outbreak.  Again this week, Joplin, MO was hit with what they are calling the worst Tornado in 60 years.  The natural disasters that have happened globally is more than I have ever seen in my lifetime. 

Think back with me over just the last few years... what storms have you seen in your life?  Were they small thunder storms or massive F5 tornado's that left you devastated?  Maybe some of both.  For me, it has been at least one of just about every type storm there is.  My roof has flown off, water's have rushed in and washed away parts of my walls, pieces of my life's "furniture" has been tossed about and broken, and there has been loss of life.

Two days after the tornado's hit Alabama, my husband and I "had" to do something.  So we set out to just find places to help.  We went to Cullman and then into Hayden.  There is a small lake in Hayden where where there are some homes built around it. We drove through speechless from the destruction we saw.

We met one man who was driving his riding lawn mower helping another family move things, he had most of his own home destroyed. He asked if I had my camera and then invited us to walk down to his house and his neighbors to take pictures.  His home was destroyed for the most part, but there were some walls left.  However, next door a beautiful 3 story house was completely destroyed.  There was nothing left but rubble.  Those around shared the story of the couple who survived.  Glory to God. 

There is one thing that remained, wherever we went.  Regardless of business building or home, the foundation was still there.  Everything else may have been shaken, moved, ripped, toppled or blown away, except the FOUNDATION! 

Now think again about your storms... what remains?  For me it is my foundation.  Everything that I have, I have purposed to build on the foundation of Christ.  My foundation is my relationship with God.  My foundation is my salvation by the blood of Jesus Christ.  My foundation is the Holy Spirit that dwells within me.  My foundation is STRONG and can not be moved. 

Regardless of what happens in my life, my foundation remains steady.  Now, that does not mean I do not cry, get angry, grieve, feel sad, pray harder, ask God 'why'?  It does not mean I do not find myself curled up in a ball wondering what next... but I'm curled up on top of that foundation.  My foundation is never shaken... my foundation is solid.  My foundation is my hope and joy that I can rebuild again.  Brick by brick, piece by piece... slow or fast, I can build again.

Most of the people we were privilege to talk to after the tornado's were Christians and knew everything would be ok.  That their "foundation" was still solid.  But in our conversations, almost every time, the comment came... "I can not imagine what would happen if I didn't have my relationship with God.  How do those lost without the foundation of the Lord, find hope and joy and peace in the midst and aftermath of the storm?"

So, may I ask you....  WHO is your foundation?

I Might Have Missed It.

Monday, I attended my women's Bible study group with my church friends.  We are doing the Beth Moore study A Woman's Heart God's Dwelling Place.  I have so enjoyed this journey thus far, especially since I had just read all about the tabernacle in my 90 days through the Bible. (Which I am still doing, just dragging behind a little.)

Anyway... in our study yesterday we listened to week seek of the video presentations by Beth.  This entire week of lessons spoke to me so deeply, because in my heart of hearts... I am a worshipper.  That is what God created me to be.  From the heart He gave me, to the talents He enabled me with, etc... I love to worship!

There was a part of the lesson that spoke to loudly to me, that I had to share it.  I admit, I have been known to be "one of those" who see's everything as "why me".  Why do we not have the money we need to live "comfortable"?  Why can't we have new cars like "so and so"?  Why is keeping a daily devotion life so hard for me, when "so and so" it is so easy?  Why have we had so many crisis in our family to endure, when it seems "so and so" has such an easy life?  Well... do you see where I'm going with this?

Well Beth shared something that has transformed my thoughts... and it is a HUGE "ah ha" moment for me.  Basically she said:  Blessed is the person when God invades what comes naturally for everyone else, with the Supernatural.  Ok... do you GET this!!!

Perhaps God is saying to me.... you have been chosen to have a "tougher" road... where things are not as "easy" as it may be for everyone else.... because I have chosen you to see how I work in the Supernatural! If it were easy for you "Vanessa"... if everything came simply.... you would never see ME in how I work miracles!

So Blessed am I... that God has so chosen me... to be able to see things He is doing in the supernatural!

Wow... that was just a huge thing for me.  What a way to view trials and hardships....  And truly, knowing me.... He got it right.... because when everything is "easy going"... I am far less likely to be watching and praying and seeking....

Well.. I hope someone out there can get an "ah ha" out of this... because it was just amazing for me...

So just remember:  There is a reason everything doesn't come "naturally".  Maybe that reason is that I (you) have been CHOSEN to see God do the supernatural!  How amazing is that!!!

God is able....

Daily Nugget:

If we are thrown in to the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.  Daniel 3: 17

 

I am sorry that I have not posted more as of late.  So many things have taken my attention from the blog... but not from God's word and presence.  I love that technology affords me the scripture at the touch of a button and so grateful that His presence is with me everywhere!

I have always loved the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  It was a childhood favorite of mine, and still is!  The faith these men had in God still humbles me!  

Can you imagine the thoughts that went through the minds of these three?  The astrologers and the King were full of threats... threats to end their lives in a horrible way.  But nothing was enough to convince these three to compromise the integrity of their faith or their convictions!  (Would we be so strong?)

Instead of changing their minds and giving into the fear... they gave bold and unhesitating witness to their trust and faith in the ONE TRUE GOD!  They had no doubt that God would save them.  We serve the ONLY GOD, who is able to save His people from every situation.  Our hope is in THE GOD who is our salvation, refuge and strength.

But there is another part of the story... the next verse..  "But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (v18)  Wow...amazing!  These men knew without a doubt that God was able... but they also knew God had a choice and in that choice there would be a greater reason... if God did not save them.  They did however, want to make it crystal clear, that the king understood... whether God saved them or not... they would only worship THE GOD.  God who said... I Am, that I Am.  There is no God but Me!

They had unconditional faith and trust in God... totally loyalty.  They possessed a faith and trust in God REGARDLESS of what God actually did for them, and REGARDLESS of the consequences.  Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, we are tested.  Sometimes we are tested beyond what we can even fathom to withstand.  However, we must realize that we have a God who saves.  

As I continue on this journey, I have confidence in MY GOD who will save me.  It may not be my "way" or my "plan".. but I have learned that I can only see the small picture... and I have learned to trust God to know the "BIG" picture.  I am thankful (although not so much at the time) of the hardships and trials that God has allowed me to go through.  I am stronger in my faith.  I am deeper in my commitment to following Him.  I have a greater testimony.  I can witness His greatness and ability to see me through.  These things, however hard and horrible at the time, continue to shape me and the person God wants me to be.  

So to the "king".....  I say.... the God we serve is able to save me... BUT if He doesn't... make no mistake... I will never bow down to worship any but HIM.

Please Pray..

A wonderful man from our church is fighting for his life.  In just a matter of days his body had been attacked by a disease that is fast and angry and he is in critical condition.

We know that God is able to heal and totally change the entire situation for His glory. 

Please pray for Brett and his wife Laura and their family.  He needs a divine miracle from the father of all miracles!

Thanks in advance!  More blog posts soon!

40

Yesterday was my birthday.  I turned 40 years old.  I must say that I have celebrated to the uttermost!  My family has been amazingly wonderful... and I am blessed beyond measure!  I am overwhelmed by the love shown!

My husband did an amazing thing... it was actually a project in the works since Christmas, but he just finished it in time for my birthday!  My loving husband spend endless hours (with the help of my son Caden, my father and grandfather) to build me a family alter.  It is beautiful.  The design took deep thought and every piece is precious.  Every piece of wood has scripture written on it.  All the measurements represent something religious in nature.  The cross that my grandfather carved is made of two different types of wood, both grown on our family land.  On Sunday, a former pastor and dear friend will come and consecrate the alter and my entire family will have communion together.  I am so excited!  God is moving in my family... and this is just a small piece of heritage I want to leave for my children.

More information later.  Thanks for following my blog.  Please invite anyone you think that might be blessed.

In closing, here are a few photo's of my wonderful surprise from my husband!

Easy Button

Daily Nugget:

Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!    Isaiah 1:16b-17

I love the book of Isaiah!  So many wonderful glimpses of the future, or the Christ to come, of all that was ahead for those who loved Him.  Excited to be there today!!!

This particular scripture just JUMPED off the page at me.  Can it really be this easy?  Can being a christian be so simple in reality?  Why not? 

Stop doing wrong.  That is pretty straight forward.  Don't do it... if God said it is evil, then don't do it.  All throughout His word He has given us His commands to live by.  If something does not line up with the WILL AND WORD of God, just don't do it!

Learn to do right.  Well that's pretty easy too.  As I just stated, His word is filled with His commands for our life.  All the things we must do, the right things to live by and the standard of which we are to live is right there in the Word of God.  Just learn it and do it!

Now, I do realize that being a christian and following the way of the Lord is not "easy".  We will be persecuted, temped, abused, looked at like we are nuts... well you get my meaning.  No one said it is really "easy".

But my point is... we make living for God sooooo difficult, when it is really simple.  Stop doing wrong.  Stop lying, cheating, stealing, cussing, abusing, being unfaithful, just stop sinning!  We have a way... the Holy Spirit that came to dwell with us... that gives us a way!.  So if it is wrong... just STOP! 

Learn to do right.  Seek God, get into the Word, meditate on His Word and DO IT!  It really is a simple plan.  God's mercy and grace provided a Savior, His Son, Jesus Christ.  Accept Him, serve Him, love Him, follow Him... and great is our reward in heaven! 

Stop doing wrong, learn to do right... and though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be whiter than snow.  Though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.  Easy!