Homeless?

Well, things have been crazy trying to show a house while working full time, getting the kids ready for summer camp, swim lessons and karate classes. Trying to leave the house looking "PERFECT" every morning with two boys is almost impossible. Getting to work on time doing this IS impossible. Ugh! But we have been blessed to have lots of showings and traffic to see our house. In three weeks we sold it! Just signed the papers yesterday. But.....We haven't found the perfect house to buy and move into yet.... I'm getting a little, OK, a LOT nervous about that. I am praying for God's perfect timing with all of this and for him to find the right house for us at the right price. Difficult, but not impossible. He did it with this house when I was single and looking for one. This house has been such a blessing to me and my family. I love it, but it is a little too small now. We need room! Still, I'm feeling sentimental and a little sad at times. I would feel better if I knew we had found the right next house for US. My kids made a picture of our house and wrote the word "SOLD" across it, then drew a picture of our future house with a question mark and the word "FOUND" across it. We have it up on our fridge to remind us to thank God for working everything out for us. Every night at bed and every morning on the way to summer camp the boys have been praying for God to guide us to the right next house for us and for us to sell ours to the right person. They have prayed for it to be a blessing to the people that buy it since it has been a blessing to us. I love it! So sweet. It reminds me that I have great, sweet kids. I need that since they have been so fussy lately. Anyway, it is probably obvious, but that is why I have not written for a while. Crazy times lately, but don't I always say that? I guess it just comes in different forms, but is always there. That's life. I hope everything is going well with you all. I ask for prayers for us to find the right house in the right timing and price for us to buy and move into. I need all the prayer I can get and appreciate it. I don't want to be homeless with a husband, two kids, a dog and a guinea pig to care for. Just saying... So thanks for the prayer partner. (I don't know why the Okie in me always comes out at odd times. Can't help it I guess.).

Well, I have been off work this week with the kids since summer camp doesnt start until June 4th. Swim lessons start then also. We have painted at Purple Glaze, gone to the Dog Show where the kids had art posters thay had entered in contest, and worked on riding bikes. We finally have a sign up in the yard and pictures of the house will be up on the website at tulsarealtors.com tomorrow mid-day to try to sell the house. Now we have to start looking for a new one in our price range and location that has four bedrooms and two baths. It will seem strange having more than one bathroom to have us all get ready in the mornings and and night. Praying God will provide the right house for us and the right buyers for our house in the right timing. I know, a lot to ask for, but I am trusting in His timing and will and not going to stress over it. (A first for me, right? But it is working. I feel a peace about it.). Anyway, I hope you are feeling His peace and presence and enjoying the summertime. Albert Einsteing- Physicist "I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazareen... No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life."

Catching Up

1. Well, it is officially the last day of school for my kids tomorrow. It has been crazy busy (what's new right?). Sam tested in Karate and got his camo-black belt, moving up to the big boy's class. Go Sammy! Now he will start all over earning solid colored belts with stripes like Max does. 2. Both boys did a karate form and then broke a board at the same time for their school talent show Monday night. We had Asian music playing in the background. It turned out well. 3. Max turns age 9 tomorrow! Hard to believe my baby is getting so old. Happy birthday my joy boy. 4. For mother's day I got great cards from the boys. As I ate breakfast on the couch, Sam gave me a back rub and I (amazingly)talked Max into massaging my "stinky" feet. Then I asked them for entertainment and had them dance for me. They did break dancing first, then I asked for some hip action like Elvis the pelvis and they shook it really good! It was so cute. I also told them that since it was Mother's Day, I got a kiss on the cheek every hour. Sam would ask occasionally if an hour had gone by and I always said yes, even if it hadn't yet. I milked it for all it was worth! My brother-in-law got all the women at his house (5-for a luncheon) a dozen roses each! So sweet of him. Jason took me out to dinner that night. Sooo, a good day. 5. We have been doing cleaning, repairs and freshening up of the house to get it ready for sale. The inside has all been repainted in the last year and a half, new carpet, fixed fence, decluttering and packing up of non-essentials to make it look bigger...etc. Ugh. I'm tired. It seems to never end. But I think we are finally there and ready to put it on the market and look for a slightly bigger house. Pray for God's timing and direction. 6. Max came home last night and told me he and his friend J.P. decided to make a "graphic novel" together. (I didn't even know he knew the term). He had already drawn pictures of all the characters they wanted to have in the story and today they wrote some of the story. J.P. called later tonight to let Max know he had typed up the part they had worked on. Wow! Industrious, creative and quick! I was impressed. 7. Jason and I went to a marriage conference at our church a last Sunday afternoon for four hours. Our entire bible study small group went to it and talked us into going too. We all sat together and it truly was powerful and awesome. Joe White (who does the camp Kanakuk cross talk) spoke as well as our pastor and Ted Cunningham. All three awesome speakers. 8. Had an awesome quiet time Monday. It was quick and chaotic with Sam crawling and bouncnig on my bed trying to talk to me as I read and just hoped to get something, anything out of it. And I got a little seed. That seed grew and grew and by the time I had dropped the kids off at school and gotten myself to work I was warm and toasty with the flame inside me. God just really spoke to me about problems and difficulties. I know they help make us more dependent on God and so bless us in that. But it really hit me that without trials there would be no intimacy with Christ. We would never know and understand the depth of his love for us and all he did. It would fall flat on our ears, just head knowledge, but not a true heart felt understanding and relationship from that. Any trial is worth that. It made me think of our best friends are those who have helped us, been with us through the toughest times in our life. It bonds people and creates intimacy that would otherwise not develope. It deepens and add depth of color and hues to life, relationships. Without dark there couldn't be light. Anyway, I'm going on and on as usual. But just wanted to share that and start a warming in your heart too.

Battlefield of the Mind

I finished my bible study on "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyers. It was so good, I looked back and took some notes on my favorite points. Here goes. Some may be a repeat of what I have written before. But bear with me, it is awesome stuff. (Ephesians 6:12) The devil lies to us about ourselves, others and our circumstances, but he doesn't tell us the entire lie all at one time---he is subtle, using a slow boil of roiling confusion so that we don't see the truth. He uses a stategic pattern of clever reasonings, doubts, suspicions and fears. Satan is not in a hurry. He carefully, deliberately decieves us, laying layers of groundwork to color and control our thoughts. Renewing of our mind takes place little by little in steps so that pride doesn't consume us as it will if we recieve too much freedom too quickly. The Israelites wandered in the desert 40 years on an 11 day trip because of pride. Words and thoughts are powerful. God created the world with words and humans are the only creatures He created with the ability to speak, making us in His image. Satan knows the power of words and that if he can control our thoughts/words he can control our lives! Don't allow reasoning to keep you from obeying God. Reasoning opens the door for deception an docnfusion. Faith is a gift of God. Doubt is a choice that Satan whispers encouragingly to us. Often the storms in life come to intimidate us. They tend to stop when we get back in the boat. Don't give up---weather the storms and walk on water. Peace is present and available (His peace and our Prince of Peace). But peace is also a choice for us to make. Use the word of God---reading and speaking it. A sword in its sheath does no good. Our actions don't change until our thoughts change. Evil spirits are behind laziness, apathy and passivity. Failure to exercise our will causes defeat for believers. An empty, passive mind is easily filled by Satan with wrong thoughts. Don't clear your mind. Instead, fill it with the word of God, the truth. If we don't meditate on God's love for us, we cant experience it. If people really knew how much God loves them, they would act differently. There is a temptation for us to wait for a convenient season when God asks us to do something. We want to hold back until it won't cost us a smuch or be so difficult. But when we obey and take responsibility, we become stronger from pushing on despite the resistance. If we only do what is easy, we don't get strong and will stay weak. If we don't obey and glorify God we can't be delivered. Suffering doesn't please God, but a godly attitude in suffering does and it glorifies him. Complaining has a negative power and praise has a positive power. Be cautious which you choose to weild. Patience isn't the ability to wait, but waiting with a good attitude. Complaining keeps us in the wilderness. The devil can't control a patient person. Self pity is idolatry. We can't be pitiful and powerful at the same time. The holy spirit can't work in us if we are prideful and with pity becuse he is the spirit of truth and can only work in us if we are truthful. Pity is full of pride because we think we deserve better. Obedience and disobedience afftects others. Your decision to disobey and stay in the wilderness will keep your children in the wilderness with you! They may manage to get themselves out when they are grown, but they will pay a price for your disobedience. Obedience is far reaching. It closes the gates of hell and opens the windows of heaven. Choose wisely. Choose obedience and guard your mind in the battle.

He is Found in the Present

The present is His present to us. By this I mean that God is found in the present. That is where he wants us to live, not worrying about the past or future. God can do more in a moment than anyone can do in their lifetime. Therefore go to God in prayer for help and peace. (Luke 1:37). God knows the plans he has for us,(Jeremiah 29:11)and they are plans to prosper and help us. Nothing about our life is random. We must live in the present at all times and (not in the past failures or victories--nor worrying about or longing for the future) because that is where God is. He will not be found elsewhere. Live every moment of each day connected with God in the present moment. Then you will be able to follow Him and walk in His presence and power and peace.

Quote

"Obedience to God's will is the secret of spiritual knowledge and insight. It is not willingness to know, but willingness to do God's will that brings certainty."
Eric Liddell, Olympic Champion and Missionary

Listening for His Voice

Trusting and obeying God is a moment by moment choice. It is a choice of attitudes. We can grumble and complain and rebel like the Israelites in the desert or we can choose to be grateful and trusting and shine for the Lord---useful vessels ready for His hands to use to bless others and further His kingdom.

In order to trust and obey I need to abide in Him and seek his presence and guidance all day, everyday. But do I do it? I tend to let the busy chaos of each day sweep me away as I set out to accomplish My own agenda and list of pressing things. I feel irresponsible not doing that. I am pulled in two directions. But do I even hear His voice and leading. And even if I did, would I obey or push it away as a silly idea, not really from You, Lord. Ugh! I feel so confused and hard pressed. I do want to work with you, hear you and obey. I want to accomplish Your purposes over mine, even if it means upheaval and messiness. Help me Jesus. Guide me Holy Spirit. Have your way in me today.

Happy Easter!

Someone once wrote that "When self is on the throne, Christ is on the cross. When Christ is on the throne, self is on the cross." In order to be filled with the Holy Spirit we must ask Him in and vacate to give Him room. We have to pry our hands off the wheel and give it to Him, then follow in faith. Make the radical shift to not plan and think so much, but instead trust and thank Him in faith.

I know that I need to let go of striving for control. It is futile and not possible, only an illusion. Only God is in control and thank God for that! I would mess things up horribly. But...still I try. Why? I run around confused with so many things to do. I need to shut out the world and the enemy's lies and listen only to God and ask, "Is this part of today's agenda, Lord?" if not I need to let it go until the proper time---His timing. If yes, then I need to walk in His guidance in faith.

I need to focus only on Him and not the chaos around me. This will keep life beautifully simple so that peace can enter in. HE can enter in and the Prince of Peace also. Life is messy and confusing so don't focus on it. God is orderly, simple and wise---so focus on Him. Only there is guidance and peace, sanity and productiveness.

"Be silent all flesh before the Lord; for He has roused himself from his holy dwelling." (2 Chronicles 16:9)

"And he (God) said,'Go forth, and stand upon the mountain before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a geat and strong wind; rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind and earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice." (I Kings 19:11-12)

"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalms 46:10)

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yea, wait for the Lord!" (Psalms 27:14)

"In repentance and rest is your salvation; in quietness and trust shall be your strentgh." (Isaiah 30:15)

We bless God and please Him when we seek Him in stillness and quietness. It is difficult to do this. Few even try, but He sees our efforts. We can only find Him in the quietness. Then we hear His still small voice. He can roar like a lion, but chooses not to clamor for our attention, but to wait in patiently in silence for us to listen and seek Him. He os perfectly focused on us. Don't leave Him waiting. Repent-rest-quiet your soul in trust. That is our salvation and strength. Quiet your soul, trusting Him and He will faithfully meet you and your needs there.

Even if we fall asleep or our mind wanders while we are quietly seeking Him, it is ok. He is still pleased with the effort that we are trying to seek Him. Don't worry, we all do it. Seriously, I do it way, way to often. Yikes. But still, it is wort the effort to keep faithfully seeking Him and listen. You are bringing Him joy just in the effort. He will reward you. If you seek Him you will find Him. He is waiting. So go! Meet him at the cross this Easter. It will be the best one ever!

Praise Him!

I have mentioned how important praise is before. It makes the enemy run and reminds us of the truth in How great and good our God is. It also gives Jesus much deserved praise, giving us a thankful heart that is open and receptive to Him no matter what the situation. God wants us to praise because He knows how much it helps US! So prasie on and see the blessings flow. There is tremendous power in prasie. Soo, Rock on! Oops, Prasie On!

Here are some of the lyrics to the song I posted below in a video. Powerful words and song from the group Hillsong. Love it!

Chorus: "Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me

Break my heart for what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdom's cause
As I walk from nothing to Eternity

Hosannah, Hosannah, Hosannah in the Highest!"

Hosannah!

I love this song! Hope you will too!

As I have stated previously, my pastor's sermon series and my bible study group material are all weaving and working together perfectly in sync. My daily quiet time material readings are also moving in the same direction---So God! The last few days it talked aobut Matthew 7:7-11, Zephaniah 3:17 and a few other verses that I will mention later.

It talked about the fact that God's richest blessings are found by seeking Him actively and not passively waiting, lazily. God loves to share His wisdom with us and guide us. It is His good pleasure, as our Heavenly parent. But trials come and wisdom isn't always easy to hear over the chaos of life and the lies of the enemy. Just know and appreciate the fact that we wouldn't draw near to see God and know him apart from needing Him. This need is a blessing. The desperation (I like to call it "divine desperation") is a prompting and pushing to get us closer to Him. Life's challenges are a necessary means of obtaining intimacy with God and Jesus. Therefore they are a blessing. Isn't any trial worth that? Yes! It is in times of difficulty, in the midst of storms, that He is most present. Seek Him actively and be assured of His goodness and purposes/plans for you. Don't lean on your own u nderstanding, but on the TRUTH in the word and the one who is truth! )roverbs 3:5-6).

The abundant life isn't one of ease, health and wealth. It is actually a recognizing of our weaknesses and limitations, our need for God and Jesus, living in de pendence on them. Then we have God's power, love and blessings (not just our limited abiblities where we strive aimlessly getting nowhere). "Blesses are the poor in spirit, for thier's is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)

Anxiety is an isidious demon, wrapping us up in a stranglehold so that we can only look inward. Call on His name for help and this chain will be broken, opening up a door for you out of bondage. Then you will see Him do the impossible and make beauty out of ashes, turning your trials into triumph as you grow in wisdom and intimacy with your Lord.

Know the One Who Knows

Hey Y'all. Long time no see. This year has started off rough. I had a strange premonition it would. When God takes new territory for freedom in a Christian's life, there is always a battle and the enemy wants to stop it. Praise God! Yeehaw! So glad that God is doing a work and that it is worthy of the attention of the enemy. Only when we are a threat to the enemy does he attack. I hope I am always a threat to him, but don't always want, actually seldom want, Ok, ok, never want to deal with the difficulties that come with it.

What's up with the Okie accent today? Good question. I asked that myself and don't know. Just one of my strange quirks my kids are used to. I also love to spontaneously make up silly songs about random things for the kids. They think I'm a dork, but secretly I think they love it. If not, at least I do. Who cares if I'm a dork if I'm happy and having fun. Gotta do what it takes to keep a positive attitude, am I right? Right. So, with all that said, if I still have your attention, let's talk about spiritual attacks.

I'm still reading "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyers and my pastor is doing a series on "Giants" we face in our lives spiritually. Pretty much about areas of spiritual attack also. Cool! It has blended together perfectly for all of us in my bible study group. God is doing something here! This year in December, Jason had shoulder surgery, In January, Brook fell and shattered her kneecap (and is still recovering), February I had gall bladder surgery and still don't feel quite up to par. On top of that my family has been ill several times with various viruses. Usually I don't get sick often because my immune system is high from my job, being exposed to sick little ones often. Well, I'm no longer immune. Ugh!

But, I'm still stoked because I'm so aware of things God has done in my family's life, blessing us. We are tithing more than we ever have and are the most financially stable we have ever been. We recently got hooked into a great bible study group and feel like we are being challenged and growing spiritually again. Yay! I'm finally at a place that I can look back at our past trials and not be so bitter and hurt by them. I can see God at work and how he has brought good out of them. My faith is stronger by them, which I didn't think was possible. I felt for so long that they were making me more bitter than better, more hellish than heavenly.

Now I have not achieved sainthood or anything like that...still far from it unfortunately, but I'm learning from difficulties and not so overwhelmed by them. I have more peace than I ever thought was possible for an anxiety addicted girl like me. I have more hope than hurt in my heart. Ok, sometimes I still get discouraged, wanting to be made perfect NOW. It is a slow process growing in Christ. It is a battlefield of the mind, as Joyce says. If the enemy can control our mind, he can control our lives. Whoa pardner, is that scary or what? The renewing of our minds doesn't happen all at once, but little by little. You might say Ugh! Which is what I normally say. But actually it is a good thing. If we received it all at once, the enemy would have a foothold to steal it away. (Deuteronomy 7:22) "And the Lord your God will clear out those nations before you little by little; you may not consume them quickly, lest the beasts of the field increase among you." Pride is the beast that can take over if freedom is achieved too quickly. We receive it one area at a time so that we can appreciate it as a true gift from God and not something we make happen ourselves in our own strength.

We have to start renewing our minds by "thinking about what we are thinking about". I seldom do this. What do I think about? Worry, anxious thoughts, trying to figure out how to juggle things, fix things, what I need to do next... I need to stop that pattern and pay attention to my thoughts, take them captive to Christ and choose to deliberately think about God's promises to me. Think about the truth when the enemy bombards me with lies. Scripture memorization helps a lot with this. God has used it greatly in my life to help with my anxiety and fear. If you speak the truth of God's promises, the enemy can't stick around to keep whispering lies to you. Victory!

But it is an ongoing fight we must battle. As soon as we feel at peace, anxious, negative thoughts can start creeping back in. Keep fighting the good fight! I tell my kids often that they have a choice in their attitude. They can choose to be positive and look for the good and God in situations, or they can choose to be negative and miserable. It is up to them. Sadly, it took me way, way too many years to figure this simple thing out. I grew up thinking that if I thought of the worst case scenario, actually every bad possible scenario, than I would be prepared and not knocked off my feet when bad things happened. I actually thought I would be happier to not expect the best and if a miracle happened and good things happened, then I would be even happier. NOT TRUE!!! I wasted way too much energy and time worrying. The cost was so high it kept me miserable and trapped. Don't believe the lies of the enemy. Trust in the one who is true and who loves you.

Joyce talks about having a healthy mind that is free from worry, wandering , confusion and reasoning. We need to be still, stop the distractions, and focus on God. We shouldn't reason out things that God has told us to do. Just obey. Reasoning opens up the door to the enemy deceiving us, making us question just what it is that God wants. Here are good excerpts from the book, pages 90 and 91. "I once asked the Lord why so many people are confused and He said to me. 'Tell them to stop trying to figure everything out, and they will stop being confused'.".....If we know in our spirit that a thing is wrong, we should not allow reasoning to talk us into doing it. Also, if we know something is right, we must not allow reasoning to talk us out of doing it."..."There are times when God leaves huge question marks as tools in our lives to stretch our faith. Unanswered questions crucify the flesh life. It is difficult for human beings to give up reasoning and simply trust God, but once the process is accomplished, the mind enters into a place of rest."...'You and I must grow to the place where we are satisfied to know the One who knows, even if we ourselves do not know. (I. Corinthians 2:1-2).

So, all we need to know is the One who knows all. Got it? Simple, but not easy. It is an ongoing adventure and process. But it is worth it. Saddle up pardner and ride with me. The terrain isn't always smooth and flat, but even the mountainous regions are beautiful in all their rough, jagged, difficulties. The air may be thinner and harder to breathe, but it is also purer, clearer there and the view is great. It will do wonders for your spirit!

Divine Difficulties

Each trial we face with Jesus help, choosing to walk with Him through and in it, shapes us closer to his image. Trials are "Divine Difficulties", blessings actually, that He uses to chip away at our old, sinful nature and leave us more and more in His image...If We Walk With Him! It is our choice how we face trials and how we allow them to affect us. They can make us more of a heavenly creature or more of a hellish creature (as C. S. Lewis stated so eloquently). Each day is not stagnant or stationary. It is moving us closer to one or the other. It is FREE WILL/ our choice! Choose wisely and set your mind on Christ. Look for the blessings in and that will come out of trials. See them as opportunities for growth. I'm not saying that it is easy. It is a difficult and deliberate choice we make each day, but the rewards are priceless. Trust that He is good and able to do more than we can see or imagine. (2 Corinthians 4:16-17) Don't focus on the problems, focus on Him. When anxiety and fear creep in and wedge its way into your mind, speak words of truth and praise. Remember it is safer to be in His hands and His will than anywhere else. Don't be afraid to trust in Him. Nothing is impossible with God! (Luke 1:37) (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Here is a cool video about spiritual warfare . It is very powerful. Watch the whole way through. It gets better as it goes. It gave me chills. Sooo true how the enemy and his demons are always luring us with lies of better things to keep us from God and Jesus.

Spiritual Warfare--It's On!

Sorry I haven't written in a while again, but things have been crazy. Like I said last time, Brook broke, well, shattered her knee cap and I just recovered from gall bladder surgery. Two days after my surgery, we had painters come and paint since I was home. Not the brightest idea. A two to three day event turned into 5 days and Jason spent this weekend re-spackling and repainting the bathrooms and laundry rooms since not done well. Ugh. The painters did a great job on the first half of the job, but rushed and did poor job on second half of house. I spent 5 days holed up in my bedroom, trying to hold my pee and not eating until dinner time when they left so not in the way. It was insane. At same time, Sam got sick last Monday and Tuesday and was holed up with me. Today was supposed to be my first day back at work and it snowed so home with kids. Fun for Sam since it is his birthday! Happy Birthday sweet Sammy! But I once again had to cancel clients. To top that off, both Max and Sam started throwing up thirty minutes ago. Here we go again. But.....God is good. Nothing changes that. It took me a long time of trials to be able to see that, in all circumstances. Praising Him is the best thing we can do in times of frustration and trials. It changes our attitude and makes the devil run.

Ok, I have been thinking about spiritual warfare a lot lately, wondering if my family is under attack. Then, had a conversation with a dear friend where it came up out of the blue, our church service yesterday was POWERFUL and focused on this, then I read my bible study material yesterday afternoon (Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Myers---Awesome!, but isn't she always! Love her stuff). Then my quiet time reading this morning in another material, was on this subject. Ok! I'm listening Lord. You have my attention.

I don't know what you believe, but I'm here to tell you that Satan is real and his demons too. They aren't at war with God or Jesus. Those fights have already been won and they were kicked out of heaven to roam the earth. But their fight is against US because we are God's most precious creation. Their only way to get back at God is to destroy us and that is Satan's entire mission and focus. He is a liar set on destroying us. He is the most cunning of creatures (as stated in Genesis--with the serpent as Satan) and is patient in his attack. He slowly layers on the lies so that we don't notice it. The attack starts the moment we are born.

The war isn't against flesh and blood, but a war of THOUGHTS and WORDS. (Ephesians 6:12) I sometimes forget how powerful words are. We are the only creatures God created that have words to communicate. There is a reason I think, because words are powerful and need to be used wisely. The tongue is the hardest muscle to train on our bodies and can be the most destructive. (Proverbs 18:21) (James 3: 1-18). God created the heavens and earth with words. He spoke and all things came into being. Jesus is called the Word and the Truth. This is not by chance. Take notice of it. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he". (Proverbs 23:7).

God's word is our weapon in spiritual warfare. We need to know it, study it and spend time in it. Jesus fought Satan when tempted in the desert with the word. Satan tried to twist the word of God just enough to deceive Jesus, but Jesus used the word to speak the truth and win. If we are to survive and succeed in an attack, we must know the word and use it. The bible calls it a sword so we should use it to defend ourselves.

Prayer and praise is another strategy God gives us to fight the enemy. When Jason was sick, I used "Hoo-Hoo's" to help my kids, and ultimately myself even more. It was a time of yelling out praises to God and Jesus, speaking words of truth, even if they didn't feel like the truth at the moment due to trials. At the time I didn't feel like God was good and had to say it through gritted teeth initially. I am not kidding. It was physically hard for me to say the words, I was in such a dark place in my attack. But the more I said the truth, the more they resonated in my spirit and changed me. Each night I did it, I was transformed and had enough strength for the next day. It was accumulative in its affect also. Each day the blackness lightened for longer periods and the words stayed with me in my spirit. Eventually I could feel what I knew to be true. But it took speaking and walking in obedience, speaking the words of truth not because of joy, but out of obedience and faith, that changed me. We have to be obedient and focus our minds on the truth and not the lies of the enemy, and not on our circumstances. Whatever they are, God is able and faithful to do more than we can imagine.

We can pray for help in times of spiritual warfare. God plays a part, but so do we. We must do our part to be ready and prepared. The enemy is out there next to us, constantly, even if we aren't aware of it. Don't be foolish to ignore it. Even science has proven time and time again, that there are many things out there we can't see, but that are real and have an impact on us.

Not only is there spiritual warfare, but there is also a legacy of strongholds that are passed down to us from generation to generation in our families. Ask God to show you what they are so that you can work on it and pray for God to break down these strongholds and free you. For some it is alcoholism, addictions, lust, greed for money and power or the perfect image. I feel that in my family it is overeating and a lack of faith, a fear and worry that plagues us because we don't trust God to provide for us and come through and protect us. We struggle trying to be safe and wise, but never find the peace and victory.

Lord, please break down the walls of this stronghold in my family's lives and any others I'm not aware of. Free us so that we can be the people you created us to be and can do the works you created for us to do. Help us live in victory and peace.

Don't Take A Step Without Him

Well, the year has started out with a bang. I was sick with the stomach virus this last weekend and couldn't keep anything down Saturday and Sunday. Finally was fully recovered Monday night. But Wednesday, yesterday, I saw surgeon for my gall bladder issues and need to have it removed. Scheduled that for February 1st and will be out of work for two weeks. Then a few hours later got a call between client visits that my sister, Brook had fallen at a McDonald's and I needed to drive there to help her. Halfway there I got the call she was being taken by ambulance to St. Francis and had to turn around. She has a broken kneecap and is having surgery today to reattach the muscles and tendons that were pulled away with the break. Ouch. She is in a lot of pain and stressed out not just thinking of being off work for a long time, but taking care of her two boys. Please pray for her quick recovery. Several years back she broke both ankles at the same time in a fall. This is her nightmare, to be in a similar place again. Ugh.

The worst part of it was that the staff at the McDonald's ignored her. The customers just stepped over her and didn't help her either (she fell in front of the door as she was going out). She cried and screamed for help for 5 minutes before a sweet lady in the back heard her and came to her rescue. She stayed with her the whole time, retrieved her purse and made calls for her. She said she was new to Tulsa and hadn't found a job yet so had all the time in the world to be with her and wouldn't leave her. What an angel. Brook didn't get her name unfortunately, she was still having a panic attack set off by being left helpless as no one would help her. Can you believe it? It makes me so angry! Help me Jesus. I don't need to be bitter and angry. It is too easy to go there and stay there, as I have learned. Whew, deep breath. Anyway, talk about a bad day.

The funny, and awesome "God Thing" about it was the sweet woman and the fact that I felt spiritually prepared for a trial that day. My quiet time yesterday morning talked about God being with us always. When we walk the ascents and descents on the mountain trail and rough terrain, we are not overwhelmed by fatigue or trials. We aren't going to jump ahead or take a shortcut to the peak, because we trust You, Lord and know that You are with us. When we seek and acknowledge your presence, always with us, we are not alone. We can make it! But only if we go with You and not off on our own. Too often we forget this and that is where we go wrong and off the path and discouragement sets in. Even if the path seems wrong and not to make sense, God knows. He can see much farther ahead than you. His ways are perfect. Walk in them, and not on your own. (Mathew 11:28-30) (Joshua 1:5 & 9).

Lord, help me to seek You and follow You. Pitiful as it is, I can't do it on my own. I need your help even to seek you! Even in the first step, I can't make it on my own. (John 15:5) and John 5:19). I need help to focus on you and expand my vision to see you in everything---all day---everyday. If we seek we will find you. That is your promise. Help me Lord. I am asking and seeking. I won't take a step without you. (Psalm 27:8) (Philippians 4:7) (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

Don't take a step with out Him. I know Brook won't and I won't. (Again, please pray for a fast recovery for her). (But perfect injury for the analogy don't you think?) (Sorry Brook, love you).

Seek His Still Small Voice

Well, I've started off the new year with two new devotionals I'm reading and I like them. The first one, my pastor recommended because he wrote a week in it. It is a compilation from many pastors, each taking a week of the year. It is good, it is "The Pathway to Discipleship". The one I like even better was given to me by my friend Angela who said she thought it was transformational. I love it too. It is "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace In His Presence" by Sarah Young. Here is my journaling after reading the two entries today.

I. Kings 19: 11-12 "He said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice."

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Joshua 1:5 and 9 "No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not rail you or forsake you."
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

God's voice is not found in the clamor and chaos of earthquakes, fires, raging winds or clamor of this world. It is a still small voice that speaks to our quiet spirit when we are still and listen. He doesn't yell. It is our choice to listen and seek him. Instead of rehearsing and replaying every trouble, fear and hurt, we need to seek Him and His peace. (This is a hard one for me, as I embarrassingly have to admit I tend to wallow like a martyr.) Wallowing in fear and worry only multiplies our suffering and fear, feeding it. Satan loves this. We are only meant to endure each trial once, so why keep repeating it? Multiplying it? Shut out all the voices and focus only on the most important one---God's! There you will find peace and provision. There you will find Him!

2012 His Year, A Year Of Praise!

Despite Jason having two surgeries this last year, 2011 was a great year for us. Jason healed quickly, you provided abundantly for us Lord, and Max was baptized! We feel so blessed, especially when we think back to more difficult years we have survived. God is good. Thank God for that! Literally, "Thank Him!" That is a big part of what this post is about today. Praise. This last week was a little, well, a lot crazy. Busy, and hectic with school starting back. I showed up Tuesday at school to drop kids off and start back my first day at work also, and the parking lot was deserted. Oops. (Do you hear the crickets chirping?). I felt just a little stupid. It turns out that Wednesday was their first day back. Jason met me at my office and took the kids and worked from home since I had 6 clients scheduled in an 8 hour day with travel in between each. Hard to do, but whew, I did it. That was just the beginning of the week. Dad is sick again, Maizie (our dog) keeps stealing food off of the table, and Jason's brother's friend, Jim committed suicide this week. Please pray for the family. It is tragic and devastating. Sooo, more than just a bad week.

Anyway, it was a reminder to me of a time when Jason was close to that point and so was I. Suicide can be extremely seductive. I never realized that until I hit that point and found myself wrapped up in the warm blanket of the daydream, seeing it down to the details. New I had to get help then and did. Not proud of the fact, but it is what it is and a lot of people don't like to admit it until it is too late. I know that Jesus, my family and several friends (willing vessels of Christ-his hands and feet) carried me and Jason. Thank you Jesus! Anyway, enough rambling, but I am so grateful, especially when I see where He has carried us to now.

Knock on wood, but I know 2012 may not be as blessed as 2011, but God is definitely with us. I am so grateful to be aware of it. I am declaring 2012 as "Your Year" Jesus---A year where you increase in me, Jason and my family. Let us hear you guiding us, clearly, more clearly than ever. May our love for you grow bigger than anything else in our lives, even ourselves. This is Your Year Lord. We are yours. (John 3:30 and Joshua 24:15).

Back to praise now. "God sits enthroned on the praises of his people". (Psalms 22:3) "Praise the Lord! Oh my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being." (Psalms 146:1-2). "Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus." (I. Thessalonians 5:18). We are called to praise, created for it, and blessed by it. Not only does it please God, but it blesses US. It draws God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit close to us. It is a witness to others, a testimony. We are called to praise in times of goodness and thankfulness, as well as times of trials. Even if through gritted teeth. Many times I have praised God half-heartedly and with a bitter and angry spirit just out of obedience and for my children's sake. But speaking words of truth helps changes our heart and perspective and brings us back to God and the reality of His sovereign goodness. "Hoo-Hoo's" did that for me. It blessed me even more than my kids. When we pray and praise it Changes us and Protects us. Satan and his demons can't stand it and flee. When we are praising God, they can't influence us. We are refreshed again in the blood of Christ and the sweet fragrance of praise goes up to heaven to the Trinity. Demon's can't touch us without touching the blood of Christ or smelling the aroma. It burns their ears and nose and touch, their spirit. It also makes us too slippery to get a grasp on. Sooo---Praise On! He is worthy of it. Join me in making 2012 His Year and a Year of Praise in any and all circumstances we encounter this year. Again, Praise On!!!