His Word Is Life To Me

Do it again, Lord. Do it again.

2009-09-11T17:31:00.000-05:00

The following is a prayer by Max Lucado. Written for the National Prayer Vigil "America Prays" on September 15, 2001. Still very appropriate.

DEAR LORD,

We’re still hoping we’ll wake up. We’re still hoping we’ll open a sleepy eye and think, “What a horrible dream.”
But we won’t, will we, Father? What we saw was not a dream. Planes did gouge towers. Flames did consume our fortress. People did perish. It was no dream and, dear Father, we are sad.
There is a ballet dancer who will no longer dance and a doctor who will no longer heal. A church has lost her priest, a classroom is minus a teacher. Cora ran a food pantry. Paige was a counselor and Dana, dearest Father, Dana was only three years old. (Who held her in those final moments?)
We are sad, Father. For as the innocent are buried, our innocence is buried as well. We thought we were safe. Perhaps we should have known better. But we didn’t.
And so we come to you. We don’t ask you for help; we beg you for it. We don’t request it; we implore it. We know what you can do. We’ve read the accounts. We’ve pondered the stories and now we plead, “Do it again, Lord. Do it again.”
Remember Joseph? You rescued him from the pit. You can do the same for us. Do it again, Lord.

Remember the Hebrews in Egypt? You protected their children from the angel of death. We have children too, Lord. Do it again.
And Sarah? Remember her prayers? You heard them. Joshua? Remember his fears? You inspired him. The women at the tomb? You resurrected their hope. The doubts of Thomas? You took them away. Do it again, Lord. Do it again.
You changed Daniel from a captive into a king’s counselor. You took Peter the fisherman and made him Peter an apostle. Because of you, David went from leading sheep to leading armies. Do it again, Lord, for we need counselors today, Lord. We need apostles. We need leaders. Do it again, dear Lord.
Most of all, do again what you did at Calvary. What we saw here last Tuesday, you saw there that Friday. Innocence slaughtered. Goodness murdered. Mothers weeping. Evil dancing. Just as the smoke eclipsed our morning, so the darkness fell on your Son. Just as our towers were shattered, the very Tower of Eternity was pierced.
And by dusk, heaven’s sweetest song was silent, buried behind a rock.
But you did not waver, O Lord. You did not waver. After three days in a dark hole, you rolled the rock and rumbled the earth and turned the darkest Friday into the brightest Sunday. Do it again, Lord. Grant us a September Easter.
We thank you, dear Father, for these hours of unity. Christians are praying with Jews. Republicans are standing with Democrats. Skin colors have been covered by the ash of burning buildings. We thank you for these hours of unity.
And we thank you for these hours of prayer. The Enemy sought to bring us to our knees and succeeded. He had no idea, however, that we would kneel before you. And he has no idea what you can do.
Let your mercy be upon our President, Vice President, and their families. Grant to those who lead us wisdom beyond their years and experience. Have mercy upon the souls who have departed and the wounded who remain. Give us grace that we might forgive and faith that we might believe.
And look kindly upon your church. For two thousand years you’ve used her to heal a hurting world.
Do it again, Lord. Do it again.
Through Christ, Amen.

Feelings.....can you trust them? NOT!

2009-09-09T15:02:00.000-05:00

When I started blogging, it was for the purpose of being able to visit and comment on other people's blogs. That's a ton of fun for me. Having permisson to peer into the lives of others satisfies my "inner snoop" and because I am choosy about who I visit, I am almost always edified and encouraged. Writing a blog has never been high on my priority list (as you can well see by the number of my post!). I always feel the self-imposed pressure of saying something "profound" (still don't think I've managed that one). But there are times when the Lord's work in my life is so intense, so personal....so REAL, that I feel the need to share and "strengthen the brethern". Thus, the reason for this post. I am going to allow you to "snoop" into a portion of my prayer journal with the hopes that you have "been there, felt that" and that you leave edified by TRUTH.

9-09-09 (yes...just today)
I don't "feel" like praying Lord. I don't "feel" like believing. I don't "feel" like having faith. I don't "feel" like being a pastor's wife. I don't "feel" like being a Sunday School teacher. I "feel" I am on the edge of a pit and my feet are slipping. And to be honest, a part of me just wants to fall in and be done with it-----BUT, here's the thing......I know the TRUTH......and truth is.....well.....TRUTH. Unchanging, rock solid, infalliable, completely trustworthy.....it's everything You are, Lord. In fact, it IS You. You said You are the Way, the TRUTH, and the Life (John 14:6),and because you are TRUTH, Your Word is TRUTH. Afterall, You are also the Word of God (John 1:2). Your Word says that my heart will deceive me and "feelings" can't be trusted (Jer. 17:9) unless they are based upon the TRUTH. Your Word says that my way is not in myself and it is not in me to direct my steps (Jer. 10:23). So as much as I "feel" like walking right off into that pit......I won't....because I know the TRUTH and I choose TRUTH. "If I say, 'My foot slips', Your mercy, O Lord will hold me up" (Psalm 94:18). "Let Your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen Your precepts" (Psalm 119:173). Thank you, Lord for the safety and security of the TRUTH.....Your precious Word. You are great and greatly to be praised!

Making Memories

2009-08-21T12:12:00.000-05:00

After a little blog make-over (which took me FOR-EV-ER!) I am coming out of hiding! Since my last post, school ended, summer started, school is starting and summer is ending! Much has happened in my part of the Mississippi delta...the beautiful, the good, the bad, and the ugly (thank you, Lord that this world is not my home!) but God is ever faithful and has shone Himself mighty in my family's behalf. God is at work and continues to be at work and I have been having the time of my life watching Him...He amazes me...scares me to death sometimes... but He amazes me. I could write for days about all our experiences over the last few months, but I'll spare you. Instead I want to share the one thing God did that was the highlight of my summer.

After a very difficult year, our family was looking forward to our annual vacation trip to the Smoky Mountains. We are mountain kinda people...we HAVE to go at least once a year to be renewed and gain strength to make it through the next year! To make a VERY LONG story short, plans fell through and it looked liked we might not get to go. As I was praying about our predicament, the Lord brought to mind my sweet bloggy friend Sharon. I remembered she and her sweet family moved from Louisiana to North Carolina in obedience to God to help with a Christian Retreat ministry there. I contacted her and as the Lord would have it, she set us up to stay in the newly built cabin of Mountain Top Experience Christian Retreat. Not only was our vacation saved but I was going to finally meet Sharon and Keith! Sharon warned us ahead of time that the cabin still had some finishing touches that needed to be done, but welcomed us to come knowing how desperate we were to get away.

Off to Maggie Valley, NC we go and meet up with Sharon who leads the way up the mountain to the cabin.....4,000 feet up.....straight up......the more up we go, the smaller the roads get and the less pavement we see! I began to wonder if our Chrysler Voyager (mini-van) would make it, but I dropped it in low and off we went, no problem! It was worth the climb...absolutely beautiful! The cabin, the mountains, the view.....the quiet! I could sense my spirit strengthening and even more so as we got to fellowship with our new friends......the sweetest people you will ever have the delight to meet.....

Sharon and Keith Brumfield

Me and Sharon

They helped us settle in the cabin, didn't have near enough time to fellowship, but then left us to enjoy our vacation. First on the Worsham agenda....FOOD. So we headed down the mountain to go to the grocery store and eat dinner, just slightly disappointed it had begun to rain, but all would be well since we had planned to spend the evening enjoying the cabin, the large screen TV and the Wii.......or so we thought. Did I mention that one of the finishing touches that needed to be done was gravel for the drive up to the cabin? No? Well you need to know that little piece of info because we never made it back up to the cabin in the van....on foot....yes....van....no. After dropping it in low for the final ascent up to the cabin, the van began to fishtail toward the edge of the mountain and my family bailed on me....literally. They jumped ship quicker than the crew of the "Dauntless". I put the van in park and decided I'd better join them. By this time it is very dark.....the only lights we have are the lights left on up at the cabin.....no we didn't have flashlights in the car...I know, I know...and thus we began our slip and slide adventure up to the cabin.....the whole time chanting my mantra for these type of family adventures, "we're making memories girls!" When our mud-caked feet finally hit the solid ground of the cabin porch, my two teenage girls declared they were NOT leaving the mountain until the ground was dry (forecast called for rain for the next two days). Seeing as how we had big plans for getting out and about in the mountains every day this posed a problem. As we went to bed that night I prayed I would still find the van where I left it and told the Lord that I knew He had provided this vacation and that I was looking to Him to continue to provide. Early the next morning I was able to hang off the side of the cabin balcony to get enough signal to text Sharon and let her know of our predicament. With their four-wheel drive truck and a four-wheeler they came to the rescue...

Keith bringing Mark and Jordan down the mountain!

Again...the whole time I was chanting my mantra....we're making memories!! And how sweet those memories were made with this precious couple. Not only did they rescue us from a wet slippery mountain, but they rescued our vacation! They made arrangements for us to stay in a lovely little cabin down in the valley for the duration of our stay.

God is so faithful and so good and He made those qualities so tangible to me and my family through Sharon and Keith. I desire that for my life...help me, Lord!

Sharon and Keith.....Jesus looks so good on you! I love you to pieces!

His Word of Life for Today: For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. Hebrews 6:10

National Day of Prayer

2009-05-07T07:51:00.004-05:00

Father God,

With gratitude that my life is hidden in Christ's and that I can boldly approach your throne because my confidence is in Your precious Son, I worship You, as Creator and Sovereign LORD. Father, I join my heart with others today who are praying for our nation. You are our only hope and what a strong hope that is! We look to You, Lord to heal our land. We look to You to protect her people whether here or abroad. We look to You as our source of security. When we waver, undertake for us Lord, and turn our hearts toward You. Let us rest in the knowledge that....

The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.

The LORD looks from heaven, He sees all the sons of men. From His dwelling place He looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works. The king is not saved by a mighty army. A warrior is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a false hope for victory, nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for His lovingkindness, to deliver their soul from death and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD. He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in Him, because we trust in His holy name. Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, according as we have hoped in You.

(Psalm 33:11-22)

In the name of Jesus, Lord and King...Amen.

Don't worry....start praying!

2009-05-03T21:36:00.005-05:00

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Phil. 4:6

My man is preaching through the book of Philippians on Sunday mornings. And boy did he "bring it" this morning. I got me a now kind of word today and wanted to share a small portion of it, hoping it will bless and encourage you.

In Paul's admonishment to the Philippian church, the emphasis of the verse is not so much on stopping worrying as it is on starting praying. The word for prayer in the original language is their word for prayer, but it also brings with it the connotation of worship, adoration, devotion. Worship and worry cannot coexist. When we worship our God, exalt Him, magnify Him, anxious thoughts disintegrate. As we bring our supplications (our earnest desires) to Him, anxious thoughts are replaced with trust and when we do this with a thankful heart, we are reminded of the faithfulness of our God......it is to this God we make our request! And then you know what happens?

...the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:7

You want to stop worrying? START PRAYING!!

Prayer Alert!

2009-04-21T11:19:00.010-05:00

To anyone who happens to find their way here, I am asking you to join me in praying for Stellan McKinney, a precious 5 month baby boy who is having heart surgery even as I type. His mother is Jennifer, known as "MckMama" on her very popular blog "My Charming Kids". If you haven't read his story, you should. This sweet baby boy is a miracle and his family are big time Jesus lovers with a beautiful testimony of God's grace and strength in the midst of uncertainty.

One of the scriptures I am praying over them today.....

"Blessed be the Lord who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. Our God is to us a God of deliverances. To God the Lord belong escapes from death." Psalm 68:19-20

They need our prayers...would you join me?

Going boldly to the throne.....

Just as He said...

2009-04-09T09:43:00.001-05:00

"The angel said.....He is not here, for He is risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying." Matt. 28:6

They didn't remember. On several occassions Jesus had told His followers of His predestined death and resurrection (Matt. 16:21), but they didn't remember. Fear...despair...worry... have a way of doing that to us don't they? We forget His words....His very sure words. How ironic that those who hated Jesus remembered what He said (Matt. 27:63), but not His sheep.

Like the angel who reminded the women at the tomb that He had risen, "just as He said", the Holy Spirit reminds me of a few "just as He saids"......

Your needs will be met (Phil 4:19)...just as He said.

He is your stability (Isaiah 33:6)....just as He said.

He will never leave you (Matt. 28:20)...just as He said.

He's listening to you (Psalm 116:1-2)....just as He said.

He is for you (Psalm 118:6)...just as He said.

His righteousness is yours (2 Cor. 5:21)...just as He said.

As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, may we remember what He has said to us and not only remember, but believe Him! His word is as sure as the resurrection! Praise His glorious name!

Celebrating our Risen Lord......

The Glorious Impossible

2009-04-02T20:16:00.005-06:00

Here are just a few of the Glorious Impossibles that I have been meditating on the last few days...

A New Life.....Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Reconciled to God....For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Romans 5:10

His righteousness is ours...God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor. 5:21

A Holy God dwells within us....Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? 1 Cor. 6:19

The power of the resurrection works within us....I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms...Eph. 1:18-20

Access to the throne of the King of Kings...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. Heb. 4:12

Every need supplied...And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19

How great is our God? He faithfully, lovingly, consistantly makes the impossible....possible! Now take a few minutes and have yourself a little mini-worship service as you watch the video.

Worshiping with you.....

I'm in!

2009-03-26T14:10:00.006-06:00

I'm joining my sweet bloggy friend Susanne in the "Shrinking into Summer" challenge. Care to join us? The more the merrier!

UPDATE: 2-4-09: I lost 2.4 pounds since this post...not bad seeing as how I didn't really get on the wagon til Friday. Thank you, Lord...You are a very PRESENT help...

Let Me Hear...

2009-03-23T12:11:00.004-06:00

I hear so many things throughout a day. If I hear nothing else, let me hear this.....

"Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;

For I trust in You.

Teach me the way in which I should walk;

For to You I lift up my soul.

Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies;

I take refuge in You.

Psalm 143:8-9

"Lord my sorrow makes me deaf - let me hear.....Only God can take away from our weary ears the din of our care and charm them with the sweet notes of His love."

Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Praying your listening.....

Minister's Wives Conference

2009-03-19T21:08:00.009-06:00

Last weekend I had the absolute joy and blessing to attend Lifeway's Minister's Wives Conference led by Beth Moore. What made it even more special was being able to go with my dearest friend of nearly 28 years, Sarah. She and her husband David and me and my husband Mark, have been friends since college. Both of us married our men after graduation, knowing what we were getting ourselves into....life in the fishbowl....life in the ministry. We had no idea what lay ahead (thank you, Jesus!), but we loved our God and we loved our men. We have walked through the good, bad, and the ugly of ministry....and have found God faithful at every turn. Both of our husbands and us and going through great difficulty in ministry right now, so this conference was a much needed time of refreshment and renewal. We were not disappointed! Beth brought it as usual! She taught and admonished us from the book of Galatians...the topic? "When Misery Visits Ministry". Wow! How did she know? Only God! She helped us recognize 6 aggravations in ministry, then gave us 6 alternatives for them. I have listed them below...all Christians (since we are all made ministers by Christ) will be able to identify with these:

1. Aggravation:
Ministry by default. Life long misfit.

Alternative:
Chosen by God. Have holy fit.

2. Aggravation:
Seek Their Approval. Become Their Slave.

Alternative:
Seek God's Approval. Find Your Peace!

3. Aggravation:
Work With People. Expect Titanic Problems.

Alternative:
Choose to Trust. Not to Rust.

4. Aggravation:
Trade Your Bondage. Keep Your Chains.

Alternative:
Don't Ignore. Get Restored. Then Restore.

5. Aggravation:
Sow the Flesh. Reap the Dregs.

Alternative:
Sow the Spirit. Reap the Life.

6. Aggravation:
Lose What Counts. Watch Misery Mount.

Alternative:
Keep the King the Thing - JESUS!

Not only did God give us a word, but He gave us such a sweet time of fellowship with other minister's wives. I even got to meet some siesta's.....Georgia Jan, Amy W., and KristiB!

That is Amy on the left, then Jan, yours truly in red, and Kristi on the right. You would have thought we had been friends forever! Isn't it amazing what Jesus does? They were the sweetest things!

Keep the King the Thing!

Quotable Quotes

2009-03-11T06:53:00.003-06:00

I love a word fitly spoken...or written. I like to collect quotes. I have them written all over every Bible I own ....well, not every Bible, just the ones I use in my study, because that's usually when I find great quotes. I especially love the ones that have reference to God's Word. Here are a few of my favorites........

"The Scriptures are in print what Christ is in person."

A.W. Tozer

"The Scriptures are the swaddling bands of the holy child Jesus; unroll them and you find your Savior."

Charles Haddon Spurgeon

"You don't have to out shout him or out muscle him to be free of his influence. You just have to "out truth" him. Believe, declare, and act upon the truth of God's Word and you will thrwart Satan's strategy."

Neil Anderson

"All the reverence we owe to God must be paid to His Word."

John Calvin

"This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My word."

God

(through Isaiah the prophet)

Would you share one of your favorite quotes with me? I would love to add to my collection!

Enjoy Him today!

Funny Friday

2009-03-06T05:13:00.001-06:00

A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing...Proverbs 17:22 (Amplified)

Showin' the love....

2009-03-02T22:00:00.000-06:00

I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Exodus 20:4-6

The beginning of our family's next generation that God is graciously showing His love to...

Brandon Andrew "Andy" Powell, Jr.

Born August 22, 2008

With the birth of this little guy, 3 generations on my side of the family know and love the Lord, 4 on my husband's side. Praise His faithful name! What about you? What is your godly heritage? I'd love to know.....let's give Him some glory!

Working my way back....

2009-02-16T21:24:00.005-06:00

That old Spinners song from the 70's keeps running around in my head as I attempt to get back to my blog....Working my way back to you, babe...with a burnin' love inside...boy did I just date myself! So much has happned over the last 10 months that I feel like I need I to share everything, but I probably won't...so emotionally draining. Suffice it to say the truth of 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 has been my reality the last several months:

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

God has been so faithful...He IS so faithful and Jesus is Life! But not everything has been difficult. God has blessed us with showers of blessings amidst our storms and I'll be sharing a couple of them in the next few days. Here's a little preview...
Meet my first grandbaby....Andy!

Oh, I got lots to say about this little guy...until later....

I'm on my way....

2009-01-14T21:44:00.005-06:00

Preparing for a comeback...soon I hope!

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-10T17:06:00.003-05:00

5 reasons I love Mother's Day!

From left to right: Daughter # 3, Joy Beth, #2, Jessica, son-in-love, Brandon married to #1, Jennifer, #4, Jordan.

God just flat outdid Himself when He gifted me with these 5! Aren't they beautiful? God IS better than He has to be!

Thankful Thursday

2008-04-10T12:50:00.015-05:00

I haven't participated in Thankful Thursdays in a while. Now is a good time to get back in the game. I have so much to be thankful for today....

1. The faithfulness of our God and the truth of His Word...need I say more?

2. Our oldest daughter Jennifer was able to spend the week with us. Coming home from school

and seeing her on the couch....just like old times....how sweet!

3. Only 30 school days left til summer break!

4. The encouragement and blessing I get from the "blog world". You bloggity friends are

awesome! I love to read what God is doing in your lives...I learn so much.

5. I won the give-away this month at Praise and Coffee! A Mercy Me CD and Starbucks coffee...

does it get any better? Thank you Sue!

6. They sang Shout to the Lord on Idol Gives Back last night!!! Wasn't too happy about them taking out Jesus' name, but what do you expect from the lost? They just don't get it...can't hold them accountable. He was praised nevertheless...how cool was that?!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of his benefits.

Who pardons all your iniquities,

Who heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from the pit,

Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion,

Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

Psalm 103: 1-5

Big News!

2008-04-03T12:54:00.004-06:00

I have been meaning to make this announcement for a while now. I have known of this since Christmas and couldn't wait to tell my bloggity friends, but as you can see from my sparse posting, I haven't had much time at the computer and what little I have posted hasn't always been that upbeat. So it's time for some really great news, and I want you all to know.........I'M GOING TO BE A GRANDMOTHER!!!!!!!! How cool is that?! And.....we just found out the baby is a BOY! As you can see from my profile, I am the mother of 4 girls...my girl world has just been rocked! Along with my oldest daughter, Jennifer and her husband Brandon, we will welcome little "Andy" to our family in August! I'm teary-eyed just thinking about it! Jen emailed the baby's ultra-sound pictures the other day and I fell head-over-heels in love with the little guy. I can't imagine what he'll do to my heart once he gets here. I think I'm done for! What a wonder it is to get to peer into the "secret place" where he is being "skillfully wrought". Wonderful are your works, O Lord! (Psalm 139:13-16) I know absolutely nothing about little boys, but I intend on having a wonderful time learning!

God is so good!

WHY?

2008-03-19T22:19:00.006-06:00

Why do we ask WHY? Trials, heartaches, pain, etc.,... are they not just par for the course in this

world? Did Jesus not tell us..."in this world you WILL have trouble?" If our heavenly Father

gave us an answer, would it make the pain any more bearable? Would our finite minds even be

capable of understanding infinite wisdom? After Jesus told of us that trouble was a sure thing,

He then added...."but take courage, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) He knows we are

scared senseless by the troubles of this world. The courage we need to overcome is not found in

answered questions, but in the person of Christ. I have asked the WHY questions myself which

have driven me to God's Word. His Word did not reveal the answer to "why", but it did reveal

the all knowing WHO!

God Stop Friday!

2008-01-18T17:05:00.000-06:00

My mouth shall tell of your righteousness and of Your salvation all day long, for I do not know the sum of them. I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord God; I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone. Psalm 71:15

My twin sis Patty is hosting God Stop Fridays over at Girlfriends in God...gotta get in on this one. We are going to be intentional in Savoring The Observable Presence of God! What a great way to live out Psalm 71:15....so lets make mention of His righteousness!

My God Stop......

I am a public school music teacher and I am teaching the Historical Periods of music in my General Music classes...4 periods a day. This week we have been covering the Baroque period of music and composers from that period. Thursday we got to George Frideric Handel and his great choral work "Messiah" written in 1741. We discussed the fact that the "Hallelujah Chorus" is the most popular choral work ever written and is still sung hundreds, if not thousands, of times each year. As part of a little "pop quiz," my students were to listen to the "Hallelujah Chorus" and identify the musical texture of each section of the chorus (homophonic or polyphonic for any music students who might be out there). Each class had to listen to it at least 2 times (they're still trying to get the hang of this perceptive listening thing...). All of that to say....I spent my day listening to the "Hallelujah Chorus"! The reality and truth of the simple phrases of that chorus bombarded my aching heart and weary spirit......

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth, the kingdoms of this world and of His Christ!

And He shall reign forever and ever!

King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Tears stung my eyes and I fought back tears in each class as I realized once again who my God is and what He was speaking to me. He reigns! He is in complete control. Only He knows what it takes to conform me into the image of His Son. He is at work in me and in the lives of my family and He loves us infinitely.....and I love Him...so much!

My current Heartsong to the Lord. You gotta hear this!

2008-01-16T15:33:00.001-06:00

2008-01-16T14:37:00.001-06:00

You Are Everything

Matthew West

I’m the one with two left feet

Standing on a lonely street

I can’t even walk a straight line

And every time You look at me, I’m spinning like an autumn leaf

Bound to hit bottom sometime.

Where would I be without Someone to save me?

Someone who won’t let me fall?

You are everything that I live for

Everything that I can’t believe is happening

You’re standing right in front of me

With arms wide open

All I know is every day is filled with hope

You are everything that I believe for

And I can’t help but breathe you in, breathe again

Feeling all this life within every single beat of my heart

I’m the one with big mistakes

Big regrets and bigger breaks

Than I ever care to confess.

Oh but, You’re the one who looks at me

And sees what I was meant to be

More than just a beautiful mess.

Where would I be without Someone to save me?

Someone who won’t let me fall?

You are everything that I live for

Everything that I can’t believe is happening

You’re standing right in front of me

With arms wide open

All I know is every day is filled with hope

You are everything that I believe for

And I can’t help but breathe you in, breathe again

Feeling all this life within every single beat of my heart

You’re everything good in my life

Everything honest and true

And all of those stars hanging up in the sky

Could never shine brighter than You....

You are everything that I live for

Everything that I can’t believe is happening

You’re standing right in front of me

With arms wide open

All I know is every day is filled with hope

You are everything that I believe for

And I can’t help but breathe you in, breathe again

Feeling all this life within

Every single beat of my heart

You are....You are....Jesus, You are.....

You are everything

I'm back......I think!

2008-01-12T16:34:00.000-06:00

Oh my goodness.....has it been that long?! Does anyone remember me? Can I come back? What in the world has everyone been up to?

I've missed being here so much! Much has been going on with me and mine for the last 3 months which is the reason for my long absence. My family and I have been undergoing some serious spiritual warfare that has required every ounce of our time, faith, and energy and blogging has not been on the top of my "to do" list. I truly believe that the Enemy has asked to "sift us like wheat".....what encouragement there is in knowing that just as Jesus did for Peter (Luke 22:31-32), He is doing for us..........He is praying for us (Heb. 7:25)! We pray for endurance and for glory and honor to come to God and God alone during this time. And WHEN we get through this, we will "strengthen the brethern." I am walking in a very difficult season of life right now and would so appreciate the prayers of my "siestas." It is my heart's desire that the enemy not gain one inch of ground in my life or my loved one's. God IS our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble....He is all we have.....He is all we want........He is enough!

As I've said, I've missed all of you so much. My bloggity friends have always been such a blessing and encouragement and boy do I need encouragement right now! So I'm going visiting......See you soon!

Soothing Balm

2007-09-29T21:10:00.000-05:00

Does anyone remember the old hymn, "There is a Balm in Gilead"?

There is a balm in Gilead

To make the wounded whole;

There is a balm in Gilead

To heal the sin sick soul.
Some times I feel discouraged

And think my work’s in vain,

But then the Holy Spirit

Revives my soul again.

I know the hymn is referring to Jesus as being that "balm" for our souls and praise His name, He is, and what a soothing balm He is, but may I say that I find this place, "blogville", to be a soothing balm also for this wounded soul.

As most of you know I am married to a pastor and I was wounded today in church...yes I said church...by negative comments made about him. I did not retaliate or respond how my flesh wanted....the Holy Spirit keeps Colossians 3:12-14 ever before me when it comes to church family relationships. So after I spent some time "telling on them" to Jesus, I came here. Visiting your pages and seeing God at work in your lives is so uplifting and encouraging. In my mind, this community of "blog sistas" is what church should be like...always encouraging, always uplifting, we bear one another's burdens, we weep with those who weep, rejoice with those who rejoice, and always Jesus is magnified! Thank you girls, for ministering to me. Even when I don't get to post as I would like to, I still visit with you and gain strength and encouragement from your journeys.....your the BOMB! The Holy Spirit has used YOU and the promises of His Word to revive this wounded soul! Praise Him!

May we all live out the teaching of Colossians 3:12-14 (especially me, at this time!):

So as those who have been chosen of God , holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone, just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity

To God be the glory!

And the award goes to.....

2007-09-15T22:16:00.001-05:00

As I mentioned in my last post, my "twin sis" Patty has given me the "You Make Me Smile Award". Just like her, I would like to give it to all my bloggity friends because that is the very reason I visit them all.....they make me smile! But since I can only pass it on to one, I would like to bestow this upon my sista Susanne at Truly Captivating. Since I began visiting with her I have watched her love for Jesus and His word grow more and more and it has made me smile big time! Another reason she makes me smile is because she's a dancin' Baptist just like me and we love to praise Him in the dance! I look forward to the day when she and I can get together and get our praise on! Maybe at the Siesta Fiesta?

Continuing to go "Deeper Still"

2007-09-12T22:04:00.000-05:00

WOW!!! What a weekend I had ! I would have posted sooner, but it's taken me the last few days just to assimilate all I experienced. I wanted to go Deeper Still and I was not disappointed (does He ever disappoint?.......NOT! or as Kay Arthur says.....DUH!) I heard the word of God taught with such power and authority, I worshiped in spirit and truth with 20,000 plus women, I met and fellowshiped with my online "siestas" who have prayed for me, encouraged me, and have inspired me with their love for Jesus, and I got to go to the event with my best friend of 25 years and...and...we traveled with a group of precious women she works with as a home health nurse. They were so much fun! We bonded immediately (that's what Jesus will do for you!). Heaven practice....that's what it was.....heaven practice! Except when we get there, we won't need the Word taught to us, we will be with the Word...in His very presence, and we like the disciple John, "will behold His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). Come Lord Jesus, come! I so want to go to Atlanta next year...trying to make that happen. If you haven't had the chance to attend "Deeper Still" go...just go...it's so worth it!

Meeting the "siestas" was so much fun! I finally got to meet my "twin sis" Patty who, by the way, was the coordinator and T-shirt designer for the siesta meet-up Saturday afternoon. You can see our picture on her blog (I left my camera in my seat and just didn't have the strength to go back and get it!) and also on the LPM blog. What fun.....thanks Patty! I also want to thank Patty for the sweet award she bestowed upon me today. The "You Make Me Smile Award". She makes me smile too! I will be passing this award on tomorrow.

Remember sweet friends, every day is an opportunity to go Deeper Still!

I'm going "Deeper Still!"

2007-09-05T21:38:00.000-05:00

Ok girls....I'm asking you to "rejoice with those who rejoice" and am I ever rejoicing! Tomorrow morning I am headed to Nashville to attend the "Deeper Still" event with Beth Moore, Kay Arthur, and Priscilla Shirer! My best friend lives near Chattanooga and I'm meeting up with her, then Friday, it's off to Nashville we go to "sit under the spout where the glory comes out!" And if that were not enough, I am going to get to meet some of our "blog siestas" there also! Ain't God good?!!!!!! Patty at Girlfriends in God has arranged a little siesta get together for us and we even have T-shirts so we can find each other! You're the best twin sis!! I have been looking forward to this for almost a year now and my heart is just beating wildly in anticipation of what God is going to do. There is no doubt in my mind He is going to do BIG...HUGE...GINORMOUS things this weekend! Oh, how I need a word from the Lord this weekend and I know I will receive it and much more! I wish you all could be there! I'm really not kidding when I say I will be thinking of all of you who I visit so often and who come to see me. We need to be making plans for the "Siesta Fiesta" so we can all get together! I have camera packed and plan to give details when I return. Pray for us!!

Can't Wait!

2007-08-27T21:47:00.000-05:00

Feels good being here...I miss everyone!

As I have said in a previous post, my new teaching job is a 40 minute commute for me. It is great prayer time for me and also GREAT praise and worship time! CD's are scattered everywhere in my car as I try to decide who I am going to worship with each morning. Currently, Kirk Franklin and I have been getting our praise on each morning. His "Rebirth" CD is the bomb! It's been very difficult keeping both hands on the steering wheel! Between the tears in my eyes and my hands going up, my guardian angels (I just know it takes more than one for me) have been working overtime. One of the songs on the CD talks about the day we will finally see Jesus...the song says "I can't wait to see you." My heart began to race as I thought about that and I realized that really and truly, I can't wait to see Jesus. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not asking for a death wish. There is so much more I want to learn of Him and know of Him before that day, but I honestly look forward to the day my eyes finally behold the One who has loved me before time began and caused me to fall in love with Him. As the song says, "I can only imagine...." Wow!

So tell me my sweet blog sistas...who are you currently worshiping with? Let's make His praise glorious!

For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands. Psalm 92:4

MINOR PROPHET: MAJOR LESSON III

2007-08-12T21:54:00.000-05:00

I so miss being here! I'm afraid that until I find my groove with my new job, my postings are going to be few and far between....yuck! I have a 40 minute commute everyday, the early mornings are my coffee time with Jesus and by the time I get home and take care of my family and prepare for my next day, the day is gone...no computer time! Pray I learn the ropes and find my groove...soon!

In the midst of this transiton time the Lord has been reminding me about ATTITUDE! I've been studying the book of Malachi (another minor prophet with a major lesson) and the Lord God had a few choice words for His priests and His people about their lackluster devotion to Him and the slipshod way they worshiped. Words like, despised, contemptible, useless, just to name a few. They began to question God's love for them and thus began the descent into the pit mediocrity, complacency, and flat-out disobedience. People were offering and priest were accepting defiled sacrifices. The people served in a perfunctory and mechanical manner, going through the motions with no heart or conviction about what they were doing. They came to believe that offering stolen or lame or sick animals as sacrifices to God was not a problem as far as worship was concerned. They had the nerve to believe God would accept these offerings and be pleased with them. Worship was a mere drudgery, a meaningless activity they did out of habit. Their attitude toward God was reflected in their actions....are we getting a clue? I know I am! The Lord has reminded me that my actions are always connected to my attitude...my actions are always set in motion by my attitude! My actions reveal what I believe about God. Some of the harshest words the Lord God utters in this book are found in Chapter 1 verse 10...."I wish one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would no longer kindle a useless fire on My altar! I am not pleased with you, says the LORD of Hosts, and I will accept no offering from your hands." Can you imagine that kind of rebuke on our worship today? What would we think if God said, "I would rather you nail the doors shut than have you worship me halfheartedly as you do." I get goosebumps just thinking about it!

So, I have had an attitude adjustment. Just because I am experiencing some difficulties in this time of transition does not mean He still does not deserve my very best...He is God...the LORD of Hosts.....King of Kings.... the great I AM. He wants my wholehearted devotion and nothing else will do!

Quick Note

2007-08-05T22:06:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know I have not completely disappeared! This past week with my new job involved more than I anticipated and I never even got to turn on the computer! My first day with students is tomorrow and I hope things will settle down a bit after that. I have much to share and much to VENT! See you later....I hope!

Times of refreshing....

2007-07-29T22:08:00.000-05:00

I'm back! And so thankful for the time of refreshing the Lord gave my family. Our visit with our eldest and her husband in Kentucky was so sweet. We worshiped with them in the little Kentucky church where our son-in-law is a youth minister. The church sits right in the middle of some mountains and it was just so picturesque. Our daughter had arranged for our family to sing, something we haven't been able to do in years. They even had us listed in the church bulletin as "The Worsham Family Singers"! Do we sound professional or what?! My heart was just bursting with thankfulness to God as our whole family sang our praise and worship to Him. How blessed am I?!

There is so much I want to tell about our trip and I hope to do that this week. For those of you who prayed for us, thank you, thank you, thank you! God is faithful! For now, I have to transition back to the real world! I start my new teaching job tomorrow...actually, I have New Teacher Orientation for the next couple of days, then Staff Development and students return on the 6th. I have to get back on my "work schedule" which mans I have GOT to get to bed earlier!
It's good to be back and to catch up with all my "bloggity friends!"

Here I am...but here I go...

2007-07-18T13:31:00.000-05:00

For you sweet friends who come by fairly often....I'm so sorry for the absence. Since returning from the retreat, life has been coming at me FAST and FURIOUS! What is it about taking a little R & R that causes life to go into a tailspin when we return? I think I recognize the work of ol' slewfoot himself! The retreat was refreshing. Although it rained most of the time, my man and I got some wonderful quality time together while being able to fellowship with other pastors and wives in our state. The Lord confirmed some things for me and reminded me that I am not in this race alone. Sometimes in ministry we feel like Elijah under the juniper tree....I'm the only one serving you Lord...just kill me now! And just like Elijah, we receive the lovingkindness, mercy and grace of our God. He is ever patient and provides all we need to carry on. Thank you, Lord!

I will be away for a while again. Friday morning we are leaving for a little vacation time in Kentucky. My hubby and I and our 3 daughters will be visiting with our eldest daughter and her husband, who are students at Southern Seminary. We have not been able to visit with them there since they moved last year. Will be gone for a little over a week and most likely will not get on a computer while gone...we're going off into the mountains while we're there...no internet....will I make it?.....you bet! For those of you who will pray for us, pray that God will gives us this time as a time of relationship building and strengthening. This has been a tough year for the Worsham clan and each one of us has some specific hurts that we are dealing with. Pray for healing and rest from our worries and cares. Thank you friends. I'm just blown away with the fact that I can ask this of you and know that you will intercede on our behalf. You are too much!

I want to leave you with a quote I received while at the Pastors/Wives Retreat. This is from Andrew Murray when he found himself in a place of great pain and heartache.....

First, He brought me here, it is by His will I am in this strait place: In that fact I will rest.

Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child.

Then, He will make this trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow.

Last, in his good time He can bring me out again...how and when He knows.

Let me say I am here,

By God's appointment

In His keeping

Under His training

For His time

And all God's people said..........

Thankful Thursday

2007-07-12T14:24:00.000-05:00

I have just enough time to make a short post before I leave for the event I am very thankful for today. I am so thankful....

to be leaving in just a few minutes to our state camp for the annual Pastors/Wives Retreat. I am so looking forward to a few days of renewal and refreshment with my hubby. As the Lord brings us to mind, please pray for my man who is under heaps of discouragement right now. Pray that God will give him a fresh vision of ministry and renewal of spirit.

for the beauty of God's earth. Truly the earth is full of His praises and I'm looking forward to being smack dab in the middle of it!

Have a great weekend my bloggity friends. I'll let you know what the Lord did this weekend when I get back!

Helped By Dr. Phil

2007-07-09T16:58:00.001-05:00

I caught the "Dr. Phil Show" this afternoon and watched slacked-jawed as a husband who claimed to follow Christian principals, attempted to justify demeaning his children and wife, and verbally and physically abusing his wife. He said he was "forced" to have extra-marital affairs because his wife was not meeting his physical needs. To Dr. Phil's credit, he quickly explained the Christian teaching of being a husband and then in true Dr. Phil style, went about giving the guy "a clue." Go Dr. Phil!

I tell you all this to say.....I LOVE MY MAN! While watching this, I just fell more in love with the man God gave me and I intend to let him know it very well when he gets home this evening! I realize that sometimes I am so used to what I have, that I don't realize what I don't have.

This week I will let my man know OFTEN how grateful I am that he is obedient to God's Word in fulfilling the role of husband and father in our home and I will do my best to make that job as easy as possible for him.

Things I Dig About Jesus!

2007-07-07T19:40:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged by my sista Denise at Thus Far The Lord Has Helped Me to tell 5 things I "dig" about Jesus.....only 5?! Let's see.....

Here are the rules:
1. those tagged will share 5 things they dig about Jesus…
2. those tagged will tag 5 other bloggers…
3. those tagged will post a comment here with their name and a link to their “dig” Jesus list…

Here's my list:

#1. He loves me...He just flat out loves ME, just the way I was, the way I am, and the way I will be. He has no reason to, but He does, and it just blows my ever-lovin' mind! (1 John 4:10)

#2. There is not one single need I could possibly have that He cannot meet...how cool is that? (Phil. 4:19)

#3. He rescued me from a miry pit of mediocrity, defeat, and ignorance, and set my feet on a solid rock....and then He set them to dancin'! Praise His name! (Psalm 40)

#4. I love the fact He is always working for my good (Rom. 8:28). He is incapable of doing me harm...His thoughts toward me are always good and I need NEVER worry that He doesn't know what He's doing ( Jer. 29:11).

#5. I absolutely LOVE His word and I love to "dig" into it! It is His revelation of Himself to me, and I just love getting to know more of Him through it's pages. His word is life. It saved my life and gives me life. It is pure unadulterated truth and gives me the security I have longed for my entire life. I, literally, could not live without it (Hebrew 4:12; Psalm 119:50).

Now, I am tagging the following sistas...let me hear what you dig about Jesus girls....

1. Jennifer at Savor The Master's Blend

2. Xandra at Heart of Service

3. Amy at Purpose Driven Wife

4. Sue at Praise and Coffee

5. Alida at Black Purl's Knitpickings

There is none like You, O Lord! You are great and great is Your name in might. Jeremiah 10:6

Thankful Thursday

2007-07-05T20:59:00.001-05:00

It's been a stressful week and I'm thankful for this directed time of thankfulness! With much praise to our God, I am thankful for...

a job! I've been hired as a JUNIOR HIGH choral music teacher! I've been teaching High School for the last 7 years so this is going to be a whole new world. Between their adolescent hormones and my pre-menopausal ones it's likely to be a toxic mix! Help us, Lord!

Blogville! I know I've probably said this before, but this whole blogging thing has turned out to be one of the things I look forward to each day. I have been so encouraged, and have learned so much from all of you out there. I love seeing how God is growing you and I love your transparency. It makes me feel not quite so alone at times.

time away! My man and I are going to be attending a pastor/wives retreat sponsored by our state convention next week. The theme of the week is "Living Life in the Fishbowl". I'm looking forward to a few days out of it.....glub, glub!

a house full of college kids! My 2nd born will be celebrating her 21st birthday Sunday and being the family socialite that she is, we will be having 6 of her college buddies over for the festivities which begin tomorrow night! Yes....go ahead and say that prayer....strength and endurance, Lord! I really am looking forward to it. All these kids love my Jessica and they love Jesus and have been serving Him in various ways throughout the summer. It is going to be good to hear what all God has done in their lives...it's going to be a praise party!

the stability found in our God! He never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever! Truly He is a rock of continual habitation (Psalm 71). Don't you just love Him?

Still Workin' the Thing Out!

2007-07-02T19:14:00.000-05:00

My man and I sometimes tease each other about our marriage...we jokingly say, "We've been married 26 years and it's been 12 of the happiest years of our lives!" After reading what Christine said about the comments she has received from women who are struggling with this challenge, I just wanted to say, I've struggled too. This challenge has made me realize how much I take my husband for granted. I've been surprised at how consciencously diligent I have had to to be at working on my goals instead of it just coming natural. From my previous post in this challenge, I would not want to give the idea that things have ALWAYS been good...far from it. Just because I'm married to a pastor doesn't change the fact that he is still a man...an ordinary man. I married that man, not his calling, and we have had and still have the same struggles as most of you. It's been hard...REAL hard....but God had captured both of hearts before we captured each others and HE is the reason we are where we are today...still together, still in love, and still working the thing out!

If you have not been to the Living Proof Blog and read Beth's comments on the survey she conducted with some "blog husbands" (June 30th post) you need to take a trip over there. It will be well worth your time. I think it is so appropriate for those of us who are involved in this challenge. It will give some helpful insights.

Hang in there girls! Your comments and ideas have been such a help and blessing to me!

An Award....Me?

2007-06-28T10:32:00.000-05:00

I got a Blogging Award! Is that not a hoot n' a half? Not only that, but I got it twice! My sweet sistas Sharon at Sit With Me Awhile and Patty at Girlfriends in God both graced me with the honor! As I told them, this whole blogging adventure has turned out to be more than I bargained for and I mean that in a good way. I only started so I could keep up with our precious Bible teacher, Beth, and it has taken on a life of it's own! I like to think it is part of the "abundant life" that Jesus promised us! I have been so encouraged and so blessed by all I have come in contact with through this blog....it has truly strengthened me and given me the endurance I need in my walk with the Lord.

Sharon, my heart is so encouraged by your tenacity and the way you "work the thing out" with the Lord! Hang in there sista! I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it! (Phil. 1:6)

Patty, I agree with you, you must be my long lost twin! No one in my family has the same "the early bird gets the worm" attitude as I do or the same penchant for coffee...where have you been all my life?! I love your love for Jesus who obviously has been your rock and refuge in times of storm. Keep shining girl!

If I understand correctly, I now get to bestow this award on at least five deserving sistas...where do I begin? I've been blessed by so many.....

I would like to pass this award on to Susanne at Truly Captivating. You will love visiting with her. I can see her love for God's word growing each day....wow! The fact that she's a praise dancin', hand raisn', Baptist is merit alone to receive the award from me...you go girl!

To Sue at Praise and Coffee....the name of her blog alone is enough to make me want to visit! Her sweet and gentle spirit just oozes from her blog. She always has a good word. You will enjoy your time there.

I also want to give this award to Jennifer at Savor the Master's Blend. She's just getting started and she needs encouragement! She wrote an awesome post on describing God (see her June 10th post)...that girl's got a good head on her shoulders (Ok, so she is my daughter, she still deserves it!). Give her a visit...you'll be glad you did!

Ok girls...I know this award is the "Rockin' GIRL Blogger Award" ....but...(you may need to put on your heart of forebearance and forgiveness here... Col. 3:13) I want to give this award to Travis Cottrell. He so deserves it (you know he does)! Any man who works with women the way he does, who leads us in worship at all of Beth's events, and endures being submersed in "all things women" for weekends at a time, plus has a ROCKIN' blog, deserves it! Oh, I can hear the naysayers now.....he might not want the award, it's too...."girly!" Are you kidding? I believe Travis is secure enough in his masculinty to proudly display his award! (Travis, if you read this, don't make me regret my adulation...help a sista out here!) His blog is such a blessing. Believe it or not he does have a life outside of LPL and God is using him in mighty ways. The fact that he shares himself with us is very humbling to me. Travis, I don't know about anyone else, but, YOU ROCK MY FACE OFF! (just learned that little endearment from my college-aged daughter and it has come in quite handy lately!)

Oh, this is so much fun! To anyone who finds their way here, may you be blessed, but most of all....may God be honored and praised!

Honor Your Husband

2007-06-25T08:49:00.000-05:00

I have to admit that fulfilling my goals for last week was not that hard. My man is a husband that most women would die to have. He is attentive, romantic, fiercely protective of our marriage and family (very important as a pastor), loves his daughters, loves me, and loves his Lord with all his heart, soul and strength. I'm a high school teacher, and I tell young men all the time..."you want win the heart of Christian girl? Love Jesus! Live out your life in Christ, and she won't be able to resist you!" That's what did it for me!

Here's my goal for this week....RESPECT. Oh, I respect my man alright, but I want to be more demonstrative and vocal about it. The scripture says that we are "to see to it." A deliberate focus.

For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great, but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband. Eph. 5:31-33

Let me share something that the Lord just recently convicted my heart about. Did you know that our marriages as Christians are to be representations of Christ's relationship with the church? I have read the Apostle Paul's mandates on marriage (Eph. 5:22-33) umpteen times and it has never hit me until recently. I think I have so obsessed over the "S" word (submit) that I failed to see the big picture! The mystery that Paul speaks of in verse 32 of Christ and the church is unfolded before the world in the relationship of man and wife. Wow! What are telling the world about our Lord through our marriages? What are we telling our God?

Words of Encouragement

2007-06-22T12:08:00.000-05:00

As I was finishing up my study with ol' Hab today, I read this quote from Matthew Henry. It encouraged my heart so, that I just have to share it with all of you. Referring to the last chapter (Ch. 3) he says....

"Habakkuk who begins his prayer with fear and trembling, ends it with joy and triumph. And thus, faith in Christ prepares for every event. The name of Jesus, when we speak of Him as ours, is balm for every wound, a cordial for every care. It is ointment poured forth, shedding fragrance through the whole soul. In the hope of a heavenly crown, let us sit loosely to earthly possessions and comforts, and cheerfully bear up under crosses. Yet a little while, and He that shall come, will come, and will not tarry, and where He is we shall be also."

That just makes me want to shout, raise my hands, dance a jig....I might could even jump a pew! What about you?

MINOR PROPHET: MAJOR LESSON II

2007-06-20T11:27:00.000-05:00

I am really treasuring my study with the minor prophets these last few weeks. Joel, Nahum, Obadiah, Habakkuk.....where have you guys been all my life? (I do know the answer to that question, just wanted you to see how convicting that was to me!) These guys reveal some awesome things about our God and His character. Most of their messages were referred to as "oracles" with the Hebrew meaning "burden," a load carried by beast of burden. I can so relate to that as a pastor's wife. I've seen the burden of the messages God has placed on my man. Some burdens pleasant to carry and deliver, some not, but must be delivered in obedience to God. What an overwhelming tasks our pastors must undertake, and yet there are those who think they have such "easy" jobs! Thank and bless your pastor today! (Sorry, but I just had to chase that rabbit for minute!)

I've been spending time with Habakkuk (or as I like to refer to him...Hab) this week. The whole book is just a conversation between him and the LORD God. I was so touched by his candidness. Fed up with the wickedness of his people he ask God what He's going to do about it. God responds and tells what He has made plans to do, but it's not exactly what ol' Hab was hoping for. Boy, does that scenerio sound familiar! God tells Hab He will raise up an enemy to defeat them and carry them off into captivity. Not only will He use the enemy to exercise discipline on His people , He will then judge the enemy for what they did. Lesson learned?......God can do what He dang well pleases! He is Sovereign God! He is at work in all things, no matter where they come from. He reminds Hab that "the righteous will live by his faith" (2:4). He is in control, He can be trusted, He knows what He is doing.

Hab gets it and in the final chapter responds to God with these profound words:

"LORD, I have heard of Your fame. I stand in awe of Your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known, in wrath, remember mercy.

Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet will I exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places." Hab. 3:2, 17-19

Hear this my sweet bloggity friends......WHEN ALL IS GONE, GOD IS NOT GONE! God is not to be be worshiped merely because of the temporal blessings He has bestowed, but for His own sake...who He IS! He is all we need.....and I hope you have found this to be true....He is enough!

Honor Your Husband Challenge

2007-06-18T10:50:00.000-05:00

Ok, sistas, I want to encourage those of you are married to join our sista Christine in the Honor Your Husband Challenge. I know this meme was heaven-sent. The Lord has really been dealing with me about how I take my man for granted. One of my man's love languages is words of affirmation, and I really fall short meeting this need in his life. So....

My goals for this week are...

....to give an affirming word to my man every day.

....to ask about his day, then listen, really listen.

....to ask him for specific ways I can pray for him.

I'm really looking forward to joining with fellow sistas in this. I need the accountibility! So how 'bout it? Are you with me?

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

Funny Friday

2007-06-15T12:34:00.001-05:00

It's obvious I'm from the south...this is such a hoot! Wanted to start your weekend on a funny note...a merry heart is good medicine! (Prov.17:22)
Have a wonderful weekend!

Enjoying God

2007-06-10T16:39:00.000-05:00

My pastor preached the best message this morning...and I let him know it by planting a big kiss on him (You get to do that when your married to him)! His message came from Psalm 16:11...

You will make known to me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

The whole premise of the message was based on this question....Are you enjoying your relationship with God? There are many Christians out there who are not and quite frankly who don't think a relationship with God is something to be enjoyed. How deceived we can be!

So, my friends in blogland, here's what I want to know. How do you enjoy God?

Here are just a few of the ways I enjoy Him....

I enjoy Him as I read of His marvelous exploits in His Word.

I enjoy Him as I drink my coffee and watch the birds, squirrels, and other critters from my sun room each morning.

I enjoy Him in my personal worship as I sing, dance, pray, weep, rejoice before Him.

I enjoy Him when I worship with my fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord.

I enjoy Him when I'm blogging!

I enjoy Him when I see my children loving and serving Him.

I enjoy Him when I am hurt/discouraged over someone's hurtful comment.

I enjoy Him when I am in desperate need.

I could go on....and on....I just plain ol' ENJOY GOD! As Beth Moore has said...."God just does it for me!"

So tell me. How do you enjoy God?

Thankful Thursday

2007-06-07T12:03:00.001-05:00

I'm thankful for the call I got this morning about a teaching position. I interview next week!

I'm thankful for my son-in-law, who has a new blog James 1:22 and loves my daughter and is taking very good care of her.

I'm thankful for coffee...need I say more?

I'm thankful for my cat Callie. You'll hear more about that later.

I'm so thankful for the stability of God's Word. When all else seems to be shaky and unstable, His Word is a sure foundation.

I'm thankful for flip-flops... they are cheap, easy to put on, and come in every color you can imagine...is there any other shoe wear in the summer?!

I'm thankful tomorrow is the last day of VBS...been fun...been a blessing (2 children came to know Jesus!)...but I'm pooped!

I'm thankful for phone calls from my two eldest who have flown the coop. It's so good to hear from them!

What are you thankful for?

MINOR PROPHET: MAJOR LESSON

2007-06-03T23:02:00.000-05:00

Been studying the book of Joel this week in preparation for the Sunday School class I teach. Wow! Minor prophet with a major lesson....the joy of repentance! Oh, the lengths God will go to bless His children and to assure them of Whose they are! Whether God sends adverse circumstances our way as result of His judgement or discipline, He offers an amazing invitation...

"Return to me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping, and mourning. And rend your heart and not your garments. Now return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious, and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness, and relenting in evil." (Joel 2: 12-13)

Our repentance is based on WHO HE IS not on our ability to get our act together or be sorry enough, or, or, for cryin' out loud to do anything! He is GRACIOUS, it's based on His goodness, not ours. He is COMPASSIONATE. This word is derived from the Hebrew word for "womb", a place of nurture and protection for unborn babies. It points to God's loving care and nurture for helpless people. He is SLOW TO ANGER. A Hebrew idiom meaning "long of nostrils". It takes a long time before God's wrath results in actual judgement. How long? Long enough to give His children abundant time to repent. He is ABOUNDING IN LOVINGKINDNESS. Overflowing covenant love that is dependable at all times, under all circumstances. RELENTING IN EVIL. Based on His character and in response to His children's repentance, God can change His mind! Praise His name!

When we need to repent of something, why do we resist? Why do we wait? What are we afraid of? Whatever the answer to those questions are, we have bought what the enemy has been selling for ages. They are lies. I should know. The Enemy and I did business for years and I paid dearly for those lies when I could have been experiencing freedom and restoration at no cost. That's one of the things I love about repentance. It ALWAYS bring restoration...

"Then I will make up to you for the years that the swarming locusts have eaten...you will have plenty to eat and be satisfied and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. Then my people will never be put to shame. Thus you will know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD, your God, and there is no other, and my people will never be put to shame." (Joel 2: 25a - 27)

Restoration has glorious results! We will be SATISFIED. We learn to be satisfied with Him and Him alone. He is all we need. We will PRAISE HIM. We won't be able to help ourselves! He has dealt wondrously with us! We will NEVER BE PUT TO SHAME. Our faith grows. We are confident (the opposite of shame) that God IS who He says He is and that He can do what He says He can do!

Don't you just love Him?

My Mighty Women of His Word!

2007-06-01T22:11:00.000-05:00

My first-born, Jennifer & my son-in law, Brandon at their wedding last June.

They are now in seminary at Louisville, KY studying to teach and preach God's Word.

She just set up her own blog, sistas, so go by and say Hi! I've been telling her all about my blog sistas, so I want her to meet you. Visit her at Savor the Master's Blend.

Daughter #2, Jessica, Daughter #4, Jordan, & Daughter #3, Joy Beth at Jordan's 13th birthday party.

Jess is a senior at Blue Mountain College (one of our Baptist colleges in MS) and is Asst. Camp Director for our State Baptist Youth Camps this summer. Biblical studies major.

Joy Beth is a senior in High School... owns more commentaries than me and wants to be the next Beth Moore!

Jordan is the psalmist of the bunch. Plays the guitar beautifully and writes praise and worship songs.

Am I blessed or what?!

Thankful Thursday

2007-05-31T16:37:00.000-05:00

What a day! God has been so faithful and mighty in my behalf today! I am so thankful....

for His provision for my every need, that He meets our needs according to His riches in glory! (Phil 4:19)

for all my newfound blog sistas. Jesus looks so good on them! They are so much fun and I'm learning so much from them. Keep it up girls!

for praise music! I've got Travis' Alive CD cranked up right now and as soon as I finish this entry, I'm going to dancin'! (I'm not kidding, I'm home alone!)

for a my man who loves Jesus and loves me better than I deserve.

for the sweet church my husband and I serve....give us hearts to love you, Lord!

for (and I mean this with all my heart) all the difficulties my family is experiencing right now. God is teaching me so much.....give us endurance, Lord!

for 4 daughters who love the Lord Jesus and are serving Him. They are beautiful inside and out (I'll post a picture, as soon as I figure out how to do it!)...also thankful for my sweet son-in-law!

for the love that I have for God's Word. I thought it could not be possible! Keep me hungry and thirsty, Lord!

for God's calling on my life. Never in a million years would I have imagined myself doing what I do. Who'd have thunk?

for Jesus.....The One and Only.....My One and Only!

Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Who can speak of the mighty deeds of the Lord, or can show forth all His praise? Psalm 106:1-2

I sure want to try!

Dreams

2007-05-30T21:04:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged by my blog sista Patty. Never been tagged before...not quite sure I know what it means, but I'm going to answer the question. If you're reading this, consider yourself tagged!

So my question to you all is - What are your dreams? Not things that God has promised you, but things you dream about or things that you whisper in His ear. What are you believing God for? Be bold, Be Honest, Be courageous

1. I am believing God for a job!

2. That I, my husband, our 4 daughters, and son-in-law, would love God with all our hearts, mind, soul, and strength.

3. God would send godly, Christ-honoring, husbands for our 3 younger daughters just as He did with our first-born.

4. To lead worship in women's events.

5. To be debt-free.

6. To sing with all my girls.

7. That my girls would be mighty women of the Word!

8. That all my extended family would come to know and love Jesus.

9. I am believing God for a mighty outpouring of His Spirit and power on the church my husband pastors.

10. That my marriage would be a reflection of Jesus and His Bride (the church).

11. A trip to the Smokies!

Go ahead.....it's your turn!

I have need of endurance

2007-05-29T22:00:00.000-05:00

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. Hebrews 10:36

Yep, that's what I need!

To all my friends and sistas who find their way here, I would appreciate your praying this over me and my family right now. Pray that we will...let endurance have its perfect result, so that we may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:4). God is so at work in us right now...seeing to it that we BELIEVE HIM! I do not ask that He deliver us from all that we are experiencing (although I would certainly not refuse it!), but I do ask for the ability to endure and to not miss a single thing He is teaching us, for I know JOY COMETH!

His Word, My Help

2007-04-16T23:32:00.000-05:00

In the wake of the recent tragedy at VT and all the "stuff" that's going on in my own life at this time, I have felt complete inadequacy to even articulate words to utter to the Father. Thankfully and to His great glory I have His.......

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. God is to us a God of deliverances, and to God the Lord belong escapes from death. Psalm 68:19-20

Your God has commanded your strength. Show Yourself strong, O God, who have acted on our behalf. Psalm 68:28

The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Lord have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:9-10

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18

You are my hiding place. You preserve me from trouble. You surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. Hebrews 10:36

And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:4

Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You. Jeremiah 32:17

Send a Great Revival to My Soul

2007-02-26T20:38:00.000-06:00

REVIVAL......I don't know what images that word conjures up in your mind, but to this Southern Baptist, Southern born, Southern bred, Mississippi girl, that word is synonymous with.......ACTIVITY! Preparations for visiting evangelists, visitation, prayer meetings, meals at the church, choir practices, making sure everything is in place and just right for the church to have REVIVAL! For all us "Martha's" it's our time to shine! By the time the first service starts we are slap worn out and we can't concentrate for trying to remember if all the members of the Dorcas Sunday School class were contacted about bringing food to the church for the next night. Can I get a witness?! Now don't get me wrong, I don't mean to make light of those type of preparations, they are needed, but I'm afraid that so many times in the past I have forgotten to make the "main thing" the "main thing". The "main thing" being that God and only God can give revival to "hearts" that are prepared to receive it. Oh, that we would be as diligent in the preparation of our hearts as we are in the physical preparation for revival.

To my Living Proof sistas who happen to find their way here.......please pray for the little Mississippi church my husband pastors as we are meeting together next week (March 4-7) to seek revival from our Faithful God. We are desperate for Him! There will be some in atttendance who will come for business as usual....pray that God will absolutely astound us! I want to see His glory......it may scare me to death, but I want our little flock to know we have such a HUGE God. My heart physically aches for them. I am so jealous for them to know Him as the God of Wonders! Pray that the walls of the boxes we have enclosed our God in will come crashing down. He is so much more than we have ever imagined! Pray that God's Spirit will fall mightily and that hearts will be tendered to Him. Pray that God will frustrate the plans of the enemy.

Thank you, girls. What a blessing to be able to reach out to sisters in Christ I have never met. Such love and esteem is only possible through Jesus! Don't you just love Him?

Having a HUGE GOD mentality....

2007-02-12T22:08:00.000-06:00

For the Lord your God is the God of gods, and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe. Deuteronomy 10:17

Who is like You among the gods, O Lord? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders? Exodus 15:11

Through God we will do valiantly and it is He who shall tread down our adversaries.
Psalm 108:13

Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Who can speak of the mighty deeds of the Lord, or can show forth all His praise?
Psalm 106:1-2

Anybody wanna say Hallelujah?!

Newbie in the house!

2007-02-09T13:03:00.000-06:00

I'm fairly new to this blogging thing. The main reason I'm even attempting this is because I have had so much fun reading Beth Moore's blog page at Living Proof ministries (www.lproof.org) and I want a way to stay in touch with all those precious women who comment on her blog. We are having so much fun! So to any of you who find your way here.......welcome! "Let us encourage one another and build up one another, just as we have been doing." (1 Thess.5:11)