LEVEL UP!

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

                                                      -1 Corinthians 10:13  NIV

One night in July I was laying in bed thinking about some awesome insights God had given me the day before when suddenly the phrase, "level up" came to mind out of no where. I had learned this phrase in some of the videos games I play with the girls. As you play you go through all types of challenges and battles and when you go through and complete certain tasks ( in the beginning, as a novice, this usually happens after hours of dying and trial and error trying to figure things out) you 'level up" with new and stronger powers.

I am certain as Christians we "level up" as well.  We level up when we are battling a vicious cycle of addictive habits until they become virtuous cycles, or through prayer and meditation on His word and, naturally, by reading and studying the Bible. One thing I do know... we won't get to experience this sweet sensation if we give up and turn off the game and walk away.

REMEMBER:

 

"But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one."  

 -2 Thessalonians 3:3

MOM STORY

I will never forget the time my oldest daughter, Cigi, and I were playing a video game one night when she was probably only eight or nine years old. I was propped up in bed on my pillow watching as she frantically played- fingers and thumbs clicking away ninety to nothing on the controllers. She was sitting on the end of the bed on the edge looking up at the screen as she played. When I could see she was getting overwhelmed being completely surrounded by the enemy I would yell, "Relentless, Cigi! You must be relentless!"

Encouraged to work even harder she put her whole body and soul into it. Her little body was shaking the bed as she leaned left then right to dodge her opponents attack. This one time, however she lean hard to the right... the side of the bed she was on.

I watched in horror as things kicked into slow motion and she begin to tilt off the bed onto the carpet below. I was never prouder of that child...why?

On the way down towards the ground I could still here the clickity-clicks of the controller as she was on her way down! Now that's "relentless!"

WHICH CYCLE WILL YOU TAKE?

I was sitting here thinking about some friends of mine who always are acting La-Tee-Da in the circles we run. Keeping up with the Jones, ya know. Seems like a vicious cycle to me.

This got me to thinking so I decided to look up "vicious cycles" in my Dictionary App on my phone. I couldn't find "vicious cycle" but it did bring up "virtuous cycle." Huh. I had never heard of that. Here's what it said:

             -noun 1.a beneficial cycle of events or incidents each having a positive effect on the next.

Well I'll be...who knew? 

May 3, 2013... that was the day when, what I thought had been a vicious cycle in my life, came to an end after 10 years. Now God is teaching me that as a Christian- a follower of Jesus Christ- when you are going through what may appear to be a vicious cycle you are however, really going through a virtuous cycle!

We, brothers and sisters in Christ, ride our virtuous cycles, our "beneficial cycle of events" that each have "positive effect on the next," straight into Heaven!

Non believers? Without Jesus in your life you are predestined to ride your vicious cycle into Hell.

Please, I pray, get off your vicious cycle and jump on the virtuous cycle to Heaven to spend eternity eternally grateful that you did.

Luke 16:19-28, NIV-  (Jesus Speaking) "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'

"But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'

"He answered, Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' "

You may be in charge of your destiny now, in this lifetime. But please, don't be like the rich man who found out once your life is over here and now...you definitely will not be in control of your destiny there and forever.

  

For Little Ol' Me?

Isaiah 42: 5-6
"This is what God the Lord says-the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: 'I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to fee captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in the darkness.'"

Wow! Ain't that something? The visual, the mental picture of that first part: stretching out the Heavens, spreading out the earth; with all that springs from it; who gives breath to the people!

Sounds like a picnic, a party! God, preparing the world for us- giving us His breath of life to enjoy and fellowship with Him.

He has a bigger plan here, and though I may not be "privy" to it all- everyone of us who love Jesus will be a party to it!

To See What He Sees

Isaiah 64:1-5, 8, NIV
      "Why don't you tear the sky apart and come down? The mountains would see you and shake with fear. They would tremble like water boiling over a hot fire. Come and reveal your  power to your enemies, and make the nations tremble at your presence! There was a time when you came and did terrifying things that we did not expect; the mountains saw you and shook with fear. No one has ever seen or heard of a God like you, who does such deeds for those who put their hope in him. You welcome those who find joy in doing what is right, those who remember how you want them to live... (VS 8) But you are our father, Lord. we are like clay, and you are the potter. You created us,...."

God is sooo good! As I was reading this verse I could just see it...God tearing through the sky-He could! But that's not His plan.

Then when I got to verse 4, "no one has seen or heard of a God like you before," this is so true! Think about it. I have read in books and saw in movies where the god of  such and such is angry for no justified reason and will blah, blah.

This also made me think of the novel God gave me to write for Nanowrimo, "A Little Clay and Terra." He showed me the missing pieces for the novel. God loves us so much- something ( a love) we just can't fathom. I see a tree ( in this fallen world) God knows the beauty and splendor of a tree in the unfallen world. I see a beautiful field of rolling green grass with gorgeous wild flowers and God knows how much their beauty is tainted in this fallen world. He want and waits to show us these sight in a Heavenly World!

I see the beauty and glory in a righteous, God fearing man or woman yet God sees this same person cleared of sin forever in their final destination, final Home-Heaven. Man.
 

STUFF

(From my journal on 12/27/2013)

Stuff. This morning when I got up and let our little beagle dog, Buckeye, out...for some reason I was hyperaware of all my stuff as I walked through the house to get her. My two drawing tables with stuff to draw, paint and cartoon on, my printer on one of them from some of my writings. Video stuff in the "book" room and tons of books. My Batman, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Popeye, Charlie Brown, etc., dolls. (Wondering why in the world I have Buffy the Vampire Collector dolls and Batman dolls? Just ask.)

Closet full of clothes I pray that I might fit into again one day. Also in the closet, more journals, writing pads full of writings and stories, quilting material, half made quilt, old computers with my pictures and stories on.

"Stuff." Stuff that I can't take with me when I die. Most of this "stuff" I don't even use on a daily, weekly or yearly basis. Stuff.

What have I stored in Heaven that is eternal, I wonder? (Wouldn't it be awesome if we could peek into our eternal home and see?)

What does this teach my girls?

 

Created To Return

Always

I am sitting on the couch in my living room this morning reading the daily devotion out of Sarah Young's book, Jesus Calling. Once done with this I began to pray and as I got to the part where I asked God to fill our home with His Holy Spirit immediately I was aware that He is already here. My spiritual eyes are opened and though I can't see Him- I do! The air is thick with His presence! My soul is tingling, buzzing with joy! He is here, He is always here; I am not always looking and therefore am not aware of this amazing fact.

Oftentimes I pray with my eyes open-especially when I pray this prayer so I can see the transformation. It's as if the whole room I'm in is filled with a Substance, an invisible Substance but so noticeable to the searching eye! Like the wind!

Seeing into the Realm of God is a humbling experience. My soul is still tingling as I sit here writing this, wrapped in the ever present presence of the Lord.

God is reminding me of all the times in the past He was there; at Church, in Bible Studies, at Youth Camps and Missions trips. Times when the "feeling" was different...special. It was Him making His presence known to me.

As a baby Christian I thought there was a certain formula of seeking Him that would cause Him to appear like this. But now, as I am maturing through the trials I've been through He is teaching me that this was wrong. There is no special formula that will cause this to happen. It is through being sensitive to His presence that I am blessed with this seeing and feeling Him here.

When I was going through my "dark years" I longed to experience this sensation again. I feared it was forever lost to me. How glorious it is now, that He is teaching me to be sensitive to His presence; to look for and just to notice that it is and always has been here. Always.

Rock Bottom

Romans 3:22-24, NIV
"This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood-to be received by faith."

In AA they tell you that usually for one to admit they have a drinking problem they have to hit "rock bottom." When you are an alcoholic you can't break free while you are still under the delusion that you have it under control or can stop any time you want to.

As an alcoholic in denial you think to yourself, "I will cut down slowly. Wean myself off," or "this is the last one," "one last big binge and that will make me sick enough to finally be determined to quit." And there are thousands more excuses where these came from!

If you are a Christian, you hate yourself for being in bondage to this sin! You wonder how were you ever weak enough to allow this to happen? Voices whisper in your  mind that if you really loved Jesus you wouldn't do this sin (drinking, drugs, same sex relations, etc...any sin) that you are not a true Christian.

So to atone for our sins we try to do more at Church, for friends, family, which in itself is almost an impossible task due to the fact that you are not reliable. Satisfying your sin comes first, taking care of this "master," is priority. But the backlash from this master are terrible side effects that make you ineffective.

(Boy, this posting didn't even go in the direction I had intended when I sat down! Take over, Lord, and complete what it is You want shared here. Push my pride and ego aside.)

Luke 16:13, NIV
"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

As an alcoholic you hit bottom and realize you can't get up by yourself.

If you don't already know Jesus as your Lord and savior, you will hit rock bottom sooner or later. Depression, anxiety, the feeling that something is missing or wrong, ect will follow you. You will feel like you need something or someone to satisfy these feelings and needs.

Things may seem to be going fine in your life, and you are happy. But are you willing to bet your eternal soul that you are going to enter into Heaven when you die?

When you give your life over to Jesus, you are no longer in bondage! You are free indeed! Things and priorities in your life begin to align up for the first time. With Jesus as your Lord and master, you are no longer alone! This Master loves you and gave His life for you.

1 Corinthians 10:4, NIV
"And that Rock was Christ."

THIS, HE, JESUS is the Rock bottom we all need to hit in order to begin a fresh new life full of peace and joy!!!!






 

Heaven Came Down

This is one of my favorite hymnals! When my soul begins to bubble over with the joy of the God, this is the song that's spills out of my mouth praising God!  And I love this video I found on You Tube of a mens choir singing it.

Miracle

 This is a post from my Journal dated September 20, 2014.

What a beautiful morning! Can you believe that last night in the middle of the night and this morning at 9 the most miraculous thing happened?! Last night as I was trying to get comfortable in bed and fall asleep I rolled over on my stomach. Great I thought. I felt like I was laying on a golf ball right at the bottom of my right breast. It's gotten bigger I thought. I've got to make sure I go this week and have a mammogram.

For about a year there has been a massive lump...not solid, under my right breast. I kept thinking I'd get around to having it checked. However, this past few months now I could even feel it when I laid on my stomach or when my bra was pressing on it. Last night though, man. It felt like it had a major "growth spurt!"  I said a quick prayer to God that He would remove it.

I finally fell asleep and woke up again about 4 in the morning- it woke me up as I became aware of being uncomfortable laying on my stomach. I prayed again, "Lord, please, You can just reach in an grab it and throw it as far as the east is from the west. Please, take it away, Father." Then I fell asleep.

I woke up at 9 still sleepy. Scott was still in bed, too. So I stretched out and rolled over onto my stomach and laid there...comfortably. In a few minutes my eyes popped open. Comfortably? Really?

I quickly rolled over onto my back and felt the place it had been-gone.  Gone! Did you hear me?

I got out of bed and went to the bathroom feeling for it as I walked. The whole breast felt different-smaller! PRAISE GOD!!! Now I want to have a mammogram-just to hear them say it-There's nothing.

Joy to the Girl-The Lord is Come (Into Her Life)

Nehemiah 8:10
    Nehemiah said,  "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
    
At the ripe ol' age of 50 I have been blessed so many times to experience this "joy of the Lord." First experienced as a child through observing the handiwork of God through nature, animals and people.

Nature-trees with sturdy branches reaching upward in an effort to reach God, praise Him even. Grass, that carpets the world be walk in, and flowing rivers that flow through replenishing natures thirst served as testimony of God's glory, power and love.

The banana, with God's special design of easy opening of his "package" by grabbing the top stem and peeling down to reveal the tasty treat inside (who's special ingredient is TLC from God Himself!)

Seeds, little tiny seeds, produced from the hand of God, to plant into the ground to grow with special care from us, into food to replenish and flavor our food supply.

These are but a mere few examples of nature displaying God's glorious handiwork I observed in my youth.


Animals-different sizes, shapes, and attributes. Some for food, others with their different furs, and skins used for clothing. Some special ones such as dogs and cats that become friends, family even as they work their way into our hearts through their different personalities and looks.



People-we don't run on batteries or carry long extension cords and are not solar powered...we are God-powered! Different races, sizes, no two people are the same!

From the family dynamic I observed my daddy, the protector, provider, taught me about my Father in Heaven. My mother, wise, loving and nurturing also taught me about God. My brother and my  sister, who were my friends, hero's, and protectors too, taught me about Jesus.

These things mentioned were such a source of joy as a child and continue to be as my knowledge of each has grown with age! Daily God reveals Himself to me through each and every one not to mention so many more!

I read a saying somewhere once that said, "God has your picture on his refrigerator!" ME! YOU! Imagine that if you will and if that doesn't set your insides to tingling with joy, pray that God will bless you by opening your eyes that you may see His handiwork, too. And pray that He opens your heart and mind to understand what a marvelous privilege it is to understand this!

 

Encouragement

When I had just graduated High School and moved out on my own back in the 80's I saw a little rectangle wooden that had this saying on it. It help me get out of bed many mornings when I was feeling sorry for myself for one reason or another. God showed me through this that He had given me good health, put me in "the land of plenty," a good mind and so much more. So, it was up to me to get off my rear and get on with life.
 

The Prayer (Pt 1)

It has been my experience that God does indeed answer prayers...but usually not the way our little pea brains dream of! And definitely not in the time period we hope.
This is a little cartoon from something God showed me when I prayed this prayer.

The other day someone told me a joke that falls in the same line of reasoning as this cartoon. It went like this:

 ***************

There once was this lady would fervently prayed to God each night,"Dear Lord, please I ask that you help me win the lottery tonight. Not only will I use this money for myself, but for the church, the needy, homeless and others. Please Lord, In Jesus' name I pray amen."

Each night this was her dream she prayed for years, then one night God spoke to her and he said, "Beloved, I will be happy to answer this prayer, but I need you to do one thing for me.

"Yes, Lord, anything!" She answered.

"Buy a ticket!" he told her.

****************

Part two coming tomorrow.

Half Way?

I recently turned 50 years old and I have decided to embrace 50. I plan on looking at this as half way point, because I'm pretty sure I'll live to 100 (a healthy 100). If not that is fine too. Why? Because it's God's will.

I will embrace 50 years of learning about God, growing in my walk. 50 years with family and friends, some who have already been taken to heaven ahead of me. 50 years of mistakes. Years ago I prayed to God to give me wisdom. Here is what I have learned in my 50 years of life.  To gain wisdom you have to do some really stupid things! I thank God for this 50 years, and pray that with wisdom in the next some odd years I have yet,  my eyes are totally taken off self, and turned to God. To glorify Him and share Him with others.

Did He Suffer?

Last night I couldn't get to sleep and  somehow I got to thinking about how horrible it would be if your child died. Then I thought about the first question people ask at this time, "did he (or she) suffer?"  It seems to help if the family knows the lost one didn't suffer.

 This caused my thoughs to turn toward  Jesus, and God. God.  He gave his only (beloved, sinless) Son for us...for me, for you!
John 3:16  " For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. 

We are all sinners!
Romans 3:23,  "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"

What a horrible death Jesus experienced on the cross for us! God turned his eyes from him that horrible moment before Jesus' death:
Matt 27:46,  "About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?'  (which means 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'") when the sins of all were placed on Jesus. Such an extreme and  loving acting from both the Father and Son...who both love us.

As the old hymnal we used to sing says, " I don't know why Jesus loves me, I don't know why he cares. I don't know why he sacrificed his life-OH BUT I'M GLAD...I'M GLAD HE DID!"

How in the world can people say God doesn't love them?

Twiddlin' Thumbs, Tx by Robin Dearth

Twiddlin' Thumbs, Tx.

                                             TWIDDLIN' THUMBS, TX           by Robin Dearth

It's 2012, Do You Know Where Your Sustainer Is?

The other day I was reading in the Bible beginning with the "beginning" which is what "Genesis" means.

My Bible has a little prelude to each of the books. The prelude before the book of Genesis talks about there being something refreshing and optimistic about the words begin, start, commence, and open. They stir hope and imaginative visions of our future. (Now don't tell me when you read the highlighted words your spirit didn't flutter about with excitement and happiness when you read them!)

The prelude talks about the book of Genesis revealing the person and nature of God: Creator, Sustainer, Judge, Redeemer. The word SUSTAINER, stood out and made me think of one the examples our former Pastor had used so often in past. He explained that if the sun was a tad bit closer to the earth we'd burn. Or if it was a tad bit farther, we'd freeze. (He didn't say "tad bit" he had actual numbers there that I don't have at hand or  in my noggin' so if someone out there does know the statistics...help!)

In my youth I had several of my own awesome "sustainer visions" of the Lord  in my head. I was amazed at how the human body is made!  Just think of it...no batteries, no extension cords, etc.

Being the "visual person" I am I pictured what it would be like it we did run on electricity. I saw myself walking around carrying one or those long, orange extension cords that are so commonly used outside while doing yard work, wrapped around my arm as I traveled to and fro. This made me so thankful to God that we are not made that way!

Thank You Lord God that you are my sustainer, and what I need to do is keep Your truths and promises wrapped around my heart as I go on my way striving to grow closer to You, Lord. You blew into my lungs the same breath of life as You blew into Adam and Eve and that is the sustaining source that keeps us all alive durning our time here.

Thank You Lord that we are not robots that are programmed to love you having no choice in the matter. Free will, the freedom to choose for ourselves who we will love and serve is just another gift you gave us. What meaning would the word love have if it were not free...free to choose? You "let us go" blessing us with gifts of grace, mercy, unconditional love and Your instructional manual/ love letter- the Holy Bible and a means to return to You (the sacrifice of Your only Son)  and much, much more, waiting for us to return of our own decision to live in Fellowship with You.

Our decision to return to You on our own proves to us both how very much we truly do love You. Thank You Father, In Jesus' name a pray, amen.

Deflating Demons

Honestly, it used to seem unfair that Jesus lived a sinless life... because he was, after all, half God and half man. Of course the "God side" of him always overpowered the man side because-GOD! HELLO?!


Then one glorious day God showed me if I truly am a Christian than I have the same advantage! Yes!!!! Little ol' me! Because I have Jesus in me! Jesus= Holy Spirit=God!

Then I had a vision of demons deflating in me. Similar to when you stick a pen in a balloon. New balloons pop quickly. Older balloons when you put a pin in them you have to shove it in there and it still doesn't pop. It slowly leaks out. Some of them you even have to help by pushing the air out of them!

To think, most people say being a Christian is boring! Nothing on earth can compare to the joy I receive when God opens my eyes, revealing to me a little more about Himself!

Internet Evangelism Resources

Internet Evangelism Resources

No Greater Feeling

Have you ever been reading the Bible when all the sudden "whoosh?" That's the only word that seems to describe what happens when God opens my eyes, ears, and mind to His teaching! And let me tell you...no greater feeling have I yet to experience comes close to the touch of God in my soul!

I Feel Sorry for People Who...

...don't watch Spongebob Squarepants. This was a comment I made in the car on our long drive home from Ohio. The show is so cute and my family and I are constantly referring back to something funny from the show.
After I made this comment God showed me that the comment I should really make is, "I feel sorry for people who don't know Jesus and don't enjoy the fellowship with the Trinity every day."
When we were up in Ohio, Ali (my nine year old daughter)came inside from playing with a little girl that lives next to Grandma and Grandpa and told me "Brooke is a Christian, too!"
This declaration came out of the blue so I was taken back a bit. "How do you know that, baby?" I questioned.
"I asked her," was her reply as she walked on by to go get a drink of water.
I pray that she always care, and remains bold in her faith, and that I might be that bold as well...because after all: I really do feel sorry for people who don't know Jesus!

Eve

Adam and Eve. There was a time not too many years past that I considered Eve to be such a weak and selfish woman. But God showed me: she was the first. The first woman, wife, mama, grandma, neighbor....but...who was she to learn from? Her "mama?" Her sister, Aunt, Grandma, neighbor, etc? She was "the first" of many women to listen to the Devils delicious, scrumptious, ingenious (how he makes them sound soooo righteous)LIES.
SUCH AS;

"It was because of my fathers, aunt, who's cousin's, nephew was 'messed up' because his dog died when he was six- gene," that could be her "excuse."


She didn't have "outs" like we do. Books, upon, books, upon what makes us "tick."
Man. She didn't even have the Bible! Think and ponder. Chew on this, meditate on this Christians...no Bible: Gods love letter, manuel, to mankind. Again, I say: "Man."

(Too be continued....)

Inner Insight: Proof

GENESIS 2:7 "the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being."

In my Life Application Bible the notes at the bottom say this about this passage: "'From the dust of the ground' implies that there is nothing fancy about the chemical elements in our bodies. The body is a useless shell until God brings it alive with his 'breath of life.' When God removes this life giving breath, our bodies once again return to dust. Therefore our life and worth come from God's Spirit."

MY THOUGHTS:
Several months ago I went to a funeral and as in all funerals I've been to we all had our turn to view the body. As I approached the body it was obvious that Mr. Brother in Christ was no longer in attendance...all I was viewing was his temple of God for the last some odd years. Before I had even read the verse above and it's notes I remember thinking "that's just an empty shell. Like a locust shell you happen on that is empty."

This is proof to me that I am saved by faith and through Jesus' death on the cross. Because the Holy Spirit in me revealed this knowledge to me. I know I have probably read this in the Bible hundreds of times-but forgot. The Holy Spirit, however, brought it back from the depths of my memory (which has been nothing to brag about lately) to teach me more and deeper knowledge about our Lord.

Another time that is proof that Holy Spirit is at work is as a child I always had this feeling that I was being "watched." As if I were on stage playing out a role that was not rehearsed but about who I really was and was becoming. Like an actor on stage I could almost hear groans from my fans (saints in Heaven) as I did wrong, cheers as I made good decisions, and tears as I was hurt for one reason or another. Over forty years later as I was reading Randy Alcorn's book: HEAVEN he talked about the Saints in Heaven cheering us on! There is a Bible verse that was there to verify this...I will find it and add it on in the future.

There is no way as a little child who didn't go to church or Sunday School at the time could possibly know this! This was given to me by God, who I have always known and been aware of since my first memories (read about this under my blog TESTIMONY).

Throughout my life this has been the pattern: Sometimes the Bible verified what God has already shown me...and sometimes God verifies truths from the Bible in the happenings of my life. Man.

Twiddlin' Thumbs, Tx

In This Beginning

Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning....."


This is confusing to a lot of folk....self included. But I had insight from God the other day.
I used to wonder what did God do before "In the Beginning." Nothing? Then one day He showed me.

I had been toying with a story called "In Vain" about a town named Vain. But the key word here is "vain." Are we so vain as to believe we are the first.... the only in all the galaxies out there...the only ones God created? I believe God showed me that "In the beginning" means in the beginning of our world.

When my girls ask me something I know they cannot comprehend at this age in their lives I tease with them and tell them "none ya" meaning none ya business. Right now....it's "none ya" because if God tried to explain...we wouldn't...couldn't get it. It just isn't time. Actually from God it's really not "none ya..." it's have faith.

Twiddlin' Thumbs, Tx. by Robin Dearth

Testimony

The first memory of my life faded in when I was about 3 years old. I “woke up” in the top of the Oak tree in the back yard…way up high in the trees. My two guardian angels were with me in the midst of explaining they were going to have to go now that I'm older. Though I couldn’t remember a lot of detail as they were fading from my memory fast…I knew this was true…not “play- like” with an imaginary friend. They let me know they'd still be there but not in this realm where I could see them.

Suddenly I slipped and fell. Me! I remember thinking how weird this was. Falling from the top of the tree I remember thinking....how did this happen to ME!? My parent called me a "monkey" because I have always been so sure footed and agile. But then out of nowhere my hand was grabbed and placed firmly on a branch so that I could stop the fall! I felt it...it happened...thank you Guardian Angels and God who sent them.

You know the drill- blank spots here and there. But two things that were always consistent were: I knew I was special and would do great things....and that God was there everywhere I went. I saw Him in the wind, the trees, birds, and people. I felt Him watching me, loving me, teaching me, laughing with me and crying with me. I felt His disappointment in me, but at the same time always opening and closing doors to get me back on the right track.

Cocky little child wasn’t I? In my young little naive mind the feeling that I had “the call” to be special was immediately interpreted in the world’s viewpoint of special. You know… famous for one thing or another. This misinterpretation followed me well through life. But this feeling of being someone special is true just not in the form I had first thought of.

All the children God has called and saved through their receiving His gift of sending Jesus to die and bridge the gap to Him are special. The children that hear Jesus’ knocking at the door of our heart and soul and simply ask Him in…they are special too. Jesus had come to my door and I finally asked Him in when I was in the sixth grade.

Through faith. Because at this point though God was sooo very real to me, Jesus was like a cartoon picture in my head. But through faith I asked Him into my heart to be my Lord and Savior, and my best friend.

It really irritated me that I only had this “cartoon vision” of him in my mind. I so wanted to see Him. And one day I did years later. Was it when I had become the beautiful, loving, pure Godly woman that I so desired to be? Naw! Get this…Jesus became real to me at a time in my life when I became the person I soooo hated that I couldn’t even stand to look at myself in the mirror.

Like Peter who was horrified at the thought that he would actually deny Jesus three times, I was horrified at the things I had done that had always been disgusted by when I saw others doing them.
But this is why He had to come to save me…and this is the thing that finally “clicked” and I saw Jesus as real being…when I saw He loved me so much just like I was. I was at a point I hated myself, but He showed me His love for me…so undeserved. Things have never been the same since!


.

Let's Go Together

Yesterday as I was drving to pick my oldest daughter up from High School after her Colorguard practice I couldn't help but notice the sky. My younger daughter, 9 years old was in the front seat next to me. I was leaning over my steering wheel lookin up and she said,"what are you looking at mom?"
"The sky...look at how weird it looks. Dark clouds one on top of the other just over that one area." I replied.
"Yeah," she agreed. "It does look weird."
I looked at her and smiled and said, "Hey, maybe Jesus is fixing to return!" She smiled too. Then I said, "Here, hold my hand...let's go together!"
So we held hands as we drove to pick up Ci.

Funny thing is, a couple of days ago I went out the front door to tell Cigi something. She was out there visiting with her friend across the street. I walked out on the porch and her cell phone, diet Dr. Pepper can was laying there but no Cigi! My first thought was "I got left behind!" Then Cigi came from inside the house she had went in to get something, somehow I didn't hear her come in.
"What are you doing, mom?" she asked. I laughed and told her what just had happened. She said, "Sheese, mom...don't you hear the neighbor mowing their lawn?"
I laughed and said "Yeah...I thought he got left behind too!"

Wonder why this has been on my mind lately? I tell you one thing, it sure makes you wonder about where you'll be, who you'll be with, and what you'll be doing when Jesus returns.

Little Nuggets

SPECIAL NOTE: This is a semi-true story. Well, actually the only part that is true is the part about being held up at a stop light waiting for a chicken to cross the road. It was done in fun on the way home to Texas by me with valued input from my brother and sister. They seem to think I "tweak" my stories to make myself look like the sainted hero...imagine that! My mother, brother, sister, Aunt J and Cousin C are the sweetest, most fun people you could ever wish to know.

The last week of March I talked brother and sister (it took quite a lot of coaxing) into joining me on a trek to Arkansas. I really felt the urge from above to drive mama…my poor little, precious, almost 80 year old mother back “home.”
There are so many tales of inspiration that occurred while we were there but this one really stands out in my mind the most, at least today.

We were coming back from a long day traveling up and over through the Ozark Mountains; through mothers “memory lane.” Having arrived back to Rogers safely we were all wiping the tears from our eyes as we were sitting in sisters SUV, laughing at something cute I had said. The light turned green and brother pressed on the gas pedal. The vehicle slowly started moving but brother was forced to slam on the brakes as the two cars in front of us suddenly stopped. We noticed the lane to our left was at a halt as well.
We sat there a couple seconds when tempers began to flare. With the exception of self… sister, mother, brother, Aunt J and cousin C. all began cursing and waving balled up fists to the cars ahead.
My face flushed red not from anger but embarrassment as mother, brother, sister, cousin and aunt flew off the handle over this inconvenient situation. I remained calm in my never ending Christian state of mind. You can imagine my embarrassment for their behavior… especially brothers, a deacon of his church.
Being the peacemaker that I am I knew what I needed to do. To everybody’s surprise I opened the door, hopped out and walk smoothly up towards the commotion. As I walked, I reached in to my front blue jean pocket and took out a pack of gum. As the reason for the commotion came into my view, I finished unwrapping the packet , slid out a stick of gum,(spearmint flavor as it relaxes me), unwrapped a piece and popped it into my mouth.
“Well hello there.” I said tenderly to the frightened chicken in the road.
I flinched as the verbal abuse continued…not from the verbal abuse but from the various items that were being flung at us. Who knew Aunt J had such a great arm! She hit me dead in the forehead with her cane (which I later returned to her polished and complete with a new rubber tip because the old one had gotten damaged when the doctor removed it hours later from my head) for this is just my nature.
I deducted I needed to take action quickly as the impatient motorist inched closer. The poor little terrified chicken just stood there like a deer in headlights…frozen. I laid my body down across the two lane road between the chicken and cars, stretching as long as my petite little body would allow; sacrificing myself for this chicken, one of God’s little creations.
Amidst all this honking and yelling the little creature began to focus on my soothing voice which encouraged it onward by saying, “Shoo, little chicken…shoo.”
With the little chicken now safely on the other side of the road, I returned to our vehicle to a car full of speechless, enamored relatives satisfied with myself and the end results. We drove past the chicken and I waved a humbled wave to little chicken as I saw it turn and head up towards the fast food building in the parking lot it had caused such a stink to get over to…McDonalds.

LAST NOTE: Oh, and the other part of the story that was true the chicken did cross the road to get to McDonald's restaurant!

Eureka!

My family and I went to Eureka Springs, Arkansas the last half of spring break this past week. It was sooooo wonderful and beautiful! We had such a great time I love my family they are so fun to be with.

We visited Pea Ridge, War Eagle Mill, and War Eagle Mill Caverns. The scenery was so breath taking!

With every turn of my head I was rewarded with pictures of God's handiwork. The beautiful mountains, refreshing springs, caverns with such independant beauty in and of theirselves. Hollows, valleys, wildlife...and it made me think.

The poor unfortunate people who try to convince theirselves that there is no God need to go here. They need to open their eyes, close their Wi Fi's and be still... as they drink in Gods glory. Then it shouldn't be long before they declare, "Eureka!" As they find God.

Getting Serious

1 = tie
2 = Noah
3 = mom
4 = rye
5 = law

Wonder what in the world is going on here? I'm getting serious. The devil knows the Bible all too well, as a christian I should know it just as well. For self defense. The 1-5 is a technique I learned in Harry Lorrayne's book Super Memory Super Student.

We are going to learn to associate a number with a picture. 1 looks like a T so we are going to use the picture tie. 2, n has two down stokes so lets use the word Noah to represent 2. 3, the letter m has three down strokes so we will use the word mom for 3. 4, the word FOUR ends in a R so lets use the word rye for number four. Finally, 5. The Roman number for 50 is L so lets make 5 the word law.

Now that I've confused you lets memorize the first five books of the Old Testament in the Holy Bible. Ready? Good!

Genesis is the first book in the bible. Lets use word association for the word Genesis. It sounds like Jenn (short for Jennifer) is this doesn't it? Now picture a tie (#1)with a face and long eyelashes (which represents our cartoon person Jenn). Close your eyes a few minutes and picture this.

Now, lets go a little faster with the rest. Here's what I worked up for you:
Exodus is the second book in the Bible. Sounds like "excite us." Noah is the picture word for the #2. Picture this...Noah excites us (we're on the ark with him) when he tells us the flood is over. Close your eyes picture this.

Leviticus is the third book. Remember 3 is the word picture mom. Mom brings levi's (jeans) to us.Close eyes and picture it.

Numbers is the forth book. Rye is the word picture for us. (It could be rye bread)
Picture loaves of rye bread shaped like numbers. Picture it.

Last but not least...Deuteronomy. The word picture for 5 is law...what will the law do to Ron and Me. Picture it.


REVIEW

What's the 3rd book in the Bible? Hint: 3 is mom.

What's the 5th book in the Bible? Hint: 5 is law.

What's the 1st book? No more hints, sorry.

The 4th book of the Bible is....

The 2nd book of the Bible is....

Did you do it? GOOD!

When teaching my students to dance I have a saying, "Repetition is your friend! Quote, unquote, Robin Dearth." When you have free time driving, washing dishes, or laying in bed at night, go over this.

I don't know about ya'll...but I'm excited!

It's Morning

It's Morning
by Robin Dearth


"Good lord it's morning," she awoke with a cry,
She lived in darkness despite the sun in the sky.

To arise seemed useless, like chasing the wind,
There seemed no prospect that her pain would end.

Seeing no reason to bother even getting out of bed,
She sank down low, pulling the covers over her head.

Bedside were pills for pain, depression, and anxiety as well,
But they held no power to release her from this personal hell.

Through the worlds eyes this woman was a success,
Yet fame and fortune only added to her inner mess.

Her mind a whirlwind - never once taking a break,
Causing sleep deprivation, fatigue and severe headaches.

Nothing was special; nothing was new,
Ending her life seemed the only thing to do.

She reached out and picked up the receiver,
Her last call for help went out to a preacher.

"I'm tired of fighting and living with this strife,
I see no solution; tonight I'm ending my life."

She shuddered with disbelief when she heard him say,
"Praise the Lord! This is indeed a glorious day!

It's true, you should die, not physically- but to self.
Live for God, His path leads to true, everlasting wealth.

A wealth of love, peace, happiness and a life extremely abundant-
Receive Jesus Christ as Savior now, all you have to do is repent."

A new sensation stirred within her; something was very right!
"All you have to do is pray," he said and she did - with all her might.

"Jesus, I am a sinner, appalled by my own behavior.
Please forgive me, help me; I need you as Lord and Savior.

I do believe you died on the cross and rose from the grave,
For sinners such as I you died, so that you might save.

Fill me, Lord, with the Holy Spirit, and take me by the hand,
Lead me by your nail-scarred hand into the Promised Land.

Praying the prayer she experienced such a sweet release,
The darkness began to depart and her soul fell into peace.

Gone was the darkness that had brought her to her knees,
She fell into much needed slumber - her mind finally as ease.

She slept until morning and awoke freer than the freest man,
Her old self had died; and now she was born again!

"Good, Lord! It's morning!" a new cry filled her heart,
Her glorious walk with Christ Jesus was beginning to start.

Looking Back

I was just sitting here looking back on my past blogs...ain't I precious? With the limited information I have been posting I should be one of the "greats" such as Catherine Marshall, Beth Moore...etc. No.

Every night I pray for my children...bless them mentally, physically, and spiritually. Same for my husband. Followed by specific trials they are dealing with, and praying for wisdom, His protection, and His guidance. Then I ask for God to heal me...beg Him to let me be the example I should be for those around me. To use my life to bring glory to Him and to lead others to Him. Yet, each day I struggle with the thorn in my side.

The thorn keeps one humble...though it drives you whacker-do! Why can't I remove it? I know I can't be perfect though that is my hearts desire. I pray for guidance, strengh, and forgiveness. But above all (which is my ego) I pray that You (God) are glorified!

"There's no Drama in Church!"

Over the past year our church that I have been going to for 42 years with the same Pastor, has been in a struggle. I don't want to go into details heck I don't really even know all the details. I just know that it's all wrong.

Thinking back to when we were a small congregation in Ft. Worth, we were family. All those people there were my family. I played softball on the youth teams, went to camp, South Dakota, Falls Creek Camp where I asked Jesus into my heart. The teachers, Pastor, Pastors Wife, Deacons, and Congregation were all such wonderful examples of the Christian life to me.

I remember being at one of the fellowship dinners that us Baptist are so well known for. Sitting there eating this heavenly food with my Christian brothers and sisters- it was so easy for God to show me how wonderful Heaven will be!

Then change set in. We moved to a new location in a different city to be able to grow and spread the Word to more people. Our Pastor, a great man and the best teaching pastor I have ever heard, suddenly was no longer Brother Such and Such...he became Dr. Such and Such. (I liked Brother Such and Such much better!)

Our core congregation suddenly started dropping off as sin infected the best of Gods children.

The goal was to reach more people, bring more people in, yet those there were no longer taken care as family are.

It's like we all, that's right, I am SO not to be left out of those that were infected with sin, were no longer loved by each other but judged by each other.

It all boiled down at the end of last year. So many different stories, actions, and bitter tales floating around.

Frustration filled the "worship" time. I had kept some of the information about what was going on to myself away from my husband, and teenage daughter, 16, because I wanted them to still be able to worship in the worship center. But the time came that I had to tell them what I knew, right or wrong.

My teenage daughter seemed to sum it up with her reaction. " Drama? In church? NO! There is not suppose to be drama in church! It's at school, I hear it with my friends, it's on television...but it is not supposed to be in church!"

From the mouths of babes...I couldn't agree more. Didn't we go there to praise our God and Jesus our saviour? What happened to them?

This is why my family goes, we are so grateful for Jesus' sacrifice, and for God...a God that gave up his only Son to save us...boy do we ever need it, and boy do we ever need to praise and worship them for it.

What a Mansion She's in Now

I was on a lesson a couple months back with one of my couples I have taught off and on over the past few years. I'm not really sure how we got on the subject, but the man started talking about his mother and church. He explained how she didn't have a lot of money, but she was constantly sending in money to the different Preachers on televison. He told me how this made him so mad that they were just con artists.

It's funny but out of no where I had this vision of his mom who is now in Heaven, in one of the biggest mansions Jesus had prepared! I knew that whether these Preachers were con artist or not, her heart had given her money to God, and He saw it, loved it, and rewarded her accordingly!

As for those Preachers,just as with anything there are good and bad. I trust that God sees and knows and when the day comes they stand in front of Him they will get their just rewards.

Thanks You,Father that it's not my job to judge these people, it's Yours. You see all and know all so You handle this. My job is to worry about my relationship with You.

Twiddlin' Thumbs Cartoon-Jesus Loves Me

I Have Decided to Follow...pt 2

In I Have Decided to Follow...pt 1 created 1/28/10, I talked a little on the viewpoint from the man's side (the leader) in dancing...now I'm going to talked about my experiences from the woman's (the follower) viewpoint in dancing.

When I began training as a dance instructor I didn't have any experience at all in dancing the dances required in Ballroom and Country and Western Dancing. I applied for a job at one of the well known dance studios in my area, got the job and they began my training. The dance instructors there where all so nice and great dancers... I felt like such a clod when I danced with them!

After eight months working there I quit over some moral issues I had with them and got hired on at an independent dance studio in the city next to the old one. Before I got hired, however, the owner wanted to dance with me to see how far along I was in my training.

I was so scared, I never really thought that I was very good because I never danced good with the advanced instructors at the other studio. But man, when my-soon-to-be- new-boss turned the music on and came over and started dancing with me I was impressed with my dancing skills! I was awesome!

What was different? What made this drastic change in my dancing skills? Soon-to-be-new-boss was a fantastic leader! He lead me into turns and spins I never imagined I would be doing for at least another year! It was then I realized that the advanced dance instructors at the other studio were not good leaders! They were great dancers, but due to the fact that they were more of a competition studio they danced mostly "routines" therefore their leading abilities never developed like soon-to-be-bosses did!

In my christian journey, there have been times when I was just as surprised when I followed and let God lead me. How much more He could do if only I didn't allow my fears to worm their way into my noggin' and heart! Huh.

Twiddlin' Thumbs, TX-Deep Thoughts In Church

Shut up, Old Woman!

The new testament says that when a person is born again the old person is gone and the new enters in. I think the Old Person dosen't go away, due to the fact that "the curse" (sin) she is always present. As a new christian I know am filled with the Holy Ghost, but I have to "be still and listen..." to hear His teachings, revelations. Otherwise the "Old Woman" is ALWAYS going to jump in trying to get me to make her happy and not my Lord.
I must remind myself each morning to watch for her trying to butt in as I walk my journey with God. To tell her to "Shut up Old Woman...I am listening to my Lord."

I Have Decided to Follow...pt 1

I owned a dance studio for 18 years and taught Country Western Dancing, Ballroom Dancing, Swing, Salsa, etc. From the very beginning of my dance instructor training I was fascinated over the lead/follow aspect of dancing. How did the woman know what the man wanted her to do? How did the man relay this information without even speaking one word to the woman?

This was my thoughts as I watched experienced dancers gliding and spinning around the floor before I knew how to dance myself. After my training and as I began to become a better dancer myself I began to see how important it was that as the follower; 1)I became sensitive to reading my partners lead, 2) to not try to "help" my partner, 3) forget trying to guess what moves my partner was going to do next, 4) familiarize myself with the different patterns, and 5) practice, practice, practice.

When you are a dance instructor you learn both parts, the mans (who leads) and the woman's (who always tries to lead-but isn't suppose to because her job is to follow) so you can teach a couple. So as I was dancing on the mans side leading, I saw how important it is that; 1) I learn to be a strong leader, 2) I am aware of my partners strengths and weaknesses 3)that I have a "plan" which pattern I am setting up so that I may lead with confidence,4)develop a wide variety of patterns to "show off" my partner and to be able to maneuver around the dance floor and,5)practice, practice, practice.

Throughout these years God taught me so much about the lead/follow relationship. First, I am going to share with you my viewpoint as the leader.

I knew that once a female student had learned the basic step of a dance and the timing, that I could lead her into a few advanced steps if she would let me. It would be frustrating when I was dancing with a lady and she was constantly trying to lead herself around a corner or even worse - would completely quit moving her feet as I tried to do a different dance step with her.

However, the students that listened to me when I told them to "move their feet to the pattern and to the timing and just look precious...that's your job...I'll do the rest," where in for a wonderful suprise! I could take them into spins and turns that they had never ever imagined possible at this level in their dancing lessons!

As the leader I knew I could "show them off" if they would only allow me to lead and not "help" at all.

I know this is how God feels. If I would quit helping, let Him lead because He knows the plan He has for me, He could use me to glorify His name and spread His love to those around.

As the leader in dancing when my partner bobbles a step, if they keep going I can get them back on track. God can adjust and conqere when I mess up...as long as we let Him, trust Him, and keep going.

I am the Clay

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Today I was looking out my window enjoying this beautiful, sunny January day we're having here in Texas, as I washed the dirty dishes in my kitchen sink. I watched as the red tip bushes in my backyard swayed back and forth from the winds gentles nudging. I smiled at the sight of our ever- so- faithful, yet spastic beagle, Buckeye...I did tell you I'm married to a yankee didn't I? (Guess where he's from by our dogs name!) Anyway, little Buckeye was darting back and forth from one end of the yard to the other in a streak of brown and black blur. Suddenly, out of no where the old church hymn Have Thine Own Way, Lord by Adelaide A. Pollard, popped into my little noggin.

Actually, it was the verse "Thou art the potter, I am the clay! Mold me and make me After thy will, While I am waiting, Yielded and still" that popped up. I had this mental picture of God carefully and tenderly at the "potters wheel" molding me (as I pray every night that He would do) into the Christian woman He wants me to be. I saw myself standing by His side watching like a gleeful child giggling, clapping her hands together, jumping up and down in eager anticipation as she watched her father put together something she had so longed to receive. Then I saw myself step in and "help" doing this and that to His work. He said nothing just stepped back with the patience of a god, or at least the patience my God is known for and let me do my thing- which was mess up his work that I asked him to do in the first place!

I get so impatient because I want to already be this Christian woman, yet, how much faster would God be able to do His work and "mold" me if I would just stay out of the way! And why the heck is it so dern hard?

Oh, I know it's the "curse," sin, human nature, free will and all that- it just felt good to rant and rave for a second. So I just have to be patient and wait to see the end product "when the roll is called up yonder" 'cause I will be there and finally complete.