That I may know Him

Psalm 45

2009-09-21T01:17:00.000-05:00

1My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
2Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
3Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.
4And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
5Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.
6Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
7Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
8All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
9Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.
10Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;
11So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.
12And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.
13The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.
14She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.
15With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.
16Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth.
17I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.
King James Version (KJV)

Some Days........

2009-09-16T01:22:00.002-05:00

http://docs.google.com/View?docID=ac5m4dxmjw6b_324hfj7fgft&hgd=1

I know this is going to be TMI for some folks, but I just have to share it. I have been "watching" my eating habits and trying to discipline my body to resist foods I don't need like excessive sugar and saturated fats. I have been doing well, Praise the Lord, but the other day I felt very thin on the inside, but the outside hasn't changed much; in fact, I felt as though I was wearing a fat suit!!!!! I am very frustrated with the amount of weight I have gained over the years and now I have reached "middle age" and I feel the spreading of my hips, thighs, and buttocks and I just want to SCREAM!!!! But, instead, I have taken to the treadmill and I am walking and jogging to talk radio. Some of the stuff I hear makes my blood boil anyway so I might as well indulge my anger by burning it off on the treadmill.

12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
14Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,
15and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;
16in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
19and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,
20for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
21But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you.
22I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts.
23Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.

Defiance

2009-01-31T20:30:00.002-06:00

It is not too often that I recommend a movie. I may say that a movie is okay; but rarely do I say, stop what you are doing and head to the nearest theatre. Well, drop what you are doing and head to the nearest theatre and take in the movie, Defiance. It is very well acted, it is brutal and it is life lived out loud on the big screen. I cannot believe Hollywood made this movie in this day and age of "tolerance" and "coexist" and liberal lunacy. Every Christian must see this movie. It will prepare you for our certain future. Although not a conspiracy theorist, I do read the Scriptures and I do read the headlines and I do see the writing on the wall so to speak. Just as the Jews were a thorn in Hitler's side, we as believers in the Christ, are thorns to the ever rising secularists and other brands that I do not care to name here. A foreign group of people will not annihilate the USA, we will do it ourselves and it will begin with eliminating the Christians.

Today I woke up from a long nap! Too long of a nap at that! I was living in a fantasy world, well, no more. I am a big fan of Brannon Howse and I encourage everyone to go to his website and read the enlightening articles there.

Look at the following similarities between WWII Germany and America:

As you read through my list, I invite you to understand the times and prepare to respond with a Biblical worldview.

Hitler eliminated Christian holidays in the schools first by calling Christmas “Yuletide.” Most American public schools now call Christmas vacation a “winter break.”

Hitler outlawed school prayer in Germany. In 1962, The U.S. Supreme Court did the same for us.

Hitler took Easter out of schools and instead honored that time of year as the beginning of spring. It has likewise become common for schools in America to refer to time off at Easter as “spring break.”

Hitler controlled the church using intimidation and threats. A half-century ago, U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Baines Johnson, promoted a bill that included an amendment to use the Internal Revenue Service to remove the non-profit status of a church that speaks against the election of any specific political candidate.

Hitler enticed thousands of pastors to promote paganism in their congregations. Neopaganism is one of the fastest growing religions in America, doubling every 18 months according to a June 2008 article in The Denver Post. Many American church-goers practice paganism such as “Christian” yoga, contemplative prayer, and walking a labyrinth. As evidence that church doors continue to open further to aberrant beliefs, a 2008 survey found that 57% of evangelicals do not believe Jesus Christ is the only way to God.

Hitler prevented dissenters from using radio to challenge his worldview. Many powerful liberals in America have made clear their intent to reintroduce the “Fairness Doctrine” that would require conservative and religious radio stations to offer equal time to anti-Christian, anti-conservative worldviews. Pastors who spoke against Hitler’s worldview and his murderous regime found themselves on trial and frequently imprisoned for “Abuse of Pulpit.”

In America, hate-crime legislation has the potential to criminalize Christians and pastors who speak out against the homosexual agenda. Read the entire article by ordering a free copy of our new, 32 page magazine that came out this week. http://www.worldviewweekend.com/digest.shtml

Please wake up Christians, wake up Patriotic Americans---those of you who still believe in our rights as a sovereign nation, where we can still talk about our love for Jesus Christ and the right to defend our borders the way we see fit, where capitalism wasn't a dirty word, free enterprise was encouraged and a small government stayed out of our personal lives. I don't mind paying taxes, I just don't want to feed and clothe people who don't want to go to work or who feel a sense of entitlement because of ethnicity. I am part Cherokee, German, Irish and English, that's pretty ethnic but I don't seek out government assistance. When you wake up, please pray, that God will be merciful and that He will give us another chance or that Jesus will come quickly! Suffering is inevitable, misery is optional. (I can't remember who said that, but I thank them).

Go see Defiance and then get defiant! We should be rising up together and defying those who desire to take away our freedom of speech, and other first amendment rights as stated in our Constitution. We should be able to buy and sell without a lot of regulations and if you can't afford the house of your dreams, keep saving until you can or buy a smaller home. Work is not a dirty word. The Bible says if you do not work you should not eat. I don't want anyone to go without food and in this country, no one should, but we as Christians should be taking care of those who cannot work; those who refuse to work do not deserve a free lunch.

For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die--
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7,8 ESV

Memories

2009-01-17T22:50:00.000-06:00

Tonight I had a fond memory brought back by the onset of this cold spell we are experiencing. I was reminded of when my husband and I were dating. I remembered the intensity of our feelings for one another--how we used to despise the end of our dates, the longing and yearning we had for one another was absolutely painful. I was attending a pinewood derby with my youngest child at a church in Memphis. While we were waiting for the results of the races, I opened the back door of the church which resembled a school gymnasium door and poked my head out to check on the weather and as the cold hit my face, I was embraced by the vision of two young people kissing until their faces seemed frozen together; holding one another, never wanting to let go; and whispering words of love and desire and unutterable joy; yes even rubbing our noses together. I loved how he would open his jacket and allow me to put my arms around his warm body and the safety I felt there, the love that I felt wrapped around me; the sweetness of his neck as I buried my face practically pressing my body into his. My parents would not tolerate much more of this, so we had to part. And that's when the longing would start. Never before nor after have I been so utterly consumed by one person. That is until I met my Savior. But Jesus is more, so much more than a person. He is God, the Everlasting Father, the great I AM, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End and how I long for Him in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. How I long for the beauty of His face, the touch of His hand and the sound of His voice; but I must wait patiently and never be afraid nor dismayed for He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me and He has given me His Holy Spirit and His precious Word and His lovely Church until that day He calls me home. Oh what a day that will be!

There are seasons of life
treasured days gone by--
and the present with it's trials
and temptations,
and the future with hopes, with
dreams that may come--
the longing and the desire
presses us forward
toward the prize
of unspeakable joy
and reward
even while tears
fall
and failure
threatens to destroy
the journey
home---
for I remember that
I have not been left here alone;
the Lord is well acquainted
with my ways, and He has taken
me out of the darkness
and poured into me His marvelous
Light and my past becomes a haze
as I look to the Ancient of Days
who draws me ever upward
where my redemption
draws nigh!
And the peace that surpasses
all human understanding
guards my heart and my mind
through my Christ Jesus, my Lord,
my Savior, my delight and my
Friend, who is faithful to
the end of all earthly time;
then eternity......Amen and Amen.

Happy January!

2009-01-16T20:19:00.000-06:00

We went back to Tae Kwon Do tonight for the first time in 6 months! Mr. Mike Boatman went easy on us, thank God. We all got a review to catch up on what we have forgotten! It was fun! Debra taught Riley and me as we went through Right Side 17 and Pan Sho Don. I was really energized after the class. Now we have to get caught up on memorizing our Bible verses that go with our different belt levels. We work the body, the brain and our hearts! Monday is the next class and if Miss Vicki Dees is there, it won't be pretty. She will have us sweating and panting and wishing we were back at home eating twinkies!HA Just kidding, but she does work you pretty hard. However, when we practice our punches we can yell! When we practice our kicks we can yell and I really, really like that. Don't really know why, maybe because it is so PRIMAL! I can release all of my frustrations into that gorgeous red padded mat! Everyone should do that and maybe there would be less violence on the streets.

The Lord is so good and I just want to give Him all the glory. He has given us so many gifts--The Holy Spirit, the Bible, His Church, Prayer, Singing, Thanksgiving and the Comfort that we need to get through every situation of life. He never leaves things undone or unfinished, He always has a remnant to carry on His good work. So that is an encouragement to me to get up every morning and bless His name, work with joy in my home as well as the work He gives me to do outside the home. When He comes back or when I die, I want Him to find me faithful! He is beautiful to me!!! I have been reading in Job today and I am reminded that to have true wisdom starts with the fearing of the Lord. That fear means that I am to understand that He created this world and everything in it; that He created me and is my Sovereign and that I am to obey His Word because to obey is much better than sacrifice. I am so grateful that He loves me and that if I delight myself in the Lord He will give me the desires of my heart. I am finding more and more that the things that used to bring me joy, no longer do. I find myself longing for those things which cannot be corrupted by man. I long for Beulah Land! I long for my Savior's face, to finish this race with joy and with determination and with focus. He is EVERYTHING! Praise His holy name.

I encourage you to get a one year Bible and you can just pick it up and read it right through day by day. Take notes while you read so you won't forget what God says to you and pray without ceasing!!! Maranatha Lord Jesus! Come Quickly! Amen and Amen!

It's almost Christmas!!!

2008-12-23T10:49:00.003-06:00

I cannot believe that it has been nearly a month since I have posted anything. I must do better. Why have a blog if you are not going to post your thoughts on it? Beats me! I guess I think I really don't have anything to say, but I can put down my prayers and poems and random thoughts according to my good purposes and I really should do so. How many places can you write a run on sentence and no one in particular really cares??? HAHHAHHAHA I think it is a little dangerous when you begin to laugh at yourself or on the flipside it could be really inexpensive therapy!

I love Christmas!!! I love the wonder, excitement and mystery of it. It seems that things to quiet down in some ways but Heaven exploded with sound on that night so long ago when a virgin brought forth her firstborn son. What a night!!! How wonderful that God first went to the shepherds to declare peace on earth and good will to men. Since God came in peace toward us, why are we so hostile toward Him? God says that He has plans for us, not plans to harm us but to give us a hope and a future. Who else gives such wonderful promises? What about I will be with you always even until the end of the age??? Who can promise they will never leave you? Not one human being can promise that because in reality we have no control over the length of our days. People can tell me not to fear and to be honest it doesn't do me much good, but when God says "Fear Not", well I can take that to the bank. I can trust Him, He knows what is best for me even when circumstances are painful. Jesus died in excruciating pain. Who am I to live without pain? I don't seek out pain, but I should allow the Lord to walk me through it. I need to trust Him and surrender all that I am to Him and allow Him to be glorified through this broken clay vessel. Amen

Thanksgiving Eve

2008-11-26T13:40:00.002-06:00

I cannot help but remember
the days long gone by
and how God has blessed me and mine
through darkness and light
His might
has carried us through heartache,
when there was never enough
money to get us through the end of the month--
but He was always there.
When my womb was bare
and I felt the cold stare from a loved one
who could not understand the awful things I'd done
to satisfy my wicked heart's desires.
But God changed the fire
to the glory of knowing
His One and Only---the One
who would set me free from those things
that called out to me promising
things that could only result in temporary
pleasantries, but the vacuum was still there.
But He came and He repaired
the broken me and now I am whole!
It is as though I see with different eyes
because the sky is a new shade of blue
and the grass a shade greener than I thought
I had seen just yesterday
and flowers were magnificent and I slowed my pace
to inhale their fragrance instead of just passing by.
So today I give thanks especially
because I realize that I am blessed eternally
and not just because I have enough food
or clothes to wear--and shelter from the rain--
but because Jesus will never forsake me
nor leave me, nor keep His Word from me
because He imparted His Holy Spirit that I might
be transformed, renewed, refereshed each and
every day upon this earth because of His precious
shed blood upon an old Roman tree--He gave Himself
lovingly, selflessly, a gift of pleasing aroma to His Father
an amazing grace among our persona
that we might truly live
and breathe and have our being
in Him alone; unashamedly telling others
that He has made them a home
where they never say goodbye
or shed tears
but remain with Him
face to face
forever and a day.
Amen and Amen!

God is Good

2008-09-09T22:38:00.002-05:00

God is so good
and I am not!
and so, therefore, I praise Him
because through the precious
shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ,
His only beloved Son,
imparted His righteousness to me
and made me acceptable unto Him
for eternity.

Amen.

Birthday Musings

2008-09-04T17:28:00.002-05:00

My darling husband turned 50 yesterday. I think he is a bit stunned and more than a little worried about it. We have been married for 28 years and I am sure there are times when he probably thinks he could do more with his life or could have done something differently but the demands of family come before personal pursuits.

I am very blessed to be his wife. He is forgiving, loving, affectionate, kind, yet in charge and I really like that. I used to resent it. But God has made me see his wisdom, his judgement is fair and true no matter how I may argue. I try to keep him fed and in plenty of socks and underwear. Although right now he does need new shorts in which to lounge. My guy is an indoor kind of guy who loves gadgets and computers, did I mention he is brilliant?

He is a great dad. He keeps the children entertained with stories from his childhood and with plenty of video games. He wrestles with the boys and tenderly plays with our girl, who thinks he rules the world. I love to see youngest son jump on his daddy's head and grunt and growl and make all sorts of beastly noises; acting tough and hubby pretending to be weak and overtaken! I thank God for our family and for birthdays, no matter how we age, family times make it worthwhile. God has showered His blessings not with material possessions so much, but with LOVE and faith and joy!

I thank God for my husband who has matured rather gracefully into a man who takes care of us, loves us and plays with us.

Thank You, Lord!!!!!

Thursday's Tidings

2008-09-04T17:24:00.002-05:00

Cloudy days
rainy nights--
calming fears
deep inside
and I can go
forward
because God
is in control
and I know
that I can trust Him
and not be
concerned with
my self-esteem
but can dream
in peace
because my mind is
staid on Him.
The Author
and the Completion
of my faith
today,
tomorrow
forever. Amen 9/4/08

Scripture of the Day

2008-09-01T23:55:00.001-05:00

"But what about you?" Jesus asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ."
Mark 8:29 (Read all of Mark 8)New International Version

Daily Scripture Reading

2008-08-31T20:15:00.000-05:00

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
Ephesians 5:11-14 (Read all of Ephesians 5)New International Version

Scripture of the Day

2008-08-30T08:55:00.001-05:00

Every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.
Hebrews 3:4 (Read all of Hebrews 3)New American Standard Bible

Scripture of the Day

2008-08-29T22:41:00.002-05:00

http://www.christnotes.org/dbv.php

But godliness [actually] is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Timothy 6:6-10 (Read all of 1 Timothy 6)

I thank God

2008-08-29T21:04:00.002-05:00

For day spas!!!! Oh my goodness, I rise up and call my husband blessed because he is the one who purchased a gift certificate for me. It was completely relaxing and soothing. I feel soft from head to toe. It is so nice to have someone else scrub my feet. I had a couple of pimples that are now gone!!!!!! Hallelujah!!!!

Well, since I was so close to the most divine bbq eatery in the universe, I also swung by and got some dinner.

Tomorrow my beloved Arkansas Razorbacks open their season and I am looking forward to listening to it on the radio and then watching other games on TV. I love college football!!!!

Lord, I thank You for the gift of life, for the little celebrations we experience, for the trials, for the joy that was set before You, You endured the cross for us. Thank You for strength and health and breath! Thank you for eyes!!!!

I love You, Lord! You have made my life to overflow with blessings. I am grateful for Your steadfast, unfailing love and I thank You for causing me to look up and be watchful for my redemption is drawing nigh!

I thank You for the Holy Spirit who knows what to pray for on my behalf because I am selfish and needy and weak and whiny; but am ecstatic that I can cry out and You are there, I can rejoice because You are there and I can lay down in peace and sleep because my mind is staid on Thee!!! You are God and there is no other! Besides You there is no other god. You will not share Your glory with another! To You be all the glory and honor and power and praise forever and ever! AMEN!!!

I thank God

2008-08-28T09:21:00.002-05:00

For allowing sicknesses to pass. I thank Him for the time He gave me to ponder many things. I thank Him for the time to rest and not be pulled by this desire or that! I am so grateful that God remembers that I am nothing but dust and has mercy upon me. I am so grateful that He hears the voice of my supplications even when no words are formed upon my lips. He hears the cries of my heart and keeps me for Himself, for His good pleasure.

Father, the sun shines today
and peace fills me
with Your ever present goodness
and I thank You for
remembering me when I was
not at my best
when You graciously
gave me rest
from the demands of the day.
Thank You for holding me
in the palm of Your hand
and casting Your shadow
over me, protecting me
from the blows
that so often follow
a time of weakness
and indecision
and doubt.
Thank You, Father
for loving me
unconditionally
and giving me strength
to face those things
that come my way
by trial and testing
causing my faith to rise
and my eyes to
rest on Thee
continually. Amen.
8/28/08

2008-08-27T10:36:00.002-05:00

I give thanks to my God and Father today
for allowing me to be born this day
and breathe the breath of life
He gives, rejoicing in my
worldly birth
planting both feet firmly
on this earth--
my mama waited none too patiently
and daddy who wanted a male
like he!
So he taught me to play ball
and fish and all
and so in spite of my dresses and dolls
I could heartily kick a ball
and run bases as fast as any
boy---only better!
However I found myself torn between the two
never really achieving all I thought I could do!
But God in His quiet remembrance
did shine, His light of eternal life
on mine and I did reach gladly out
for Him, to save me from a life
of besetting sin.
He gave me Jesus in place of
all worldly pursuits
enjoying being a woman
and a wife and mother
a joy unlike any other
and I teach my sons and daughters
to fish and play ball
but most of all -- to pray
and seek His face
allowing themselves to be
embraced by the grace
only He can give.
What more could I ask for
on the day that I was born?
Amen.
8/27/08

Just another day......

2008-08-26T14:12:00.002-05:00

We are trying to get well from a viral infection. I have sprayed down my home with Lysol, and am washing sheets and doing all sorts of preventive maintenance within my home to get rid of these vile germs besetting us and keeping us from having FUN!

We missed Bible Study today and a picnic and I am just fighting mad about that. If the Lord is willing, there will be other days, but it doesn't make the disappointment any sweeter to swallow.

We have been entertaining ourselves with Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean and for me alone--Persuasion by Jane Austen. I love Netflix. I can get all of the Jane Austen novels that are on DVD from them and I love it when I have no strength except to gaze at the TV and enjoy a heart warming movie. Being a homeschooling mom and full time homemaker as well as wife to my sweetie, moments alone are rare; like soaking in a steaming bath with a good book and candlelight. Now we all know that candlelight and bookreading do not go together, but come one let's set the seen and enjoy a little fantasy. Of course, I cannot see a word without my bifocals but a woman can dream a little dream, can't she?

But in spite of sickness, laziness, moodiness, there is still a terrible hunger for the presence of the Living God, the one true God, the One who makes me to wake up with joy unspeakable and to lie down in peace because my mind is staid on Him. I have forgotten to be grateful in the midst of being ill. So today, I say it out loud, "Thank You, Father, for this sickness that has me home bound. Father, I thank You for the blessing of a home where I am able to lay my head down and rest. Forgive me for whining and complaining. Thank You for over the counter medicines that do help ease the pains and make it easier to breathe. You are an awesome and wonderful, personal and loving God, the One True God, Maker of heaven and earth and I am grateful to be able to pray in the sweet and holy and precious name of Jesus. To Him be glory forever! Amen!"

And that's all I have to say about that!

It's been a while

2008-08-22T19:30:00.000-05:00

Since I have posted anything. I have been busy being a wife, mother, homeschooler and Bible student. I have perused the web and found many interesting sites to read and ponder. I will begin posting poetry as inspired, books I have read, and great links to encourage you along the way as we walk by faith and not by sight.

Good news, I am eating healthier, though not much of a weight loss, but I am not going to focus on that right now. My focus is growing closer to Christ, keeping my eyes on Him and walking in His shadow.

I will try to post as often as this busy woman can! I love cooking and taking care of my children and meeting new people and listening!!! I love music and the written word and I love to write. Hopefully I will mature in this area. Oh, I have a great sense of humor, but no dirty jokes, thank you very much.

Preparing for the storm I hear rumbling around!!!

Feeling Tired and Stressed!

2007-06-20T21:39:00.000-05:00

As far back as I can remember, I have struggled with overeating. Food has always been a source of comfort, joy, entertainment, anxiety reliever, etc., etc. I am tired of it. I am tired of the struggle. I have given this over to God again and again and yet here I am overweight and unhappy about it and scared of losing weight, too. I am afraid it is going to be too hard and that I am going to give up and continue this downward plunge to obesity. I am afraid of failure and rejection and humiliation. I am afraid---of my own shadow, apparently. Here I am hungry after I have already eaten. I shouldn't be hungry and I shouldn't want to eat, but I do. WHY?????????? Why have I chosen food to make me feel better, when in the long run it doesn't make me feel better and I beat up myself and find it difficult to go to the Lord.

Help me, GOD!!!! Please deliver me as You delivered Your people from the bondage of the Egyptians and Babylonians. I am willing to do whatever it takes to be close to You. Please help me to find joy in my relationship with You. Somewhere along the way I have lost that delight in You. Restore to me the joy of Thy Salvation, renew a steadfast spirit within me and lead me in the way of everlasting for Your name's sake. Keep me as the apple of Your eye. Hold me close and allow me the privilege and protection of abiding in Your holy shadow. Thank You, Lord for what You are about to do in me. I am grateful for Your deliverance, for Your guidance, for Your presence and for Your love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen and Amen.

Weighing In

2007-06-17T21:50:00.000-05:00

Okay, it's time to face the music---among other cliches. I am really tired of cliches. I not only feel as if I need to lose weight for my health, I want to lose weight so that my appearance will please me. I don't like looking in the mirror. I don't enjoy trying on clothing. I don't enjoy much of anything about life and that is a SIN! Why is food so important to me? I have several theories but I will not list them here for public viewing. I am asking the Lord to show me why I feel so attached to food. I am constantly thinking about it; trying to control it; trying to make it taste better; trying to make it please me and satisfy me, when it doesn't really have any power at all except what power I have given to it. Sort of like programming a computer. I am the one giving the food it's value. Food is for nourishment as well as enjoyment but I have gone way past the enjoyment to I would say, addiction. This must be what a meth addict feels like or a crack head. God forgive me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I do want to eat healthy foods, but I also would like to have foods that please my taste buds, too, or maybe that please my heart, the root of my desires. However, food is not the answer to my problems, to my yearnings, to my sorrows, to my emptiness, loneliness, confusion or despair. Jesus Christ is the answer to all of these things, even to my hunger pangs.

I will begin tomorrow as it is late and I have already eaten today. I ate a sensible lunch, no breakfast; 2 bowls of ice cream and then some cheese dip and chips. I drank three diet sprites. Tomorrow is a new day. I will eat to please Jesus and not myself.

I need the Holy Spirit. I have done things my way for far too long and my ways are not working nor helping me at all. I need Jesus more than I need food or drink, more than the air I breathe and more than the clothing on my back and shoes on my feet and roof over my head. I need Jesus.

Creation Testifies

2006-10-23T16:48:00.000-05:00

Psalm 19

1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God ; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.

3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard.

4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their utterances to the end of the world. In them He has placed a tent for the sun,

5 which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; it rejoices as a strong man to run his course.

6 Its rising is from one end of the heavens, and its circuit to the other end of them; and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.

10 They are more desirable than gold, yes than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.

13 Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not rule over me; then I will be blameless, and I shall be acquitted of great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

O Lord You testify through the clouds
and the seasons
and the rising of the sun
with daily reason--
warmth and growth
and even happiness
just as a groom when joined
with his bride
and the moon a mere
reflection of the glory
of the sun!
Just as the patterns of
the earth stay true
so is Your Word--
throughout the day
and into the night
Your Word stays
within my heart
on my mind
and my speech
is sprinkled with Your
precepts, your law,
your authority--
and I worship You
for its sweetness,
its power to cleanse
and instruct me in
Your ways--
for all of my days--
until my body is
exchanged
for the glory of another
when I will walk
face to face
with my heavenly Father
forever. Amen.
DLH 10/23/06