Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Eternal Security Part 2

Defending Eternal Security


(My notes taken from Reclaiming the Mind Ministries Theology program)

#1 I would be denying the clear teaching of these scriptures...
Romans 9 & 10
"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified,(made right with God) and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

#2 The bible clearly teaches that a true believer cannot ever be lost.
John 10:25-29
"Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
So no one can take my salvation away. Looking from God's perspective who has a hold of me, I can't imagine me being able to get out of His grasp once I am truly there it's totally impossible.

#3 Romans 8:29-30 Predestination...I'm saved and in the process of being saved (8:38-39 This is a completed action! This is not just based on affection for us or from God, but Paul has put this in to explain our salvation. This is an ACTIVE love of God.

#4 Eternal life begins the moment you have it or receive it.
John 5:24
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned, he has crossed over from death to life.

#5 This is a down payment...a guarantee
Ephesians 1:13-14
"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory."
John 6:39-40
"And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day."

#6 Scripture clearly teaches we can be CONFIDENT of our salvation:
2 Corinthians 5:6-10
“Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Response to "Conditional Security" arguments
1.TWO THINGS WRONG
*Based on faulty notion of free will. Our free will is limited by ability, and no one has the ability to choose God on their own (Romans 3:11)
*Even the conditonal security advocates believe that in eternity we will not be able to reject God.

None of these passages teach that a person can loose their salvation

2. John 5:16
Death here is not spiritual, but must be physical. If this was a reference to an unforgiveable sin causing spiritual death, God did not do a good job of covering a spiritual topic.
(there is a sin that leads to physical death)

3. MATTHEW 3:28-29
The unforgiveable sin, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, is the sin of unbelief or rejection of Christ.

4. Hebrews 3:26-28
HAVE YOU NOT SINNED WILLFULLY AFTER RECEIVING THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH?
They have overturned the system of sacrifice for 2,000 yrs. Now everyone is still doing this system of sacrifice, their saying the old system does you no good, after you've been introduced to Christ, He does away with the sacrifices.)

5. 2 Peter 2:19-22
THE FALSE TEACHERS WERE NEVER TRUE BELIEVERS
They escaped this thing of this world in that they made an outward change, but they never really had a change of heart.

6. Galatians 5:1-4
"Falling from grace" does not mean that they fell from saving grace, but sanctifying grace. This is the entire argument of the book. Paul is wondering why people think that it is possible to be sanctified by the law when they have been saved by grace (3:1-3) When a person tries to be sanctified by the law, he or she has fallen from grace in that they have no power to grow in Christ.
(Not using the provision of grace from God-they have fallen outside the use of God's grace. Every one of us can fall from grace, if we are not using God's grace or power available to believers. In other words, the flesh instead of the spirit.

7. Matthew 18-23-25
This passage is not speaking about salvation, but about forgiveness.

8. Hebrews 6:4-9
This passage does not suggest that true believers can leave the faith, but if they could they could not be restored to repentance. This is made clear in verse 9, "But Beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, & things that accompany salvation." Things that accompany true salvation must not include apostasy. Perseverance would have taken hold.

9. Hebrews 4
These scriptures are real warnings. The writers all encourage their readers to persevere in the faith, but are not suggesting that one can lose true faith. The scriptures do, however, teach that many people have a nominal or "said" faith. People are encouraged to examine their faith, to make sure it is true. If people do not persevere until the end, they were not ever true believers.
Matthew24:10-13, John3:16, 2 Cor.13:5, 2 Peter1:10, 1 John2:19
Matthew 7:21-23 (sure would look like a true believer!)

****************THE OUTCOME TOTALLY RESTS ON GOD*************************************

The means by which you are saved is also the means by which you are kept. If you were saved by grace, you are kept by grace. If you were saved by faith, you are kept by faith. Both are true. God graciously gave us the gift of faith when we were not seeking it. If we were to loose our salvation, God must take the gift back. But if man produced faith by his own volition, as the conditonal advocates teach, then his own volition can also decide to reject God.
While it is true that the majority of church history has believed that one could forfeit their salvation either through mortal sin or apostasy, this does not make it correct. The majority of church history also believe in baptismal generation. (saved when baptized)
CONCLUDING PRINCIPLES

1. Our salvation is protected by the Power of God

2. If you are trusting in Christ for your salvation, you have eternal life as a present possession.

3. We are to persevere in our faith.

Eternal Security Part 1

(These are my notes taken from Reclaiming the Mind Ministries Theology program)


A lot of people wrestle with their salvation. They don't know if they are saved for all eternity or not. Well, maybe they are more confused by their own actions to keep it. Some believe God gives us the freedom to choose him or to reject him and some believe he doesn’t' take that freedom away when we become believers. So, by means of their own actions, they believe their salvation is on a "conditioned" basis. According to the conditional security position, they believes that they can never be sure if they are saved until when at death they die with all sins confessed & before they die they are in a state of believing at that time.

Some scriptures seem to indicate that we can lose our salvation (eternal security) Hebrews 6:4-6... a falling away...turning away from God after having been enlightened & have shared in the Holy Spirit.

Check these scriptures out:
Hebrews 10:26-27, 2 Peter 2:19-22, & Galatians 5:1-4

The scriptures clearly teach that people must continue to believe:
Matthew 24:10-13, Hebrews 3:6, John 3:16, John 10:26-27

There are lots of scriptures that command us to persevere and those are the over-whelming ones. One thing, don't presume too quickly that someone is a believer. Test yourself to see if you are of the faith...Read the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4)

Friday, December 26, 2008

Seeing Miracles


My sister called yesterday to wish me a "Merry Christmas"
Then, she told me how she & her husband spent their christmas day feeding the hungry. She shared with me that she was blessed. I could hear in her voice that a miracle had happened within her heart.
It's just a miracle what God can do in our hearts. God is doing an internal work with them with external manifestations. Their hearts and minds are witness to the miracle power of the holy spirit working not just around & with them, but IN them. I can see how the Lord has prioritized performing a miracle IN them over a miracle concerning their circumstances. But I believe He can perform a miracle with their circumstances too at the same time! He knows what is best & His timing will be perfect. All of us suffer in this life, but I know God will use it & I can see this miracle... that He is using it... for His greater good... as I see here with my sister and her family!
God Bless you dear sister Sue and Stu! for all that you do for Him!
I love you both so much!

"Did I tell you, that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
John 11:40

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

Roman's 8:17

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurabley more than all we ask or imagine, according to HIS POWER THAT IS AT WORK WITHIN US, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen."

Ephesians 3:20-21

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Tim's Memorial Service





Thank you so much for your prayers for my family and I. My brothers memorial
servicel was a great blessing for my family & we all agreed it was what Timmy
would have loved. Each member of my family spoke. It was what God
wanted. I didn't plan on singing, I was led to. It was sad and there was alot of
tears and alot of laughter too. We all went to dinner afterwards and then had
dessert at my youngest sisters house. My Dad is doing really
well. When he spoke, it was deeply humbling, confessional, & loving. I already have
witnessed the good God is doing through this & with your prayers. God is so GOOD! My brother Kevin from Japan called me tonight. It was so good to talk with him. Now, that's a far away call!I will miss Timmy & his way of always making us laugh, his warm smile, & his love to me.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

All My Wonderful Brothers


These are my FOUR brothers
Starting from the left is Timmy (3rd brother) Kevin (2nd brother) Robert (Oldest) & Sean ( Youngest)
I will miss my brother Timmy so much
His funeral will be on friday 12-19-08
It was this brother who introduced me to my husband
That was one of the best things he did for me
He was free-spirited, light hearted, genuine, & lived simply. He didn't need much but the open road to roam and see the countryside of God's beautiful earth.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

My Brother Timmy

A few hours ago I received a phone call from my sister telling me that my brother Timmy has passed away. He was found in his hotel room. They don't know the cause of his death. I'm in shock. We just talked with him yesterday at the family Christmas. He wasn't able to make it because he got held up in Kansas City because of his job. Oh boy, my stomach is in knots and I can't sleep. I know the Heavenly Father didn't let go. Please pray

1 John 2 :15-17

Do not LOVE the world or anything in the world. If anyone LOVES the world, the LOVE of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
1 John 2: 15-17 (NIV)
LOVE not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man LOVE the world, the LOVE of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world , the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust therof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (KJV)

Don’t get sucked into the world system. Seems to me that the lust of the flesh is a passion to feel pleasure in sinful ways & the lust of the eyes is a passion to be “ somebody” in appearance whom people idolize by the success standards of the world by what they do & not who they really are, how they look outwardly & all the ways that people achieve that these days, and how much money they have in their bank account. The pride of life is a passion for a position of status which often leads to a boastful & prideful heart. It's that passion that says "I've got all I need in myself & I don't need anyone."

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the Heart”
1Samuel 16:7

Don’t get caught up thinking you need all these things, because if you do, the Lord says you are far from His Love inside you. Your mind is on earthly wants and desires and instant gratification. The Lord wants you to think of those things as stupid. They do nothing to bring Him glory & do nothing to make you more like Christ (James 3:17) Nor do they bring about God’s peace (Psalm 119:165) & are temporary (2 Cor.4:18). The Lord wants you to be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you will be able to test and approve what His will is, His good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom. 12:2) Then you will be able to see those earthly desires vanish and a peace will wash over you as the LOVE and mind of Christ works in you His desires to will and to act according to His good purposes that will last for all eternity.

May the mind of Christ dwell in you richly. May your roots grow deep in the soil of God's marvelous Love!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Courageous Leaders Christmas Dinner 2008







I thank the Lord for these friends of mine! What a blessing they are to me to be in my life and truly a precious gift! We went to the Cheesecake Factory and shared a great meal together. We exchanged our Christmas gifts by the usual number game. This year we decided that the gift would be a book. This book was to be very dear to us and one that had made a significant difference in our lives. No one received a book that they had read before. We decided that we would meet again in February 2009 to discuss what we received by reading the book. I've already read 3 chapters of mine! And oh boy, I'm in for a ride!
Then, we spent time updating & catching up with each others lives and shared prayer requests. It was a great night I will always treasure and I pray we have many more together. Thank you Lord for the gift of friendship!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Are you lIstening?


Today was one of those days
those good days that you know
couldn't have happened by chance.
What is...by chance anyway?

Not just Pneumonia
but Double Pneumonia
that's a pretty obvious illness

just a few days into recovery
and she walks in wanting an 85 minute
Hot Stone Deep Tissue Combo....

Opportunity knocks....that's when the Lord said (not really)
"Use what I taught you"
"You know what she needs"
As I reflect back...

How easily I fail to remember what the Lord has done
time and time again
Whenever He teaches me something, before I realize it...
here's comes the opportunity that follows

The Lord is teaching me to live expectantly
for what He's going to do...anticipate opportunity
being reliable and expressing faith,
"For without it, it is impossible
to please Him" (Hebrew 11:6)

It is God who has been faithful in the past
I've seen what He has done
His promises are true

I want to be like Samuel who said
"Speak Lord, for your servant hears." (1 Samuel 4:10)
and
Elijah who was expecting God to answer when he called Him
to reign down fire from heaven.

Without you Lord, I am nothing

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Thanks-giving

This is one of my favorite holidays. This day celebrates LOVE to me. It represents God's presence & goodness here on earth. It speaks of His heart. Even a person who doesn't have a relationship with the Lord would look upon this day and could sense the goodness in it and not realize that it came from God. Said in another way, one could sense the good in the world in this one day. It makes me really step back and reflect what I am thankful for. I reflect on the Lord's goodness, His grace, and His greatness.
The Lord does for us what no man can. The Lord provides for our every need and sustains us and looks at us as white as freshly fallen snow. The Lord covered our sins and he has given us Himself & the holy spirit as our helper; & He calls us His friends!
The Lord has given me a loving husband who is patient & kind & children who I adore, brothers and sisters who give me love & loving friends who support me, and a church home of brothers & sisters in the Lord. Thank you Lord for giving us each other!
This specific day I stopped to meditate on Isiaih 53 & to thank Him for what He did and does for me. After reflection, I am reminded to not take anything for granted & to put life's most important treasures in perspective by giving thanks with a grateful heart.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

My brother Kevin


My brother Kevin has been home for about a week now. We are all getting together tomorrow night for his last night before he heads back home to Japan. It has been so wonderful to have another opportunity to be with my family again and so soon. I haven't seen Kevin in 9 years! Months and months will go by before I see some of them. Kevin has lived in Japan since 1987 and is retired from the Navy. He still works for the government as an Explosive Safety Officer & teaches motorcycle safety. All 3 of my brothers will be at the dinner tomorrow night. My youngest brother Sean who lives in Nevada will not be there.
Please pray for Kevin and his long trip home. As Kevin seeks to find the answers to the questions that have been difficult for him to understand or to believe, pray he finds them and he can finally & completely get "off the fence" as he spoke that to me. Pray fervently that he will give his life to Christ, trust the rest to God, and that he will pursue knowing and desiring a relationship with Christ by reading His word daily. Thank you so much.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Speak the Truth in Love


Here lately, God's made it clear that I was to speak the truth in love. Funny thing about it though is I ended up revising it. It was a letter. The second revision of the letter was completely different from the first one. The first one was my heart, but the revised one was His heart. I'm so glad I listened. Everything has really turned around because of it! What a huge blessing for those I love! More importantly...for who He loves! Whatever you do, always obey the Lord FULLY! Father always knows best!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Be Jesus

I was listening last night with a friend a video clip called "Trees"
One of the things he said that really spoke loud to me was that in the book of Genesis, it's speaks of the Garden of Eden and in the middle of the garden was the "Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil". (Genesis 2:9) Then, in the end of the bible in the book of Revelation, it speaks of another tree called the "Tree of Life"
(Revelation 22:2)
Do you believe we live in a world between these two trees that is drenched in God? Do you look at the world and say "Where is God?" or do you look at the world and say "Where isn't God?" Do you realize the significance of your purpose between these two trees and that a tree you plant today may be the very trees of Paradise?
He also said "His fingerprints are all over the world. Or maybe it's His world and they're our fingerprints.
So, I ask you, where are you leaving some of your fingerprints on the world?
Are you really being Jesus to this world? Do you make sacrifices for others?
Do you trust God with the circumstances that come up in your life or do you calculate what you will do? Are they your ideas or are you absolutely loyal to Jesus Christ? Are you bearing fruit that heals?
Surrender is that we abandon our will to His. This is choosing to let God put the cloak around our neck and following Him. It's in every thought good & bad, each decision & each choice, all given up to Him in partnership. All this requires us to slow down by turning off the noise in our lives. Then we will be able to listen, then to hear the Lord speak to us.
Jesus layed down His life for His friends. (John 15:13) What is the Lord speaking to you NOW? How does He want you to live NOW? May you truly realize that you are in a partnership with God and that living NOW is just not about hoping and waiting for heaven,but doing His will on earth is still happening today as in the day of Adam. He put us here to tend and keep it. (Genesis 2:15)
Here's some questions to consider:
1.How do you feel about the world? Is it getting better or worse?
2. If we believe God's way of life is the best way to live, why is it so hard for us to do it?
3. Do you believe that the Bible's story of creation is not just something that happened, but actually ssomething that's still happening? Are we faced witht he same choices as Adam & Eve?
4. Are the choices you're making now shaping the kind of person you'll be forever?
5. Where are some places in the world where you see God? Are you leaving some of your own fingerprints on the world? What are they?

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Costa Rica Dreaming

Here's Me kissing my teacher Shamaya after receiving my medical massage practitioner certificate.
the WaterFall
The Poas Volcano on a clear day!
Me, Jackie, & Barbara
The view from the Pura Vida Spa overlooking the City of San Jose in the distance
These flowers are breathtakingly beautiful!

Here's my tentalow. So peaceful!

Monday, October 27, 2008

Weakeness

The last few days have been kinda weird
I've been wrestling with some thoughts in my head
about trying to make the right decision
I have sought counsel from good friends
I have read God's word looking for the answer.
I was reading about Rehoboam and Jeroboam in 1 Kings and it really has me confused.
I haven't quite figured it out yet.
I do know that sometimes the answer is very clear and we see it.
Sometimes the answer is right in front of us and we don't see it.
Some things look one way and then another.
Man sees one thing one way and another man see's something different.
God see's it for what it truly is
That's what I am
weak & crying out
trapped in indecision
Maybe the answer is "wait"...... and also the answer is "NO"
Maybe this is part of the plan
to get me the answer
He truly wants me to make
Today my prayer of tears is just to be who He wants me to be
wherever He wants me to be
To Love Him with all my heart,
with all my soul,
with all my strength,
and with all my mind.
For His glory....ALL FOR HIS GLORY

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Our 28th Wedding Anniversary is TODAY!



This is where I disappear and come alive!

To my loving husband:
1 Corinthians 13

Always and Forever

By: Heatwave

Always and forever
Each moment with you
Is just like a dream to me
That somehow came true

And I know tomorrow
Will still be the same
Cause we've got a life of love
That won't ever change and..

Every day
Love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away
With a smile

Take time to tell me
You really care
And we'll share tomorrow together
I'll always love you Forever

There'll always be sunshine
When I look at you
It's something I can't explain
Just the things that you do

And if you get lonely
Phone me and take
A second to give to me
That magic you make and..
Every day
Love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away
With a smile

Take time to tell me
You really care
And we'll share tomorrow together
I'll always love you Forever

Same Ole Love

By: Anita Baker

Flashbacks of The times we’ve had
Some made us laugh
But some made us sad

We used to break up to make up
All the fun that came
From those love games

Oh, well
I think I need someone new
Oh, it just won’t do
Because I think about you, baby

From beginning to end
365 days of the year
I want your same ole love
Baby, all I want to do
Is keep on loving you
The same ole love

There’s a reason I feel this way
All the things you do
Well, it might be the
Things that you say

Your love never changes
It’s like a picture in a frame
And it remains the same

Your undying love for me
Oh, it keeps me strong
Keeps me holding on

From beginning to end
365 days of the year
I want your same ole love
Baby, all I want to do
Is to share my life with you
The same ole love

Slowly, love me
All is forsaken
I love the love we’re making
Cause it’s truly lovely
I’ll never leave you
You`ll know I need you, baby

From beginning to end
365 days of the year
I want your same ole love
Baby, and all I want to do
Is to share my life with you
I want your same ole love

Friday, October 17, 2008

4HANDS 2HEARTS MASSAGE



If your reading this, you have got to experience this!
Lek & I have created a dual massage. "A Touch of Two" 2 people giving one person a massage. 4 hands are better than two!
We had a night of practice at Lek's house & perfected our routine. We massage together in unison as one with long flowing strokes as well as massaging independently. your brain can't keep up with what's going on and gives up for complete relaxation....extremely stimulating.... Here's our celebration cake!
Book your appointment! We are ready! we have two locations and will do outcalls to accommodate you. www.essenceofevespa.com or www.eastwestmassagestudio.com

Thursday, October 16, 2008

A prayer for my Sister Jane



This short poem is what was on my heart tonight as I was feeling the loss of my missing sister Jane (1993). My prayer is that she has been lifted up & is present with the Lord.




http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/crone.htm



Did you give your last breath to Him?
Did you cry out?
Did you see His face?
That's the only thing that matters
No matter what happened
whatever went wrong
I pray that what went right
was that you saw His face
& you let Him in

Did you hear the sound of angels wings
lifting you up
as peace filled in each breath
and exhaled eternity
revealing full knowledge of who you are
and whom created you
and whom has loved you first
with an everlasting Love

Monday, October 6, 2008

Living Large

The summer is over and the fall season is fast approaching and I guess you could say "HERE". Time is constantly moving us forward. I got alot going on. Seems like when some things end, other things become new. Such is life. Some things are winding down and others are fixing to turn up a notch. And then there are things in the future that take planning now and then there are those things from the recent past that you don't want to forget, but you want to hold on to.
So hold on for the ride and enjoy every minute of it & make the most of every opportunity for eternity. Go for what will last!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Back Home from Costa Rica

Thank you so much for your prayers for me! I had one of the BEST times of my life in Costa Rica. The spa was absolutely a wonderful place to relax, learn about my passion which is massage, meditate on God's word, & listen to God. I also met alot of loving and caring people. I ended up staying in a tentalow by myself because the girl that was going to be my roomate decided she wanted to upgrade to a better room. It was great for me. I enjoyed the quiet time each evening with the Lord.
On the morning of the last day I read the last chapter of the book of
Romans. I had started reading the book of Romans on the first day. Chapter 12 really spoke to me...
I ended up reading it to a woman I had quickly become friends with. I was led to share it with her because it was obvious from our conversation that it was suppose to be talked about. It was such a God thing.
As we walked to breakfast together, there was Jaqueline and her husband Greg.Romans 12 was written on Greg's T-shirt, & then later that day as we discussed it, we each in turn had a revelation revealed from the Lord to each us(like a lightbulb
turning on simultaniously)It was a powerful moment and so beautiful.
Along with the 40 hrs. of medical massage, we had plenty of time for excursions, relaxtion, massage, & jacuzzi. The food was the healthiest food I've ever had and ALL fresh! The coffee was the best! We went to the Waterfall Gardens, visited the Poas Volcano, & we did the Jungle Canopy Zip Line.
Costa Rica was breath-takingly beautiful, lush, & green, the people warm & friendly, the learning so awesome!
It's looking more like a possibility that we could call it "home"
thanks again for your prayers, I was overwhelmed & still am! I'm grateful to God for giving me this opportunity. I learned more than massage.

Friday, September 5, 2008

A New Day


The kids where here for 4 days! We got to see little "Daeus" our grandson. He is such a happy baby most of the time with a mild personality. We had a good time! They just left about 2 hours ago and their on their way back to New Orleans.
The highlight was on 9-04-08 (friday)! It was my daughters birthday and her brother and I surprised her. I told her to go up to the spa for a facial. When she got up there she first started with a facial. Then, when she turned down the hall there was her brother to greet her and have lunch with her! She hadn't seen him since she got here. She was so moved to tears when she saw him. They sat at a quaint little table and ate their lunch I had ordered for the two of them and had some good quiet time just the two of them to catch up on each other's lives. They love each other and are very close. He had a gift necklace for her birthday and so did Dad & I! Then, I gave her a massage in my own room at the spa. I made a special point to play just the right music during her session. It all was so wonderful. Her husband ended up taking her out to dinner at their favorite restaurant when they used to live here.
Now tomorrow is a new day...I'm going on my long awaited trip to Costa Rica! I'm really excited for this adventure. It's kinda strange me going by myself, but I know I'm not really alone. When I get back I will post some photos! I've got prayer coverage, I'm ready to go. See ya when I return.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Hurricane Gustav



Praise God the Hurricane didn't turn out to be a category "5"! My daughter, grandson and her husband high-tailed it to Austin for safe refuge. His mom decided to to ride the storm and stay! I talked with her this morning and they still had electricity. I'm hoping that the kids will stop by here so I can see little Daeus! It sure is a good idea to be prepared. It has benefits. Spiritually speaking, it has enormous benefits! Thank you Lord for the faith to believe that no mattter what hurricanes come our way, your in control of them too!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

My Friend Tonya


I've graduated to another service for my client Tonya. (Tonya was in a near fatal car accident in 2005 and is now a quadriplegia.) I've learned how to move her wheelchair into her room. It's not easy. I just listen and do exactly what she tells me to do and it's like magic. I don't bump into the walls or the doorway. I've graduated in helping her with her morning routine after her massage & now do lots of range of motion exercises with her legs. It adds another 2 hours time. It gives her mom some free time to do what she needs to do for herself or for daily errands that need taking care of. You see, her mom is her full-time care taker. It also gives Tonya some independence of her own. Every time thus far that they have hired a home health care person, the person has either not come at all or have not returned after the first visit. It makes no sense. This has been going on for 3 years. But anyway, I'm glad God had our paths cross. I love them both so dearly. I look forward to each Monday and Thursday morning just to be with them. I'm looking forward to this thursday morning visit because it is Tonya's birthday! She will be 21 yrs old. I plan on spending the day with her and to take her around town in her ramp Van for the first time! On another good note...my husband Steve took one of the flyers for Tonya's upcoming Golf Tournament to work with him to spread the word. Tonya is trying to raise money for college. Anyways, one of the gentlemen took it and then called his connection at the college and they are giving Tonya a full scholarship! I can't believe it! God is taking good care of Tonya. He's got big plans for her! She is a strong, confident, & faith-filled young woman who is determined to live a full life through the hardship of her disability. She is on her way! with the Lord's help!
www.tonyawinchester.com (click on fundraisers)

Friday, August 15, 2008

A Life God Rewards

The Lord has called me to start a bible study with the women I work with. I posted in the kitchen a sign up sheet and have received a good response. I'm excited for what God will do in our hearts and how that will work out in the workplace & in our daily lives.
The whole thing is God's timing. I sense His guiding hand for this and know it is His will for us. This particular study is right at the right time. The subject is so significant. It's about the opportunities to love and to serve him and how Jesus wants and will reward us in heaven for every good work we do for Him here on earth. It's about making a difference for eternity. It's about our priorities and choices and how each one we make can be chosen with eternity in mind. Wow! The "keepers of the inn" are in for leading the way to a life that counts forever!

"Rejoice in that day and leap for Joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven"
-Jesus Luke 6:23

Friday, August 8, 2008

Life is a Journey of discovery of God


I've been doing all kinds of things lately. I've done some new things too. But mostly I've come to know how much I love people and how much I need them in my life. The last month has been a new awakening for me. I am so blessed and so loved. It's not that I didn't know it before, there's just something different. I'm trying to explain. I think my heart got bigger. My spirit has been transformed by God's amazing Grace! I think I've grown some. I feel closer to the Lord than I ever have before. I have let go of alot of stuff that I didn't know was inside of me, that the holy spirit has revealed. I have a more confident walk with the Lord and a burning desire to do what He wants me to do. I'm not saying this to boast about myself, but of the Lord working in my life and in my heart and in where He places me. I have seen His love so much in others lately it has been overwhelming and so beautiful. Life is such a journey of discovery of God. Each time the tide comes in it brings something new. The Lord's kindness is like a warm blanket that wraps around every part of our being as if it has layers and layers of loving warmth and we feel it more and more deeply. I discovered that this sheep is directed by the Good Shepard who loves me & without total dependence I will go astray like a dumb sheep...I discovered that all God's sheep are.....
. anointed with the Holy Spirit

. have a wonderful relationship with the Lord and worship him with all that they have

. full of faith and the Holy Spirit’s power.

. attempt great things for God and expect great things from God

. are warriors for Jesus and invade Satan’s Kingdom to win the lost and heal the sick and drive out demons

. have loving relationships

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Independence Day


My husband and I started the day by attending our towns 4th of July parade. Here's a picture of the Fire Truck coming down the street.



Here's my husband standing next to his favorite car at the car show.




To end the evening we watched the fireworks sitting on the back of the car parked in the mediun! I took this picture with my cell phone!


Now, these are all the typical things to do on this holiday. As I watched those fireworks shooting off and the brilliance of the light, I thought of the light of the world and how in Him we are truly free. I thanked the Lord I live in a country that I am free to be me and for the freedom we have in the USA. I thought of the celebration when Jesus returns. I thought of all the soldiers fighting for our country to keep us safe. Thank you God for this land! Oh, come Lord Jesus, COME!

Friday, July 4, 2008

Revival



Last night I was invited to go to a Revival at the UNT Campus in Denton by one of my massage clients. It was awesome! I never heard of the preacher named Tod Bentley before and my client said she was leaving in about 2 hours. I asked God if he wanted me to go and He did. Check out: www.god.tv

The GLORY of the Lord was in that Place!

Before entering the building, I couldn't believe amongst the thousands attending that I saw my pastor's secretary walking in the same time we were. We ended up sitting together!
I found out that when Todd was 18 yrs. old he answered God's call & gave his life to Christ. He was a drug addict and had been in prison. By the prompting of the Holy Spirit, Todd started a revival one night on April 3rd in Lakeland Florida and has been going strong EVERY NIGHT since then. He said that until the Lord tells him to stop, he's not. That is 94 days straight! The Lord is saving millions of people and many documented physical healings have taken place and there has been 3 cases of people actually resurrected reported! The crowds have been in the millions so far and it keeps growing...so many are hungry for the Lord... The Lord is doing a mighty thing. It was incredible last night. I'm still in awe. ALL GLORY TO THE KING!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Happy Birthday Dear Daddy!




Today my Dad is 82 years old. He was born in 1926 in New York during the great depression. He lived with his grandmother and her son (his Uncle Elmer) until he was 14 years old & then he lived with his parents, older brother, and younger sister in Queens New York.
The very next year in 1941, the japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and the country was thrust into WWII. My dad's father was sent to Pearl Harbor with his company from the National Guard. Two years later, my dad's brother went into the Air Force and then two years after that my dad went into the Navy for about 5 years until he met and married my mother in 1949. The Navy ended up letting my Dad go because he needed to be home more often to help take care of all the children. My parents were married for 50 years until my mother went to heaven in 1999.
My dad is a good and honest man; an honorable & hard-working man with a good heart. He and my mother are the parents of 11 children (7 girls & 4 boys of which I am number 9 in the birth order) over thirty grandchildren, & 19 or more great grandchildren. I don't know what the real count is.
My dad is now happily married to Sally who is in the above picture with him.
LOVE YOU DADDY! WE LOVE YOU TOO SALLY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

New Beginnings







Our trip down to New Orleans was even more than we'd hoped for. I'm so glad I took my camera along to share the memory. The studio apartment that the kids live in is part of a huge house.



This picture was taken at a great little breakfast food restaurant called "Slim Goodies" It quickly became our favorite and we ate there both Saturday and Sunday morning.



Again, thank you dear Lord for having your hand upon them!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

A Mother's Heart

I brought my daughter and grandson to the airport last night.They spent a week with us. It was so good to have them home. I sure miss them. We had a great 6 days together. My husband and I are driving down to their home on friday to bring her the last of her stuff from home. It was so sweet of my husband last night to have a bouquet of flowers in a beautiful vase waiting for me when I arrived back home from the airport. He knows me. He knew I'd get that empty nest feeling start to creep in. I was okay though. But, today.....Oh geez I just love spending time with my kids! Praise God for the blessing of our children & grandchildren who make our lives richer and fuller!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Recognize God

Are there times when you doubt what you hear is Jesus talking to you? The minute you start to wonder, is the minute you start to sink. Like Peter walking on the water. That's the minute he took his eyes off of Him. Why do we look at the circumstances and wonder if it could be Jesus's will. When our Lord gives us even the tiniest glimpse of Him, why do we doubt? Do we need to have a neon sign telling us it is Him or do we only recognize Him after we are drowing? If He lives and is working in our life; to will and to act according to His good purposes, then the road ahead is covered by Him. He does the driving and our will becomes His will. Only by His grace are we able to recognize His voice when sinking deep in water or afloat. When we give Jesus full recognition in our lives and in every circumstance, will we hear him more clearly.
Dear Lord-
We thank you for your grace. We thank you for your love and direction in our lives. We thank you for being ever present in us to do your will. Increase our faith that we can live with reckless abandon for you. May we recognize you & not focus or be distracted by circumstances that you control. Help us not to doubt even in the small glimpses of the way you speak to us. Help us not to doubt those times we start to wonder and go into ourselves for our own answers, but to rely totally on you and to rest totally in you. We need not "go there" but to keep our focus on you because you are the answer. Help us to recognize that in all circumstances you are working. Help us to not loose sight of the fact that you are speaking to us to will and to act according to your good purposes. When we hear from you, let us go all out to do your will! In Jesus' Name Amen

Monday, June 16, 2008

LIFE HURTS -G.O.D. H.E.A.L.S


This Jr and Sr high ministry provides ongoing support through a biblical small group study called Life Hurts-God Heals (LHGH) created specifically for teenagers who have experienced pain or addiction including: drinking, cutting, pornography, depression, eating disorders, troubled family dynamics, anger, etc. All over the country thousands of students have gone through this 8-step study leaving many encouraged and changed with life long tools to help students heal from their hurts.



8-STEPS (By John Baker, Doug Fields and Megan Hutchinson)

Step 1. G-et help.
I admit that I am powerless on my own and that I need help
Happy are those who know they are spiritiually poor. (Matthew 5:3)

Step 2. O-pen your heart.
I now know that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He is the only One who has the power to heal my pain.
Happy are those who mourn. God will comfort them (Matthew 5:4)

Step 3. D-epend on Christ. I realize I need to turn my life over to Christ. I need to depend on Him in all areas of my life,including all that I say, think, and do.
Happy are the humble. (Matthew 5:5)

Step 4. H-ear and speak. I agree to evaluate my life and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone that I trust.
Happy are the pure in heart. (Matthew 5:8)

Step 5. E-mbrace God's way. I will stop doing things my way and put my life on the path that leads towards God's way.
Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires. (Matthew 5:6)

Step 6. A-sk for forgiveness. I will offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me, and I will ask for forgiveness for any wrong I've done to others.
Happy are the merciful. Happy are the peacemakers. (Matthew 5:7-9)

Step 7. L-ive for God. I will set aside some time for God each day to examine my life, read my bible, and pray so that I have the power to live God's way.
Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor (Matthew 5:3)

Step 8. S-hare with others. I will take the message that God heals to others in need and share it by my words and actions.
Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires. (Matthew 5:10)

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Keepers of the Inn







Luke 10: 25-37

In the parable of the Good Samaritan a pharisee/scribe (teacher of the Law) asked Jesus what must he do to inherit eternal life. The very thing that the pharisee taught about the law that brings life, was the very thing that seized him. He wanted to know who his NEIGHBOR was.
Jesus spoke of the man going down the road from Jerusalem to Jericho (about a 17 miles hike) He was robbed, beaten, stripped of his clothes, & left for dead. A priest and a Levite (both Teachers of the Law)saw the man and passed on by. Then, a samaritan came by and helped the man by bandaging his wounds & carried him on his donkey to an Inn to take care of him. The next day the samaritan took out two silvers coins and gave them to the innkeeper and told him to take care of the man & that when he returned, he would reimburse him for any extra expenses he may have for the care of the man.
A very good friend of mine named Irma had heard a message at church from her pastor who described the beaten man as our "neighbor" and Jesus as the "Good Samaritan" & "US" as the Innkeepers. It made sense to me.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind." and "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father-
You died for us to save us. You laid your life down for your friends so that we may live in eternity with you. Lord, as you told the pharisee to do likewise....may we show mercy even to the point we feel it isn't deserved. Just as we don't deserve your mercy.Help us Lord to be the "Innkeepers" of this fallen world. Help us be a haven for the hurting, beaten, & left for dead; especially those who are spiritually dead and separated from you. With your heart, with your strength, with your mind & soul living in us, may we love others as you would; in the way you would have us to bandage their wounds in however they may come. Help us Lord to be the "Innkeepers" for YOU and when you return, may we hear what our hearts long to hear you say, "Well Done, Good & Faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21)

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever! His faithfullness continues through all generations" (Psalm 100:4)

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Pura Vida



I'm going to do it! The Lord is providing for me to go to Pura Vida Spa in Costa Rica to train in Paradise. I'll be going to get certified as a Medical Massage Therapist. I want to get certified and use it to help others feel better. While I'm learning to do that, I like the bonus of seeing another land of God's beautiful creation too.
I Thank the Lord for being so good to me! I'm so excited! This is a massage therapists dream

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Morning Prayer


Father,
Thank You for awakening me to this new morning! Please help me to begin this day with rejoicing, and with praise to You on my heart and lips for keeping me through another night.


I also praise You for the promise of Your Word in Lamentations 3:22-23 that Your lovingkindnesses never cease, and Your compassions never fail, but are new every morning.

I commit this day to You. Help me to keep You uppermost in my thoughts, and help me to magnify and glorify Your great name in all that I do and say. I pray this in the powerful name of Jesus.

Amen

"In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch" Psalm 5:3

Thursday, May 22, 2008

I'm BACK!



I'm alive and well. It's been a while since I've been on here. My mind & my time has been occupied with many things going on in my life. My daughter, grandson, and son in law moved to be closer to his family for a while. It's good for them and I can see that it will be a learning and growing time for them. My husband and I will miss our grandson, but it was a blessing to have had him his first 3 months! The next day after they left, our son moved back home! What timing! We celebrated his 21st birthday and he had a party with alot of his friends. I just got word from him today that he and his best friend will be moving into an apartment by the end of the month and it's just 10 minutes from the university. He has a plan for his degree and is moving forward. He got a job and is working toward becoming night manager. Also, the place is opening up a new facility close to the university at the beginning of the new year and it will be a great and steady job for my son to carry him through school.
Two of my sisters and I have been visiting with each other more lately. It's been so good to see them both and to share more of our lives with one another. On the monday after Mother's Day, we went to visit our mother at the cemetery. It has been awhile since I'd been out there. It did my heart good as my sister and I prayed together there and thanked the Lord for our wonderful mom.
The Lord has really helped me alot with keeping my focus on my health & not being tempted with food that is not good for me. I'm leaning on him for this weakness and I know it is only by His strength I'm able to do it. So far, 12 lbs are off!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Misanthrope


My husband and I went to the showing of Moliere's Comic Masterpiece titled "Misanthrope" at the Dallas Theatre Center over the weekend. We are members. We found out we loved seeing plays about two years ago when my husband surprised me on our anniversary weekend and saw "Romeo and Juliet" and the performance of "Hats". This play was about one man's stand against hypocrisy-while all the time remaining blind to his own. Alceste hates the glitter and glamour of his social class, but loves the woman who most embodies it. It was a darkly funny exploration of conflicting obsessions. It is said to be one of the greatest plays every written. It truly was my favorite so far this season. The acting was so superb! and there was an enormous amount of script to memorize. I'd see it again! check it out: www.dallastheatercenter.org

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Better Than Life

a quiet place to rest
to still my thoughts
and listen to yours
To find peace and life
and to live there

To let go of those things
that pull me away from you
The mind set of things of this world
do not bring life, but distract me
of the life You have called me to

take up the cross, laying down the burdens
help someone up, lifting one out of the dark
to speak words of truth, & to be set free
yet while still sinners, You died for me.

Your Love is better than life
better than anything I can taste, hear, or see.
Better than any person, place , or thing
Nothing is perfect
only your love for me
that is pure
that is pure perfection
and that is BETTER THAN LIFE

Sunday, April 20, 2008

a grandmother & mother-in-law

My daughter got married today! They did it. They are a family now. Wow! That makes me a grandma & a mother-in-law. Here I sit with my grandson in my arms. They are out for 2 days to celebrate. It was a very intimate ceremony. God is so good in allowing our pastor time in his schedule to be the one to unite them as husband and wife..and on short notice. In my heart, I feel that was no accident and all apart of God's unfolding plan for their lives... And life goes on... it is good..faith is the evidence of things hoped for....i pray their faith grows more as they seek God as "one flesh" now.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Puppies, Babies, & New Beginnings & Endings

Life has been really busy the last few weeks. We did get the puppy at the airport. She is adorable! She learned to use the doggy door in one day!
Daeus, my grandson is growing rapidly and has discovered his hands. He smiles all the time and has his grandfather & mother's dimples.
Another thing on my mind is, I was listening to a radio program and heard alot about EFA's. What are EFA's you ask? It is essential fatty acids. You can read all about it at www.nordicnaturals.com. I went out and bought me some of the "Omega Women" today. It is specifically for the premenopausal woman. I started on Jenny Craig on Monday. I have been successful before and I will do it again. It works for me. Please pray for me that the Lord will be my sustainer through any temptation or anything that might try to sabitoge my desire for better health and a trim body. Forty pounds here we go! My daughter is on the "Medifast" plan & is using the food I bought about 2 months ago. She wants to get rid of the baby weight she gained.
My monday night trinitarianism course and the tuesday night leadership class (with my pastor) ended last week. Both have rooted my faith more deeply.
I gotta get to bed...big day at the spa and then tomorrow night's women's conference. It is going to be so good for my heart & others to be there in fellowship with all those women to just give glory to God!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Taste of Galilee



My husband & I went out to dinner after church saturday night and found a great place for middle eastern food. The place is called "Taste of Galilee" It had all my favorites. You can order from the menu, but the buffet is outstanding! The owner was a very nice & friendly gentlemen. He came to our table several times to see how we liked our food and he gave us the history of his restaurant & his own family who live west of the Sea of Galilee. If you want more information, just shoot me an e-mail. By the way, I took this photo of the Sea of Galilee.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Our newest arrival!






My daughter has been on a search for another Japanese Chin and she found one. She is a female named Mollie! She is coming to us all the way from South Dakota! We are all excited. We'll be picking her up from the airport next week. Isn't she cute? She is just 4 days older than my grandson!

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Special Forces






Today my friends son-in-law left for war. We went for a walk around the lake at the park and she shared who he was from the inside. She talked about how much they have grown to love him and about moments and memories shared of laughter, hurt, & tears of both joy and pain. He has a little one at home who is 3 yrs old who Grandma just adores.
"Flat Stanley" is going on the mission too and they will be gone for about 8 months.
I pray for their safe return, strength, mental health, endurance, & physical bodies. I pray the Lord's protection and peace that He alone can provide for them and their families. Our hearts ache for them. It wasn't suppose to be this way. The Lord is in control and His timing and His ways are just. Do not fear, God is near, God is here.
I pray for all soldiers everywhere most of all that they come to know the Lord who saves them and is preparing a place in heaven for them with the most magnificient rewards.

SHARE IN OUR JOURNEY

My photo
We are missionaries with The Brook Ministries in Costa Rica. We are here to help strengthen the church body of Jesus Christ & to fulfill His Great commission to the lost. At our conferences, my husband directs the recreational activities & excursions. I provide physical renewal with massage for the female attendees. We believe that regularly scheduled renewal of the body, mind, & spirit for ministry leaders in particular, will empower them to serve the Lord with renewed strength & perseverance to do what God has uniquely called them to do....SERVE & BUILD HIS CHURCH to the outermost parts of the world!