Friends

Here are some pictures from mom's Christmas /Retirement party

God blesses us with friendships and relationsips. This is what God promises us when we make healthy fellowship a priortiy.

1 John 1:5-7 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

The Journey

The journey…

Yesterday mom found out her cancer spread in her right lung, 50% bigger from her last pet scan taken at the end of November. Not the news we were hoping for…Mom thought for sure God had healed her from lung cancer. She prays everyday for healing. I felt sad for her, she had such high hopes. As a Christian I believe in God’s great healing power. I also believe in God’s will not mine. I know this is not great news but I see that God has already healed my mother spiritually. And I praise God for His tender mercy.

Mom had to get a MRI done today, praying that the cancer has not gone to the brain.

She decided to start chemo; first she’ll meet with a surgeon next week to put a port under her skin so she doesn’t have to keep getting poked and prodded. Chemo will be 6 hours every three weeks for 3-4 months. This will not cure her only shrink or delay the cancer. The diagnosis remains the same. The radiation did work in her pelvic area and shrunk that significantly. That’s why she has been feeling so good.

Please continue in your prayers, God is listening.

Psalm 73:24-26 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Mom's Christmas/Surprise Retirement Party

This past weekend I took mom back home for her work Christmas / SURPRISE retirement party. She invited her three daughters to come along with her and stay at a hotel that night. We arrived at the party around 6 pm. They had great food to eat; which was very tasty and off my counting points plan! They also had gifts for all the guests and employees. I thought that was very thoughtful! Mom didn't know it but they also had a surprise retirement for her. She spent 30 hard years and dedication at a place she really did love. I am so proud of my mother. She put a lot of love sweat and tears into her job and the residents miss her so much. Mom received some beautiful gifts but it didn't end there; she also received The Above and Beyond Award, out of 11 facilities she was chosen.

When mom's name was called up there, I said mom they called your name, she said no they didn't I said yes go up there, she said no, I said go mom...She was so nervous and didn't know what to say while she was up there so now I will share with you what she told me.

"I never thought so many people cared for me, I never thought I meant that much, they have been so wonderful to me and people gave me money and their vacation hours and had fundraisers for me, I can't believe it, how am I ever going to thank everyone? I miss the people and the residents and I miss being active, I wish I could go back to work."

Thanks again to everyone, you have no idea how you have touch my mom and her family by your love and generosity. Thank you and May God richly bless each and every one of you!

So we left the party to go back to the hotel. We sat in the hot tub for just a little while and ate again at 11 o’clock at night, we ordered pizza. I don’t think we slept much; I was really tired on Sunday. We never did play our games we brought. In the morning mom tried sharing God’s word with Connie, I hope a seed was planted.

Pam mom and I went to Pam’s church and heard an awesome message from the pastor. How we need to be God’s eyes, ears, hands, feet; that are job here is not done, too many people are dying without salvation. We need to have urgency about the lost. The words that spoke to me were being gentle yet consistent. I think without realizing it I may come across pushing but I feel it’s because God has revealed certain truths to me by wanting to be obedient and keeping in His word. So my next spiritual goal is to work on being gentle yet consistent. I’ve learned that it’s ok to swallow a piece of humble pie, that’s how we grow.

Matthew 18:3-5 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.

The video was taken at the end of the night. Once one person heard we were leaving and a bunch of people came rushing and formed a goodbye line. I am sorry the video is dark in the beginning and at the end there is one swear word that I didn’t know how to edit. I played it from my camera. Not very good quality but I think you’ll get the “picture”

Letters From The Heart 33

Not really sure how to blog tonight...

Mom and I had a conversation today...

I don't want to get into the details of the discussion and the specifics are not important...

But I am asking for prayer over her without ceasing, please...

If you go to Him in spirit, He will hear your call and know your heart.

Thank you!
Be Blessed.

2 Samuel 12:16 David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground.

Philippians 1:10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.

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What a beautiful day...

Mom came to church and she just sparkled. You could just see the Holy Spirit radiate off of her. So many people mentioned how mom had a beautiful glow about her. I praise God how He is changing my mom.

During worship we sang the song “Our God Saves” and I had the Holy Ghost all over me, I couldn’t even sing it. I looked at mom and I wanted to drop down in Awe of God, how He saved my mother. Then we sang Grace Like Rain and again mom and I made eye contact and we both felt God’s mercy and forgiveness rain down on us. What an awesome day!

After mom brought us out to eat, the girls; mom, Fayth and I went out shopping and had so much fun being together.

Thank you Jesus for this day, we praise you for your faithfulness, gentleness, compassion, for your miracles, we praise you for your mighty deeds, we praise you for your healing power, we lift your name up to honor the Lord of Lords, we praise you for your promises, we praise you for your forgiveness and mercy, we love you!

You Make All Things New!

Revelation 21:4-6 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b35E8zzASk&feature=related

Our God Saves

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy6AJ6vVVgM&feature=related

Grace Like Rain

Letters From The Heart 31

Another COLD day...

My friend started a new connection group tonight on Revelation so I did brave the bitter weather to participate in the study and I'm glad I did.

Mom didn't sleep well last night and wanted to nap today but couldn't fall asleep. We haven't read yet so I am going to make this blog very brief.

Mom received a letter from one of her grandson's today and my heart was discouraged; because there are so many unsaved people in our family and around the world. He is so lost and I can't express how important it is to share the good news. People need to hear that there is hope. Please be praying for me as I ask God to use me to intervene on his behalf. Pray without ceasing…

1 John 5:14-15 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

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Burrrrr...no need to venture outside today; it's too cold!

Mom had a quiet day; she never did get out of her pajamas.

I received an e-mail from one of mom’s friends who shared some life experiences with me; it was very heartfelt and meant a lot to me. She also wrote some sweet stuff about mom and how she is so missed and how she never remembers mom missing a day of work in the 13 years that she has know her. I let mom read some of the letter and tears just ran down mom’s cheeks. It gives me a warm feeling to know that so many people I have never met care so much about my mom.

Thanks everyone for your love and kind words, your prayers and your encouragement. It means more then I think you will ever realize.

1 Peter 3:8-9 All of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it.

Letters From The Heart 29

I know I’ve written about this already but I can’t help but share it again, mom is just reading away, not only is she reading with me, she is reading on her own and has read Genesis and now she’s in Leviticus. She's also reading The 40 Days of Purpose and a few other Christian based books on the side. She's on FIRE! She told me that she can't get enough of it...and she’s understanding it and asking questions; that's the Holy Spirit working in her. Totally cool! I love to see a baby Christian seeking God with all they have, that's the way we should always be no matter where we are in our walk with God.

Revelation 3:15-16I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Whoa…God would rather have us hot or cold, not lukewarm. We need to choose what it’s going to be…are we going to follow Him with our whole heart or nothing???

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

If you want to have that same intensity that my mother has; ask God to give you that desire, that appetite that passion that craving that hunger that thirst and He will because His word says it and the BIBLE is God breathed, its complete truth!!!

Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

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Mom is having problems with her new glasses, she can't see through the bifocals so it is causing her headaches. She has another appointment on Saturday to check her prescription. Her headaches have been in the back of the head and neck where that spot is, hope it's nothing to be concerned about.

Mom woke up this morning with a sore throat and she said she felt a lump as she swallowed. Don't know what that is...

The doctor put her on some sleeping medicine since she has insomnia and we think they have been giving her nightmares. She's had some bad dreams so I hope that gets better for her or maybe God is speaking to her through these dreams.

She still is doing good and in good spirits. She is walking so well and feels no pain there just in her lower back once in a while.

We are in the 3rd chapter of Acts now.

As for my blog yesterday...I walked for an hour and ate all good stuff today. I want to take care of my body, it's hard; it's a commitment. If I fail I know I can come to Him and I know His mercies begin a fresh each day. Please be praying for me and my two girlfriends; Michelle and Stephanie, we are doing this together. I pray that whatever it is that you need to change; maybe it's the things you watch or the places you hang out, or the music you listen to, or the clothes you wear. We can do it together, there is strength in numbers!

1 Thessalonians 3:13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

Letters From The Heart 27

I had a long week with home schooling and I was not feeling well and I had a doctors appointment that I was a little anxious about, the week was tiresome so that may have played a factor as to why I was feeling the way I felt this week; like I was spiritually resting. Come today, Sunday I didn’t “feel” like going to church. I ask God “What is it that you want me to change.” He spoke so loud and clear…I work in you, you don’t have to and you can’t do it on your own! Oh…oh. Talk about humility. I thought I figured that one out already. The problem I was facing is not important, what God wanted me to change was. I was being a hindrance to my own spiritual wellbeing…ouch that hurts. So here I am reevaluating myself; asking God what He wants me to learn, again! He’s always teaching me something, the question is am I willing to be obedient. He is my teacher, I am the student.

I have this beautiful moment in time to watch my mother grow in the Spirit. We are reading together, she’s reading the bible on her own, her attitude is softer, and she’s sweeter, kinder and so delightful to be around. I am witnessing how God is moving through her everyday. It’s almost breath taking. We live by faith not by sight but I see; I see His Majesty. I pray that God will heal her and that she can be a witness for Him. Mom did not use her body as the Holy temple that it is. She abused it for many years; drinking, smoking, etc… and she quit, she is gaining strength each new day and what a testimony it is already but God’s not done with her, I just know it.

I just want to talk about our bodies being a Holy temple and this really goes out to all my loved one’s still drinking and/or smoking. This is difficult because you never want to hurt someone’s feelings but I am not speaking on my own accord, I am speaking from God.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

He has created us to be in His image, he made us, and we are something unique and special. God calls us to take care of His extraordinary creation, that YOU…

When we become God’s chosen people, He wants us to be transformed by the way we think so if you think you can’t quit, you are thinking with the worlds standards…

Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Pray with me right now.

Heavenly Father, I thank you Father for the beauty of your creation. Thank you for giving me life and breath. Lord I am sorry that I have abused and neglected my body. I know that my body is a Holy Temple, it’s not mine but yours and I want to treat it will love and honor because I know it glorifies you. Lord I can’t do this on my own, I need your strength. You are a faithful God who will help me in my time of need and when the temptation get’s too overwhelming, I know I can look to you and I can stand firm on your promises. Please help me to be obedient to you. I ask these things in Jesus Name, Amen!

I pray that this is a new time, a new day, a new hour, a new person. That you would allow God to work in you! Do you believe that God can change this for you? Do you have hope in Jesus? Ask God to give you the hunger for change; the thirst for obedience. Stop making excuses, and as I write God has convicted me of my own sin, overeating. We can come together in unity and fight the good fight against Satan. Do you know how happy it makes Satan to see that you and I haven’t fully committed ourselves to God? Do you want to commit with me right now and spit Satan back into the pit where he belongs? Then make a comment on my blog, e-mail me, or call me, whatever you have to do to connect with me and we will come together with God as our strength and we will win because Jesus has already won the victory and when God is on our side who can be against us!
Amen
Amen

Letters From The Heart 26

I love listening to music…I love singing…I love to worship God and I don’t want to wait until a Sunday service to do it. Here are some links to some of my favorite worship songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKijL5BnJtg&feature=channel_page
More of You Jesus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlBAf_SKwPQ&feature=related
Jesus Messiah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwJEdo1FlMo
From The Inside Out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b35E8zzASk
Our God Saves

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBmTEFBE34Y&feature=channel_page
Children and Kings

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zSmICsax3o&feature=channel_page
Holding Onto You

John 4:23-24 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."


Mom is doing great! She is walking well and eating well and she is ready to do something, anything; she is bored! She misses her work too. I am still reading to her everyday. Today we read about Lazarus. I have a song about him too!

Letters From The Heart 25

The definition of Change: to become different, to become altered or modified, to become transformed or converted.

That definition could come straight from God’s word. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, the old life is gone. A new life has begun. But it doesn’t end there. Philippians 1:6 I am sure that God who began a good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.

God did not create us to stay as we are. What good would that do? Nothing. So change is good, sometimes it hurts but they are good growing pains. I am please to keep writing about the changes occurring in my mother and also the changes taking place in our relationship. God is good, let Him in, allow Him to change your heart and the way you think and feel. Each of us has something to offer the Lord. Each of us has something we can change to bring glory to our Father. Ask seek knock and the door will be open to you.

I read to her today…we are having good discussions. I can’t tell you how important this time with mom means to me. I feel so so blessed!

Mom brought us out for lunch today to celebrate Fayth birthday which was on the 3rd and Ben’s birthday which is tomorrow. She just loves the “O II” restaurant in town.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhbyISg66q8&feature=channel_page

Click on Link

Letters From The Heart 24

Happy 14th Birthday Fayth!

Time goes by so quickly; it brings me to wonder how much time we spend on earthly matters when the real purpose for living is in Jesus Christ. Time. How do we spend our time? When I was “younger” I made a mess out of my time. I really wondered why God allowed me to be changed by Him. I am not worthy… I understand now that it’s because of His grace. He sent His Son Jesus to make all things new. It was also my willingness to admit I was wrong and be humble. God has taught me that living is not for me but for Him. He gave me this life; he will take it away someday. He is the One who gave each of us breath, does it not make sense that we should give back to Him what He gave? So many people lost in this world. They desire money, material possessions, bigger this better that, my way or the highway and it’s all about selfishness. Those in my own family are lost to this world; even those closest to me. It says in Gods word that families will be against each other for the sake of following Jesus. Matthew 10:21-22

I see some people in my family making choices that make my heart drop. The places they choose to be or the shows on TV they watch or the material they read. And I know that they think we are judging them but the truth is this, you can’t change what you don’t know and being in God’s word is an instruction book to living life. So it’s not that we are judging, it’s that God has revealed truth to us.

I come to the conclusion that although it’s sometimes challenging I need to be what God wants me to be. If I get persecuted, or my family and friends gossip, it’s not my wrath but God’s; Romans 12.

I pray that those lost in my family can be saved but not just for the sake of getting a free pass into heaven but being transform from the inside out. To know their purpose and to be rewarded in heaven for following a God who has created them.

I see my mom being transformed from the inside out and it’s one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed. Who would have thought…but I am reminded of that scripture when Jesus said “you of little faith?” And I don’t want to be of little faith. All things are possible to those who believe.

Mom had another great day! I read to her about the lady at the well. How she came to the well at noon because of her shame but How Jesus gave her living water. Oh thank you Jesus that we don’t have to go thirty.

Psalm 90:12 Teach us to make the most out of our time, so we may grow in wisdom.

Ephesians 5:15-20 Be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most out of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suBPq0o3Yvw

Please click on this song, it is one of my very favorites. You will just feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. Please listen to it and let God work in your heart.

Blessings to you!

Letters From The Heart 23

Mom's still in good spirits today. She had a check-up and everything is fine; her blood work, weight, blood pressure; everything looks good. She doesn't go back until January 27, 2009.

We went shopping and she bought a bigger refrigerate for upstairs.

We read together today.

She seems so happy...

The children are really enjoying grandma being here. It's so sweet!

It was a LONG day so off to bed to read I go...

Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."

Letters From The Heart 22

Happy New Year!

2009

It's been on my heart for sometime now to start reading passages from the bible to mom everyday. And from time to time I would think of asking her and this morning I prayed and asked God to give me the words; so I went upstairs and I said "mom I need to ask you something, I would like to spend some time reading God 's word to you everyday, it's important to me." and she responded very well to my request. The neat thing is later on when I went to check on her she told me that she had been thinking of asking me to do that very thing. This will be an important time for both of us and I thank God for His timing. I think the reason I hesitated to ask mom in the beginning of her stay here was probably because the timing was off, that's why I believe God had me wait. She wasn't ready and she could of told me no. I am usually the one who cannot wait especially if I see what good can come out of it but God has shown me in great detail how to wait on Him. Our intentions can be very good, our timing can be off. We must wait upon the Lord.

Tonight we prayed and I read to mom. I am starting in the Gospel of John. I look forward to our days to come so we can grow in our faith together. This is the best well spent time I have ever had with my mother and I am excited and come with great expectations from my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I am so thankful...God is a God of restoration! He is the great Restorer and the Mighty Healer. He has restore my relationship with my mom and He has healed the hurt and pain and He has given me my mother. God does answer prayer.

Psalm 73:24-26 You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR8rlTIU8_Y&feature=channel_page