I found this over at Mari's site. I was in tears and I hope you are moved by it as well.
Have a great weekend and be blessed Y'all!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
~*~ Thankful Thursday With JC ~*~
~*~Thankful Thursday with JC~*~ is a gratitude journal of sorts. Every evening I thank God for least seven things for that day. My way of thinking is that I will share seven of those things with you, my blessed and highly favored blog reader, on a weekly basis and invite you to share yours. Let’s face it by Thursday I’m are feeling a bit ragged around the edges and by Friday I am thanking God for getting me through another week! Well, my God desires praise, gratitude and honor every day of the week and it is my pleasure to give it to Him.
To understand some of the things I’m thankful for you need to know me a little better. When I reference family, I’m speaking of extended family, four siblings, two first cousins, their spouses, their children, and grandchildren. I am the last of five children. I had a brother who was 18 years my senior and a nephew who is 20 years my junior. Yes, I have known martial bliss and the heartbreak of martial demise with no children to be hurt in the process.
My employment is in education, as a director of a federal grant program that must be renewed every four years. This means we spend every third year of the grant writing a renewal proposal and the fourth year not knowing if we will have a job. I’ve learned that my security does not lie with my employer. The grant works with at risk youth in public middle and high schools that are capable of benefiting from post secondary education. I don’t work directly with these students; I have a staff that does a great job of mentoring and guiding them. I’m the one that juggles the budget and encourages my staff to keep on keeping on in the face of the many challenges that face anyone doing anything in public schools.
I am a founding director in a public charity named the Lifting You Up Foundation, Inc. This charity was founded to provide scholarships for at risk youth, particularly those who have lost a parent to death or coming out of the foster care system.
I promise future postings from me will not contain so much chatter about myself.
Father God,
I praise You for who You are... my protector and provider; the creator of all. I thank You that there are people who want to be the U. S. President or to serve in any other elected position for that matter. Lord, I honestly do not care for any of the candidates but Father I still believe that “In God We Trust” stamped on our money applies now more than ever. I know it does to me. I got to thinking about the upcoming elections when I attended several/many area Awards/Honors day programs this past week in area public high schools. At each we rose and said the “Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag”. “One nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.” Well, Father, I’ve come to question the liberty and justice for all part but I am so very thankful that we are “one nation under God”. Father I ask You to make it clear to me how You want me to vote in November and not just me Father but every person that votes whether they profess Your Son or not. As I sat on those very hard folding chairs or gym bleachers for hours and listened as various scholarships were given to the seniors of 2008, I paid special attention to the representatives of the various branches of the military. Each one took his/her place behind the podium and announced proudly that we have a future whatever (Marine, Army, Navy & Air Force) in our midst. The young person’s name would be announce followed by cheers and clapping but Father in my heart I wanted to scream “NO” at the top of my lungs. “You are to young to make a decision like this!!” “Go to college first!!” but I didn’t. Where would we be as a nation if young men and women didn’t have the courage to step up and serve so Father I am truly thankful for those seniors of 2008 who are entering military service. As we honored those who served and are currently serving our country on Memorial Day, Lord I want to lift up those who WILL serve. Father you were with me there; you know who they are so just give them wisdom and discernment to know the right thing to do, how to do it and when. Keep a hedge of protection round about them and keep them safe. If any of them don’t know Your Son, I ask that You place someone in their path to lead them to a saving knowledge of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Father, I’m thankful that several of our program participants are graduating in the top 10 of their class. I’m thankful for my staff that works so hard to instill within these youth the knowledge and skills they need to be successful as they go to college. Father thank you for keeping me safe as I traveled this past week to the various schools and to my family Sunday. Father thank you for each of my family members (all of them), I am so blessed to be loved and appreciated by each of them. I pray Father that each of them from the oldest to the youngest know that I love them totally, completely and unconditionally. None of them has to write, call, email, visit or acknowledge me in their life for me to love them. Father even though I can’t imagine loving them more You love me more than I love them because You sent Your Son that I might have life and have in it in abundance. How Incredible You Are!!! Keep them safe and give them everything they need to be truly happy.
All these things I ask in the powerful and precious name of Jesus.
Amen
That is my seven for the past week. What are yours? JC
To understand some of the things I’m thankful for you need to know me a little better. When I reference family, I’m speaking of extended family, four siblings, two first cousins, their spouses, their children, and grandchildren. I am the last of five children. I had a brother who was 18 years my senior and a nephew who is 20 years my junior. Yes, I have known martial bliss and the heartbreak of martial demise with no children to be hurt in the process.
My employment is in education, as a director of a federal grant program that must be renewed every four years. This means we spend every third year of the grant writing a renewal proposal and the fourth year not knowing if we will have a job. I’ve learned that my security does not lie with my employer. The grant works with at risk youth in public middle and high schools that are capable of benefiting from post secondary education. I don’t work directly with these students; I have a staff that does a great job of mentoring and guiding them. I’m the one that juggles the budget and encourages my staff to keep on keeping on in the face of the many challenges that face anyone doing anything in public schools.
I am a founding director in a public charity named the Lifting You Up Foundation, Inc. This charity was founded to provide scholarships for at risk youth, particularly those who have lost a parent to death or coming out of the foster care system.
I promise future postings from me will not contain so much chatter about myself.
Father God,
I praise You for who You are... my protector and provider; the creator of all. I thank You that there are people who want to be the U. S. President or to serve in any other elected position for that matter. Lord, I honestly do not care for any of the candidates but Father I still believe that “In God We Trust” stamped on our money applies now more than ever. I know it does to me. I got to thinking about the upcoming elections when I attended several/many area Awards/Honors day programs this past week in area public high schools. At each we rose and said the “Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag”. “One nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.” Well, Father, I’ve come to question the liberty and justice for all part but I am so very thankful that we are “one nation under God”. Father I ask You to make it clear to me how You want me to vote in November and not just me Father but every person that votes whether they profess Your Son or not. As I sat on those very hard folding chairs or gym bleachers for hours and listened as various scholarships were given to the seniors of 2008, I paid special attention to the representatives of the various branches of the military. Each one took his/her place behind the podium and announced proudly that we have a future whatever (Marine, Army, Navy & Air Force) in our midst. The young person’s name would be announce followed by cheers and clapping but Father in my heart I wanted to scream “NO” at the top of my lungs. “You are to young to make a decision like this!!” “Go to college first!!” but I didn’t. Where would we be as a nation if young men and women didn’t have the courage to step up and serve so Father I am truly thankful for those seniors of 2008 who are entering military service. As we honored those who served and are currently serving our country on Memorial Day, Lord I want to lift up those who WILL serve. Father you were with me there; you know who they are so just give them wisdom and discernment to know the right thing to do, how to do it and when. Keep a hedge of protection round about them and keep them safe. If any of them don’t know Your Son, I ask that You place someone in their path to lead them to a saving knowledge of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Father, I’m thankful that several of our program participants are graduating in the top 10 of their class. I’m thankful for my staff that works so hard to instill within these youth the knowledge and skills they need to be successful as they go to college. Father thank you for keeping me safe as I traveled this past week to the various schools and to my family Sunday. Father thank you for each of my family members (all of them), I am so blessed to be loved and appreciated by each of them. I pray Father that each of them from the oldest to the youngest know that I love them totally, completely and unconditionally. None of them has to write, call, email, visit or acknowledge me in their life for me to love them. Father even though I can’t imagine loving them more You love me more than I love them because You sent Your Son that I might have life and have in it in abundance. How Incredible You Are!!! Keep them safe and give them everything they need to be truly happy.
All these things I ask in the powerful and precious name of Jesus.
Amen
That is my seven for the past week. What are yours? JC
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION........
Props to Krissy for finding this video!
I had a couple of conversations last week that made me take a look at my relationship with Jesus. I don't think that all Christians should look just alike in our walk. We are all individuals, we think differently, learn differently, express ourselves differently. So why would Jesus have the same effect on each of us?
As I said to a Dear One, our relationship with Jesus is a Personal relationship. If I went to a fitness advisor and asked for a personal fitness plan, would my plan be the same as an eighteen year old's plan? NO! Because my plan would be designed for an out of shape 37 year old. Personal. Would it be any less Healthful for me as the eighteen year old's is for them? NO! Just what we each need personally.
Father God,
Thank You for desiring a Personal Relationship with me. Lord, help me not to look to the Christian on the right, or the Christian on the left, but to focus solely on You. Please Lord, help me not to judge my Faith and my walk based on Brothers and Sisters in Christ around me but to know that You are maturing me as is Your will. Father help me to desire to please ONLY YOU. Lord I don't want to walk through life trying to look like other Christians, but the follower of Christ that You want me to be.
Father, if You know the very number of hairs on my head, then you know my heart. Search me Oh Lord, and help me, through my personal relationship with Jesus, to become more Christ-like everyday! I love you Lord and I thank You for Your Faithfulness.
In Jesus Holy and Precious Name I Pray,
Amen.
I had a couple of conversations last week that made me take a look at my relationship with Jesus. I don't think that all Christians should look just alike in our walk. We are all individuals, we think differently, learn differently, express ourselves differently. So why would Jesus have the same effect on each of us?
As I said to a Dear One, our relationship with Jesus is a Personal relationship. If I went to a fitness advisor and asked for a personal fitness plan, would my plan be the same as an eighteen year old's plan? NO! Because my plan would be designed for an out of shape 37 year old. Personal. Would it be any less Healthful for me as the eighteen year old's is for them? NO! Just what we each need personally.
Father God,
Thank You for desiring a Personal Relationship with me. Lord, help me not to look to the Christian on the right, or the Christian on the left, but to focus solely on You. Please Lord, help me not to judge my Faith and my walk based on Brothers and Sisters in Christ around me but to know that You are maturing me as is Your will. Father help me to desire to please ONLY YOU. Lord I don't want to walk through life trying to look like other Christians, but the follower of Christ that You want me to be.
Father, if You know the very number of hairs on my head, then you know my heart. Search me Oh Lord, and help me, through my personal relationship with Jesus, to become more Christ-like everyday! I love you Lord and I thank You for Your Faithfulness.
In Jesus Holy and Precious Name I Pray,
Amen.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
TUESDAYS WITH TIZ
I am so excited that it is Tuesday once again!! It's time for Tuesday's with Tiz. I had to include the personal part of the email that she sent. To me it reveals her sweetness and her humbleness!
"PLEASE feel free to edit my writings. I write just like I talk!!!! And I have not been in an English class or a spelling class in over 50 years."
I feel the same way about what I write! And I wouldn't THINK of editing Tiz's writing because I think that what she writes is from her heart and of the Lord. But I did use spellcheck. She'll be happy to know that the only thing that popped up needing attention was the word "Tiz". Spell check obviously does not recognize her!
So, with no further ado.... TIZ!
"If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink" John 7:37
Father, I keep thinking about how pitiful the little plant in my office looked after going without water for a few days. I noticed it immediately when I came into my office. This little plant must have water!!!
Bringing up my computer, checking emails, posting payments, even making myself a cup of latte, would just have to wait until this plant was watered.
Within a few minutes this little plant looked so happy!!!
Yes, Father, that is the way it is with me... if I have not drank of the Water of Your Word. I can be all out of sorts and go to Your Word, the fountain of Living Water, and within a few minutes my spirit is renewed and I am so happy. Your Princesses and your Peace Lilies both need their water!!!
Thank you, Father, for your faithfulness.
In Jesus name and for His sake,
Tiz
Monday, May 26, 2008
A Memorial Day Dedication Prayer, from the Mother of a Warrior
I contacted Joyce, of Mom is a Verb, to guest blog today's post. She is the wife to a retired military man, and the mother of soldiers. I realize that today is Memorial Day, a day to remember those who have FALLEN. I personally pray a hedge of protection over Joyce's sons, that we will not have to remember their service to our country.... that we will be memories ourselves before the Lord calls them Home.
BUT, this is why it is so vitally important to remember our Brave Men and Women who serve our Country through Military Service. These are people, who weighing the dangers faced them, Serve ANYWAY. Who heed the call, and dedicate their lives to our country. To James and his brother, I thank you Sirs. And to Joyce and her husband Bob, I offer you my respect for raising Warriors.
Now, I present to you Joyce and her Memorial Day Devotional and Prayer!
This week I was struck by Jacob’s final blessings at the end of the book of Genesis. Joseph comes to Jacob in Genesis 48 because he is told his father is sick. Jacob was still amazed at how God had used the evil Joseph’s brothers intended and turned it to good. Joseph became second only to Pharaoh, and Jacob, now living in Egypt gives final instructions. Jacob says, in verse 11, “I never expected to see your face, and behold, God has let me see your children as well." And Jacob blesses Joseph with: “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has been my Shepherd all my life to this day, The angel who has redeemed me from all evil, BLESS THE LADS, and may my name live on in them, and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.”
God, You have been My Shepherd all my life to this day. Please bless the lads.
In Genesis 49:10 (Jacob is prophesying about Judah ) The scepter shall not depart from Judah , nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, UNTIL SHILOH COMES, and to Him shall be the obedience of the peoples. He ties His foal to the vine, and His donkey’s colt to the choice vine; He washes His garments in wine, and His robes in the blood of grapes.
God, You have been My Shepherd all my life to this day. Please bless the lads. You promised that the scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between His feet, until Shiloh comes, and to Him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Jesus did come, and tied His foal to the vine, and His donkey’s colt to the choice vine.
We wait for His second coming, so until Shiloh comes, as Psalm 144 says, “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; my loving kindness and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer; my shield and He in whom I take refuge…”
Only You, Lord, can give our soldiers faces of lions, and only You, Lord, can make them swift as gazelles. Only You, God, can equip them for war, and make them as it says in first Chronicles 12, “mighty men of valor…” “..who understand the times, with knowledge of what You would have the USA do. Make us always friends of Israel . Make our armies like the army of God. Your will be done.
If You can use them, Lord, to bring peace so that everyone in the Middle East can hear the Gospel that Your Son did come, as He promised, and died on the cross for the sins of the whole world, then, we thank You for the peace and that opportunity. But, if evil men continue to desire to enslave and hurt others, then please use our brave soldiers to hunt them down and destroy them. You know, O Lord, exactly where the bad men, like Osoma bin Ladin and his ilk are hiding. I pray that in Your perfect time, You expose them, and destroy them, and make it so obvious that it was from You.
In Jesus name.
Amen.
BUT, this is why it is so vitally important to remember our Brave Men and Women who serve our Country through Military Service. These are people, who weighing the dangers faced them, Serve ANYWAY. Who heed the call, and dedicate their lives to our country. To James and his brother, I thank you Sirs. And to Joyce and her husband Bob, I offer you my respect for raising Warriors.
Now, I present to you Joyce and her Memorial Day Devotional and Prayer!
This week I was struck by Jacob’s final blessings at the end of the book of Genesis. Joseph comes to Jacob in Genesis 48 because he is told his father is sick. Jacob was still amazed at how God had used the evil Joseph’s brothers intended and turned it to good. Joseph became second only to Pharaoh, and Jacob, now living in Egypt gives final instructions. Jacob says, in verse 11, “I never expected to see your face, and behold, God has let me see your children as well." And Jacob blesses Joseph with: “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has been my Shepherd all my life to this day, The angel who has redeemed me from all evil, BLESS THE LADS, and may my name live on in them, and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.”
God, You have been My Shepherd all my life to this day. Please bless the lads.
In Genesis 49:10 (Jacob is prophesying about Judah ) The scepter shall not depart from Judah , nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, UNTIL SHILOH COMES, and to Him shall be the obedience of the peoples. He ties His foal to the vine, and His donkey’s colt to the choice vine; He washes His garments in wine, and His robes in the blood of grapes.
God, You have been My Shepherd all my life to this day. Please bless the lads. You promised that the scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between His feet, until Shiloh comes, and to Him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Jesus did come, and tied His foal to the vine, and His donkey’s colt to the choice vine.
We wait for His second coming, so until Shiloh comes, as Psalm 144 says, “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; my loving kindness and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer; my shield and He in whom I take refuge…”
Only You, Lord, can give our soldiers faces of lions, and only You, Lord, can make them swift as gazelles. Only You, God, can equip them for war, and make them as it says in first Chronicles 12, “mighty men of valor…” “..who understand the times, with knowledge of what You would have the USA do. Make us always friends of Israel . Make our armies like the army of God. Your will be done.
If You can use them, Lord, to bring peace so that everyone in the Middle East can hear the Gospel that Your Son did come, as He promised, and died on the cross for the sins of the whole world, then, we thank You for the peace and that opportunity. But, if evil men continue to desire to enslave and hurt others, then please use our brave soldiers to hunt them down and destroy them. You know, O Lord, exactly where the bad men, like Osoma bin Ladin and his ilk are hiding. I pray that in Your perfect time, You expose them, and destroy them, and make it so obvious that it was from You.
In Jesus name.
Amen.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
~*~ Thankful Thursdays with JC ~*~
I am blessed to have Jimmie Carol posting regularly for Thankful Thursdays with JC . If you asked me who she is, I would say a beloved friend, a giver of good hugs, and a fun lady. Let's see who SHE says that she is. Meet Jimmie Carol.....
~*~ I am a woman SMITTEN, totally and completely in love with the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Creator of all that is and all that will ever be.
~*~ I've learned that the One I serve is not unlike our earthly parents.
~*~ The more I delight in Him, the more I appreciate who He is. And the more I am truly thankful for all He does for me, the more he does.
~*~ I am not a scripture quoter. His Word is buried in my heart but not by book, chapter and verse.
~*~ He delights in me and He desires for His children to delight in Him. When we delight totally and completely in sweet surrender to His will and His way, He will take us on an amazing adventure.
~*~ He already knows what we need before we ask so I can just thank Him. I don't have a need he doesn't supply. Sometimes I don't even have to ask.
~*~
I am SO not a morning person so before I get out of bed, just after I realize that I've been given another day, this is how I start my morning:
Good morning Lord, this is a day that You have made and I'm going to rejoice and be glad in it!
Father, God, holy is Your name. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done in my life today just as it is in Heaven. Thank You for giving me everything I need today and thank You for forgiving my sins. Lord, I'll be faithful to forgive those that may offend me or hurt my feelings or in anyway sin against me. Lord, thank You for leading me away from temptation and keeping me far from evil for Yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Honor and the Glory. You and You alone are worthy of my praise and my adoration. Thank You for your Son and Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for leading and guiding me through this day.
In Jesus' powerful and wonderful name,
Amen
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