A Day In the Life...

Bonjour!

Anna here, taking a break from writing thank you notes to ease her writer's cramp, and stopping in for a quick ((over-do)) update on life in general. 

Mine, actually.

But you didn't know that.

Yesterday, my sweet, ultra-coordinated MOH (aka: Kara) pulled off a charming bridal shower for me. She did a fabulous job - what would I ever do without her?!

To see more pics of her handywork, click on over to her blog: HERE

Hanging out, waiting for the fireworks to start on the 3rd. (I'm 19 now, by the way...)

Oh, yeah. And I experienced an epic "Pinterest Fail" this morning. 

The "Listerine Foot Soak.." 

Yeah. Just don't even go there.

I've always had icky, wrinkled-ish feet, and I was trying to coax them into beautification for sandal-weather....but...yeah. Blue and green is ten times worse than...used, wrinkled and brown.

I ended up scrubbing them with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to make them normal. ish. kinda.

The pic is included as persuasive evidence. ((My toes are rather humiliating - feel special that I cared this much about warning you not to soak your feet in blue mouthwash for 30 minutes. ;) ))

Moving on!

Yes...quite literally. I've packed up my life in a number of boxes (which I scrounged together from the coffee shop's basement). It's been fun...and slightly sentimental.

((The quilt Mom made for me when I was little..))

I'm curious to see how we're going to smash all this stuff into the van...we shall see...

Thank the Lord, everything's coming together!!!

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A Day In the Life...

When God Writes Your Story

It was the last day of Retreat and everyone was milling around in the lobby, waiting for their groups, hauling luggage to the cars and saying goodbyes. I was standing to the side with a couple of my besties, pretty much just tryna stay outta everbody's way.

Then this blonde-headed, blue-eyed firefighter is standing there in front of me, shaking hands with my friends and asking where we went to church. "Ethan Pritchard." I liked him right away; this was a good decent guy if I'd ever seen one. But nothing could come of that, right? He didn't have my number; for all I knew, he'd never seen me before.

I was driving home with Faith and Loyal Carlon the next day when my cell phone rang. "Um...do you know a guy named Ethan Pritchard?" It was Mom, with the very essence of teasing in her voice. "Oh, yeah...   why?" "He called Dad and asked if he could talk to you..."

I was speechless.

Frankly; I had had it with guys at that point. Every girl has her share of "creepers" during the teen years, and I was annoyed to death. From the guy who lived somewhere across the ocean who showed up on facebook, to the 50 year old who asked me out at work...I was tired of dealing with it all. Exhausted, really. But...there was something different about this one. I liked him. He seemed steady.

So I prayed, and prayed, and prayed and prayed...and told Dad to let him know that I was willing to talk with him.

And then the magic started - the very first time I heard him say my name. (Secretly, I had always hoped it would be special when "my man" first said my name. Always, I had listened for "specialness" when other guys were around, but nothing was ever different. This time it was; and I was giddy with excitement.)

We talked for about a month, then he decided to come up and visit. He met my family, took me out on our first date, choked down his first cup of coffee, and got stuck in a snowstorm on his way back to sunny North Carolina. (19 hours in a snowstorm, people - that's one devoted guy!) I felt as soon as he was gone, that I was missing part of me. And his blue eyes.....     :)

But I still wanted to be sure that it was God's perfect will. I cannot tell you how many times I prayed earnestly about it; but one night I got desperate. It was about 1:00 in the morning, and I knelt down beside my bed to hash it out. It was 3:00 am before my head hit the pillow, but I went to sleep with peace that God had heard me.

I know some people may think it's weird, but as I was staying there, asking God to lead me, wondering why I felt nothing at all, this song came softly, gently over my heart, and I knew all was well.

"Cause you prayed all night

Cause you held on with all of your might

Child, your cries have awoken the Master.

Oh, He knows your voice

Lift your hands, it's time to rejoice

Child, your cries have awoken the Master."

As promised, my confirmation came, and I knew. I can honestly say that I've never been so sure of anything in my life.

I'll never forget the first time Ethan told me he loved me. His eyes caught mine, and everything went still. Being speechless never used to be a problem for me, but in that moment I was afraid to say anything for fear it would shatter this perfect longed-for moment. I know God must have smiled.

"Anna, I truly feel I've fallen in love with you." And all I could do was stare at him and grin that wide, stupid smile, and mumble something about how much I loved him, too.

Then, there came one fateful night. We were talking pretty seriously about spending the rest of our lives together, and thinking about different possibilities. We chose a date; August 8th. (Exactly seven months - to the day - from when he first called me.)
No, we weren't engaged. But we knew this was what God wanted for both of us, and that we couldn't live without each other. When you have Christ, you have everything. And with God for us, what could stand against us? Walking in His perfect will leaves you in the center of calm, because you know He will see you through.

Obviously, I was expecting him to ask me the next time he came to visit. BUT, I didn't know when that was going to be - that is, until he walked into my living room while I was playing the piano one afternoon, smiling his mischievous little smile.

The next day he wanted to see Hayman Falls (which happens to be my favorite place on earth), so we decided to drive out there and take a look at the water. I got us lost on the way there (yes, local girls...I know that's pathetic...but anyways) because I asked him to turn around when we were actually going the right way. But, hey! we got there.

We walked down the trail by the river and sat down on a moss-covered rock.

The trees loomed above us and the water ran fast, filling the woods with the indescribable peace of nature. I breathed deep, taking it all in.

"Anna? Do you still love me?"

Of course I did.

He just looked into my eyes for a second, as if trying hard to read something from them.

"Well, then...I guess I have something to ask you."

And he was pulling something out of his pocket.

I felt my eyes go wide. "Ethan, are you SERIOUS?!"

And he was holding the most gorgeous ring I had ever seen, asking me to marry him.

My hand went over my mouth (seeing as I was so shocked that all my dreams were coming true), and I just nodded my head.

He slipped it on my finger, while I still stared in disbelief.

"Oh my word... Ethan...

We're getting married!"

He grinned, and laughed his, "well, um, yeah" kinda laugh, and I looked up at the sky in perfect wonder.

God had heard every one of those wistful, wondering prayers about "Lord, I have no idea where my husband is, but I know you've called me to be a wife and mother. Please, God; give me faith to hold onto your promise even though I see nothing with these natural eyes." And He honored them, by giving me the most responsible, loving man there ever could have been. One who knows how to make me smile, can tell when something is bothering me (even if I don't tell him,) and actually loves me for me - the me that is full of mistakes and imperfections. He takes it all and calls me his girl, anyway.


And I can't understand why God would give me someone as perfect as Ethan to be mine forever. I feel so indescribably blessed, and incandescently happy.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart" - He doesn't disappoint.

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When God Writes Your Story

Retreat Lessons

Youth Camp is always incredible - especially when you come expecting God to move in a special way for YOU, personally. As usual, the Lord met with us and our faith was encouraged.

Sometimes, as the months pass and the "daily grind" takes it's toll, you forget what God spoke to you in those special moments or how He dealt with your heart. Thus, I'm just writing down a few of the things that spoke to me, or stood out in the services. Thought you might be blessed by it, too. :)

• "How do you know God loves you? Because He said He does." There are so many arguments about "If God were real...If God cared...If God was so loving...then, Why?!" The above statement is also the perfect answer for Satan's reasons why "You don't deserve God's love anymore." It's true, we don't. But Christ makes us worthy.


• I was reminded not to be so lackadaisical in my walk with the Lord. We're supposed to be watching the signs of the times and preparing ourselves - zealously waiting with great anticipation. Plan for a thousand years - but don't turn a blind eye to the hour we're living in!


• It was incredible to me how the ministers who were preaching not only spoke about some things that I had been asking God about, but they were using the exact phrases I had prayed in my quiet, "prayer closet" conversations with the Lord. Who says God isn't mindful?!


• "He heard you the first time." Sometimes we don't feel anything when we pray; no mighty rushing wind, no ray of light piercing through the darkness, no audible voice - And we feel deflated and worried, like something isn't right and God refuses to listen to us in our time of need. Have faith. If there's no besetting sin to hinder you and your heart is clear, don't think He isn't listening. He heard you the first time.


• I've always thought it was so sad to see all the girls these days who mope that "I'm never going to get married. Nobody likes me. Nobody could ever want me. There's no guys in my church. Here I am, just graduated high school, and nobody's interested." (Yeah...the syndrome of desperate 18 year olds). I've never quite gathered the courage to write a post about it, but I've always wished I could tell them: "Hey! We trust God for salvation, for a job, to keep our family members, to make a way for us, and is He not faithful?! There's no way He's incapable of bring the right one, at the right time."
  
  Yup, you guessed it - that was brought up in the sermons, too. (And I was equally encouraged.)


• Never, ever give up on the loved ones who have "gone out into the world."  All of our faith was raised a notch (and I'm pretty sure there wasn't a dry eye in the whole sanctuary) when Brother Jonathan got up and testified of how the Lord had brought Him back to the truth. One of Jonathan's friends (and I'm sure, his parents, youth group and church) had refused to give up on him and continually brought his name before the throne of grace. It took three years, but at Winter Youth Retreat 2014, God honored those prayers. If God could do it in his situation, I know God can do it in mine.
  
  
  Okay. Before I write a whole book, I had better cut it off. In summary, I was so blessed and encouraged at retreat this year. God's not dead - and He cares about young people and their questions. Never let Satan tell you that your too far gone, too small or too despicable for God. God loves you because He said He does, and there is no repentant heart that God won't cleanse and make whole again.
  
  God Bless.

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Retreat Lessons

Bad Day.

"You mustn't question anything to God. "For the footsteps of the righteous is ordered of the Lord." And every trial is put upon you to prove you. And the Bible said they're more precious to you than gold. So if God let a few light afflictions happen to you, remember, it's for the correction of you. "Every son that cometh to God must first be chastened of God and tried," child-trained. There's no exceptions, "Every son that cometh..." And these afflictions are done or brought--brought about to see what attitude you'll take. See, it's God on this proving ground. That's all earth is, is a proving ground, and where He's trying to prove you." - WMB

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Bad Day.

Here for this.



 

All want their lives to count for something

To leave their mark when life is through

But vain pursuits will count for nothing

time will erase what e're we do.

I want my life to count for Jesus

For earthly things will quickly fade

No need to add to worldly riches

I only seek eternal gain.

 

Inside my heart there burned a question

What was I placed on earth here for

It truly was to build a Kingdom

Not of my own but for the Lord.

Awhile back I was having one of those "discouraged" kind of days. Those ones where you wonder if what you do and who you are is really important or effective at all. This is the song that came to mind - the words are so simple, but it left a calm in my heart. Read them slowly and be inspired.

 

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Here for this.

Coffee and Roses

He held them out for me; three small, fuchsia-colored roses in a plastic container. "Welcome to the Living Room family."

I was smiling so big, it was ridiculous.

I'm so excited that I get to work at a coffee shop. Some people drag themselves into work every day - unexcited and zombie-like before they even start. I get to deal with fun customers {like the elderly "regular" who gave me flowers on my fourth day}, share sarcastic humor with my trainers, and come home smelling like caramel. It's the best job I've had yet.

I thought there simply were no job openings or possibilities in the city of Clintonville. Still, I went ahead and put out applications. Feeling hopeless, I got by myself one night and prayed until I had peace. The next morning, The Living Room Coffee Shop called, wanting to schedule an interview. I haven't been that excited in a long time.

Apparently, {by "coincidence" - right?} the owner's husband knew a fellow who goes to church with our family. He asked him about me. I'm pretty sure whatever-it-was that our friend said, won me the position. I was told that they had ((pretty much)) made their decision before I ever came in. God sure has an awesome way of working things out, doesn't He?

So that's what I've been doing for the last week: memorizing latte recipes and learning the quirks of Clintonville's main coffee shop, doing my level-best to figure things out quickly. Prayer is a huge asset in life - I'm telling you. It's incredible what God can do.

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Coffee and Roses

Trusting

Call it "part of growing up", if you will, but I've noticed that, the older I get, the bigger life's 

mysteries and questions become.

Peering off into the distance, straining my eyes for a glimpse of "What's next", I do a lot of wondering - hoping, too. Ideas and plans swirl in the mist. Some are weak and gray - those dissipate in the quiet breeze, but others rise and swell, strong and stronger; plans, ideas, dreams...

Shifting to get a better view, I feel something still and solid; firm beneath me. Slowly, I stretch my hand over the smooth weather-beaten rock. I've come to trust it; this sure foundation to build on. This is my hope. This is my anchor.

Sometimes we underestimate the reality of God - His ability to direct our paths and steady our footing. I look up at the sky, the stars coming out, one by one, the mist growing darker; the moon waxing bright. He sees them, up there. Knows them by name.

My gaze falls to the tree branch overhead. Yes, He made this too. And, closing my eyes, I know He sees me. 

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Trusting

I Can't Believe This

My School days have been good. No, more than that, they were special. I was privileged to have parents who didn't just see "education" as numbers and letters in a textbook, or a GPA on a page. They looked at my potentials, saw my weakness, lifted me up before God, and did their best to prepare me for the work He had for me to do in life. In short: they were, and are, amazing.

As in everyone's school years, though, there were days when I would look up from my torturous math book, and stare off into space. Drowning in self-pity, I would try to imagine how it would feel to be done with school forever - Confident? Free? Exultant? Every eye turned approvingly in my direction as I received the coveted diploma. What would I do next? The choices were all mine now.

This morning I woke slowly, and lay still, like I normally do, trying to grasp at reality with a groggy, slow-wakening mind. While reluctantly losing ground on the ambition of going back to sleep, a fact repeated itself a few times in my head. "Today is your last day of school."

Last...day...of...school.

It's taken all day for reality to sink in. I didn't believe it when Mom asked "So how does it feel?" or when a friend called and gave her congratulations. Numbly, I walked through the day, unable to quite understand it all.

To some, school is "school." Boring. Meaningless. For me, as a homeschooler, life revolved around it - a struggle to achieve every day, a feeling of success we made it through. It forever challenged me to reach farther than the realm of my comfort zone - and I needed it. Really, if there were an all-important list of lessons that I could pinpoint as "most meaningful" from this journey, perseverance would be pretty close to the top.

The other day Mom and I were folding laundry in the basement. Grabbing a clean wash cloth out of the basket, I straightened. "Mom, didn't you ever feel like giving up?"

She had a calm, grim look on her face as she answered, "Yes. But you just keep going."

Yes. Keep going: when I couldn't read one more phonics page, when Mom and I cried over decimals together, when certain learning strategies were impossible, when the schedule was full, and energy was "empty." We prayed, we cried and we kept going. Somehow, we made it.

Sitting here, still dazed and unable to fathom what just happened, I feel incredibly in awe of all the grace I've been shown. Grace from my parents - when they didn't know what to do with me. Grace from God - that held all three of us and became my tie-post.

See, our homeschool wasn't "normal." (In fact, "normal" has had almost no play in any part of my life.) It had a huge, emphasis on the three R's - but it had a deeper focus on salvation and character. I remember times when Mom would just stop everything she was doing, sit down, and start praying. She got results. Dad got results. That was one of the first things that sparked a question about my walk with God - what about my prayers? Would they get results?

Ultimately, our school had very little to do with us and what was "comfortable." It had nothing to do with Mom and Dad wanting us to make a better academic performance than other kids. It had everything to do with raising us in the admonition of Christ. It wasn't easy, it wasn't all fun and games, (although there was a great deal of that, too) and, sometimes, it was downright hard. In spite of it all, they prayed me through - and that's why I am who I am today. Providence.

Mom and Dad, I just want to say thank you, so much. Nobody will ever know how much your encouragement, guidance and patience have molded my life. There's not words to express how thankful I am that you kept going when I was impossible. Thank you for being such Godly examples for me and leading me to Christ. I love you both.

Always your little girl,
Anna

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I Can't Believe This

Once More

 

 

 I wanted to go, but it was completely unlikely that I could, so I didn't bother with "Do you think I could come, too?" That would be ridiculous.

While I thought about how unthinkable it was, I slowly remembered how God had supplied for me this very summer; things that I didn't "need", just wanted.

I had looked for a job, prayed for one, searched the newspaper for openings...and it wasn't that the employers didn't want to hire me, but a clear obstacle kept me from the opening and I knew it simply wasn't God's will.

 So I waited; but I had no money and lots of things I wanted to do. There wasn't anything to be done except to pray; and as I prayed, I watched as, before my amazed eyes, God brought situations and opportunities into my path in perfect time.

Sometimes it had felt frivolous to ask for these things; they were big and exciting...but  altogether unnecessary.

The jobs were temporary (I was making bee-hives; awesome, right?) and future provision wavered like a mirage in the desert. But as time went on, I found God supplying everything for me -  from one need to the next -  and I began to realize that I  do serve the One who says "The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts."

As I stood in awe of the perfect way He supplied every single time, I realized that I could trust Him for everything - even the "small", "unimportant" stuff.


I thought about the beautiful banquet dress that came out of nowhere when modest dresses were hard to find (and incredibly expensive, most of the time!). I remembered the trip to PA that God had granted when I had no way to get there. I remembered how He supplied funds for a trip to Winter Youth Retreat when I had no money and no way of getting any. All are answered prayers. All are treasured gifts. All are miraculous to me.


So I prayed, quietly. "If it's your will," and  remained neutral. Whatever  He decided would be fine.

I forgot about it.

A few days later there was a mischievous smile on my younger sisters face. "I know something you don't know."

I begged and pleaded but she wouldn't tell me.

Mystery ended with Dad reading aloud from the computer screen, confirming "two tickets" for Arizona on the 21st of November.

I was floored.

A trip with Dad, all by myself! And I would get to fly for the first time since I was three, to the Native American meeting. How sweet of him! God's so awesome.

My brain leaped to what outfits to take with me; and immediately began wondering if it would be possible to stuff them all into a single bag. What about going through security? Would they let me wear bobbypins? What would I do without my  bobbypins? Would they, at least, let me take some in my suitcase?

 

 I walked to the mirror and paused. With a smile nearly splitting my face, I said slowly, "YOU are going to Arizona." And with that, reality struck and excitement swelled, good and warm.

 

Now, as I add this item to the list of  God's realities in my life, I feel so blessed to have a Dad who would  spend the time and money on me like this, and I'm thankful for the unselfish mother who suggested Dad let me go in her place because, in her words, (when I asked her why,) "You needed it more than I did."

 

More than this, I'm grateful to have a Heavenly Father who would surround His children with this happiness, this joy, this blessing. One who cares to be real in His servant's life.

 

Let Him be real in yours!

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Once More

What God Just Did for Me

My neck hurt so bad. Therefore my head ached, too...as well as my ears - and is it possible for teeth to hurt? Well, they all did. Really bad.

Every time I stood up my head swam. Mom thought I looked like I was going to faint and sent me to bed. After I got up (after almost two hours rest) the pain gradually worsened.

Finally it was time for bed. I lay on the top bunk and cried quietly - it was hard to breathe (I imagined it was just because I drank too much water and my lungs couldn't expand properly.) I had a rice-pack around my neck and a cold-pack held to my forehead.

In about fifteen minutes, my hot-pack got cold and I went downstairs, shivering.

Back to bed.

It hurt.

I couldn't sleep.

After laying in tense misery for another twenty minutes, I eased myself out of bed and went back downstairs to re-warm my hot pack in the microwave.

 I felt very much like a five-year-old; I wanted Mom. But what could she do? We'd already prayed about it...I would just be keeping her awake for no good reason. "Anna, you just need to grow up," I told myself, still shaking with cold and crying.

While I waited for the microwave to finish, I started to pray.

Then it dawned on me.

Pray.

That's Who I could talk to. What a perfect opportunity.

I prayed all the way up the stairs, I prayed myself into the bunk-bed. I told Him everything; what I was going through, how confused I was about the things I was going through, how I wanted to serve Him with everything that was in me. I asked Him what He wanted me to do for Him in life, asked Him about some questions I'd been seeking answers to. We talked about my friends, we talked about acquaintances, we talked about the church...and just about that time, I began to notice that my head didn't hurt.

I raised my hands and started praising. I knew He had to be there, in my bedroom, with me.

I ought to be in bed right now, and I'm going to be in a few minutes, but I just wanted to testify of the pain that's (at this moment) almost completely gone. Furthermore, I'm so happy about what God's getting ready to do for all the people that I prayed for - because He said "Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you."

It's amazing that He cares for somebody like me - never let the devil tell you that God doesn't love you and that you're too imperfect for Him to bother with. It isn't true - because that's what Satan was telling me tonight, and God just showed him up.

I'm so excited for the answers to my questions that will be coming soon, and am very thankful for His strength in perfect weakness. I know  He's already got a plan for my good and that the situations I'm facing right now are already conquered in the name of Jesus Christ who bought my freedom with His own blood.


                                                                 Psalm 31: 19-24

¹⁹ Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
²⁰ Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
²¹ Blessed be the Lord: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.
²² For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.
²³ O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
²⁴ Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.

(This whole chapter is inspiring - if you have time, it would be great to read the whole thing!)

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What God Just Did for Me

Vibrant

 

I felt broken. What happened to the little-girl simplicity that I used to have? Everything is so mysterious and complicated at this point in life. People's feelings and thoughts mingle deeply, like tree roots, far beneath the ground. Decisions, pressures, character flaws, problems, changes, solutions...they all swirl like a silent pool of water - deep and unknown questions.

 

I lay my head on the pillow. I'd never understand it. I'd never be the girl I really wanted to be.

 

I looked at myself and I looked at who I was supposed to be - who I really desired to be - and saw so much lacking. Where I wanted confidence, I felt only fear. Where I wanted strength, I saw complete weakness. Where I wanted wisdom, I only remembered, with torment, all the things that I'd ever said that weren't right.

 

I hated me. For my weakness. For who I was. For my mistakes.

 

Something told me that it didn't have to be this way. Underlying, I knew people did love me, I knew God forgave me of all I ever did wrong, I knew He made me with this, creative, different personality for a reason; that it was a good reason - but I just couldn't forgive or accept myself with this  parade of flaws and mistakes constantly scrolling through my mind.

 

I wanted to be free. I knew God wanted His children to be at peace, to not worry, to trust and rejoice. He didn't give us the spirit of bondage, to fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

 

  I'd seen this crush others who couldn't accept who God made them. I'd seen how miserable they'd become. I'd seen how they were believing what wasn't true - feeling alone, in a world of people who cared about them.

 

I didn't want that.

 

When I prayed, I really didn't know if I could be free from these fears. It was part of my personality to think deeply, love deeply and hurt deeply. But a scripture came to mind "Nothing shall be impossible with God." Further than that, the Sunday service whispered hope to me, and, finally, in my morning devotions I read about how God doesn't want us to just wish for things, He wants us to stand on His promises and believe His Word.

 

Why am I sharing something so personal? Because I know that there are many of us who feel like we're different and unaccepted. Most people do, I've come to realize. We're shocked when we find out that someone actually cares about us. We're afraid that if people saw us make one, little mistake, they'd tear us to shreds. We're afraid we don't matter.

 

This writing isn't a complaint, but a testimony. I just wanted you to know, that you can be free, like I am, today.

 

"How?" you say, wondering if it's true. (If you're like I was, you've exhausted every mental exercise that ought to have made you know how loved and amazing you really are.)

 

I could continue this pattern and give you a few scripture verses, but what you really need is for the verses to come alive. You have to get desperate and start crying out to God.

 

 

 

"Ask and you shall receive." Sometimes it takes a while before the answer comes, but if you know nothing can hinder your prayer, just keep waiting on God and overcome the doubts "by the blood of the lamb and the word of your testimony." Praise God for your victory (that's on the way!) and keep hanging on no matter how long it takes.

 

It's His will for us to be happy. It's His will for us to be at peace. It's His will for us to be overcomers

 

 He paid the price for your freedom - you don't have to live in bondage. What are you waiting for?

 

I'm telling you - it's wonderful.

 

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Vibrant

Remembering We're Not Alone

Psalm 139

1 O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

² Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
³ Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
⁴ For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
⁵ Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
⁷ Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
⁸ If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
⁹ If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
¹⁰ Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
¹¹ If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
¹² Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
¹³ For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
¹⁴ I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
¹⁵ My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
¹⁶ Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
¹⁷ How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
¹⁸ If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
¹⁹ Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
²⁰ For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
²¹ Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
²² I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
²⁴ And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Isn't it such a comfort, to know He understands?

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Remembering We're Not Alone

What They're Singing About

"Had a little talk with Jesus, and I told Him all about my troubles..."

"Rock of ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee..."

"Pass me not, Oh gentle Savior..."

"My faith looks up to thee..."

We sing them so often - at least I do. Sometimes it's absent-mindedly, while I'm busy with my work, sometimes I sing them as prayers. I've come to realize that it's only when we've actually "Had a little talk" with Jesus ourselves and completely emptied ourselves out before Him that we can know the true meaning of these songs.

Sometimes we get tired. Sometimes we fall flat in our relationship with God. Sometimes we don't have energy to go on doing what needs to be done. Sometimes we get prickly - away from our source of replenishing rain, like a cactus in the desert. Sometimes it feels like we can't give anymore. It's not fair. It's too hard - but there's no escaping these mountains.

That's when we need to stop - in the middle of our busyness, our "unforgivable weakness", the exhaustion of emptiness, all of our worries about "why it can't be" - and humble ourselves before God.

Be honest. He wants to know your cares. Tell Him everything - stay until all else fades away. "You'll begin to lift up. That'll make you what you should be." Let Him re-fill you with himself, let His peace settle your heart. Be still and know that He is God - the One who divided the red sea, the One who's always been watching you, the One who can heal, the One who conquered death, hell and the grave at Calvary - the One who knows your needs and loves to give His children good things.

You may not get an answer right away, but you can know that "He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." There's peace in knowing the answers are on the way. You can rise up with new strength, new joy, new peace and face the impossibilities that stand in your path. You can know that Someone much stronger than you is your source of strength, your hiding place, your keeper who always keeps His promises.

I know - He did that for me just today.

                   Trust Him.

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What They're Singing About

What I Just Watched God Do

We were having Special Meetings with Brother Darrel Ward from TN last weekend. We'd done a lot of praying before these meetings, that God would really deal with our hearts.

 

Toward the end of the Sunday service, the Spirit of God was really moving among the people - you could feel His presence. Brother Darrel called Isaac over to him because he had seen how Isaac's hands had been bothering him all weekend. ("Tormented" is the only fitting word.)

                                      He prayed that his hands would be whole in "three sunrises". 

 

Below is a picture of  Isaac's hands on the third morning after the prayer.

 

 

You can see for yourself - God still hears and cares about his people! I'm so glad His power is still real.

 

On top o' that, I'll let your hear mom's side of another testimony a couple days later.

 

"Bro. Darrell {had} instructed him to put the prayer cloth he gave Isaac under his pillow. {After he'd prayed over Isaac's hands.} Last night Isaac caught the "bug" that Becca had the night before (headache and vomiting). I made him some hot tea and fixed him a bed on the couch preparing for an "all-nighter". Isaac told me to make sure to put his prayer cloth under his pillow. The girls and I went for a walk and were gone 30 minutes. When we returned, Isaac was up, feeling well, and asking for something to eat because he was "starving". So thankful for God's healing touch!"

 

Does anyone have a testimony of what God has done for them?

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What I Just Watched God Do