NO TRESPASSING

It has been said, "birds of a feather; flock together." No wonder the devil just makes himself at home in our heart-houses. Why wouldn't he want to move in? We put up window treatments. You know; shades of deceit. We provide couches of slothfulness and recliners/seats of scorn. We cook up his favorite meals of gossip, back-biting, and 'white-lies'. We even have left-over grudges. Why! that's his favorite dessert. And what about the jacuzzi with 24 jets of pride to keep him feeling fit? Ahhhh, but we keep the front room bright and shining.....

Neither give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:27

place: any portion or space marked off, as it were from surrounding space 1a) an inhabited place, as a city, village, district 1b) a place (passage) in a book 2) metaph. 2a) the condition or station held by one in any company or assembly 2b) opportunity, power, occasion for acting

If we want to root the devil out, we are going to have to clean up our heart-houses. We will have to replace his favorites with the things he hates. We will have to fill our place with all that is godly and righteous. And we will have to make and enforce a policy of "AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY". Satan is a trespasser and must be treated as such.

While I am not a whole-hearted supporter of the Message version, this passage makes a nice wrap for today's post. Ephesians 4:23-32

29Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.30Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted.31-32Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.

Deb @ another unfinished symphony, adds her insights on creating a climate for spiritual growth. Stop by leave her a comment or two.

Growing Up

As you might have guessed from some of my posts, I have deep seated issues I am working to resolve in my life, the details of which are hard to speak. Giving up and giving it to God is a daily process for me. And sometimes I fail at letting go. Sometimes I hold it close to my heart and say, "God, I am fearful, because I do not know what You are going to do with it." And He whispers back to me, "Daughter. Let me help you. Please just let me help you."

And He and I have these conversations regularly. I know that He does not want me to be a miserable, grieving ball of anger and resentment. I know He wants to take this brokenness and make it into something beautiful. In my finite mind I sit and try to figure out what exactly He is doing, and it still is not clear to me. And I admit, it is scarey and uncomfortable to think that I might emerge from the fire a different person. But how can that be so bad? I do not even like the person I am now. So why am I holding onto that part of me so desperately as if it validates me in some way?

And then I say, "God, what am I supposed to do? I've tried over and over. And it's not working." And God says back, "I can handle this. Have I not brought you this far? Has your faith not kept you for 40+ years? Do you think I will leave you now? Do you think I do not see, do not know, do not care that you are hurting? Child, I know every tear that falls. I know every longing of your heart. I am near. In your sorrow. In your trouble. In your fear. In your storm. I am near. What do I do during storms? I rest and wait them out. What did my disciples do? They worried and fretted and wrung their hands in fear. And so I intervened for them. But what they did not realize was that as long as I was in the boat, no harm would come to them. They were with me. You must learn to trust me."

And so .. there it is . the issue I cannot seem to avoid. Trust. As a mother of a young child I tend to go around cleaning up messes my child has made and wonder if he ever hears and understands the benefit to him of following my instructions. Eventually if I keep working with him, he will cultivate the good habits that I desire in him. Eventually he will learn the easy way or the hard way that Mama is right. He will grow up. He will mature. And that is ultimately what I must do, stop kidding myself and accept the fact that Father knows best.

Lord help me stop being the stubborn spoiled brat. Help me do the right thing. And help me let go of anything that keeps me from doing the right thing. Whatever and whoever that might be.

My Other Baby

Rev Girls Friday Five

1. How did you celebrate this time of year when you were a child? We wore costumes and mom drove us around a 8-mile loop of relatives. They were spread out in the community, but we only went trick-or-treating to people we knew.

2. Do you and/or your family “celebrate” Halloween? Why or why not? And if you do, has it changed from what you used to do? The last few years we have taken CWGIII to the church's Trunk-Or-Treat event. He gets plenty of candy and fun. And it's not the headache of going door-to-door.

2. Candy apples: Do you prefer red cinnamon or caramel covered? Or something else?Caramel apples, definitely.

3. Pumpkins: Do you make Jack O’ Lanterns? Any ideas of what else to do with them?So far we have carved one every year. I'm kind of late with it this year. Just not into it. I let him paint faces on small punkins when he was younger, because he wanted to do it himself, and he couldn't use a knife yet.

4. Do you decorate your home for fall or Halloween? If so, what do you do? Bonus points for pictures. Nothing decorated whatsoever this year. Going to my baby sis' house Sat. night for a party.

5. Do you like pretending to be something different? Does a costume bring our an alternate personality? I have enough alternates without the costumes, thank you. LOLOLOL.

Bonus: Share your favorite recipe for an autumn food, particularly apple or pumpkin ones. I like pumpkin bread and apple crisp. Don't know how to make either. Someone help me out.. :(

Worship Wednesday

Want to Trade?

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." Who doesn't like this verse? I'm sure it is the favorite of countless millions. It has a nice ring to it, it is easy to memorize, and it has such a positive message. But it is not always so easy for us to do.

Check out the immediate context of this little gem. 6)Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:7)Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8)Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Verse 6 speaks of submission to God and verse 7 is a direct order to stay focused as you come under attack.

Being sober is the opposite of being intoxicated. When one is drunk all of his senses are dulled and his thinking is impaired. He may also have a false sense of power or control. Sober also means serious minded and rational. String these attributes together with humility and submission to God and it becomes an easy thing to exchange self-reliance for dependence on Him.

Did you like the way I slipped that one in on you? When we cast our cares on Him, we surrender our perceived control over our difficulties and concerns. The same God who cares for us has all power and authority to meet our every need. He is both able and willing.

There is an old song that simply says, "take your burden to the Lord and leave it there". Your burden may be physical, mental, emotional, financial, or even spiritual. Whatever it is, I encourage you today to release it to Him. Then you will be free to serve Him with gladness and enter His courts with joy. You will find rest for your soul.

Prayer Request

Passing on a request brought to me by Granny B. Please stop to pray for this man and family:


We are needing prayer for a young man named Ryan. He was in an accident, he is burnt pretty bad. Docs have told his family that he might live 2 or 3 days.

If you could help me get the word out for prayer, I would be so grateful.

Thanks
Donna

***UPDATE***Thanks to any that lifted this young man up in prayer.
Last night, he went home to be with the Lord.
Please keep up prayers for this family.

Are You Faster Than a Second Grader

Ok, it's not funny...but oh, who am I kidding, it's hilarious.

There was a little excitement at my son's school last week. One of his classmates (who shall remain unnamed) caused quite a stir. Apparently, the 7 year-old boy shoved a classmate and was punished by sitting out recess for 3 days. And while that may not seem a very harsh punishment, to this little boy it must have been unbearable to sit on the sidelines while his playmates frollicked.

According to my son, the little boy kept trying to sneak off his time-out bench and out into the playground. He was recaptured once, but broke free and took off running again. The teachers evidently carried walkie talkies and radioed for backup to the Principal and Vice Principal who came to help corral him.

He first headed towards the ball field, then towards the tennis court, and finally headed toward greener pastures and the woods nearby, with teachers in tow. I think the tally on teachers chasing him was up to 7. But that could be exaggerated, though I doubt it. My son named off 7 right off the bat. He said they all went different directions, fanning out to cover all avenues of escape.

"Mom, Ms. So-and-So couldn't even catch him, and she was in the war," my son laughingly told me. To which I replied, "So what were you guys doing, cheering him on?" "No, mom, we were shouting, "Go Ms._______ and Go Mr. ________." Smart boy, my son. No detention for him.

Finally, the PE coach (who trains for long marathons and runs on a regular basis) was the one to win the prize and stop the shenanigans. The 2nd grader got 10 days in school suspension to which my son's response was, "He's in solitaire (his word) just like Cool Hand Luke. He has to follow the librarian around all day." His best friend said the whole thing was better than watching wrestling. I tend to agree. I just wish I had been there with a video camera. I would be $10,000 richer now and on America's Funniest Videos. Maybe they should revamp that Jeff Foxworthy show and call it, "Are You Faster Than a Second Grader?"

Friday 5 late late edition

Lately I have not had time to blog or read blogs. Sista Cala came over tonight and suggested I play even though it is nearly 2 days late.

If you were a food, what would you be? a hot chili pepper; steaming, hot, smoking red, and occasionally green.....

What is one of the most memorable meals you ever had? And where? Christmas 2005 @ my granny's. Chicken & Dressing, ham, green beans, mashed potatoes, corn, brown beans, fruit salad, chocolate pie, coconut cake, cheese ball, and more.....

What is your favorite comfort food from childhood? chocolate anything

When going to a church potluck, what one recipe from your kitchen is sure to be a hit? corn casserole (my family can't get enough corn)

What’s the strangest thing you ever willingly ate? alligator tail; and it didn't taste like chicken.

Bonus question: What’s your favorite drink to order when looking forward to a great meal? sweet tea

WW Lessons in Song

I have been feeling kind of nostalgic lately. Feeling my age and looking back over my life. Some of my fondest memories are of my days in Children's Church and VBS. Singing songs and quoting Bible verses were the main ingredients of such services. The tunes were primarily biblical and most were action songs that were a lot of fun. The following were two of my favorites.

Zacchaeus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a sycamore tree, for the Lord to see. As the Saviour passed that way, He looked up in the tree. And He said, "Zacchaeus, you come down from there; for I'm going to your house for tea."

The story is referenced in Luke 19:1-10. I thought it was so neat how a short little man would climb a tree just to see Jesus. And I wondered why he just didn't run around the crowd and wait ahead of it for Jesus to pass. More fascinating than that is the fact that Jesus would stop the parade to talk to someone that no one else liked.

Sometimes it takes some effort on our part in order to see Jesus. Often times we have to distance ourselves from those around us, in order to see clearly. Secondly, He will always make Himself known to those who truly seek Him. Thirdly, obedience is the key to a lasting relationship with Him.

Naaman went down, to the river to dip. Naaman went down, to the river to dip. Naaman went down to the river to dip, and he dipped and he dipped and he dipped and he dipped. All his sins were washed away, washed away.

This little ditty finds its roots in II Kings 5:1-15. Yet another song about obedience. Guess they were teaching that principle without us even knowing it. (smile) I remember getting out of breath trying to do all 7 of those dips. Probably would have been much easier to do them in the river. Ahhhh I digress.

There were several things working for Naaman. First, his wife had a maid that knew of a prophet. Secondly, he had another servant that didn't mind telling him what was being discussed in his wife's chambers. Thirdly, he knew of the king of Israel and felt that it was worthwhile to contact him regarding a cure for his leprosy.

Funny how he was willing to take a chance on the King, but unwilling to go to the Jordan. And what about his pride? Certainly that stood in the way of his miracle and he didn't even know it. But at the humble urging of his servant, he followed the prophet's instructions. Not only was he healed, but he became a believer that day. He publicly acknowledged that there was no other god but the God of Israel.

I'm not sure I learned all of that just from singing the songs. But the songs were seeds planted in my soul. Seeds that sprouted as I heard the stories in Sunday School. Seedlings that grew as I listened to the sermons about Zacchaeus and Naaman. Trees that developed as I studied the scriptures for myself. Timbers selected for the foundation of my life and ministry.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

Oh, Taste and See

"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." Psalms 34:8

Pleasant conversation is like honey. It is sweet and it is good for you. Kind words turn frowns upsidedown. Good preaching edifies the soul. Solid biblical teaching equips believers for battle. John the Baptist ate wild honey and we know what a powerhouse preacher he was. That's why I want to advertise the conference that I will be attending this weekend.

It originated as the "Eat Thou Honey" conference. Now it is billed as the Honey Conference. The host church is Cathedral of Praise Assembly of God in Cordova, TN. I have known the pastors for over 20 years. They are rock solid soldiers in the Lord's army. I have attended their annual conference for the past 4 years and each one has been awesome.

You can watch the conference live on the internet. cathedralofpraiseag.com On the right side of the website should be a link that says something like Live....or view from streamingfaith.com.
All services will be aired live. CeCe Winans will open the conference 10/11/07 @2pm. Pastor Darlene Bishop will be the evening speaker. Friday morning the speaker will be host pastor, Darlene McCarty. Dr. Yvonne Capehart will be featured on Friday night. Saturday morning service will be filled with praise, worship, and preaching led by Judy Jacobs.

You can read testimonies from previous conferences here. The last one on the page is mine. Just scout around her site for more testimonies and pictures from previous conferences. It will be easy for you to see honey dripping off of each face. Truly the Word of God is sweet as it nourishes the soul.

9The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Psalms 19:9-11

Of Faith and Friends

For a great part of my life I have been misunderstood. I do not know if it was the writer in me that made me "weird" and "shy" or the things I went through in my childhood. But I always had trouble communicating and forging relationships with people. Still do to a degree. But I am managing to overcome that little by little. It does require a measure of faith, though.

People have asked me, "How can you put your life out there online for the world to see?" How can you trust that the weirdos aren't going to come knocking on your door or steal your identity? And the answer is, I don't know that. But I do know that it can happen just as easily offline. People are not always what they seem to be offline either. Some find it just as easily to lie and deceive to your face. You really can't know another until you have been around them for a long time. You have to choose to put yourself out there where people are. You have to be willing to be a friend to have friends. And just as there are goofballs online...there are goofballs off. You have to be smart. You have to use a little common sense. And sometimes you have to take a chance. Otherwise, you spend your entire life in your own little cocoon and miss out on some really special people.

I would be lying to you if I said that I never get intimidated or worried about these things. But the truth is, I worry just as much about walking down the streets of my own hometown. It's the world we live in. And so we make the best of it. It helps to know that I have a few connections higher up. And that He watches out for me when I may be stepping off into the unknown. Sometimes He gently nudges me back into line. And sometimes He lets me walk down a path because I have a free will. How many times, I wonder, has He sent angels my way to keep me from harm? How many times have I come face to face with evil and His light blinded them from attacking? I may never know. I do know that walking through this life requires faith.

As Christians we are taught to walk by faith and not by sight. And so at times we find ourselves facing the unknown and yet believing that someday, somehow, the puzzle will all come together into one giant, glorious landscape--and that we will have come through it all with everything in place and intact. Without this hope, we might as well give up. If Christ is not who He says He is, and does not live and reign on the throne, then what is left? If ever there were a person that you could trust and put your faith in, it would be Him, the only perfect one to have walked the earth.

And you know what He said about life, He said: "In this world, you will have trouble. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world." That's good enough for me. I just need to be reminded from time to time. Thanks for being here friends. You know who you are.

Pink Seasons

Today I would like to refer you to Sista Cala's place for a beautiful post entitled, "Pink Seasons." You may be tired of the hoopla, but it is a subject very close to our hearts. And yours too! Get those boobies checked!!!!

Don't Forget Our Heroes

We met tonight to celebrate 3 birthdays--my brother-in-law Kenny's, my neice Jennifer's, and her husband, Ryan's. Actually Ryan's birthday was last week, and Jennifer's is in December. But they are leaving Monday to go to New York for more training before deployment in November. We are unsure if we will get to see them again before they ship out. Please remember to pray for them and all of our service men and women. Their's is a sacrifice we can only imagine unless we have been there. It is easy to forget that it is still going on, especially if you do not have someone over there. But don't forget! And the truth is, you DO have someone over there, whether you know them or not. Jennifer and Ryan, we love you and send you off with prayers for your protection, prayers for strength, and courage. You're our heroes!

WW Template Changes

My family laughs when I bring up the latest blogging tricks I have learned. Really, until last year I knew very little about the internet. I'm sure I have only scratched the surface of what is available to learn and do. I enjoy the challenge of trying out short-cuts, widgets, and hacks. Actually, if I had grasped the internet thing when I was younger and carefree, I probably would have become a professional hacker. ;-)

Lately I have been looking into how to customize my blog template. The standard ones are fine. The "add/remove element" thing works great. I just have some ideas of how I would like for my site to look. I'm sure that with some instructions and patience I could make the desired changes. It is just a matter of taking the time to concentrate and get it done. Except, what if I make a big mess out of it? Can I retrieve the old template? If so, will everything still be in its place?

Professional computer people could do the job in a fraction of the time. I'm sure basic changes are somewhat boring for them to do. Three columns instead of two. No sweat. Circles instead of squares. Pleeeease. A recurring top post. If that is what you really want. Custom graphics. You name it, it is done. Endless possibilities. One choice. Do it myself or let the experts handle it.

There will always be things about ourselves that can be improved. Some easily and others that require a great deal of work and perseverance. Basic changes can be made with little or no outside assistance. The bigger the change the more challenging the process. The best option is to call on the Expert who created us. Read the instruction manual that He left us. Depend on the Advisor He sent to us. And get busy beautifying ourselves for the One that is returning to get us.

Jeremiah chapter one gives an example of the Expert working on a man's template. 5)"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." The basic template of Jeremiah's life had already been established. He was unable to grasp how changes could come about, so the Expert enhanced his template. 9)"Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth." Then the Lord gave space for Jeremiah to make some adjustments. 17) "Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them."

The expert then fortified the template with a firewall;18)"For behold I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee."and an iron clad guarantee against failure.

Jeremiah met with many difficulties as he performed all that God instructed him to do. He is remembered as the "weeping prophet". But he is an example to all who have wanted to throw in the towel. Scripture tells us that he couldn't quit because there was a fire shut up inside his bones. The Spirit of God pushed him to meet every challenge.

There is nothing wrong with your basic template. God,the Expert designed you. He gave you a new look when you accepted His son as your Savior. You may need to make adjustments to reach your fullest potential. Many of them you can do yourself. The key is patience and perseverance. If you make a mistake, just call the Expert. His helpline is always open.

Review of My Life Unscripted.

Tricia Goyer has a new book out that is an awesome tool for ministering to young teens and adults. It's called My Life Unscripted, and it's nonfiction.
I read the book in one night, but it can be used as an excellent teaching series broken down in chapters. In it, Tricia speaks to the hearts of women young and old alike about the heartaches and pitfalls that come from living a life unscripted--and the difference letting God have control makes.
The chapters are formatted much like a movie script with various scenes from the author's own experience. Fade in to Tricia as a young unwed mother. Fade out. You get my drift. I think it is a novel approach that has a broad appeal.
On a deeper level, her book ministered to me and convicted me. It spoke to me about how I need to take my hold off the reins of my life and let God. I think all of us can identify with the feelings and thoughts in this book, regardless of whether we have had the same exact experiences. Kudos to you, Tricia! May God bless you for sharing. And God bless and minister to all those who are challenged by your book.