The Lord shall preserve you from all evil

As a brand-spankin'-new homeowner, there's an all new budget to work out. And in that process, the enemy has tried to get me into fear over not having enough money to cover expenses when they come. This morning as those fearful thoughts came, I cast them upon the Lord and thanked the Lord that His Word says He shall supply all of my needs (Philippians 4:19).

Then I set myself to spend some time with Him in prayer and in the Word, and I thought I'd check the Biblegateway verse of the day and read that chapter. Today's was Psalm 121, verses 7-8.  Verse 7 stuck out at me:

The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.

I immediately thanked the Lord for preserving (keeping, guarding) me and my family from all evil -- including not having enough money to pay our bills and expenses, because not having enough money to pay your bills is evil -- plain and simple. 

What evil has the enemy been storming your brain with fear about? Cast it upon the Lord and thank Him for keeping you from it!

Have a great Wednesday!

Father's Day

Both of my parents are two of the most amazing, caring, funny individuals. I posted a while back about my mom and her gift of the stuffed cow, and as I was unpacking I found another stuffed object that my dad had given me years ago. So many years ago, that I wasn't even married yet! I can't remember exactly when...I think it was right before I moved to Georgia to go and be with my soon-to-be husband who was stationed there.

I do remember that my dad and I were in a Mr. Paperback, and I spotted this really freakin' adorable and soft stuffed moose.  I fawned over it for a bit and then put it back down on the shelf.

Sometime after that -- my memory is unclear as to exactly how long after -- my dad gave me that moose.  He had gone back behind me, and bought it for me.

My memory is very clear as to how scared I was at that time. I was moving away from my family and everything was changing so quickly.  Having that moose meant the world to me at that point. The world became a pretty scary place for me as the next few years went on, and it was a reminder that someone out there loved me, no matter how dumb I was.

Great, now I'm making myself cry!

Happy Father's Day, Dad! I love you!

Fear has approved this moosey!

This desk is kitty approved...

It's been a busy week of getting things unpacked and sorted, and there's still plenty to be done!

I spent a little time yesterday in my office getting things organized.

Desk set up, and not much else.

Adding in some stuff...much of it purple in color.

Desk finally operational enough to fritter away a few minutes on Wild West Town and for a white kitty to be placed upon my desk.

And for those interested...a video in which Fear-Tha-Kitty (aka "Baby Kitty" and "Little White Kitty") expresses his approval and acceptance of the new desk with rubbies and purring.

Quick post from "moving into a new house" land

It's been over three weeks since my last post. (Wow, did that line bring back Catholic church memories -- ha!).

Anyway, as I was unpacking yet another box yesterday, I came across an old notebook that contained notes from various sermons I had heard years ago now.  I began reading them, and this morning I stumbled across this gem in reference to John 13:35, where Jesus was telling the disciples to love one another as He loved them. 

"It does not read 'Have feelings for one another, as I have had feelings for you.'"

That is all!

When I say I'm praying...

When I tell you that I'm praying for you, or that I will be praying for you, I want you to know that I am totally serious about it. I used to do that on occasion, until God showed me that saying something like "I'll pray" and not doing it is lying, and only me trying to make myself look "Christian."  When folks are in need, religious platitudes won't help (do they ever?) -- they need real answers!

I believe that when I pray, God hears me. I take as 100% true and sure what He has said in His Word regarding His children.

For instance, when the tornado struck Joplin, I said I would pray, and I did.  I asked the Lord to send aid - angels to minister to those in need, according to Hebrews 1:14 where it says angels are "ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who would inherit salvation", and Psalm 34:7 that says his angels encamp around those who fear Him, to deliver them.

I'm not writing this so you can "ooo" and "aah" over my prayer life, or to offend anyone who has, in the past, said they would pray but didn't. I'm not here to judge you. I just want you to know, that when I say "I'm praying..." I take it as though I've been called to the front line, that I've got your back and I'm in it with you!

“I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.  I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:18-20 (NLT)

Little steps of faith

Big problems, little problems…there were so many times in my life when I just wanted to get the heck out of the situation I was in.  I remember years ago feeling miserable, desperate, and alone.  And I was already a Christian.  

There was one particularly horrific day that sent me over the edge.  I finally came face to face with the ugly truth that I had been searching for answers that didn’t include doing things God’s way.  I cried out to Him, literally cried, asking Him to help me.  I gave the reins over.  I was done screwing things up.

Nothing changed dramatically by the time 24 hours had passed, but inwardly, a small change was made.  Through the words of another, He showed me a different perspective on the current turmoil in my life.  I could have just blown it off, but the moment I heard it, I knew it was right. 

Fast forward to more recent history.  We, as a family, make the move to Arizona.  Things weren’t so hot.  The job scene was pitiful, and the housing scene was just as bad.  Thankfully, I had already been taught that I couldn’t be moved by what I was seeing – I had to trust God, resist fear, and know that He was making a way out of the mess.

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

So, my husband and I agreed that it was time for me to find a part-time job.  I ended up answering a Craigslist ad looking for an administrative assistant for a political website.  Then, my boss decides to write a book, and I suddenly found myself immersed into the fine art of book publishing and all it entails.

That was a year ago.  Now, because I followed that one little step God wanted me to take, and continued following – He has led me into freelance writing and ebook formatting.  The most amazing part to me is how He has used me to touch other people’s lives all along the way. 

I would have never dreamed that a part-time job as a secretary would eventually lead me to where I am now.  God is good, and He knows what He’s doing.  Like He said in Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”  

God has seen the end from the beginning, and He knows exactly what path you need to take to get out of your living hell – you just need to get that first step from Him, and trust that even if it doesn’t make much sense, or it doesn’t solve the problem right away, it’s going to lead you to answers.

What little step will you take today?  That reminds me…I need to get on the treadmill.

I'm a blessed woman

I've got God.

I've got an awesome husband.

I've got a super-cool and compassionate daughter.

I've got two parents who apparently think the world of me. 

I don't have time to go into how I know all of this, but I'll prove the last point by posting a picture of something my mother bought me recently.  Me -- her 35 year old daughter:

*Objects in image are softer and squishier than they appear.