Standing in God's Waiting Room

by Jackie Smith
(Austin, IN)

It all started on March 1, 2004. My husband lost his job, and I was already unable to work, due to many major health problems. Here we were with only $62 a week, a house payment,utility bills, and an eight year old son to raise.

I began to call on God more than I ever had, because I knew that with His help we would get through the hard times ahead. We remained as faithful to God's house as we could, due to the health problems we both had, and tithed faithfully, even if we had to send it in by someone else.

I had been a Christian for quite a few years and I knew that God would come through for us, despite the circumstances around us.

From March of 2004 until October 2007 we struggled, yet never did without anything. Help came from many places and always right on time.

Through all my prayers I felt the Lord telling me to just stand on His word and He would move. I, being human, wondered when, and how, but I kept standing.

August 2007 my husband and I were at a disability hearing. My husband was first, and while he was in his hearing I began to walk the little waiting room and pray. I could feel the presence of God as I prayed.

Our representative came in to get me for the hearing and told me that the judge had already decided to give me my disability even without seeing me and was going to go back to August of 2004.

I knew God had heard my prayers. I thought the struggle of standing was over, until a still small voice spoke to me on the way home from the hearing, "You still need to stand until you get to Heaven. The journey has just begun."

Patience is something we keep learning, especially in our fast pace society, but I have learned to slow down and try to wait patiently on God, because he's always right on time.


Comments:


by: Anonymous

This (Standing in God's Waiting Room) is
a work which reveals a talented and empathetic
writer. She is a writer who will be a pure joy
to read, I'm certain. I hope I can read everything she writes, because I know, whatever
she writes, will be wonderful. Her skills as
a writer are too numerous to mention here. She
shows great promise!



by: Judy Baxter

God proved himself faithful to you as he does all of us if we will just take the time to see how he has moved. We serve an awesome God who
is always on time. Great article Jackie and God
bless you and your family.


by: Kara Bowden

This was a wonderful page on God's faithfulness working along with our patience. Be careful what you pray for because God answers prayer.



by: Lynn Mosher

Jackie, Great article filled with hope for all of us as we struggle through the circumstances of life! Ya done good! Be blessed...



by: Katherine Harms

I do not possess the virtue of patience. Often, when I think my faith is tried, it is actually my patience. I believe God, but I think he should do it right now. You have given a great testimony to the importance of faith that perseveres, faith that is patient, willing to wait for God's time.
Thank you.

Growing In Relationship

by Mandi Sellars
(Orlando, Florida)

This morning when I got up and poured my coffee that my husband had made for me. I meditated on his love for me. I then meditated on God's love for me. (They pretty much go hand in hand.)

Marriage was something I never knew how to do-I didn't know how not to runaway because of fear or dislike of the person I called my "Husband" Now I know there is no excuse for me airing my dirty laundry to you- but I am.

There have been times when I so desperately wanted to be held, cuddled, or just heard.
I have over the years realized that is a lot to ask a guy that has no clue about our roller coaster of emotions..So what I have truly learned about being a wife is this...(men you need to read this as well)

God is my husband. He is the one who is always there listening, understanding, and helping us with all our girlie emotions. (After all He did create them) So if God says He is our husband, (and I do have the Scriptures to back this:o) Then what should that tell us about relationship to Him?
He knows us completely. We don't have to run and choose relationships that are not healthy for us. We have to enjoy the husband that we are now married too and all the single ladies and men receiving this should just enjoy being single, and having God as your husband until He chooses for you to be married. He does expect faithfulness though in our singleness. Remember you are married to God. No cheating allowed!!

Isaiah 54:5 "For your Maker is your husband-The Lord Almighty is His Name-The Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, He is called the God of All the earth."(NIV)

Jeremiah 3:14a " Come back, wandering children, declares the Lord, "for I am your husband. I will choose you." (MSG/NIV)


So this all being said-remember- the more you know- the more you have to change. Who of us are really that OK with our daily lives that we don't need God to work some things out in us.We are a work in progress! God is expecting us to be people of excellence.

Dear Husband, Thank you for loving me so much that I can tell you everything good or bad . You are a God I can trust. Your word tells me that you will never leave me or forsake me(Hebrews 13:5) I depend on you. Comfort my needy heart and help me grow in love with you more and more.

In Jesus Name I trust
Amen


Growing in Grace
Mandi

The Crooked Tree

by Toni Star
(Ohio)

The other day, after going through a trying time with several individuals I saw something interesting that gave me some clarity on the situation.

I was sitting in the car behind our library waiting for my husband and I happened to notice an interesting tree. The tree was mature but about five feet from the ground the tree took a twist to the right, making it look irregular, crooked and 'out of focus.'

Seconds later, I began thinking about people in relation to trees. I've always loved trees and what they do for the environment and their inspiring shape. Looking at the irregular shape of the tree brought to mind the phrase, "As the twig is bent, so grows the tree."

When you think about trees and how they grow, don't they relate to people?

Think of the people you meet and know who are troubled and lost--those who don't have Christ in their lives. Often when one meets and talks with them, one will find that they know little of Christ, show little to no interest in our Lord and how a Christian should live.

Sometimes one can witness with good results to such a person but often he or she will shrug their shoulders and reply, "I don't need Christ in my life and have no desire to get to know Him."

But remembering the "twig is bent" theory sure helps and I try whenever possible to pray for such a soul, for Heaven and Hell are for eternity...

Purpose and Passion

by Bernice Mbithi
(Nairobi, Kenya)

There comes a time in life when our achievements, fame, wealth and worldly possessions are not enough in providing the esteem and passion in life that we would desire; when our surnames do not suffice as providers of identity.

The world teaches us to desire and acquire more. And after achieving these desires, most of the time, there is still an empty void that needs to be filled. A void which when left, will lead to desperate and unfulfilled lives.

After all has been said and much has been done, we still find ourselves asking, "what am I here for?" "What was I created to do?"

Many times identity is sought in all the wrong places. No one can define your identity except the one that made you. Think about it, if you invent something e.g a chair, no one can really articulately define how the chair is to be used, or it's functions except you who made it. So if someone was to buy your chair and throw away the manual, they would never really get the most out of it. Maybe they would try to use it the way they have seen other chairs being used which would beat the purpose of having this particular chair in the first place.

The same thing with human beings, we have been made in a particular way and until we get in touch with our maker, we will never really get the most out of our lives. If we try to live our life according to how we see others living, we would miss the point of our existence.

The only way to discover who we are is by getting closer to God. The only place that we will get self-esteem that can never be eroded by circumstances in life is by defining ourselves according to the word of God.

Jesus said that he would send us the Spirit of Truth.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

The truth makes us free as in John 8:32
And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.

Knowing the truth about God's will makes us live lives full of purpose. As the bible says that we should not be ignorant but we should know the will of the father toward us.

But how do you know the will of the father concerning your life? The bible says that if we draw near to God, he will draw near to us. Therefore, we have to draw close to God, we have to be in fellowship with the Holy Spirit as he leads us into all truth and he reveals to us Jesus Christ. We should base our lives on his word. It's impossible to know what to do unless we know what He says we should do.

This leads me to say, our understanding of the word will never be enough if it is not impregnated by wisdom from the Holy Spirit. As the bible says, His ways are far above our ways and His thoughts are far above our thoughts.

Therefore, since we have been made by an all knowing, all powerful, all seeing, omnipresent God, it is imperative that to understand who we are, we should see through His eyes. Our minds can only explain from a human perspective but to understand a creature made by a God with infinite wisdom, we should put on His mind through the Holy Spirit. As Philippians 2:5 says, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

Therefore, the key to finding purpose is to find the creator.
Somehow, from here, things work out. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these other things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33.

As you find purpose, passion comes along with it as you are doing what God originally intended for you to do. He gives strength and grace to fulfill your calling.


Comments:


awesome simple truth
by: Victor mutabacho gatamu

We crave a life of purpose and passion but were not ready to admit that with creation comes a Creator ... very simple. Puts Matt 6:33 in such simplicity, if you believe that I made you then please trust me that I know what I made you for! I can believe that! Thanks my long lost friend. God bless you.

Fluffies

by Angela Posey-Arnold
(Hillsboro, Alabama, USA)

So what if you are a little fluffy? Everyone has something about themselves that they want to change, everyone does. In a recent study it was determined that 92% of young girls want to change something about the way they look. The other 8% didn't answer the question. Change is part of life's journey and figuring out who you are. It is ok to want to change something but it cannot define who you are.

Your weight is not who you are. There is certainly more to you than numbers on a scale. People that care about you might encourage you to lose weight because of concern of your health. People love you because of your heart, not your weight. Fluffy or not they will love you just the same. Losing weight is fine but don't let it control you. Shift your focus to your talents and abilities.

God has created you just the way you are for a reason. Every person is given talents. Being thin is not a talent. You may have a brilliant mind. Maybe you can write stories. Maybe you are a great friend and listener. Whatever God has given you is what you must focus on. Being skinny is not all it is cracked up to be anyway. Maybe they appear to "have it all" but they don't. Everyone has problems, even skinny people.

Measuring your self worth by your weight only stifles your creativity. Don't buy in to the world's view. God says you are a child of the King, Royalty. So act like it. Feel like it. Be it.

Just because you are a little fluffy does not mean that you are not beautiful. Beauty is natural, whatever God gave you. If you are so concerned about your outward appearance then it is ok to try and change some things. Just don't be consumed by your weight. It is ok to just be you. Just go with what you do have. Find your strengths and go with it.

Get a cute hair style and show those big baby blue eyes. Don't hide your face behind your hair. Your eyes are the window to your soul, keep your window open. Get your ears pierced and wear pretty earrings. Don't try to hide behind makeup, use makeup to define your already beautiful features. Shine because of who you are.

Dress well. Don't try to dress like a super model. Nobody can wear that stuff. Dress like you, be comfortable. Never wear horizontal stripes (they don't help anyone) and always be clean and neat. Wear pretty colors. Find out what colors make you shine and go with it. Wear darker pants than tops. Wear cute shoes. If you like pink, wear it. Black is very elegant most of the time but use it elegantly. Be graceful.

Paint your fingernails and don't be afraid of color. Have pretty hands, it shows your elegance. Wear cute sandals in the summer. Color will make you feel good. If you act pretty you will be pretty.

Smile, laugh and speak softly. Wear soft colors of lipstick and gloss. Make sure your teeth are as white and clean as they can be. Always have sweet smelling breath. Beauty is in the details!

Have manners and etiquette. Etiquette is something that we don't hear a lot about anymore. Etiquette means to be charming, gracious and tactful. Charm cannot exist without manners. Being proper and courteous reflects a light of beauty. Etiquette is all in conducting yourself, no matter what social situation, with ease and smoothness. Be interested in other people, listen when they speak, be considerate. Practice manners and etiquette and before too long it will fit you like a glove. If you are interested in the subject of etiquette there is a wonderful timeless book that is a must have for your library, Emily Post's Etiquette.

Most of all be sweet. Sweetness is a virtue that most super models do not have. Don't be self-centered or try to attract attention to yourself. Just be sweet, kind and considerate. Sweetness is so pretty.

Pursue your dreams. The worse thing you could possibly do is to put off your life waiting to "get thin". Go ahead be fluffy and pretty and shine for Jesus, He loves you just the way you are.

Discover your passion and be passionate about it. Follow your dreams. Do what you love and your beauty will come shining through. People are attracted to happy people. Just be happy with the beautiful fluffy child of God that you are and everything else will fall into place.

Everyone on the face of this earth has problems. Being a little fluffy is an obvious problem or so it seems to some. If you want to lose weight, fine. Eat low fat and drink water. Walk a little extra. Limit your sugar intake and never have second helpings. Always leave something on your plate. Make changes slowly and before long you will find that these new habits are better than the old ones.

Do what you can but don't let it consume you. There is no reason to waste your life worrying about your weight. Worry will not shed a pound. Some people are heavy in their youth and grow up to lose all of that while they are busy pursuing their dreams and developing their talents. Some people are skinny as a rail as kids and grow up to have extremely wide hips. Either way, life is not about being skinny.

So what if you are a little fluffy. Be soft and sweet and your beauty will shine. More than anything else God loves you just the way you are. It is so important that you love you too. If God calls you to change something about yourself, He will help you do it. Your job is to be young, have fun and pursue your dreams.


Comments:


by: Kimberly Shepard

What great advice! This is my problem, I keep thinking.... WHEN I lose weight.... I can this or that! I don't lose weight, and it does hold me back! I feel like a fat hog... on the outside! On the inside, I am a very beautiful person, full of love and caring! I hope this helps others like me... Of course, I am going to continue to want to lose weight for my health. Thanks, Kim


by: Katherine Harms

I wish someone had said these things to me when I was fifteen. My mother was busy trying to make me thin, and after I grew up, my husband took up the gauntlet. I had lived a long time before I finally threw up my hands and said "enough!" This is a message every young lady needs, and plenty of old ladies, too. Keep preaching!


by: Lynn Mosher

Angela, So good to see you here. Thanks for the great advice/reminders for us all. Your suggestions sound as if my mother said them, and that's a great thing! She's a very wise Christian lady. Thanks for sharing this!

"A Peaceful Life"

by Mandi Sellars
(Orlando)

All of us have a desire to have a peaceful life. Who wouldn't?

To have peace we must choose peace. We have a choice how we will act and react to situations and people around us today. Calling out to God for wisdom, to help us handle all things in a peaceful, classy manner would be a good beginning, but sometimes we choose it as a last resort. (I know I have done it many times)

I am confident that God wants peace in our lives because the opposite is terrible. I don't like fighting or arguing over stuff. It causes too many health issues..It also causes division.

If today we choose peace in our homes we will see amazing results quickly. Think about how you can change your mindset today by choosing to be a PEACEMAKER in your surroundings.

See What God has to say about it..
Psalm 37:8 "Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret, it only leads to evil."
vs.11 says,"But the meek(mild-mannered) will inherit the land and enjoy great peace."

Proverbs 31:26 "When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly."

We all can learn a lot about being a peaceful person. It starts with our desire.

Father, today I desire to be a peacemaker.
Amen


Growing In Grace
Mandi

Comments:


by: Bongi

thank you for this reading,i have experienced it myself,living without peace doesnt only disturb but also causes our health problems.


by: Laura

What a perfect time for this devotional! At this time people are so stressed. They are short tempered and don't take the time to smile or have a kind word. This speaks volumes and is so true.

Thank you for sharing.


by: donna

oh mandi-girl - your words speak to me in this particular time. i pray for peace with others, i pray for peace in my circumstances. how simple - we Make our own peace by putting Him in the midst. girl! a 'once a week' column is Not enough for the Holy Spirit inspired words that flow through you! thank you, i love you.


by: Tami

Mandi, how true this statement is. I long foe peace in my life and my family, please pray that God grows that desire in my heart and that it is seen by others. I want to shine of his likeness not of this world. in christ thank you

Help Me To Remember It's You-Not Me

by Mandi Sellars
(Orlando, Florida)

God's thoughts are not your thoughts and your ways are not like His ways.(Isaiah 55:8)
What kind of thoughts are you having? Would God approve? What are you saying about yourself? Are they nice? Which way are you heading in life? Does it look promising? Do you think your happy, or are you just settling?
God has a plan in mind for you. There are no accidents that you came into being. It doesn't matter who raised you, because God created you (Ps. 139) and He has a plan.
Can you see a possibility that this statement is very true? He didn't create you to wonder and just co-exist. He created you with a purpose in mind.

If you met a person who had a great reputation-had insight and influence to better choices and opportunity's-and everyone knew about this person. They talked about him in their circle of friends-they talked about his great accomplishments-they wonder how he became so smart and successful...
Then one day you find in the mail an invitation to this man's home. Your invited to sit and eat with this great man of influence. You are the talk of your friends and neighbors. You must be somebody special(which you are)
For written in the invitation it states; Come and eat with me at my banquet(Luke 14:15-24)
Would you accept the dinner invite? Just wondering...

Well my friends, God has sent out the invitation. Now it's up to you..
He wants you to trust Him with those wondering thoughts and life's daily decisions. God is smart. Trust Him. He knows you better than you know yourself. He sees your great potential..

Father, Thank you for loving and helping us with life. Your word tells me, "those who hope in you will not be disappointed."(Isaiah49:23b)I place my hope, my desires and all my questions at your side today. Thank you for helping me become all that you created me to be.
In Jesus name
Amen

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 49 and Psalm 139

Growing In Grace
Mandi

The Call

by Jeanie Prentice
(Bend, Oregon)

See to it that no one deceives you.
Matthew 24:4 NAS

As I watched the sun begin to rise this morning, I noticed in the field adjacent to ours, men setting up bales of hay. They carried them from their pickup placing them a short distance away, and then throwing a tarp over the hay they drove off. Only to come back about an hour later leaving their pickup a short distance away, to set behind the bales of hay.

As the sun rose higher, I heard what sounded to be a lone goose calling out. This went on for about 5 minutes and then a flock of geese began to answer the call. Only to be startled by the sound of shot gun blasts. As the geese rose in the air to flee, three of the geese fell back to the ground. It was not long before the man with the whistle began to call again. Within seconds another flock of geese came to the call, only to meet the same fate. After several geese had been killed, they picked up the dead geese and left for the day.

This scene reminded me of those that followed Jim Jones and others, who also set up a blind, and put out the call. Many came thinking that this was the real thing, only to realize later that they had been deceived. Some did not flee in time and like the geese that fell to the ground this morning, they met their death in much the same way.

In Acts 16:30 Paul and Silas when asked by the jailer “Sir’s what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved-you and your household.” Do you spend time with the Lord in prayer and the reading of his word, so you do not answer the wrong call?

Heavenly Father.
My prayer today is that by my obedience, being in the Word and knowing your will for my life, that I can lead others to the true call.
Amen

Departing This Life

by Margaret Wright
(Syndey, N.S.W. Australia)

“And it appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Heb. 9: 27

Every person in this life has an appointment with death and then be judged by our Lord Jesus Christ. However, to escape the judgment of God the person must be born-again before he dies, for Jesus Christ said, “Except a man is born again he shall not see the kingdom of God.” (John 3: 3)

Knowing these truths, after I was born again, I began to pray much for my unsaved family and wanted them to escape hell. They, of course, would not listen to me and, in fact, I was under much persecution from my father for being a born again Christian.

Then the family migrated to Australia for many years and I was still in India and serving the Lord.

On Saturday, Jan.24th, 1981 at the end of the Gospel meeting in a home where I shared the Word of God, I said to the people if you forget everything I said, please remember these three truths -

“God cannot lie;
God cannot fail;
God never puts His people to shame that put their trust in Him.”

The next day I was in the midst of teaching Sunday School out on the grass when I got a message from Australia saying that my father had passed away. On hearing this news I was shocked and my mind went blank and could not move to go and answer the phone. I did not know he was ill and, now I did not know where he has gone. I had prayed over and over again for him to be born again for many years and even fasted quite a few times praying for the family.

Then, I heard the Holy Spirit speak audibly to me while sitting there shocked –
“God cannot lie,
God cannot fail, and
God never puts His people to shame that trust in Him.”

On hearing these three statements of truth, I came out of my shock and just knew in my Spirit that my Dad has gone to be with Jesus. There was joy and assurance in my heart and I was able to share and comfort my mother on the phone and also shared about this at the evening service.

The reason I knew my Dad has made it to glory was because the three truths stated were to do with God’s character and not based on my long prayers, or much tears, or fasting for his salvation. IS THIS NOT MARVELLOUS??

I do not know how my Dad accepted the Lord Jesus and His sacrifice before he departed this life, but this I know, my Dad is in glory because –
GOD CANNOT LIE;
GOD CANNOT FAIL, AND
GOD NEVER PUTS HIS PEOPLE TO SHAME THAT PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM!!

May we all learn to trust God’s promises more, than trying by many ways/works to make God to do what He has promised to do. We need to BELIEVE His Word of promise and trust Him!! Please read Acts 16: 31 “And they said, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved AND THY HOUSE.”
HALLELUJAH!!

Oh Lovely Winged One!

by Virginia Rebekah Ganskie
(Grass Valley, California)

Hidden...from all eyes but God and mine, he seemed a bit stunned at the sudden storm that swirled around him. An early snow was falling; gently lighting upon the ground and causing his world to change without warning. How often I gazed upon him as he eagerly dug his beak into my Walnut Tree during bright summer days. Woodpeckers are very beautiful birds, you know.

But now he paused on the side of the tree; seemingly confused by the snow blowing around him. Cold days had come rapidly, unexpectedly, without warning. He appeared lonely and cold yet bravely clung to the tree; determined to find his needed meal; his beautiful head glancing around; not knowing that he had me quietly capturing his story by camera; not knowing that his little story would be told to many. Oh, how I love God's speaking voice that teaches me through nature!

Storms of life often come upon us unexpectedly and we, like my winged friend can become dazed as the chill hits us. We feel the loneliness of winter's message and the sunlight of God's smile seems to pass. But as this lonesome one reminded me, God's eye is forever upon us during these seasons. He has not left us and He is even taking note; pictures, if you will, to somehow show in Heaven's fair clime how we...bravely, like God's little creation, clung to that tree; yet cling to Him, as our confused world swirls around us.

Oh, cherished reader! Has a storm of life hit you suddenly, without warning? Fear not. Just as my eye was upon that little one, watching every detail of its movement, God's eye is upon us, ever mindful of every detail of our lives, as we bravely cling to Him. He has not forgotten you. He never forgets one of His own. If His eye is ever upon the winged-ones of His creation, will it not be upon you?

"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father. but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not, therefore. Ye are of more value than many sparrows" Matthew 10:29-31

One In God's Family

by Christina Weigand
(Puyallup Washington USA)

During the last several weeks our home has had a parade of guests come through the front door of our new home. After the last of them left, I felt an uncomfortable longing. I wanted to be close to my grown children again. I wanted to spend more time with my parents. It wasn’t home-sickness so much, as I feel very at home in this new state. Instead it was family sickness, I longed to have my family within driving distance, to hop in my car and go shopping with my daughter, to have lunch with my mom. The phone and e-mail can’t replace this. However did I come to this point?

Several months ago my husband and I, along with my then six year old daughter, made the decision, with God’s guidance, to move from Pennsylvania to the state of Washington. You may be saying, “So what, people do that all the time.” The difference here, and it may only be a small one, was both of us had lived there nearly the almost fifty years of our lives. Everything we had ever known and loved was on the east coast, with most of it in Pennsylvania. We were deciding to turn our lives upside down, to start all over again. Even at forty eight years old that is scary, but with God’s help we faced our fears and made the move.

All-in-all, once the decision was made, God saw that things went relatively smoothly. We found a school, church and house easily. My husband joined the church choir and theater group, while excitedly taking on his new job. My daughter, Ana, easily made her place in a new school and made friends with the neighbors. I spent my time unpacking, helping Ana adjust to school and got invited to write for the theater group’s program. The only dark spots were owning two houses and continued issues with our adult children still living on the east coast, but overall things were good and we felt blessed.

Homesickness still lingered though. On those days when I was home alone in the big new house were sometimes the worst. Not being able to spend time with my granddaughter gave me untold heartache. I turned to God and He made sure it wouldn’t last. Our new church family, from the choir, to the theater group and the priest filled the voids left by our move. When our furniture and household goods hadn’t arrived, a member of the choir loaned us a box full of kitchen accoutrements so we could cook and eat. Another member of the choir invited us to a picnic, so we could get to know her family. Our priest was welcoming with bear hugs for Ana and me.

The first Sunday we attended mass at our new church, Ana and I were asked to bring up the gifts for sharing in the Holy Eucharist and a few weeks ago I was asked to be a reader and proclaim the Word Of God, something I had not been able to do since Advent. My husband and I were enthusiastically welcomed in ASTRA, All Saints Theatrical Repertoire Association, the church theater group. They didn’t know us from Adam and yet so thankfully and warmly welcomed our truncated family into their midst.

We were once again ensconced in a family. It may not be our blood family, but instead the Family of God. Now we have two families, no. I take that back. We have one family, full of love and a welcoming spirit.

As I sit here and stare across the miles missing my kids, parents and siblings, God nudges me and says, “You are not alone, never alone. You are a member of my family and that’s all you need. Love, your Father in Heaven, God.


Comments:


by: Anonymous

It's good to remember that we are all God's children and that we are all one big family. It is comforting to know when we feel all alone. Thank you for your story it brings great comfort to us all.


by: Ann

This is a wonderful message, especially this time of year when many of us miss our families!

At present, my and my husband's families have abandoned us, due to religious and other differences and like this writer, I have come to the decision that the only family I need is the family of God, for He is the Creator and Author of love, family and goodness.

And what is wonderful about the family of God, is that it includes all believers and followers of God.

Ann

FRIEND OF GOD

by MAY MATHEW
(BAHRAIN)

To be called God's friend is one of the noblest titles in the Universe.It is a very privelleged & blessed state. But what does it mean to be called God's friend? Are there are requirements for that? What are the privileges of God's friends?We can call God as our friend any time but when does God call a person as His friend?

Anyone who talks to God can see Him as a friend. That's because we can rely on Him & call upon His name even in the darkest hours of our life.I love the beautiful hymn, 'What a Friend we have in Jesus'. It was written by a young man who faced repeated tragedies in his life & found out that Jesus was the only friend who stood by His side all the time.

God is our friend, our refuge & a very present help in times of need. He is faithful in being a true friend to us. But are we returning that favor or do we just keep ignoring Him after we take all the help from Him? Can God approach us anytime & ask for our friendship & our fellowship? Can God trust us enough to call us His friend as He did with Abraham? The Scriptures say in James: 2: 23~ " 'Abraham believed God , and it was credited to Him as righteousness,' and he was called God's friend." What a privelege it is to be called God's friend. God shares His heart with His friends. The Bible says that He never hides anything from His beloved saints.

As we survey the life of Abraham, the father of faith who was called 'God's Friend'. We see that God was so pleased with Him that He visited him in his tent and had fellowship with him. But Abraham was just an ordinary man with weaknesses like any of us. How was it then, that God chose him to be His friend & delighted in fellowshipping with him so much.

After testing him, God found in Abrahan an obedient, believing, trustworthy, humble & generous friend who loved to walk with Him. Abraham longed with all his to fellowship with God, communicate with him & hold a very special relationship with Him. Whenever God spoke to Abraham he fell face down & worshiped him.That was were God's heart met Abraham's. God was so happy that this particular man believed whatever he said. It's great to be called God's friend as we learn from the life of this great patriarch Abraham whom God chose & blessed!

Reflect on His Word (Psalm 118)

by Debra Elliott
(Birmingham, AL, USA)

In these days of economic stress in our lives, we need to reflect on God's word not mans.

Man can talk a good talk, but cannot produce everlasting results as the Word of God as shown us.

Psalm 118 is a good example of this.

When we are distressed or depressed His word will get us through anything.

(Psalm 118:5) I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.

God's word instructs us to give thanks unto HIM even in the bad times we are facing and will face, because of His mercy.

We should always give thanks for He is good and shows us mercy.

(Psalm 118:1) O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.

Our trust should always be in HIM, not that of man.

(Psalm 118:8)It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

He is our strength through the storms of live and His song is our salvation.

(Psalm 118:14)The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

He is always at our side, never leaving us to falter or fear.

(Psalm 118:6) The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

We always need to remember to rejoice in this time of uncertainty.

(Psalm 118:24) This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

When you are feeling uncertain and feel like all doors have shut on your economic future reflect on His word.

(Psalm 118:29)O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

All grown up

by Jess
(Albuquerque, NM USA)

I walked into the room and found her on the couch. This was a scene I had become all too familiar with. Would she even remember our conversation from a few moments before? No doubt she was passed out from the Vodka, the odor which would smack one over the head. Why did this still bother me so? Aren't I all grown up?

As an adult child of an alcoholic, this is an all to familiar scene. The promises, the disappointment, the betrayal. What do you with this? How do you not allow such a battered, bruised relationship taint all others? Being the adult child of an addict may tell people where you have been but does not have to dictate where you are going.

How does one move on? The answer sounds simple... education, prayer,and grace.

Education- Educate yourself about alcoholism. That old saying "ignorance is bliss" really cannot apply when dealing with an addict.

Alcoholism is a disease that is not prejudicial- alcoholism will destroy regardless of race, gender, age, religion, or socio-economic status. Attend an alanon meeting, share your journey with others who have been there.

Prayer- Pray for the individual. This person is ill and needs prayer! Invite others to pray for you.

Grace- This may be the most difficult. I try to imagine Jesus on the cross saying "Father forgive them for they know not what they do.'

It is not an easy journey and there has been a lot of disappointment. I am fortunate that God reminds me on a daily basis that I do not need to be a victim of the past. I can celebrate with the one who holds my future.

Christian Counseling

by Anna "Micky" Land
(Atlanta, Georgia)

When my life was out of control and counseling was suggested, I backed off for years fearing I would displease the Lord. How you might ask? I believed by going to someone for help, I was letting God down, leaving Him out. He and I were to be the only two to work this out. I had not yet internalized the importance of the body of Christ for those of us who are struggling.

I was surprised by joy when God quickened my spirit and showed me David's cry in Psalm 139:23-25, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way." Immediately I cried out to the Lord and said, "God this is the desire of my heart. I need someone to talk to and help me. I know you will show me what to do next." Shortly thereafter the name of a Christian Counselor was given to me and off I went for help from a "trained" counselor from within the body of Christ.

Today I too am a master's level Licensed Professional Counselor. I write this article due to the mistrust of many in the church regarding psychology. There are indeed people in the profession to mistrust and the healthy principles they learn are used in unhealthy ways, but all in all I personally found counseling to be a gift from God using the body of Christ to help and encourage me in my spiritual and relational growth.

Many Christians do not put psychology and Christianity, together in their minds. Conversely they think the two are antithetical to one another. What I discovered while working on my degree is the basic premise for healing in psychology is ensconced within our Christian Theology. Since my expertise is the integration of theology and psychology, let me explain.

I taught Bible Studies from the time I was thirty three until I went to graduate school at age forty. I was pretty well steeped in Christian theology upon arriving at school. I entered with some fear and trepidation about the combination of the two, but I wanted to minister to women in better ways. We studied the Theories of Carl Rogers, Alfred Adler, Victor Frankl, Gestalt, Albert Ellis and the like. Even though they each have a unique view of human nature that does not fit with Christian theology, I began to see a strong similarity between the two.

Secular psychologists have studied and researched for over 100 years how man/woman work best within the context of relationship. They have come up with methods of helping people using what they have learned. It seemed to me each of these men had some sort of interest in the pain and suffering of humankind. None, as far as I understand, were Christians.

What began to be clear to me was their conclusion to their research did not conflict with Christian principles. These conclusions were "Christ like." They concluded that "Love, respect, understanding, unconditional positive regard,and compassion" are the healing components of helping a person heal.

As Christians we know the very essence of God is unconditional love, Agape love, perfect love, and grace. We also know this love is meant to heal and change us. I began to see the parallel between psychological theory and Christianity. Yet we Christians know this "theory of love" is not theory at all, but truth to be experienced personally by a loving God and then given away to hurting people. They, the psychologists, know the principles of love but do not know the creator of those principles as we do.

Carl Rogers who created Person-Centered-Therapy is an example. His counseling methods came from the belief in the tendency of humans to develop in a positive and constructive manner if a climate of respect and trust is established. He had an assumption that individuals do not grow when their lives are continually controlled, punitively punished, ignored, dismissed, abused and managed by others who prided themselves by putting themselves in a superior and "expert" position over the other.

Rogers maintained there are three critical therapist attributes and I would add parental attributes also.

1. Genuineness/realness
2. Acceptance/caring and
3. Deep understanding

Yes, I know we all have a sin nature. I also know a child will grow in trust if we truly take seriously their pain their misbehavior,and wait to give advice yet go the extra mile to learn listening skills. Eliminating any chemical imbalance or biological damage, the child will grow in a positive direction. He/she will be more open to hearing you, the parent, and following your directives.

Yes these children will still have sin natures. Yet, instead of fighting and blaming the parent they will be warring with themselves and with God. And this is an important place for the person to be.

I spent years in a power struggle with my mother upon becoming a married adult and not going to church. Maybe she finally gave up. There was a three year period of silence prior to my becoming a Christian. She no longer hassled me about church. So what happened.

On numerous occasions I welled up with tears, like the times I drove past my childhood church. Why? Because my war was no longer with my mother. I found myself dealing with God and Him dealing with me. I sensed the Holy Spirit's wooing, but did not know at that time it was the Holy Spirit. I became more and more open to God until one day I prayed to receive Christ.

Conversely if you take a young child and continually control, direct, punish, and manage them, constricting and manipulating them from being a part of their developmental process; you will reap a strongly wounded teen/adult. Roger's 3 aspects for dealing with "out of control" children need to be present.

Abraham Maslow agreed with Rogers when he said, "there has been too much preoccupation with the sick side of the population; aggression, hostility, neuroses and immaturities. Yet there has been too little attention given to love, creativity, joy, solitude, autonomy, spontaneity and creativity."

Historically the church has focused too much on bad behavior. As a result the church has tried to control, manipulate, direct, punish, and manage the sin nature of man. Many if not most became as Pharisees mounting up the "should's" and "ought's" on people's shoulders. This does not heal. It wounds. No wonder so many people avoid the organized church.

It is time for the church to look beyond the behavior to the root of a person's pain. It is not so simple to say, "The root is their sin nature" and dismiss the person as just being disobedient. People and especially children either act out their pain or talk out our pain. Generally we have not been encouraged to talk out our pain.

Know that there is some "lie" embedded in the soul of the person; a lie that needs to be exposed. It is when the lie is discovered, the Christian in the power of the Holy Spirit can come against the temptation (the lie) to not believe the lie but to act on God's grace which in turn quenches the acting out.

It is important to remember God's love has boundaries. There are actions and activities that are healthy for us and there are those which will turn and rend us. When we cross God's boundaries and get outside of His protection, we get rent, so to speak. That rending is our signal to go to God and thank Him for the forgiveness He has already provided through His Son, Jesus Christ. Then continue on without judging ourselves in our relationship with Him.

' Hold Fast to Dreams,' be somebody

by Jane Griz Jones
(Knoxville, TN>)

I've decided that you just can't win with kids. Years ago I was awakened to this reality when I overheard a conversation between my four-year-old daughter and my six -year-old son.

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" I heard my daughter ask her brother.

"Oh,I may become a policeman, or a fireman, or I may become a music director like Daddy. What do you want to be?"

My daughter hesitated for a moment and then replied, "Oh, I don't know. I may just grow up and be nothing like Mama."

So much for staying home with the children. Working moms--relax!

Another question I was asked, and this time by my son, "Mom, why are you always here when I get home from school? Billy's mom just leaves a note on the refrigerator and tells him when she will be back home?" (Is this what we call "latchkey" kids?)

Willing to comply, the next day I left a note on the refrigerator and took a walk around the block, making sure I didn't return until he had been home awhile. He was delighted with the new responsibility of being on his own for this time.

After all these procedures, I decided to become somebody so I returned to college and received my degree. I became a teacher. I was Somebody!

Isn't it strange how our occupation defines who we are. "What do you do?" or ""What was your line of work?" We are asked these questions over and over again. Some feel that they are no longer somebody when they reach retirement. Now this is really a misconception. We are never too old to follow our dreams or to claim new ones. As the poet Langston Hughes wrote:

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Age and lack of experience can all be overcome. Accomplishments of the elderly never cease to inspire me. For instance, Daniel Webster was 70 when he wrote the dictionary; Cato was 80 when he learned Greek; Colonel Sanders was no spring chicken when he began his successful business(no pun intended).

We have all heard the old adage that learning is wasted on the young. There is also a saying that "When you're through learning, you're through."

It's been a long time since I first became "somebody." I've had numerous careers since that remark was made by my little girl who really didn't care if her Mama was "nothing." She just wanted to be like me.

I'm sure there is someone who wants to be just like you. They watch to see our attitude toward life and maturity. We can only hope that we don't disappoint them.

Cinderella-vs-Eve

by Christina Weigand
(Puyallup Washington USA)

There are times in my life when I have been both of these women and not in the traditional sense in which we think of them. The sense in which I think of them, Eve was the woman who had it all and after Satan tempted her, she gave into it and lost it all. Cinderella on the other hand started with next to nothing and gained it all when she married Prince Charming.

Thirty years ago I married my prince and ever since then I have bounced between Cinderella and Eve. Most of the time I realize how lucky I have been to marry the man who is my husband. Then there are times when I am tempted by life and I come close to losing it all.

Of late with all our life changes I have been in an Eve place. Moving across the country, away from our families has left me feeling very needy and selfish. I only consider my needs and see his needs as selfish. When he wants something I either do it grudgingly or find an excuse not to do it. In doing this I push him away and contribute to his stress levels. I become resentful because of his response. Satan has insinuated himself into my married soul. Like Eve, I embrace his deceptions and continue down the path of sin. God calls me and I try to reach Him, but I am to firmly entrenched in my current ways. I need a strong reminder of the love that God has to offer.

So with all of this, you may be thinking that Cinderella sounds better, but that’s not completely so. With Cinderella we run the risk of becoming complacent and taking for granted what we have. That was another phase of my life. I had raised three children, we had a house we loved and my husband had a job that he had been at all of our married life. We thought we had it made, life was good and we saw no reason to change it. The next seven years proved that God had other plans. He gave us the gift of two unplanned pregnancies, one for me and one for my daughter. Then when we ran the risk of becoming complacent again, God shook the snow-globe. My husband had to find a new job and we moved to Washington State from our lifelong home in Pennsylvania. We had to start our life all over again.

So we run on life’s wheel like a hamster on his exercise wheel, never seeming to get anywhere. Hopefully as humans, as husband and wife we find a better way. We stop and listen to God and follow His lead. We look for forgiveness and we forgive. We try not to repeat our mistakes and when we do repeat, we stop, take an accounting and pray. God will show us the way to avoid the Eve and Cinderella phases. Leave Eve to the pages of the Bible and Cinderella to the fairy tales. Let us put our marriages in God’s hands where they truly belong.


Comments:


Great Topic!
by: Luann

It gives women an opportunity to reflect and recognize. I will re-evaluate my behavior when I find myself either in the Bible story or the fairy tale and focus on reality with gratitude for the gift of my spouse.


by: Linda Della Donna

I am a widow. And a freelance writer. I know the pain of losing a loved one and having to pick up the pieces and like a game of Shutes and Ladders, start all over again. Thank you for sharing your words. You dig deep and write from the heart. The best I can add is something I tole myself shortly after burying my husband--My mentor, my soulmate, the best friend I ever had--...And sometime when I wasn't looking, I got a new life.

Merry Christmas.

Happy New Year.

Linda Della Donna
Founder/Director
Griefcase


by: Anonymous

I had my Cinderella moment and lost my husband. I pray constantly for his return but it is God's hands. Please don't take him for granted because once he is gone then your eyes are opened and all the things that you should have done hit you all at once. God and family are the most important thing you will ever have, cherish it.

The Master Abortionist

by Pastor Deb Covington
(Shreveport Louisiana US)

"The Master Abortionist"
Revelation 12:1-6

1And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

2And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

3And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

4And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

5And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

6And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

Yes, interesting title isn't it? Yet there is a principle within this portion of scripture, which will explain the title.

This may not be lengthy, but I pray it will be informative and help in our everyday battles. We all know that this portion of the word is referring to Christ and his Church/Body....there is a very important principle we can all benefit from.

The picture painted is one of a woman giving birth; she is in much pain and travail in birthing this child. Then suddenly as the birth is very near, the enemy is right there, waiting and looking for the opportunity to abort that child, before it has a chance to grow.

Church, that dragon the devil is waiting for an opportunity to abort our "child also", whatever "spiritual child" you are birthing.

Has God put the seed of a Ministry in your spiritual womb? Missions? Establishing a Body of Believers, To Teach? Being a Godly man or woman of God? A dream or vision for you in the Kingdom; a personal change in your walk, in obedience to God; of course he has.

There are so many things we as the church could be in the process of birthing, we each individually know what that is..

Just know, whatever it is we are "pregnant" with, there will be 2 facts:

1) Much pain and travail

2) The enemy is standing by to cause us to abort, to devour that child before birth.

If we just stop and ponder this...there are many areas in which this very thing is going on right now! It is any wonder that when we are on the verge of breakthrough, that the devil hits us from all sides?

The harder the hit, the closer the breakthrough..just as in natural birth, the closer together the contractions...the closer we are to birthing the child.

The enemy is waiting to devour, as soon as we are blessed by God in some way, he also comes immediately to abort that seed..doesn't he?

He wants to stop the building of the Kingdom of God!

Yes indeed, Satan is the Master of Abortionist, not only in the physical, but also in the spiritual. He will do his best to get us to abort.

Due to too much pain, too much struggle etc.

Be on guard...protect that child you are carrying..

Almighty God has planted that seed within. He will help you birth it as well, stay close to the Father during this time, he will help you through the delivery.

Note what the woman did when the child was born..she ran into a wilderness:

5And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

6And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

Get into Gods Presence, he has a place for our help, your protection and he will spiritually feed us and build up our strength, as well as for the child.

God has a safe place for all.

In his presence there is fullness of joy!

One thing about pangs of child birth, the pain is intense, in some cases almost unbearable; but when that birth comes to fruition, the pain is no longer a factor...as we see the beautiful result of that seed we have carried all that time.

PUSH! Guard your hearts and minds…KNOW you have a real enemy and get on the offensive! Don’t wait for him to strike and abort that child! STAND THEREFORE!

Rise Up Saints Of God! Let us BE God’s Army To the fullest!

What will you do with your "pregnancy"?

Heart of a Child

by Raquel
(San Jose, Ca US)

Little and so small, unknowing of any other life, I was born with brittle bones. But I have the strength that can only come from the Maker Himself. In my mommies womb a beating heart full of life and so much love.

The doctors tell mommy I will have so many problems and maybe she and Daddy should rethink my birth. God has a great plan, a life to touch the lives of others and a heart to reach the hearts of others. The doctors say there is no hope that I will walk, but the Maker himself says different.

I'm now born into a world full of questions, a world that sees me differently. I'm no different than the next person except that I will let nothing get in my way. For if the Lord is for me who can be against me?

Even though at times, you may weep for me as I break another bone or endure another surgery, remember, God doesn't make mistakes. He makes miracles in many shapes and sizes and I'm one of those miracles, pushing through even the toughest of times.

Mommy cries, Daddy tells her be strong, and as she looks into my eyes she remembers the Love of God and again He gets us through another trying time.

Remember, my body might seem fragile but God has built in me a strong heart that will push through and persevere through and through.


Comments:


by: thelma trunk

Raquel....your article really touched my heart.

It reminds me of the special people that God has chosen to be special.

I remember Dale Evans, when God blessed them with a down syndrome child....she called her an angel sent to them, and her book, helped so many other people in the same situation.

Look at the life that God has turned around and used for the good, in "Jonie Erickson". What the enemy tries to destroy, or limit, God can turn around for good.

I pray that the Lord God that we serve, will lead you to some answers that will help to strengthen the little ones bones...nothing is impossible with God...believe Him, and trust Him.
God bless you and your family.
Thelma Trunk


by: Lorraine Coronado

Oh Raquel,

That is so beautiful. It made me cry but not tears of saddness but tears of warmth that your love for your son shows so much in your story. The faith that you have in our Lord.