A reminder for all of you out there who have access to The Pentecostal Evangel through your church... tomorrow is THE issue that you'll want to see.  It's all about the use of technology in our modern day world and my sister, Sharon, is featured in and article appearing in it!  I'm so proud of her, but most importantly... this is an example of how God uses what we have  (our talents, etc) to reach the nations.  HE is being glorified.   We are praying for a harvest of souls!

Blessings!  

Exercise is something I enjoy and this month I am teaching my class of girls (Stars) on Wednesday nights about "Fitness".   It seemed like a good unit to work on, especially since the weather is nice...we can go outside and get active.  Personally, I'm just now making an asserted effort to get "working out" again since I had the baby.  Let me tell you... it isn't easy!!!!

The Word tells us , "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

We need to take care of our bodies:  eat the right foods, get some exercise (at least walk or do something to stay active), drink enough water, and get proper rest.    God made our physical bodies and we are the temple of His Spirit.  He cares about our physical body.  Why is it then that our physical condition is one of the easiest things to neglect?  We push ourselves to the limit all the time with rest, what we eat, etc. 

I think I like exercise because it's a stress reliever for me.  I also feel better and more toned/fit when I am active.  I have noticed, however, that after having 6 kids, the 'ol body just doesn't want to snap back like it used to.  One of the worst areas for me is flexibility.  I've never been extremely flexible and it's something I have to work at.  Those muscles don't like to stretch and it can be painful.   Ouch!

This comes from the University of Georgia website (Exercise and Physical Fitness Page; FLEX APPEAL) :

As you age, your muscles tighten and range of motion in a joint can be minimized. This can put a halt to active lifestyles and even hinder day- to- day , normal motions. A regular stretching program can help lengthen your muscles and restore youthful activity.

• To relax your mind and "tune up" your body
• To preserve range of motion
• To maintain flexibility
• To prevent injury during exercise
• To prepare the muscles for more vigorous activity
• To help develop body awareness
• To promote circulation

What a spiritual lesson today!

I was talking to a friend on the phone yesterday and this thought of "having to be more flexible" came up.  With what's been happening with my Mom, we've come to terms with the reality that things can change in a matter of minutes... be it a "condition", plans, direction, etc.  Even this weekend with sleepovers, camp outs, deadlines, graduations... you have to learn to flex with things as they come.

Just like our physical bodies that become less and less "flexible" as we age, "flexibility" is often difficult in other areas as we age.  We like where we "are"... we don't want to be stretched.   We don't want to have to "bend over backward" for anyone; we have a hard time bending views, positions, thoughts, schedules....

Perhaps the Lord has been speaking this same message to you today.  Learn to be flexible.  Not everything in life is going to work out like we think it should - especially when dealing with others.   This is true for Pastors with busy schedules and congregations to care for, Moms with children,  in the workplace,  even within ourselves.

Not everything is absolute, but some things are: God will never change, neither will His Word or His will... but everything else is fair game!   You either learn to roll with the punches or be rolled over!

Let's make it our prayer today to be more flexible. 

Lord, keep us flexible and help us to understand that when you stretch us, you are helping us stay spiritually fit!  It may be painful, but there are great benefits!

Blessings, friends and have a great weekend!

Mom has made some progress - or at least she sounds stronger and more energetic every time I talk to her on the phone.   BUT, there is an underlying  sense I am getting through the Spirit that the enemy is still trying his best to reap havoc.  Hands off, devil!!!

She had a doctor's visit yesterday, which Sharon attended.  They were shown several reports and the bottom line is that they are still not convinced that the blood that was originally found in the samples came from the polyps.  The only area not "probed" was the small intestine, which can be looked at if you swallow a small camera... but Sharon told them we're not going to do that right now.  Mom's been through enough and has had her fill of being the guinea pig.  They will continue to take samples from time to time to see if there is any bleeding.  If the monitoring efforts discover blood, then they might proceed with the camera option.

The polyp biopsy report came back as "precancerous".   That means she'll have to have a routine colonoscopy every 3-5 years.  Again, a catch 22.  Maybe it's a good thing she had the 6 polyps removed, but then again - they sure caused a lot of trouble didn't they????

The doctor also went ahead and switched her blood pressure medicine.  If you recall, the previous one was making her "pass out".  I can't remember what they switched it to, but Mom had it before and couldn't remember why they had taken her off of it in the first place. 

Sharon said there was a lot of "confusion" yesterday... that it was the word of the day.  With the visit to the doctor, the reports, his not understanding how or why this could have happened, Mom and Sharon trying to figure out the medicine stuff...and us simply grappling to understand it all... they felt extremely confused.

I can't help by recall the plight of Job and how he was "buffeted by satan" and feel that we can relate with Mom's situation.  One thing after another, but her life was spared- just like Job.  By the way, when you're down, don't expect the enemy to lend a hand up... he's going to try to kick you when you are down!  Doubt, fear, anxiety, stress... can become fiery darts to the soul and seem to add insult to injury.

Even Job, like so many who face strong trails seemed to be riveted by confusion.  The battle in the mind is where a lot of succumbing to the enemy begins and the devil loves to use it - especially when you are sick.  The Word shows us his heart in this verse:  "If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction..."  Job 10:15

I know there is a lot of stress in dealing with all of this and add confusion to it and you have a bad cocktail!  But, you don't have to drink it! 

I know that the Word tells also  in 1 Corinthians 14:33, "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace"!

We know that God is faithful through all and I am beginning to pray that the Lord will double his blessings upon our entire family because of what the enemy tried to do!  I am praying for peace, divine wisdom, supernatural intervention, direction, discernment, and understanding.  I know God will use this and get the glory for it... He already has in so many ways!

We don't have to trust in anything... but GOD.  He will make the rough places straight.  We all need to stand on His Word today and declare... God is the author of peace and I accept peace into all situations, especially the ones I can't figure out on my own.   We roll that burden and confusion over to Him and pick up His peace, soundness of mind, confidence, and victory.  We don't have to understand everything in order to KNOW that God is able and will keep those in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him.  We need to look to God and keep our focus there, not on the situations around us.

Thanks for staying with us and standing with in prayer.  The battle is not over... but it's His!

Well, I'm another year older today!  I know, I know...you got a kick out of the verse. Hey, who said "fatness" had to be a bad thing.  You're talking to a woman who has had 8 pregnancies... I think I am due a little "fatness".

I can say for sure that my 35th year was crowned with the Lord's goodness.  He answered countless prayers and His presence and direction were with me every day!  My best present today is knowing Mom is recovering and home!  PTL!!!

Looking back on the past year, it doesn't feel like I accomplished a whole lot, but I guess it's all in how you look at it.    I had a baby, taught another year of school, hit two successful years of Expectant Prayer Ministries, started a few projects (that haven't been finished yet), preached a few times, wrote a few songs,  saw Celeste Crowned as an Honor Star, and I had to get some glasses for reading (yeah, now I feel old).  Those seem to be the highlights that come to mind.

With each passing year, I look back and wonder, did I do all I could for the Lord last year?  Was I faithful in prayer and Bible reading?  Did I minister to others?  Was I successful in pointing and guiding my children to Christ? Did I support God's work through tithes, offerings, and missions giving?  Did I use my talents to the best of my abilities for Him- am I living out what He's called me to do?  Did I pray for my neighbors and treat them as I would like to be treated?  Did I allow the Holy Spirit to work in me?  Did the Lord prune any areas of my life?  Have I grown Spiritually?



It is my prayer this coming year of my life that God will use me in ways that will expand my vision.  I want to be used in the harvest- however God can use me.  Believing God is a God of order, I know there was meaning and purpose that I was born on Mother's Day and minister to children and women - as well as the literal meaning of my name: white big-field, white.   I also think it's cool that Israel was re-established as a nation on this day back in 1948!    (BTW- not only was I born on Mother's Day, but my sister was born on Labor Day - we pray for the Lord of the harvest to send WORKERS into the field...and that describes my sister to a "T").  Isn't God so amazing!

I am asking God for harvest this next year and I believe He will give me "the nations as my inheritance".   From the time I was little and had a real experience with the Lord at age 7 and again at 11, the end-time harvest has been forefront in my mind.  There's always been a passion deep in my heart for studying end-time prophecy.
I believe we are living in those days and God is moving us toward accomplishing His will in these final days.  I feel blessed to be living in this day and time - and I hope you do, too.

So, even if it isn't your birthday today, I pray that the Lord would crown this year with goodness, mercy, and righteousness!

Blessings friends, and have a wonderful day - you have to 'cause it's my birthday and I SAY SO!

Mom was released from the hospital late yesterday afternoon and made the trip home.  Sharon said it was not an easy trip and Mom is still very weak, but they got her into her own bed where she can rest now and recover.    She is on antibiotics for the C Diff and will be for around 7 more days.  In the meantime, Sharon and Dad feel a bit of relief having her home and as Sharon says, "We'll probably be sleeping for two to three days!"    

I am still asking for prayer that the C Diff spores will be completely removed from the house, not only by human cleaning efforts, but by God's supernatural efforts. 

We are also planning the transition of my sister's going home and my trip out.  There will be a few days where Mom and Dad will be alone at the house, but I think they may need those few days of quiet.  I thank you all for praying and I am trusting in God to keep us all safe from infection - especially Dad and Sharon who have had the most close contact with Mom.   Things are looking up all the way around.

I want to share with you the verse that has been on my heart today:

 "But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption
is drawing near." 

Luke 21:27-28 (NAS)

I know I've written about this before, but some of you may not have heard about it since it was posted in my archives.  It went along with my post yesterday because we are waving a "banner" in this situation.

Back when we were living in Nashville in 1996, I was praying one day as we were facing a trying situation.    I told the Lord, I have faith, but sometimes it would be nice if He could be a little more direct.   Why couldn't He speak to me out of a burning bush or give us some writing in the sky?  I went outside on the porch as I said this and looked up into the bright blue sky of the day... only to have my breath taken away with what I saw!  I grabbed my camera in time to take this shot!

1996- Writing in the Sky

It meant so much to me because not only was it "writing in the sky", but also because I had been doing a study on the names of Jesus and found that it is Jehovah Nissi who goes before us into every battle.  He is our banner.  We are counted along with Him!  With Him we have the victory!

Of course, God had it ordered that the little smoking plane would write in the sky directly over my house!  I believe it was for ME!  It was actually spelling out the word "Nissan" for the Nissan plant down in Nashville.  But, even "Nissan" is Biblical.  Nissan is the first month in the Jewish calendar... coinciding with our Gregorian calendar in the months of March-April (when this writing in the sky happened).  Nissan is significant in Biblical festivals because, do you know what happens in Nissan?  The passover!  Anyway you look at it, it points us to God!  His blood allows us to be "passed over" by many of the things that would only lead to our destruction when we are in Him.  Even death has no victory because He has already conquered it by the work on the cross.


Our hearts and prayers go out today to

-  the family, friends, and other loved ones who were effected by the death of Dottie Rambo.  Her music touched our lives and she has left a lasting impression on our spirits!

- those effected by the numerous tornadoes in southern Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma

- the victims of the fires ablaze in Florida

- the people of China following the devastating earthquake

- the people of Burma/Myanmar  following the horrific cyclone


Even though the Word warns us that these things will happen, it's never easy to see any form of suffering overtaking the innocent.   Please join us in prayer today and remember to look up, for our only redemption, hope, and salvation comes from HIM. 

Blessings!

My boys watch a lot of NASCAR and Indy.   I've learned simply by their interest that there are certain colored flags racing officials show the drivers in order to communicate with them about the race: 





Boy, I think those flags could preach a message to us today!  (I especially find the black flag intriguing).

In this "race" Mom has been on, I think we may see the WHITE  flag today. We're on the final lap, but we still have to work toward the finish! Over the weekend, we discovered (Saturday) that she had contracted a highly contagious bacterial infection called C Diff (Clostridium difficile). 

It would seem that she more than likely had this bacteria at work in her system all along... before the first colonoscopy perhaps,  since she has had symptoms for 5-6 weeks now.
She was given a round of antibiotics following a bad round of "flu" and as a result of the work of the antibiotics, she was open to contracting C Diff.  Of course, there were several factors at work that effected Mom, but this one was left undetected until Saturday.  Dr. S came in and was a bit upset that she was still there.  He thought she should have been better and home by then!  After testing, sure enough there was a reason for her tummy aches and well, you know.. the runs.

Here are the symptoms I found online:

• significant diarrhea
• exposure to antibiotics
• abdominal pain
• foul stool odor

Sharon and Dad had to contact everyone that had come to visit and inform them that they might be at risk.  I worry about the both of them - especially since they've had such close contact with her for 2 weeks now.  

It is said in the stuff I read that almost 50% of hospital and nursing home patients contract this and it's nothing to mess around with.  It's strong and lives on everything you can imagine. 
Diarrhea itself can lead to lots of complications that we don't want Mom to suffer or anyone else that may have visited her! 

She has been on antibiotics now for 24 hours and it'll take another 24 before she is no longer contagious.   We will have to make sure everything is super cleaned with bleach and the like, plus take high precautions so that she doesn't get it again, but on the bright side of things... this may be the piece of the puzzle that seemed to be "missing".  Now things make more sense and seem a bit clearer to us.  It explains a lot and we are thankful that she is being treated for it and may actually be completely well now. 

When Mom told me about the news on Saturday afternoon, she said "Well, someone must be praying for complete and total healing for me because now they found out I have C Diff"- but her words are definitely a divine testimony.  We ARE praying for complete and total healing!  From her own mouth she is declaring the works of the LORD!

It's just like the devil to try every trick in the book and to try to discourage, but God has been faithful and we are trusting that He will complete the work.  

We know the race isn't done, but today we feel like the white flag has been waved - waving us on to the final lap of the race... and the devil is waving his in surrender... admitting his defeat!!!!!

Please keep praying for us this week.  We are praying:

-Mom will respond well to the antibiotics with no side effects. 

-That the C Diff will be completely eradicated from her system and won't reappear

- All who went to visit Mom will be kept from contracting the C Diff

-All harmful bacteria will be removed (by cleaning and divine intervention) from Mom and Dad's home

- That God will give wisdom about my going out to help them.  Mom is worried that if I come to help them that  my 2 kids and I will get it too.  They need help, however,  and we need direction and discernment in how to proceed.  If I go out, I have to leave in a few days in order to hitch a ride with my bro-in-law - so we need to be in prayer because I need an immediate answer.

- For future decisions about Mom and Dad.  We all live so far apart and we are asking God for wisdom and direction for our families.  It's obvious to us that Mom and Dad need more help than what they have been getting - plus they haven't been telling us some things that they should have.   We have the desire to care for our parents and we believe it is a godly desire.   We want to be in a better position to where we CAN help.  God must have a plan and we are asking for Him to reveal it to us and that those plans would go forth!!!!


We appreciate all who are praying and standing with us during this time of trial.  We can't thank you enough.

For more reading on Mom, go to Sharon's blog.  She posted  "The Days of Our Lives at General Hospital" this morning  (the title is so funny!).    http://www.hoosierfamily06.blogspot.com/

 


Wow, I have to admit that this will be a Mother's Day to remember in the history annuals of our family!

Mother's Day is always special to me, not only because I was born on Mother's Day, but also because of Mom and her situation.  We are still waiting on word whether Mom will be home for Mother's Day or in the hospital.  I'm gonna joke with her and say, "You know the rule.  If you're in the hospital on Mother's Day, you have to come home with a baby!"  She'll get a kick out of that.

In a few hours I will off to the banquet where I will be speaking on "Daughters of the King".  Hopefully I will be able to share with you some of my thoughts on that topic this next week.  It's really an appropriate topic for the hour in which we live, as well as the situations of this past week.  Mom has definitely made it into the message!  

I hope all of you out there have a wonderful Mother's Day - either you being celebrated or helping celebrate/appreciate the Moms in your life!  Blessings and love...

I talked to Mom this afternoon around 1 EST.  She said that she will not be going home today, but it could be tomorrow or on Sunday.  They are still watching her blood and keeping an eye on the levels. 
She said the nurses get her up to walk several times a day now to build strength.  There is still a road of recovery ahead, but she is making progress!  I praise the Lord because she has come so far in just one week.   There are times where things still overcome her.  Sharon and I were on the phone and she had to leave suddenly because Mom was crying.  So, we still need to pray for her strength and that the Lord will continue to build her up.

Another matter of prayer is the events of Sharon leaving and me going to relieve her.   We are juggling everyone's work schedules, school schedules, 9 kids, vehicle situations...etc.  I have a specific time available when I can go and come back.  Sharon also has a definite time she needs to be back at home. It's now a matter of coordinating everything appropriately and in the best time frame.

Back to Mom - she sounds stronger today and she even got out of bed while we were on the phone to watch some ducks that were out her window.  We were laughing because one of ducklings was going off on it's own and the Mom was constantly having to get after it.  I told her she could name that one Levi because my Levi has always marched to the beat of a different drummer!

The final thought for prayer today is the fact that Mom and Dad are going to be needing help beyond the immediate need.   We are praying for God's wisdom and direction.  Only He can come up with a solution that would answer all the "ifs", "when", and "hows".   Help us pray about this!  We need agreement in this area.






 I would like to wish everyone a "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY".    I know some of you only use your computers at work, so I didn't want to miss the opportunity before your weekend started!

Take time to remember all the mothers in your life and tell them how much you love and appreciate them!   You know I'm preaching to the choir here!   You never know how much time you will have with them here on earth. 

Blessings!

Mom continues to improve and I was able to talk to her yesterday afternoon.  When I called she was out of bed and up flossing her teeth!  She sounds stronger with each passing day and I know that she is a living, walking, breathing testimony of the power of God!    There is power in prayer and I hope we are all being built up in our faith because of what God has done!

 

This morning, my friend Michelle sent me a forward of a story that was a good reminder of why we should pray when God lays a burden on our heart.  The author is unknown, but I thank him/her for sharing this story!

 

 

GOD'S 26 MEN

Have you ever felt the urge to pray for someone and
Then just put it on a list and said,
'I'll pray for them later'?
Or has anyone ever called you and said,
'I need you to pray for me, I have this need'?

Read the following story that was sent to me and
May it change the way that you may think about prayer and also
The way you pray.
You will be blessed by this....

A missionary on furlough told this true story while
Visiting his home church in Michigan.

'While serving at a small field hospital in Africa,
Every two weeks I traveled by bicycle
Through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies.
This was a journey of two days and
Required camping overnight at the halfway point.

On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city
Where I planned to collect money from a bank,
Purchase medicine, and supplies, and then begin
My two-day journey back to the field hospital.

Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting,
One of whom had been seriously injured.
I treated him for his injuries and at the same time
Talked to him about the Lord.

I then traveled two days, camping overnight, and
Arrived home without incident...

Two weeks later I repeated my journey.
Upon arriving in the city,
I was approached by the young man I had treated.
He told me that he had known I carried
Money and medicines.
He said, 'Some friends and I followed you in to the jungle,
Knowing you would camp overnight.
We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs.
But just as we were about to move into your camp,
We saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards.
At this, I laughed and said that I was
Certainly all alone in that jungle campsite.
The young man pressed the point, however, and said,
'No, sir, I was not the only person to see the guards,
My friends also saw them, and we all counted them.
It was because of those guards that
We were afraid and left you alone.''

At this point in the sermon,
One of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and
Interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the
Exact day this happened.
The missionary told the congregation the date, and
The man who interrupted told him this story:

''On the night of your incident in Africa ,
It was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf.
I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you.
In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong,
I called men in this church to meet with me here
In the sanctuary to pray for you.

Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?''
The men who had met together to pray that day stood up.
The missionary wasn't concerned with who they were,
He was too busy counting how many men he saw.

There were 26

This story is an incredible example of how
The Spirit of the Lord moves in behalf of those who love Him.
If you ever hear such prodding, go along with it.

 

 

Blessings friends!

 

Sharon sent more pictures of Mom to me last night along with an email.  Yesterday was the first day since this happened that I wasn't on the phone with her several time a day.  They are all exhausted and trying to recoup now that Mom is stable enough for them to not be there round the clock.

Mom sounds like she's feeling a bit better.  She gets weak and winded, so I try not to talk to her that long.  I know she needs her rest.   She also has that nagging cough that she's had for over a month now.  I can't understand why it is still there!  Hopefully the doctors can do something about it before sending her home.

Mom is already starting to worry about the cost of being in the hospital for over a week now...going on two.  I assured her that the main issue was that she is getting taken care of and not to even think about the bill.  God has a way and He will provide, no matter if the final numbers are a little or a lot.   Health care costs are so unbelievable!  I have known friends (that I've prayed for through terminal illness).  It's like a slap in the face; you're sick and can't help it, you need professional care, your loved one possibly dies, and then you're presented a huge medical bill.   Talk about adding insult to injury.  I know the hospitals can write off a bunch of stuff and Mom and Dad do have coverage.  We are praying at this point that Mom and Dad won't be bothered by the money side of being sick and that God will orchestrate the events where they won't even have cause to fear about it!   Is He Jehovah Jireh????



Another special thanks to all who helped! It's important to me, since you were all so faithful to join with us in this trail, that we express proper gratitude.  My heart is full!   Aunt Becky (AKA Florence Nightingale) stepped in and ministered to Sharon and Dad.  God sent her  and we are so extremely thankful.  Aunt Phyllis - thanks for being "central operator". Ivah (for being there for me and Mom's best friend at church) Lisa, John, Aunt Margie, Aunt Joyce (I know you're praying), Jean and Dick for praying, Uncle Russ for caring so much,   Jan for being so sensitive to the Spirit in knowing when to pray and how to pray.  Our blogging friend, Aaron has been more than faithful to leave encouraging comments.  You've been more than a blessing!  Storm, Sheri, Joan,  Pastor Chuck, our home churches,  my brother-in-law and all the kids for allowing Sharon to go and be with Mom and Dad - even though they are without a wife and mommy right now, friends Bill and Michelle, Sheila and for posting prayer requests on her blog, Pastor Dennis, Pastor James, Pastor Charles, Pastor P., Pastor S, Helen for manning our prayer chain calls, Sister G - prayer chain and praying with me on the phone, Vickie and Cheryl - for intercession,  Diane for her gift of "mercy/compassion", all of you who sent notes to Mom,  all the churches who prayed for Mom (especially Michigan, Springfield,MO, Indiana, FLORIDA - yes - My sister's good Pastor's wife friend down that way)  Our friends and family in  California, Canada, Mexico, Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Washington, ALABAMA (Tom & Vickie... Rhonda), North Carolina (Laura), Missouri, Ohio, New York, anyone else..... 
I know I am missing some - and probably important ones - but please know to all we thank you so very much!!!   God is good!  You are greatly appreciated and loved.

***BTW- I forgot a few and edited this at 11:15CST!