Finding forgiveness

 

 

 

 

David messed up.

 

Bad.

 

 

It says he was a man after God's own heart.

 

 

 

Who knows we can be men and women after God's own heart, but still, mess up.

 

 

 

I love the 51st Psalm. David is broken and sorry.

 

 

 

Today I want to concentrate on 51:3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

Psalm 51:3

 

 

 

 

 

 

David is taking responsibility for his sin. He is telling God that he sees it and he isn't blind to it.

 

 

 

The first step in receiving forgiveness is acknowledging your sin.

 

 

 

Who says sorry for something that they don't believe they even did?

 

 

I'm not talking about when you and someone have a disagreement and you say sorry to help peace come back in your relationship. Even if you did nothing wrong, sometimes it is best to apologize at least for the situation to show your meek and sweet attitude.

 

 

 

 

When you are wrong in a situation, whether it's towards God, a family member, a friend or a complete stranger, if you're truly sorry, you will admit and acknowledge your wrong doing.

 

 

 

You won't try to cover it up. Tempting at times, but useless and truly ridiculous when you're wanting a clean and pure conscience.

 

 

 

 It has always been a little tougher for me to say I'm sorry than it is for Grant.



For me, it takes a little bit of time for me to see where I was wrong. I usually have to put myself in the other persons shoes and say to myself, "how would I be handling this if I was in ______'s shoes?"


Grant though. He has always been very quick to apologize. That has always spoken volumes to me.


 

 

 I know if a person is being genuine in their apology or if they are just wanting to do "their part."



I think the biggest reason I wait to say I am sorry is because I like to be real. I am not going to act fake. I won't say sorry unless I am.



God knows your heart.


He knows if you're really sorry towards someone.


Better yet, He knows if you are really sorry towards Him.



I was broken and sorry when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.




We must be broken for God to fix us.





Every one of us is broken. Every one of us needs God's fixing Hand applied to our hearts and lives.



I'm forever grateful for the day He fixed me. I'm still not perfect, but I am striving for holiness and a pure heart towards my God every day.



I want my children to know that their mom loved their dad, but mostly I want my kids to know that I loved God. Not just on Sunday morning, but on Monday night. Wednesday night. Friday night. And Saturday morning.



I want to wake every day with a broken heart and go to bed the same way. God does not despise a broken heart and spirit. He wants to show them mercy and love. He runs to those who admit they need God.



I need God!!!!


I have made so many mistakes. I am human. I have regrets. I have sinned.



You have too. You have made mistakes. You are human. You have regrets and you have sinned.




God doesn't look at someone and say, "well, they messed up way worse then this person, I need to be more partial to this girl here. She hadn't ever kissed a boy before her wedding day! And this boy, he has never told a lie to his parents. I need to make sure to give him more attention than this boy over here who has lied his whole life."


NO.


Once you surrender your heart and life to God, we are all the same and one thing. The same word.




BROKEN.

FORGIVEN.

REDEEMED.




 

 

 

 That's what I am and that's what you are if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.



Be broken before God once again.




See your sins before you.



Turn from them and REBUKE satan.



Rebuke him out loud right now! He HAS to flee.


I just said out loud, "I rebuke you Satan, in the NAME of JESUS, from anyone who is reading this blog."




We have authority over him. He is terrified of the Father.




Lean into God's arms, child. He is waiting and longing for you.




Just be broken.



He will fix you.




He sure has done that for me.



 



I'm not who I was

 

 

 

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

 

 

 

 

It has been nearly ten years ago that I accepted Jesus into my heart. I knew and heard about God, and I truly thought I was a Christian growing up. I thought that because I never killed anyone, I admitted that I believed in God and I wasn't worshiping the devil, that made me alright.

 

 

 

As a young child, I was a little hard headed. Then, when I was a teenager, not that I was a snot, but I knew how to be a brat if I needed to be! I made some poor choices (as each and every single person reading this has to some extent...) in my teen years. All along, I still believed I was a Christian. I had friends that were doing "a lot worse things" than myself, so I really figured I was a good Christian compared to many around me.

 

 

 

 

One of my biggest regrets is lying. Whether it was to my parents, to my friends or to myself. The thing about lying, is you have to keep making up more lies to cover up the original lie. I told a handful of lies, but I would consider two or three of them whoppers.

 

 

 

One was to cover myself. One was to make myself look "cool" when in all reality I wasn't at all. One was to make myself feel better about myself as a person.

 

 

 

One thing I can say I learned from lying, is that the best thing in the world to do, (whether you're a Christian or not,) is to just tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth from the start. That would have saved me a lot of heartache.

 

 

 

 

I was very consumed with wanting to be accepted and popular in school. I wanted to have a popular boyfriend, which I did for a little while, but as most high school sweethearts turn out... they turn sour and south real fast. I'm pretty sure there needs to be a rule that you can't "date" someone until your brain has fully developed. Scientifically they say a brain isn't fully developed in both male and female until 25 years old! That means my brain just stopped developing two years ago!

 

 

 

 

 

My junior year was a major life changing year for me. I started out that year with all intentions to do what I wanted to do and when I wanted to do it.

 

 

 

 

I had no idea that that fall my parents would begin going to a church in Wellington, Kansas, called First Free Will Baptist Church.

 

 

 

 

I sat in the services and felt nothing. For about two months. Then, on a Sunday morning I felt a deep pounding in my chest. Pastor Zane Brooks, my dad and the associate Pastor at the time, Joplin Emberson, asked if I wanted to go pray. I said sure. I knelt at the front the church with them and didn't know what to say. I just cried. I will never forget Zane looking at me, crying and saying, "Hannah, God knows what your tears mean, you don't have to say anything." I remember that made me feel so good, to know that God knew me that well, even though I didn't know Him.

 

 

 

 

 

I know there are many people who will read this and say, "well you were saved then! You felt Him, so that's when you were saved."

 

 

 

 

No. That isn't.

 

 

 

 

 

Fast forward a couple months to Wednesday, March 15th, 2006.

 

 

 

 

 

Jason Bruns was sharing his testimony for the first time to the youth.

 

 

 

I felt a strong desire to go forward to pray, but I didn't.

 

 

 

He said to the singers, "sing another song, I feel like there is one person in here who needs to come forward."

 

 

 

I didn't have to think twice. I knew that person was me and I knew I needed God.

 

 

 

 

I got to the alter as soon as I could. His fiancé and soon to be wife, Anna, explained to me what it was to be a Christian. I knew I had lived my whole life as a lie. All the way down to believing I was a Christian, when I wasn't.

 

 

 

I again had no clue what to say or to pray. She led me in a prayer of repentance and I accepted Jesus into my heart and life! I aloud Him to take control of my life, instead of myself. I immediately felt as though I could fly! I felt such a strong weight lift off of me.

 

 

 

The next day I told some friends sitting around me what happened and they all looked a little concerned.

 

 

 

I could write a book, and one day I plan on it, so I can tell more details of my life and all God has done through me.

 

 

 

 

He has been my best friend. He has given me a husband who loves God, and two children who are the cutest things you've ever seen. He's given me a warm home, food in my pantry, and a family who loves me, just for who I am.

 

 

 

I know that not everyone wants to accept Jesus.

 

 

 

In the Bible it talks very clearly about how many find their way to destruction, and few find Heaven. It is God's will and desire for all to come to know Him as Lord and Savior, but He is NOT going to make someone serve and accept Him. That's why I like the Free Will doctrine. We believe God gives each and every person a free will to make decisions in life. You and me are a sum total of the choices we have made. What choice will you make? Will you choose to serve Jesus today? Will you choose Him no matter the cost?

 

 

 

 

God wants you. He has always wanted you.

 

 

 

 

Stop living life for yourself. You won't have a U-Haul behind your hearse full of all your things.

 

 

 

 

The bible is clear on living holy and a separate from the world.

 

 

 

So many want to argue today for things they know deep down are wrong. Whether it's being gay, having an occasional drink, gossiping, cussing or lying or sleeping around.

 

 

 

When you stand before God one day you won't have an argument for what is right and wrong. God made it very clear and simple in the Bible that if we love Him, we will keep his commandants.

 

 

 

 

With my whole heart have I sought You: O let me not wander from Your Commandments.

Psalms 119:10

 

 

 

 

 

Once I was saved, I wasn't perfect. I have to depend upon God every day. I have to ask for Him to forgive me every day.

 

 

 

The difference between who I was before I was a Christian and after I was though, is this...

 

 

It didn't hurt me to hurt God. I didn't care to change and I didn't care to let Him speak to me and show me how to be closer to Him.

 

 

 

 

 

After I was born again, I hurt when I hurt God. I don't WANT to go to bad places, be around evil things, go see movies that cuss and have nudity in them or be with people who don't care about God. I love people, but once you witness to them and they have clearly let you know that they don't want to serve God, you have no need to fellowship with them. They will only bring you down.

 

 

 

 

 

I pray that anyone who reads this will let the Holy Spirit speak to their heart.

 

 

No job, no amount of money, no relationship, no mansion, no new car, no new clothes, no vacation...

 

 

NONE of that will fill the void in your heart.

 

 

 

When you die to yourself and realize you need a Savior, that is when that void is filled.

 

 

 

 

Depend on Jesus. He is the only One who will ever bring you true happiness and peace.

 

 

 

Your best friends will let you down, your family will let you down, your spouse and kids will let you down....

 

 

But, there is One, Jesus Christ, who will never ever let you down.

 

 

 

 

 

In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. Psalms 56:11

 



1 month

For the first time in all the years I have written my blog, I did it for each day all month! I know not all entries were long, but I pray each one ministered.

I will go back to writing once every few days or maybe daily occasionally. 

Remember God is the answer and the only way.

He is all you need.

He's your everything.

Accept Him if you haven't already.

Time is running out.

Sitting in my stand

I'm sitting in the deer stand. Just waiting.

I had a moment before I need to put my gloves back on, because boy it's chilly!

I just wanted to remind you that God IS the answer to any issue you have and any trial you're facing in life.

Trust Him today and allow Him to take Lordship of your life!

Behold

 

 

 

Behold, God is my Salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my Salvation.

 

Isaiah 12:2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just as Moses sang part of this song on the shores of the Red Sea in Exodus 15:2, so will we, the children of God sing this one day soon!

 

 

 

People, the end is coming.

 

 

 

We have heard it over and over. Some don't believe it. Some do, but do nothing with that information. It isn't just information though, it's a fact that is soon to pan out.

 

 

 

I told my aunt last night I need to do a better job of witnessing to people I see. I may be the only person to ever take the time to witness to them. Same with you.

 

 

 

 

Our government is setting us up. It's all part of the end times. It's all part of the antichrist to come eventually. It's all part of God's plan. Nobody can deny every part of the Bible is true in every manner.

 

 

 

President George W. Bush said in an interview that Muslims and Christians serve the same God and "we have different routes of getting to the Almighty." When asked if Christians, non-Christians and Muslims all go to Heaven he said "yes we do, we all have different routes of getting there."

 

 

 

LIE. FALSE. NOT TRUE.

 

 

 

 

 

The Bible says...

 

because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:14

 

 

 

 

I have been saved for nearly ten years and I know there is much for me to still learn about God. But, I know this. There is ONLY ONE WAY to God, and that is through JESUS CHRIST, the SON of the LIVING GOD. You can't get to Heaven any other way.

 

 

 

 

 

Not by the good deeds you've done.

 

 

 

Muslims, giving up your life for "allah" is NOT a "sure way" of entering into Paradise.

You can recite a prayer as many times as you want and give to the needy and fast from food, drink, sex and whatever other craziness you do, but THAT IS NOT GETTING YOU TO HEAVEN.

 

 

New Age followers, you are NOT your own God. What a joke.

 

 

Hindus, there is NOT multitudes of gods and goddesses. And karma... What a lie.

 

 

Catholics, there is not a man you can go to and confess your sins to who can forgive you. There is only one MAN who can do that- His name is JESUS. You simply need to call on HIS name.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Listen, no matter where you are from. No matter your background, I want to tell you something.

 

Jesus Christ loves you.

 

He died for you.

 

He is standing at your hearts door knocking.

 

Whosoever. He will accept you.

 

Confess your sins to God. Believe in your heart and you shall be saved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We will say "BEHOLD!"

 

 

 

 

Behold.

 

 

It's a verb.

 

 

An action.

 

 

see or observe (a thing of a person, especially a remarkable or impressive one.)

 

synonyms: see, observe, view, look at, watch, survey, witness, gaze at/upon, inspect...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Behold, the KING.

 

Behold, the MESSIAH.

 

Behold, the HEALER.

 

Behold, the COMFORTER.

 

Behold, MIGHT GOD.

 

Behold, REDEEMER.

 

Behold, THE LAMB.

 

Behold, MOST HIGH.

 

Behold, BATTLE FIGHTER.

 

Behold, HOLY ONE.

 

Behold, TEACHER.

 

Behold, THE WAY.

 

Behold, THE TRUTH.

 

Behold, THE LIGHT.

 

Behold, GOOD SHEPHERD.

 

Behold, CREATOR.

 

Behold, ALL KNOWING.

 

Behold, ROSE of SHARON.

 

Behold, I AM that I AM.

 

Behold, EMMANUEL.

 

Behold, FAIREST of TEN THOUSAND.

 

Behold, PROVIDER.

 

Behold, STRONG TOWER.

 

Behold, The AUTHOR and FINISHER of our FAITH.

 

 

 

BEHOLD, THE ONE TRUE LIVING GOD.

 

 

 

 

 

 



There is something in this house

 

 

 

When I walked into the front door, I knew, there was something in this house!

 

When I felt that feeling come all over me, I knew it was in there.

 

 

 

I felt a drawing, a tug so soft, yet so urgent on my heart.

 

 

 

I couldn't resist it, I couldn't cover it up or push it away,

 

there was something in this house!

 

 

 

I looked around and saw nothing, but I knew it was in there.

 

 

Who, what or why, I didn't care, for I knew it was going to change me.

 

 

 

My heart broke as I fell to my knees.

 

 

 

I knew in that instant,

 

 

 

 

JESUS WAS IN THE HOUSE.

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Jesus for saving my soul.

 

 



Hour and a half

I have an hour and a half until the day is over. 

We are living in that time, too.

There is about an hour and a half left of time people.

Or less.

We are just about done.

Heaven or hell.

Where will you be headed in a "couple hours?"

Just a thought to ponder on.

27 years

27 years ago I was born, today.

At 4:41 a.m.

Shortly after I was born, my dad went pheasant hunting.

I look back at all that has happened to me in 27 years. And well, that would take 100 books to write the stories without much detail to them.

I would like to share just a few.

Around 2 years old, my mom found me eating rat poison. I was foaming from the mouth looking at her saying, "candy!!!!!"

At 2, 5 and 7 my sister and I both won our age categories of the pageants we were entered in. It is so fun to watch those old home vidoes. I said I wanted to be a "gool alligator" during my onstage question at five years old. (Girl alligator.)

I beleive it was my 5th or 6th birthday, I was given around 14 barbies from my friends at my party!

At 13 my dad took me to NYC to a Chiefs game. It was a wonderful memory.

Chiefs won. Everyone in NY attire wasn't too happy to us.

At 14 I entered into high school and thought I knew everything about everything. I was right and everyone was wrong. I knew what real love was at that age and I even knew who I was supposed to marry! Wow, good thing for me! (Much sarcasm here...) I thought I would be BFF's with my clan of buddies and any boy I thought was cute or showed me any interest was just surely the one for me! Especially if they busted out the big "L" word! (Continuing the sarcasm.)

Well, sadly, my brain did not fully develop until probably closer to 18 years old. And even then I wouldn't always trust my judgment. But, I started having more common sense around 18.

By 16 I was running around with not the worlds greatest crowd. Your typical high schooler crowd you could say. I had a bozo boyfriend or two, and I'm sure they would say I was a bozo girlfriend! Hence, the reason our so called "relationship" lasted about as long as icecream does on a hot summer day! You live and you learn, they say. And at that young age- I learned that a true man wasn't going to be extremely easy to find.

At 17 I got saved. Born again. Leading up to that day, honestly, I can't think of a ton of "happy" memories. In a way, that makes me sad, but in another way- that makes me so happy that I got saved at 17 and not 77. I can now live the rest of my life making meaningful memories.

Year 17 was really big for me.

My family started going to the church they still attend.

I was saved.

I was baptized.

I washed feet for the first time.

I learned to pray and read and worship God.

I opted out of going to my senior year even though I had a ton going for me- so I could focus solely on God.

I fell in love for the first time. Truly. I had thought I loved any given or certain boy from about 12 years old until 16. But, when you feel true love, it's something you can't deny. And being that I was now saved, I knew what true love felt like, and what true love did not feel like.

At 18 that boy asked me to be his wife.

At 19 I married that boy. Grant Daniel. My best friend.

From 19-21 we lived in a camper that sits on a truck that was pulled behind his parents bus! Those were not always extremely easy days, but boy they were fun and rewarding. I was able to pray with many people and see many people set free from the bondages of sin!

At 22 we found out we were expecting our first baby. We had her a month shy of my 23rd birthday.

At 24 a hand specialist said Raylea had what he strongly believed to be a tumor growing inside of her hand. They put her under, took it out and it was not a tumor. It was a cyst. Harmless, only irritating. God touched my baby I believe!

At 25 we experienced a miscarriage. August Shalom Ledbetter is waiting for his/her momma, daddy and brother and sis up in Heaven right now. See you soon, baby.

At 25 we found out we were having little baby again. This time we had many complications, given a 50/50 and "wait and see" chances. He came a month early, had cord wrapped tightly around his neck and doctor had to pinch him to get him to cry. Later we learned a small stroke happened during some point of the delivery. Jack is healthy, happy, and oh so handsome.



At 26 I felt the call to homeschool.


At 27. I believe many special things are going to happen.



Not everyone lives to be 27. So, today I want to rejoice and thank God for these 27 years. Filled with health and happiness and HIM.



Don't take your life for granted.



Give it to Jesus.



It'll all start to make sense if you just give your life to Jesus and accept Him.




For my birthday, all I want is for my lost loved ones and friends to come to know this Jesus, the way in which I know Him. Through His faith, His mercy, and His grace. Full heartedly.





HAVE A BLESSED DAY.



Precious

 

 

 

 

There is a girl who made my day today.

 

 

 

 

One of my favorite things to do is write people cards/letters. Very seldom do I ever receive one back. That isn't why I write though. I write because I want to minister to someone. Encourage someone. Remind someone that they are special and loved and unique and wanted by me and God!

 

 

 

 

 

This young girl read one of my blog posts a while back that talked about how nobody sends cards anymore. Or makes phone calls.

 

 

 

She old me in the letter that I received today that this was her first letter to send out.

 

 

 

She encouraged me when I have needed some encouraging lately.

 

 

 

She ministered to me and she is years younger than me.

 

 

 

She showed love to me when she didn't have to take the time to do so.

 

 

 

Thank you, sweet Precious.

 

 

You truly made my day.

 

 

 

 

Make time today for someone, like she did for me.

 

 

 

I promise, it'll mean the world to them.

 

 

 

Worship

 

 

 

 

 

When I feel the Holy Spirit on me, whether when I am praying or singing or listening to a sermon, many times, I can't stay in my skin I feel like! I want to shout from the roof tops!

 

 

 

Many people love going to football, soccer, basketball and baseball games.

 

 

Now, you can't tell me when your team scores, that you don't jump up and holler and act slightly crazy sometimes! I know I do! When you are overcome with happiness and joy, it's only normal and natural for you to want to shout, raise your hands and maybe even stomp your feet and run around a little!

 

 

 

 

We don't realize the holiness of God. At least I know I don't.

 

 

Do you know that the angels in Revelation 4 never cease to praise Him? It says "they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."

 

 

 

When is the last time you worshiped Him? I love to worship Him with other believers, such as a church service, but I believe for me personally, the best time to worship Him is in reverence and fear of the Creator of all, alone.

 

 

 

I have never thought a single thing about how other people worship. I used to wander why people raised their hands in a worship service until I got saved. And I couldn't help but raise my hands and reach for Heaven. I need and want more of Him. That is just how I worship. Alone or at church. Then you see some who never change their expression. That is fine if that's how they want to worship. Everyone does things differently, but I know for me, I can't contain what I feel on the inside many times.

 

 

 

I bow down when I pray at home. When I stand before God one day, I can't imagine standing. I will want to bow before him in awe and fear and wonder.

 

 

 

Too often though, we pray the same prayers and ask for the same things.

 

 

 

 

We don't take time to just praise Him for who He is. What He is. That He is.

 

 

 

 

Instead, we are too caught up in our problems, our goals, our dreams. We are too caught up in us.

 

 

 

I have been very guilty of this. So, I don't write this only for you.

 

 

 

 

ISIS. They do not worship God. They say they do. Or some "god," I suppose they are talking about. It isn't MY God though. If they do not repent and turn from their wicked ways and accept Jesus Christ as the Lord of their life, they will die and go to hell.

 

 

 

Now, the Bible says the same things about adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like...

 

 

Galations 5:21 ends with "they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."

 

 

Did you read hatred? Idolatry? Fornication? Murders? Drunkenness? Witchcraft?

 

 

We are living right there, people. Look at the news. It's filled with these things. It's all around us.

 

 

Jesus warned that the way to hell is easy and many will find that path. The way to Heaven though, few will find it.

 

 

FEW WILL FIND IT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

_______________________________________________

 

 

 

Ask anyone, they will say they are a Christian 90% of the time. That can't be right, because 90% is not a few, that is many.

 

 

 

 

 

Read Romans if you are not a Christian. Study it. Read Romans 10:13.

 

Read John 3:16. Read Revelation 3:19.

 

 

 

Psalm 95:6 says "let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For he is our God;..."

 

 

 

Read John 1:12&13.

 

 

 

 

John says that we can have a personal relationship with Jesus by believing that he is God!

 

 

 

Face the evil that you have done. Admit that you cannot be God's unless Jesus takes away your dirtiness and makes you acceptable.

 

 

 

After admitting your need, you must next believe that Jesus is the one He said He was and accept Him as your ruler, your Lord.

 

 

 

When one man asked how to be saved, he heard the wonderful response, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved," in the book of Acts.

 

 

 

There is nothing else that anyone can do to be accepted by God. Read John 14:6.

 

 

 

 

 

It doesn't matter what you've done, Jesus is faithful to forgive you if you call upon Him.

 

 

______________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can't truly worship Him until you truly make Him Lord of your life. I feel Him inside of me. He is my everything and my all. He's my joy and peace.

 

 

 

 

Take time today to truly sit down and worship Him.

 

 

 

 

Don't say a lot if you don't want to.

 

 

 

Think about how big He is. In all His power and mightiness, He still chose to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the Cross for your sins.

 

 

 

 

 

That is enough to worship Him for eternity.

 

 

 

 

 

However you chose to worship, do it in liberty and truth.

 

 

 

 

 

Don't let other people change your mind or opinions. Be led only by the Spirit. That is what I have tried to do my entire 9 years and 8 months of being saved. No matter the circumstance, I simply have tried to be led by Him.

 

 

 

 

 I remember once feeling so much in the Spirit that I was raising both hands, stomping my feet and then clapping my hands. It was during a song at the church I was saved at. I felt like I could have flown I felt so overwhelmed with God's goodness, joy and love for me!

 

 

 

 

 

I could write a list of "heavenly moments" I have experienced, alone and with others, but that isn't what I want to draw attention to.

 

 

 

 

 

I want you to come to a place where you can worship the Father in liberty and in truth and in fear of His holiness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pray. Seek. Worship. While He may be found!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Fighting Sickness

 My little four-year-old, Raylea, and myself have been fighting the stomach bug for the past two days. Every time I'm sick I remind myself of how much I take my health for granted. 

 There are many people who stay sick all the time due to certain illnesses that can't be fixed. I can't imagine feeling bad all the time. A lady at our church always ask everyone to pray for her niece. She was born with leukemia and she just had her second birthday. That makes her the only baby in the world to ever make it past their second birthday who  was born with leukemia. I can't imagine not only with those parents go through every day, but that little girl. She isn't old enough to even understand that she is sick. She has only ever felt sick. She doesn't know what it's like to just feel good. 

 I don't have much energy to write today, but I just wanted us to be reminded today that very likely somebody out there has it worse than we do. As bad as me and my little girl feel right now, we know that we're going to feel better in a day or two. That little baby with leukemia does not have the same promise.

 Take time to thank God for your health. For it could be taken away tomorrow, or next year, or in 30 years. Don't take your health for granted. Have a blessed weekend.

Praying and Fasting

 

 

 

 

Two months after Grant and I lost our little baby August, due to miscarriage, we fell pregnant again.

 

 

I was in the second trimester and had a huge bleed. All sorts of complications and we were just sure we lost this baby that was in my belly.

 

 

We cried all night until we went to the doctor.

 

 

Grant held my hand as we looked for a lifeless little baby on the screen. We cried again. And much harder.

 

 

 

I didn't want to look on the screen because I knew this image would be in my mind forever and ever.

 

 

But, I wanted to see my baby for last time of course, too. Until Heaven.

 

 

 

"I see a wiggly baby with a healthy heartbeat!" Exclaimed the woman doing my sonogram.

 

 

 

We cried and thanked God.

 

 

 

They did find a hemorrhage that occurs in a small percentage of pregnancies.

 

What made my hemorrhage even more rare and unique though, was the size.

 

 

The nurse who worked with high risk patients for over 10 years, told us to our face that she had never seen one even close to that size. I was basically given a "wait and see" outcome. Not very exciting. At all.

 

 

 

 

 

I felt the need to fast, but since I was pregnant, that wasn't healthy for me at the time.

 

 

 

I felt a strong calling on my heart though that someone needed to fast.

 

 

 

 

Who though, Lord?

 

 

Grant? no.

 

My mom? no.

 

Rhonda? no.

 

Brooke? no.

 

Who then, Lord?

 

 

 

 

He told me in my spirit to ask my very new sister in law, Morgan.  

 

Her and Gabe had been married about 3 months at that point.

 

 

 

Well, it says in the Bible that certain things will not come about unless you pray AND fast.

 

 

 

This was one of those times.

 

 

 

 

God not only kept little Jack Gannon safe in my belly until he came out later that year, but He also answered special prayers Morgan had been needing answered.

 

 

 

God works in wonderful ways and I am so thankful that my sister in law was willing to pray and fast for my little unborn baby. Her nephew.

 

 

I can't wait to tell him all about it one day, Morgan.

 

 

 

 

What are you needing answered? Have you prayed and prayed and prayed?

 

 

Try praying and fasting.

 

 

God will answer you!

 

 

Pray the prayer of faith!

 

 

That's how you'll see things done!

 

 

 

 

Have a great and blessed day.

 



Then Jonah prayed

 

 

 

Have you ever ran from God?

 

 

Are you currently running from God?

 

 

 

 

Jonah ran from God's call on his life.

 

 

 

He was supposed to go preach to the people in Ninevah and he didn't want to.

 

So, he ran.

 

 

 

Long story short, Jonah hid on a ship, a storm came, he was thrown over board because he was the reason for the storm that was tossing the ship.

 

God sent a "great fish" to swallow up Jonah. He spent three days and nights there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly,

Jonah 2:1

 

 

 

 

Jonah prayed and repented and was delivered.

 

 

 

 

But, I want to zone in on the "then Jonah prayed."

 

 

 

I was running from God at one point, when I wasn't a Christian.

 

 

Then Hannah prayed on March 15th, 2006.

 

 

 

 

 

God the Father wants to bring you to a place where you are not running anymore, but falling in to his arms.

 

 

 

 

Put your name here in the blank space.

 

 

 

Then ______ prayed.

 

 

 

 

 

Freedom. Fresh air. Hope. Peace. Love.

 

 

All begins when you pray.

 

 

 

Stop running from Him.

 

 

 

PRAY.



Give you rest

 We live in a world where there is something constantly going on. Even whenever you and I are sleeping at night, there are millions of people  awake and doing something.  Somebody is on an airplane, somebody is laying in bed staring at their ceiling, someone is sick, someone is dying, someone is crying over there lost a loved one who just passed away that day, someone is working, someone is praying,  and someone is just sitting there. 

 Did you know that Jesus wants to give you rest? Not only physically, but mentally. You can go get the fanciest in most expensive massage, you can go shopping, you can go play golf or fish or hunt, whatever comes your brain down, you can go do that. But, there is nothing in this world that can give you true rest like Jesus Christ. He came to give us rest. This world and life as we know it will one day be over.  In 50 years I will either be in heaven or I will be nearly 77 years old. Let's say I'm in heaven. That will be true, perfect and holy rest.  Let's say I'm still here. I will likely be a great grandma by then and have lots of gray hair. I will be much stronger in the Lord,  even more than I am now, because at that point I will have been saved nearly 60 years instead of nearly 10 years. 

 If you're reading this and you are tired, physically, mentally, or both, I want to assure you that you can find rest in Jesus Christ. Place your trust, faith, and hope in him. All you have to do is except him as your Savior.  He's been waiting so long for you to except him. People have been praying for you to make this decision. Allow him to come into your heart and your life. He wants to dwell inside of you. If you're reading this and for some odd reason I'm not on this earth anymore, just know that I am in heaven.  Jesus Christ is my very best friend and he has given me nearly 10 years of rest. He has held me when I have been alone. He has comforted me whenever I have felt very sad and alone. He has strengthened me when I was weak. He has giving me peace about death and allowed me to not be afraid of the future. 

Jesus Christ is the only one who can give you true rest in life and eternity. You must except him though. Turn from your wicked ways. Choose Jesus. Follow after him.  Make him the Lord of your life. Let him reign in your life.  Trust Jesus. Lean on Jesus. You will never regret it. You will only regret that you didn't make the decision sooner. He wants to give you rest. Finally except his love for you.  I promise, it'll be the best decision you've ever made in your life. 

There is coming a day

Found out a lady has passed away who I was a flower girl for and her babysitter for her kids when I was a teen.

You know what.

There is coming a day...

WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE 

There’s coming a day when no heartaches shall come 
No more clouds in the sky 
No more tears to dim the eye 
All is peace forever more 
On that happy golden shore 
What a day, glorious day that will be 

What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see 
When I look upon His face the one who saved my by His grace 
When He takes me by the hand and leads me to the promised land 
What a day, glorious day that will be 

There will be no sorrows there 
And no more burdens to bear 
No more sickness and, no more pain 
No more parting over there 
And forever I will be with the one who died for me 
What a day, glorious day that will be 

Ray and Jack

 Sundays are always a little crazy. Raylea is on my back at the moment, and Jack is pulling on my hair. I am laying down on her floor in the bedroom in case you're wondering what I'm doing.  

 There is so much to love about these two kids. Raylea Jo is so kind and caring to me. Jack wants me to hold him literally all the time. I can arm wrestle a sumo wrestler with my left arm and probably beat them because I carry him on my left side most of the day. 

 I'm not going to be able to make this a very long blog today but I do want to say that I love my children and I'm so thankful for them. There is no other job in the whole world but I would rather have him to be a stay at home wife/mom. 

 Take time to love and care for your family today. Give them a big hug and just let them know that you care. Have a great Sunday!

Loving

Vicious to Victorious (married couple advice)

 

 

 

So many marriages have been falling apart lately. Dropping like flies. Not sure what that's all about, but I do know that marriage isn't easy all the time even as a Christian, married to a Christian.

 

 

 

I have been married nearly eight years and the best advice I feel I could give a young newly wed couple, would be this.

 

 

If you don't meet each other's needs, you'll fall into a vicious cycle.

If you do meet each other's needs, you'll fall into a victorious cycle.

 

 

 

 

 

Now, you may say, that isn't advice! That's just a statement.

 

 

Well, read it a few times and you'll soon see that it is wonderful advice if you take it to heart.

 

 

 

Not many people want talk about any failure they have had.

 

 

 

I am for sure one of those people! Who wants to admit they were wrong? Man, not me.

 

 

 

 

But, part of my daily walk with God consists of admitting I'm wrong all the time, and depending on Him for help. So, that's gotten a little easier.

 

 

 

 

 

Something that your man needs, wives, is sex.

 

 

 

It doesn't matter that you're tired, that he was rude to you most of the day or that you haven't showered. It isn't going to help you out by withholding something like that.

 

 

 

 

Grant would much rather me withhold his dinner (steak (bone in), mashed potatoes and gravy, and corn on the cob and sweet tea) than withhold sex.

 

 

 

 

Not only does your man need it, he needs you to need and want it too.

 

Our society has turned sex into something so dirty and perverted, just like they have tried to turn everything that God intended to be holy, into something bad.

 

 

 

God wants you and your spouse to experience great pleasure! He made the marriage relationship to be a safe place to enjoy, experiment and explore! Sex is meant to be heavenly and holy and truly fulfilling in all aspects.

 

 

Show love to your spouse in the bedroom. Don't do anything that would down grade them or disrespect them. Don't do anything unnatural.

 

 

God wants you to have freedom with your spouse, and your spouse only!

 

 

Ladies, stop saying no, or soon, he will stop asking.

 

 

 

Men, I don't feel comfortable telling a man what to do, and I also feel that's not my place, but I will give the simple advice while we are on the sex subject...

 

 

Romance her. Kiss her throughout the day. Don't expect anything in return. Give her a hug and thank her for all she does and tell her how much you appreciate her. Take over washing the dishes one night. Open a door for her and treat her like a lady.

 

 

 

After a day of that, I promise, if she still says no to you at the end of the day, there must be something wrong with this woman.

 

 

But ladies, whether or not he does any of that, it's still your job as his wife to fulfill and meet that need that is very important to him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date your spouse.

 

 

 

I'm sure you've heard this one before, but it's very important.

 

 

Every week or two, Grant and I have either his parents or my parents watch the two kids and we go on a date. If our parents can't, we get a babysitter. It's very important that you get alone and have time to just talk, hold hands in the car instead of having to hand a kid a toy or sippy cup, and have someone else cook a meal for me. :)

 

 

Grant is so good at writing me little notes every now and then and leaving them on the fridge or on the counter. He is also good at buying me little presents randomly. I need that. That is my main love language according to that book... GIFTS! I love, love, LOVE gifts. I love to give gifts too, which they say whatever you do to show love is how you FEEL loved. It can be a dollar item, I still feel just as loved as if it were $100.

 

 

Find out how your spouse feels loved and show it! Love isn't just a word, it's an action!

 

 

For God so loved the world that He....

 

 

GAVE!

 

 

John 3:16

 

 

 

 

Give to your spouse! Pray and ask God to show you how to show love to them if you truly don't know or if you need God to give you the desire.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Put your spouse above yourself.

 

 

 

 

I am still working at this. I have two kids to take care of and at the end of the day, I am tired. It doesn't always come 100% naturally for me to ask Grant if he needs anything or if I can get him a drink. (water or tea, I'm not talking about something alcoholic... I am ANTI anything alcoholic, and that's because it isn't of God and He wouldn't do it, so why should we?!) Okay, back to Grant. I just need a little reminding to myself that I need to put him above me!

 

 

 

Here's a few ideas.

 

 

 

 

 

Before sex, ask if you can rub their back.

 

While they are showering in the morning, make sure they remembered to put a towel by the shower door to dry off.

 

Pick up their dirty socks. It's not that huge of a deal.

 

Pick up your dirty socks. It's not that huge of a deal.

 

:)

 

Let your wife sleep while you go rock the baby back to sleep at 3a.m.

 

Pray over them. Often.

 

Make them breakfast and make it special.

(Even if you have to get up at 5am before he leaves for work.)

 

Respect her in front of others. Not only will you be showing them how much she means to you, but you will also be proving how much of a true man you are.

 

Watch the kids so she can go hunt. (Yep, Grant is doing that for me tomorrow.)

 

Make their coffee in the morning and ask them how much creamer.

 

Buy her some roses just because.

 

Rub his shoulders even when yours are aching.

 

 

Forgive each other.

 

 

Grant and I have had some ups and some downs, as any marriage does.

 

 

But the best thing we have learned is to forgive and forgive quickly.

 

 

Sometimes people say things they don't mean. And it can be hurtful! I have been on both ends. I am sure we all have said things hurtful and we have been told things hurtful, at some point or another.

 

 

It's important that you can quickly say sorry and also that you're willing to quickly forgive!

 

 

 

I know I have only been married a short amount of time compared to many, but I felt led to share the few things I have learned over the eight years of marriage I have had.

 

 

I hope this helped someone and you can apply it to your marriage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

END NOTE

________________________

 

God made marriage to be between a man and a wife.

 

"what therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."

Matthew 19:6

 

 

God joins together a man and woman, never a man and man or woman and woman.

 

 

So, this advice was for couples that are married who are a man and woman.

 

 

 

Finding Peace

There are so many people who are unhappy.

Next time you walk through the grocery store, just look at people's faces.

You may find a smile or two, but usually its forced or fake. Or both.

People are looking for peace whether they realize it or not.

They are searching for a quiet place they can rest.

Relationships. Drinking. Drugs. Money. Popularity.

They think those things will bring them peace.

But they don't and they don't.

I'm married to an awesome Christian man. He loves me and I love him.

But, he is not where I can safely draw peace from.

I have friends who love me. My parents love me. My siblings love me.

Again, they can't give me the peace my soul longs for.

My birthday is coming up, and I will admit, although the older I get, the fewer gifts I receive, I still love a present to unwrap and a birthday card in the mail!

Presents don't give me a peace though.

I have went through some happy times. I have went through some sad and lonely times.

The only one who gave me a peace during those valleys and mountain tops- was God

Jesus Christ.

He is the answer to any problem in your life. 

He loves you.

Yes, he loves you.

Let Him be your everything.

He won't force Himself on you.

He's a gentleman.

Just ask. You will have to true happiness and peace.

He's given it to me.

And He wants to give it to you if you just accept Him and His love.