Stand STILL

 

 

 

 

November 11th, we welcomed to this big world a new baby. A baby girl.

 

 

Arrow Brielle.

 

 

Zechariah 9:14 says

And the Lord shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord God shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.

 

 

I love the visual that verse gives. And I want her to ALWAYS be God's Arrow.

 

 

Brielle is the end of "Gabrielle" which is the girl form of Gabriel... her uncle.

 

It means "God's bravest woman."

Doesn't get better than that in my opinion.

 

 

Well, we are beyond in love.

 

 

She is so sweet and peaceful.

(She has a sinus infection right now, and is still so pleasant.)

 

 

 

 

Raylea being homeschooled and wanting to know the answer to any and every question she has through out the day keeps my brain exercised.

 

Jack is what you would call a tornado when it comes to him and his toys. I pick them up, they end up everywhere... our closet, our tub, under the beds, on the kitchen counter... so, he keeps my body exercised...

 

Arrow is my little 9 pound 10 ouncer, who keeps me reminded of what matters at the end of each long day... and night...

 

 

That no matter how challenging it is to be a momma of three (Raylea would say four right now if she were reading this because she ALWAYS remembers Baby August... Baby August Shalom went to Heaven in my belly 3 years ago, today.) I think of that little angel all the time.

 

 

But no matter the challenging it is at times, I am responsible for these little souls. As their mama.

 

 

 

 

So, I have been trying lately to stand still as a mom. Not fret about the mounds of clothes needing folded (and washed...) Not get too frustrated when Jack is done with his cereal half way through and decides to toss it all over the floor.. Not get weary when Raylea writes the same letter over and over again the wrong way after lots of practice that morning... To be okay with being a little stinky (you know... no shower, baby spit up on the shirt and toddler snot rubbed on me.)

 

 

I have been searching for time to write. I finally have 10 minutes! I haven't looked at my stats in a long, long time because frankly, I haven't felt anyone would want to read what I have to write lately. I know, I have been really positive lately!

 

 

 

I pulled up my stats a couple days ago and saw sixty some people in Germany had read different posts this week alone... not to mention the other countries. I have always said even if my post helps one person somehow to push on another day, I will write.

 

So, I snapped out of it, and here I sit... pounding away!

 

 

Please take a few minutes to read below.

 

 

_________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

The Israelites had a lot against them. Although they were free from slavery, they had the Egyptians chasing them and a gigantic Sea in front of them.

 

 

Rightfully so... they were scared. And confused.

 

 

 

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Exodus 14:13 and 14

 

 

 

 

What is chasing you?

 

 

is it your past?

 

is it a lie you told and have yet to totally come clean about it all?

 

is it past relationships?

 

is it your childhood?

 

is it your adulthood?

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is standing in front of you?

 

 

is it money you owe to someone?

 

is it your future that you are too scared to pursue, because you're afraid of failure?

 

is it friendships that hold you back and won't allow you to grow as a Christian?

 

is it an illness that is taking your loved one down a long painful road?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regardless of what or who is chasing you or standing in your way, go to the Word.

 

 

I have a good amount of friends who I know would do anything for me.

 

 

 

The top one being Grant.

 

I don't give him the credit he deserves as my husband often times.

 

He writes me encouraging cards about once a month and will randomly do little things for me...

some of them a little more on the random side... like the fleece onesie pajamas he brought home a couple nights ago...

 

 

 

I want to have a healthy, GODLY marriage so that a divorce could never stand BEHIND or IN FRONT of me. That requires.... Preventative maintenance.

 

 

 

You need to talk to your spouse about how you feel and how you feel loved. Communication.

 

I counseled with a friend this summer who had a husband who thought it was okay to text and even go on "business lunch meetings" alone with another woman. I assured my friend that was NOT okay or normal and she needed to explain that to him. Divorce happens like that. One person thinks something is okay in their eyes, but it hurts the other person's feelings. Once she explained her feelings to him, he understood and stopped.

 

 

 

Don't let resentment build towards your spouse or you'll end up being the "next divorced couple," and gossip session at the hair parlor.

 

 

 

 

 

Past...

 

I used to deal BAD with my past. I felt anything I did before or even after I was saved made me a horrible person and Christian. God had to get ahold of me and He showed me that I was not really accepting what Jesus did for me on the Cross by not letting go of my past.

 

Same goes for you. You HAVE to move on and realize we have all fallen short. Ask God to forgive you and pick yourself back up. And stay away from anything or anyone who is going to bring you down! I lost a LOT of friends when I got saved. It is normal. And okay.

 

 

 

Future...

 

I know someone who knows exactly what God wants them to do, but they fear failing.

 

Fear is chasing them and their future stands before them.

 

 

I want to tell that person...

 

Stand still.

 

Stop being afraid!

 

All the times you've failed before... you'll NEVER EVER see them again for EVER!

 

 

The Lord will fight for you! (If you'll LET HIM!)

 

All you have to do is.. HOLD YOUR PEACE.

 

 

 

 

Hold your peace in your marriage.

 

Don't be the last to get every word in.

 

Be humble for once.

 

Be meek.

 

 

 

 

 

Hold your peace in your relationship with your kids.

 

They will get saved one day.

 

Just make sure you're showing them what it really is to be Christian so they won't be confused.

 

 

 

 

 

Hold your peace when it concerns your past.

 

God forgave you when you asked for it.

 

The end.

 

 

 

 

 

Hold your peace when it concerns your future.

 

He only has good things in mind for you.

 

Why won't you trust Him and stop trying to figure it all out on your own?

 

It'll all work out if you just stand still and let God fight.

 

 

 

 

Say this over and over this week...

 

 

I am holding my peace because God is fighting for me!

 

 

 

 

 

as always... thanks for reading.



Sacrificing Yourself

 

 

 

Sacrifice.

 

It is a noun and a verb.

 

Before God became Man and offered the Ultimate Sacrifice by laying down His perfect and sinless body to be killed for all mankind, millions of innocent lambs were sacrificed as an offering to God to cover one's sin.

 

 

That is just something I will never get over (or even completely understand) how ONE little drop of Jesus' blood will cover ALL my wrongs. Isn't that something. We complicate it so much by saying "oh, I have treated people so wrongly in ways I couldn't dare repeat! How could God forgive me?!" When in ALL reality, He died for the person who would molest their little innocent child for 10 years JUST as much as He died for the person who would lie on their taxes a time or two.

 

 

 

I read a verse that I have read or heard many times but it spoke to me in a new way recently.

 

 

 

It pricked my heart in a way that didn't feel good to my flesh but it felt good to my spirit.

 

 

 

 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

 

 

 

 

 

First off, look how this begins.

 

 

 

If my people,

 

 

 

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as the Lord of your life and you're a born again Christian... you are HIS people.

 

 

 

which are called by my name,

 

 

 

When you become part of God's Family, you are called by HIS name, no other name.

 

 

shall humble themselves,

 

 

 

Humble. That's a blog post all on it's own. It's hard to come across humble souls this day and time. But they are out there.

 

 

Humble.

 

The definition I found is "having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance."

 

 

When I was about 14 years old I went through a stage where I thought I was going to be the first ever female NFL coach. Yep, my brain had not completely developed at that point in life is my excuse...

but nevertheless, I loved football. My dad took me to some KC games and when they were going to play against the team T.O. was on, my dad had the genius idea for me to make a sign. He said "Hannah, T.O. always says, "I LOVE ME SOME ME. So, make a sign to hold up that says, I LOVE ME SOME CHIEFS."

During warm up me and my little brother, David, got as close to the field where the players were warming up at and yelled "T.O.!!" He turned, read the sign and shook his head with a smirk on his face. I'm not sure if you've ever been to any form of profession sporting event, but at Arrowhead Stadium there are big screens that show people in the crowd. They ended up putting me and my sign up on the big screen several times throughout the game. It was a fun memory.

 

 

 A buddy of mine informed me that T.O. had a really rough childhood and regretted a lot of his actions in the NFL. This was just a funny example of being the opposite of humble. I want T.O. to get saved one day so if he for some reason read my blog I would want him to know I don't judge him for past behavior regardless! :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you look at yourself as better than others?

 

When you pass a much more unfortunate person on the road who is holding a cardboard sign, do you put your nose up and look the other way and think to yourself, "well, I'm sure they are pretending to be homeless or they deserve this."

 

 

When someone is sick, do you go visit them and bring them some soup or some flowers?

 

 

When someone is stressed, do you add to it or do you find ways to eliminate hardships for them?

 

 

When someone is hurting, do you go to them and give them a hug and pray for them?

 

 

When you get dressed for the day, do you dress in way that says, LOOK AT ME, or... in a way that says LOOK AT GOD! If you're showing every curve and swerve, you're not too humble.

 

 

God made your body for your husband ONLY, so stop teasing everyone else with it.

 

 

 

 

When you go to church do you sit there and secretly critique every preacher or singer who gets on the stage? I would much rather listen to people sing who have a pure heart and motive than someone who is on stage so show off their talent. God can only use a pure hearted person to their full potential. Sure, He will use someone who isn't even a Christian if He choses to, but for there to be unity in a place, there needs to be purity of heart. Humbleness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It also means, "of low social, administrative, or political rank."

 

 

 

 

If you are a social media person, don't look at how many "friends" you have on there. Very likely a good portion of them just want to be 'in the know' on your life. Don't count on all of them to be there when the going gets tough in your life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

and pray,

 

 

 

 

When is the last time you prayed and it wasn't as you were falling asleep, counting sheep all at the same time?

 

 

I was mostly convicted by these two little words. Yes, I am a wife, a stay at home mother (which is a 24/7 job that never gets a clocked out break) and I am currently 9 months pregnant, (going in tomorrow to have our little Arrow!) but that is ALL NO EXCUSE for me to not get down on my knees and spend time talking to God. Thanking Him. Crying out to Him. Being HIS friend. Loving Him.

 

 

 

It says in the Bible that where your treasure is there also is your heart... that is "my" version, but that is just what it means. If you love God, you'll want to spend time with Him. Not just at church three times a week in front of other people, but at home, when nobody is watching or listening.

 

 

 

and seek my face,

 

 

 

I try to find ways to make Grant happy. I try to keep the house as clean as possible. Make foods he likes. I attempt to hang his suits up correctly... I'm still working on that one. I try to meet his "love languages." I seek to find ways to be a good wife.

 

 

I do the same as mother.

 

 

Do I seek GOD'S face?

 

Do you seek His face?

 

We all take time to seek something in life.

 

 

Even if you are not a Christian and you're reading this, you are seeking something too.

 

Maybe it's a friendship. A relationship. A job. Money. A better home. Better career. Nicer wardrobe.

 

 

SEEK HIS FACE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

and turn from their wicked ways...

 

 

 

Sex. Lust. Porn.

Money. Jealousy. Hatred.

Proud look. Lying.

Gossip.

Evil thoughts and desires.

 

 

I could write forever... but you get the idea.

 

 

 

 

 

If you want God to heal your marriage, stop begging Him to heal "this land" if you aren't willing to sacrifice yourself in these areas I just mentioned.

 

 

Perhaps your "land" is a physical problem.

 

 

humble...

pray...

seek...

turn...

 

 

THEN He will hear, He will forgive, and He will HEAL.

 

 

 

Maybe your "land" in need of healing is insecurity. I have been there! I had to realize I was made by God and I began thanking Him for all my qualities and characteristics. I sought Him. I TURNED to Him instead of the mirror or others opinions.

 

 

He healed my land!

 

 

I am secure in knowing every part of me is AWESOME because GOD made me!

 

 

 

 

What is your land?

 

 

 

Are you willing to sacrifice yourself? Your time? Your social status? Your life?

 

 

 

This is a little deeper and more straight forward than my usual posts, but I woke up with this on my heart early.

 

 

 

When I die and go to be with the Lord, I want those who know me here on earth to say, "She loved God and she was humble."

 

 

 

What will people say of you?

 

 

 

And better yet... what does God see? He sees what others don't.

 

 

 

 

 

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!



A True Friend is hard to come by

 

 

 

Last night I woke up at about 1:04am.

 

I wasn't sleeping soundly.

 

I haven't for several weeks since our friends Becca and Jeremy lost their twin boys about 6 months through her pregnancy. They got to hold those boys for just hours before their little hearts stopped, and being there for some of that heartache, and talking with Becca daily afterword's, has weighed on my heart. I truly believe God has aloud me to wake so often each night to pray for her to keep sleeping soundly, so if I don't sleep solid for the rest of my life... that is fine with me. I will keep praying for my Becca.

 

 

 

After laying in bed for about thirty minutes I made myself get out of bed and go sit in our living room.

 

 

I felt like God wanted to talk to me. I wanted to go back asleep at that point. It was around 1:40am. But, I made my way to Grant's recliner, and there I sat. Just waiting.

 

 

 

 

Silence...

 

 

 

Then, I opened up.

 

 

 

I said I was sorry.

 

 

I haven't said sorry in a while. Genuinely, truly sorry.

 

 

 

It took me several years after I was saved to stop feeling condemnation for anything I did before I was saved. I realized that even though I don't feel condemnation anymore, I have let myself think I am less of a person because of anything in my past. Big, medium, small... whatever the 'size' of a sin... the devil can make you feel bad, dirty, evil, vile and unworthy all the same.

 

 

 

I said I was sorry for not viewing myself as clean, pure, and white as HE sees me.

 

 

 

I felt a wall come down and felt like I was hugging God.

 

 

 

Then I said I was sorry for doing something I have done my entire life...

 

 

 

ready for this?

 

 

 

People pleasing...

 

 

 

I love deeply. Therefore I feel deeply...

(some of you won't even comprehend that... and that's ok.)

So, what that leads to, is I constantly feel like I have to "win" others over.

 

Then, that leads to insecurity and being highly sensitive.

Then at times, I have taken to heart everything that is said or isn't said to me.

My mind would constantly search for things I could have done better or different to have had a different outcome in a situation and I end up blaming myself for anything that goes wrong.

 

Big or little.

 

 

Then I worry about it for months on end...

and sometimes apologize when it wasn't even my fault.

 

 

 

 

Talk about draining.

 

 

 

 

Whether that be a sibling, one of my brother or sister in laws, a parent of mine or Grant's, or a friend who I've known for 10 year or 10 months...

 

I try to be the best I can be for all of them, but honestly, at times, I've went too far.

And yes, that is possible.

 

 

 

God then let me see people in my mind's eye who truly care for me... who truly care for my spouse... who truly care for my children and my unborn child, and the one in Heaven... those who care about me spiritually and mentally... those who care when I'm hurting, emotionally or physically... those who care about my talents, even if they are small and not in the lights as some people's are... those who care that I am excited to homeschool and want to know all about it... those who care about my lost loved ones and who ask about them and pray for them...

 

 

 

I saw those people. I talked to God about them.

I felt true appreciation for them.

 

 

 

Then, God talked to me about those who don't truly care... those who are my friend when it's convenient for them... those who are actually happy when I'm hurt or sad or lonely or down, and those who are sad when I have joy or victories in my life...

 

 

 

He explained in my Spirit that it's okay that I love these people, it's even okay that I continue the friendship with them, but it isn't okay that I try to win them over and wear myself out trying to make them happy. He told me pretty bluntly that I have to stop people pleasing and set some healthy boundaries with these people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I then started to ponder on my spouse and my children.

The very ones I need to guide, protect and nurture the most.

 

 

I looked down at my feet and saw a little Tonka Truck me and Grant got for Jack a couple weeks ago. It looks like a little dump truck and Jack sits perfectly in the "dump" of it and likes to have Raylea push him around the house. I then realized it'll be just a matter of time that he won't be able to fit his foot in that same spot that his rear sits. I saw the pillows that Raylea had set up neatly on the couch trying to clean the house for me before she went to bed. I realized one day she will be gone and married maybe, with little rascals of her own (or as she says, "rascalts.")

 

 

 

I prayed and prayed that God would let me be the momma I need to be for these kids. That I would be the kind of parent and spouse that they will WANT to become one day. I don't want to have a bunch of qualities about me that they have to try to not be like as adults. I want them to WANT to be the kind of person that I am. I want them to see me love Grant and respect Grant and know that we will ALWAYS be together through the thick and thin.

 

 

I then thought about Grant and how I am already so protective of him, rightfully so, but how I want to show him love more often and more genuinely. I want to be more appreciative of the fact that he works to put food on our table and pays several bills each month that have never went unpaid, the nearly 9 years of our marriage. I want to be more appreciative that he sits me and the kids down in the morning time and will say, "I'm going to read the Bible, Raylea sit down by your mom, Jack listen up." I want to be more appreciative that he writes me random notes and brings me cards and flowers and donuts and wants to know how my day was. I want to be more appreciative that he leads me spiritually and cares for my well being and our kids' eternity. I love how he lays with Raylea in her twin bed and read her a good night book and then prays with her. I love listening though the door, as he sings to Jack as he rocks him asleep. I love the fact that he wants to be with me and our kids more than he wants to be with anyone else. He loves us and we are the best of friends.

 

 

 

 

A true friend is hard to come by.

 

 

 

 

Take time this week to get a few cards out and write to your true friends. Tell them why you love them.. Why you like their quirky traits.. Why you need them.. Why they are unique and why you care for them.

 

 

 

 

I told God last night I don't know if I will die young, middle aged, or old, or perhaps He will come back....

 

 

but I am not going to waste time anymore and I want to challenge YOU today to do the same.

 

 

 

Pray and ask God who YOUR true friends are. He will show you... it might not be what you want to hear. Perhaps you'll realize you have a lot less true friends than you thought... but overall, you'll feel so refreshed in knowing who truly cares and how you can care for them back.

 

 

 

Whether someone is a true friend to you or not, you still need to love them and pray for them and be there for them with open arms when they need you. But, don't let yourself get drained by feeling insecure or unwanted in friendships. I have done that, and it's zero fun. It is not healthy. God wants you to be happy, so talk to Him today about your true friends and how you can nurture those relationships better, and about those who you need to put some space between, and about the straight up toxic friendships.

 

 

 

 

If someone is always making you feel bad about yourself, attacking your looks, teasing you about having a dirty house or kids' hair looking rough, about how you aren't doing things right as a parent or spouse, if they are making you feel like less of a person and unloved and unwanted... if they only want to talk about themselves and about their happiness when you are sad inside but they don't care to ask... those are friendships you might need to rethink!

 

 

 

 

You ARE important and there are people around you who love you and want to build a strong friendship with you... stop pushing them away and thank God you have at least one person in your life who truly cares for you.

 

 

 

 

 

Have a wonderful week!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Where do you draw the line on sin?

 

Where do you draw the line on sin?

 

 

For many of us, we aren't really sure about the answer to that question...

 

 

 

 

One thing I have learned and I plan to teach to my kids, is that any question in life and any problem you face, the answer or remedy is found in the Bible, God's Holy Word.

 

 

I prefer King James Version, as it is a word for word translation.

 

 

I honestly get confused when I have to read the more "simple" versions.

 

 

Call me crazy!

 

 

 

 

I ask these questions to people who are and who aren't a Christian...

hopefully you'll get my point.

 

 

 

How many cuss words does a movie need to say before we leave the theatre or turn the show off?

 

 How many drinks of wine is ok?

 

How many times is it ok to talk back to your authority?

 

How many times is it ok to look at pornography?

 

How many times is it ok to gossip behind someone else's back?

 

How many years is it ok to hold a grudge against a family member?

 

How many lies is it ok to tell before it makes it a "real" lie?

 

How many hamburgers can you eat before it's gluttony?

 

How many times can you turn your spouse away sexually before it's considered wrong?

 

How many times is it ok to yell at your kid until it's considered emotional abuse?

 

How many times should you pray each day without it being considered neglecting your relationship with God?

 

How many services at church can you miss before someone will call you backslid?

 

How short can your dress be?

 

How much cleavage is ok to show?

 

How tight can your shirt be?

 

How many times is it ok to check your social media daily before you become more dependent on others approval of you rather than God's?

 

How many tattoos is it ok to get?

 

How many piercings can I have?

 

 

How many times .....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to start by answering this with God's Word. Because nobody can argue with that...

 

 

As for over eating, drinking, smoking, your attire, tattoos and piercings...

 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Romans 12:1

 

 

and...

 

 

 

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

1 Peter 2:9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If, I say IF you're seeing/looking at stuff that you'd be embarrassed of your grandmother looking at with you on Social Media.. I'm talking to you!

 

 

Also, any dirty movies, porn, magazines, anything that makes ya stare longer than 2 seconds, it is pretty obvious that it's feeding your flesh.

 

Here's a verse for you.

 

 

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

1 Thessalonians 4:7

 

 

and

 

 

 

Neither give place to the devil.

Ephesians 4:27

 

 

Honestly, I feel like that verse could cover it all. By using common sense, we could really save ourselves a lot of heart ache.

 

 

We want to try to get away with just enough to let our flesh feel good, but to not do too much that makes our "spirit" feel bad.

By not going to church, you're missing out on opportunities to grow spiritually, to be fed spiritually, to help pray for others, to tithe, to encourage someone, to worship God with others...

By checking Social Media, you may be causing yourself to develop a lust or even a jealousy problem that you never had before.

 

 

Hear me out...

 

 

Don't go places that don't glorify God. I don't drive down the Casino drive which sometimes would be faster to get on the turnpike when driving to Wichita, because I don't want a single soul who is there to see me by chance and to have any question on whether or not I would go there. I don't agree with the stuff that goes on in there, therefore I don't want to be seen driving through their parking lot of even through their toll booth. I don't care that I have tinted windows either. Everyone has their own convictions on things, and this happens to be one of mine. I'm not saying I'm better than you if you drive by there, or go there, but I am saying that I am not giving the devil a place in my life for temptation, for someone to start a rumor, or for me to cause someone else to stumble who is a new (or old!) Christian or who isn't even saved. My witness for God is more important that anything inside a Casino!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You who yell at your spouse, kids, gossip about others and can't control your mouth...

 

 

 

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:29-32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The woman (or man) who isn't pleasing their spouse.

(not just physically... emotionally and spiritually too!)

 

 

 

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Ephesians 5:21

 

 

and...

 

 

So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

Ephesians 5:28&29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For all the other "questions" the main verse I like to always go back to is this...

 

 

 

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Ephesians 5:27

 

 

 

 

 

 

This blog post was for me as much as it was for you. I don't ever, ever claim to be perfect and have it all together, I'm still learning every day. But, I felt very compelled to write on this subject, so I must do as the Lord impresses.

 

 

Have a great rest of your week.

 

side note: my little girl, Raylea had her first day of homeschool today!

If you want to see what she did, just click on the link below!

www.ourhomehomeontherange.blogspot.com

 

 



Waiting in the Rain

 

 

 

Life has been kind of hectic lately.

 

 

Fuel pump went out in my car last week. Even though it's been a little inconvenient without having my own ride like I'm used to, it's been nice riding together as a family of four in Grant's truck. This morning I worked more on preparing for Raylea's first official school year with me as her teacher. I know it may sound nerdy to some, but I seriously am beyond excited for September 7th to finally be here. One year ago, you would have gotten a big laugh out of me if you would have told me I would be homeschooling the following year. I have only had a clear peace from God on a handful of things in my life, and the decision to homeschool my kids was one of the most clear ways He spoke to me. Nobody else could have talked me into it. He had to, and He knew that. (of course!)

 

 

I recently decided to start a blog about our homeschooling journey, photos I take here and there, and just some of my random daily activities I feel like sharing on the world wide web.... you can check it out if you would like.

 

 

www.ourhomehomeontherange.blogspot.com

 

 

 

I'm just days away from entering the last trimester of my pregnancy. Which is also my last pregnancy, but oddly enough, I am not too terribly sad like some may presume. Grant and I feel like Arrow is the final piece to our family. A few have said "I see you with four kids though!" And it dawned on me in that moment and I replied, "Well, baby August is in Heaven, so I do have four!"

 

I'm blessed.

 

 

 

This next month alone I will be starting homeschool, a "Widow and Widowers Banquet" me and another woman are putting together at our church, helping throw a baby shower for a friend who is having twins, and a little mini-session of fall family photos I am taking for some people.

 

The month after that I have both of my kids' birthdays/parties and then the first part of November, baby Arrow will be here. So... I am trying to write as often as I can right now.

 

 

 

 

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How often do you hear someone say they are waiting on God? I know I have probably said it numerous times, maybe in different wording, but that's what I was insinuating.

 

 

 

 

But, how often do we say....      "God is waiting on me."

 

 

 

Let's read Isaiah 30:18 real quick...

 

And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

 

 

 

So, not are you just waiting on Him... He's waiting too!

 

 

 

I was married at 19. I didn't have to exactly "wait" very long for my life long spouse to come along.

 

 

 

But, I have several friends who waited for years and some who still are.

 

 

 

Why?? Well... let's read James 5:7.

 

 

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord, Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

 

 

 

 

 

God knows when it's best. He knows when the fruit will be ripe! He knows when the field is ready to harvest! He knows when it's time to tell you "Go!" and "Yes!"

 

 

He knows when you'll be spiritually ready to receive blessings for your gain and His glory.

 

 

 

 

 

I talked to a friend this morning and come to find out we both have had "one of those weeks." (Yes, I know it's only Tuesday!)

 

We agreed that when it rains it pours!

 

 

 

 

As I type this though I am reminded that for a harvest to come, there has to be watering. Where does the water come from? Rain! So, when those dark clouds come rolling in over your life, over your situation that you already thought couldn't get any more hopeless... just remember that God is not mad at you! He isn't punishing you! He isn't ignoring you! Instead, He is pouring out SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS.

 

 

 

 

God waited to do something for many more years than anything you've ever waited for...

 

Galations 4:4 speaks of "when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son...."

 

 

 

 

Maybe you're waiting on your spouse to finally come around so you can get married already... maybe you're waiting on your spouse to treat you the way God commanded them to... (or perhaps God is waiting on you to treat your spouse the way He commanded...) maybe you're waiting for God to save your lost brother and sister... maybe you're waiting for a good enough job to pay the bills... maybe you're waiting on God for something that nobody else knows about....

 

 

 

He won't be late. He won't be early either, though. But, He will be right on time.

 

 

 

Don't give up and quit the fight just because you feel knocked down, the air has been kicked out of you and you can barely see through your teary eyes...

 

 

 

God is watching you, and He cares. Place your trust in Him. Not people. They let you down. Even your best of friends. Even your kids and your spouse. Even your pastor. Just like you will let them down...

 

 But the Lord will never fail you and it is impossible for Him to do so.

 

 

 

 

I pray you are encouraged today. I am waiting on some things in my life. But, God is waiting too!

 

 

Don't forget that!

 

 



In the Wilderness

 

With the Believer, everything is a test. How will we act? How will we react?

 

 

 

Today, if you want something, you can usually find a way to get it.

 

 

New car? Head to the dealer.

 

Don't have the money? Head to the bank for a loan.

 

Cheeseburger? McDonalds.

 

(sorry, I am six months pregnant and that just came to my mind...)

 

Clothes? Drive to the mall in your new car while you eat your cheeseburger.

 

 

 

Get my drift?

 

 

 

 

The want it/get it mentality we Americans are used to makes it tough for God to speak to us. We usually have little reason to trust Him when we are placing matters into our own hands in every situation.

 

 

 

It's so easy to say we trust God, yet we take care of a matter ourselves.

 

 

We have mostly everything we want.

 

 

Everything looks and feels good.

 

 

Fresh food sitting in your cold refrigerator, half of it will go to waste because you'll be eating out so often.

 

 

Clothes packed away in tubs because your closet can't hold them all.

 

 

Painted nails and new hair.

 

 

New lawn mower, way cooler than your neighbors of course.

 

 

Getting paid over time. Vacations. Endless shopping. Usually online so you don't have to leave your house.

 

 

Hunting. Fishing. Golf. And all the stuff that goes with it.

 

 

Air conditioning in your car.

 

 

 

We have it easy, people.

 

 

 

I opened up to this scripture randomly, and several things jumped out at me...

 

let's first read the text.

 

 

 

 

 

All the Commandments which I command you this day shall you observe to do, that you may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the Lord swore unto your fathers.

 

And you shall remember all the way which the Lord your God led you these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you, and to prove you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His Commandments, or no.

 

And He humbled you, and suffered you to hunger, and fed you with Manna, which you knew not, neither did your fathers know; that He might make you know that man does not live by bread only, but by every word that proceeds out of the Mouth of the Lord does man live.

 

Deuteronomy 8:1-3

 

 

 

 

 

Well, that's convicting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I thought of times I felt I was in the wilderness, so to speak. I'm almost 28, so obviously I wasn't wandering for no forty years. I wasn't without food, a home or clothes.

But, I thought of times I felt I was left alone, even forgotten.

 

 

 

 

It's in the wilderness that God wants to humble you. Prove you. To know what is really in your heart. To know if you will really obey Him. To let you learn that it isn't by bread alone that you will survive, but by every single word from the very Mouth of God.

 

 

 

 

Have you ever been abandoned by someone? Your father? Your mother? Your spouse?

That's a wilderness.

 

 

Have you ever been so low on funds that you can't pay rent, can't put gas in the car and can't feed your little children staring up at you?

That's a wilderness.

 

 

Have you ever been molested, perhaps continually by someone who you thought was there to keep you safe?

That's a wilderness.

 

 

Have you ever been betrayed by your closest friend?

 

 

 

Have you ever felt so down on yourself that you sat alone at your house with a gun held to your head?

 

 

 

Have you ever messed up as a parent and years later, your adult child still doesn't want a relationship with you?

 

 

 

Have you ever felt condemnation for sin that you've asked for forgiveness for, but you just don't understand how God really could forgive and forget such a dirty lifestyle? Or maybe a sneaky lie?

 

 

 

Have you ever woken up after being married for 25 years only to find out that day; that your spouse has been living a double life?

 

 

 

Has your baby ever been diagnosed with an incurable disease?

 

 

 

Have you ever had to lose a baby in your stomach in which you've never met?

 

 

 

Has someone ever attacked your looks? Made you feel even worse about yourself?

 

 

 

Have you been told by the doctor that "you'll never be able to have your own children?"

 

 

 

Have you ever lost your home in a fire?

 

 

 

Have you ever sat on the side of the road, holding a cardboard sign in the middle of a winter storm, wandering if anyone would believe your story and just offer you enough money to get you a single warm meal?

 

 

 

 

Those are all wildernesses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some ask, why do bad things happen? If God were love and if He loved me, then why are these things happening?

 

 

 

 

I don't have the answer.

 

 

 

I do have this scripture though, which tells me, that through trials, He strengthens His children. Through the fire, He turns us into gold. Through persecution, He is building us up to be mighty warriors of the Cross. Through the wilderness, He is learning what is in our hearts...

 

 

 

 

 

What are you facing right now?

 

 

 

Is your future up in the air? Not sure which road to take?

 

 

Let me ask you this, are you being obedient to what God asked of you? Often times we want to point our fingers at others or even at God if "His will" isn't quickly revealed to us, but God is so much bigger than that. He is personal. He will speak to you in a still, small voice. And not usually when we are expecting it.

 

 

Just a few nights ago, Raylea and I lay in bed as we do every night during our reading and prayer time. She said, "Mom, why can't I hear God talk to me?" I said, "what do you mean?" She looked up towards the ceiling and said, "God, how much do you love me?" Then she turned her head and looked back at me and said, "See? He didn't say anything."

 

 

 

She tends to ask me the hardest, most deep questions when my brain is the most tired.

 

 

 

 

I thought for a moment and then explained to her that God doesn't usually speak to us in a voice like what her and I use, but if we are still and listen, we can hear His voice in our heart. So, she sat there and was quiet and said, "Okay, He told me He loves me bigger than the world."

 

 

 

 

 

Same goes for me. And you. God will speak to you. Sometimes He wants to do more than just speak to you during the wilderness. He wants to get to know you. The question is, do you mind letting Him?

 

 

 

 

 

God is about to do something amazing in your life. Sure, you may be right smack dab in the middle of the hardest storm of your life... but remember, it get's the darkest before the dawn.

 

 

 

 

 

 It's easier said then done, it's much easier to say we trust God and will obey Him until our back is up against a wall. Then a few years later, it's up against a different wall. But, I want to encourage (that means to cheer, uplift, and fire up!) you today, whoever may be reading this, that things may look bad, they actually look awful, but if you place your hopes and dreams along with your trials and pains into the hands of God, He will lead you out of the wilderness when it is best for you.

 

 

He's humbling you. He's proving you. He's learning what's in your heart and if you will truly obey Him.





Keep your head held high, the King of Kings is turning you into gold.

 

Grant stood in Oklahoma sometime ago with his Uncle Zane, as he told him about how he built with this old weathered tin as a boy. Grant took a big sheet of it home to make him something special. Just recently, Grant made a cross and a crown of thorns out of it. He wrote on the back a special message to his Uncle Zane, explaining how while he was a young boy building a chicken coop with this tin, God was building Zane up to become a mighty builder for His Kingdom one day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, as you see, perhaps his Uncle Zane felt as a young boy he would never amount to much or be used greatly as he built with that tin. But, today, he's in the middle of building a larger church because they've outgrown the one they are in! (I also was saved and baptized at his Uncle Zane's church.)

 

 

 

 

 

Don't let your stinkin' thinkin' or the naysayers you may have surrounded yourself by, persuade you any longer that you won't be used by God. It's hard to see it while you're in the wilderness, but he's making you into exactly what He wants and needs you to be. Don't question Him.

 



Morgan's Story- A testimony of a heart changed

 

 

 

I am honored to write on my sister-in-law Hannah's blog.
Hannah, you are such an annointed woman of God in everything you do. Thank you for being 100% REAL in your walk with God.

 

 

 

 

I have asked God to show me what to write about. And as I have read scripture, everything I read I think "Wow! I want to write about this." But, of course you can only say and talk about so many things on one blog before people get completely bored and confused and leave the site completely. I will keep this short and simple!

 

 

 

 

As I slipped my head in my daughters bedroom door while she was taking her afternoon nap, I couldn't hardly stand there much longer as my eyes filled with tears and my heart swelled with pride. I felt such a strong warmth of Gods love wrap around me like an oversized furry blanket during a winter snow storm sworming about. 
I immediately went to the altar that I have in my bedroom and knelt. I thanked God for loving me even when I was a stubborn girl who thought time was in my hands. I did what satisfied my flesh and was decided that I would get saved when I was older. (Salvation doesn't work that way)

 

 

 

As I was praying in my room today, my mind went back to the night that I was changed forever; at a Tuesday night youth service. The preacher preached, but the message I can not remember. During the altar call I recognized before God my brokeness that I had been living with for a long time and I was only becoming more broken each day I lived without Christ as my saviour. 
Standing infront of the altar of the church, all I could see in my mind was Jesus Christ standing up looking down at me with his arms opened wide. The most tender look was in His eyes. I knew what He was doing. What He had been doing for a long time; waiting for me to jump in His arms and be rescued from sin and bondage! All I could get out of my mouth in the midst of crying was "Thank you for still loving me. Thank you for still loving me." over and over as I gave my heart completely over to Christ. I had never been so grateful for such merciful love in my life. I was free! Free forever.  I didnt care anymore what people thought. It wasnt worth living alone any longer and it certainly wasnt worth eternal death in hell.

 

 

 

 

If you havent ever heard or maybe have forgotten, Jesus loves YOU!


My dear friend, right now, take a quick trip down memory lane, and I do mean quick. Don't dwell on your past sins longer than just to repent (If you haven't already) and thank God for STILL loving you! No matter what youve done. No matter the people you have hurt or who has hurt you and you have been carrying around unforgiveness.

GOD STILL LOVES YOU.

 

 

 

 

He's standing here with arms open wide waiting to rescue you!

Please don't miss this opportunity to be forgiven. Cleansed. Free forever. 
God can make brand new what Satan has torn down and nearly destroyed.

 

 

 

 

II Corinthians 5:17 
"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away behold all things are become new."

 

 

This verse has encouraged me so many times! Old things are passed away!! I and everything in me became new when I surrendered my life to Christ! The old me is gone. Thank you Jesus!

 

 

 

 

My only desire is to worship you, Lord. I pray that when your eyes come across me, you find a heart that is just like yours. In Jesus name!

Ray, a man of Faith

 

 

 

 

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

1 Corinthians 2:9

 

 

 

Oh, Ray, the things you're seeing right now that God prepared for YOU.

 

 

 

 

Ray Torres went to be with the Lord a few hours ago. I not only was privileged enough to go to church and worship with Ray, but I also got to work with him at my job for two years.

 

 

 

 

 

Ray came down with cancer a few months ago. He is a fighter but for whatever reason it may be, the Lord wanted Ray to come to Heaven to be with him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I worked with Ray, I got to see a man who lived it. I mean, he lived Christ-like on the job, and I worked with him for a whole two years. I watched some customers be short with him, and him keep a smile on his face and never lose his cool. I never saw him get angry. Only kindness came out of Ray. Not too many people can I recall that being the case.

 

 

 

 

When I was pregnant with Raylea, I had horrible morning sickness, (which lasted all day.) I was having to leave work once and he stopped me before I left and asked if he could pray for me. It was a large business we worked at, and there were people standing all around. He didn't care one ounce. He asked a few people that he knew were Christians as well to join him. It meant so much to me that a man cared about me just being upset at my stomach!

 

 

 

Another time at work, it was closing hour and since he was the manager he had to wait until I had everything put up. A horrible storm rolled in and we got stuck there! I have never owned a "fancy" car, but I have always cared for and taken much pride in whatever vehicle I was driving! I had a little Honda car that had liability insurance on it and baseball size hail was pounding everywhere outside. Ray's vehicle, along with all the other company cars were able to fit into the garage, but mine was left outside in the middle of the parking lot. I was so upset because I knew my car would be ruined and probably windows smashed. Street signs were even flying in the air! Ray said real calm, yet boldly, "Well, let's just pray and ask God to protect it." I am sure my eyes got big as I looked at him in shock. I definitely wasn't having faith in that moment as I watched my car being pounded, and at that point we had to get away from the windows because we were worried it may break. So, Ray prayed. I can't remember if I prayed or not, but I knew regardless of what I prayed, my car would be totaled!

 

 

The storm eventually passed and we walked outside. I stood in shock as me and Ray walked around my car looking for just a SINGLE dent. A single mark! NOTHING! Houses all over South Wichita had to have their siding and roofs completely replaced because damage was so bad. It was Ray's prayer of faith that saved my car that day!

 

He wasn't amazed at all and just kept laughing at me because I was in SO much shock! That situation increased my faith!

 

 

 

Ray has always been very good to mine and Grant's kids. Raylea has called him "Mr.Ray" for as long as she could talk and he always met her before or after service at church to give her a jolly rancher or whatever candy he had brought for her that day. Today when I told her he went to Heaven, she wanted to put on the gold boots he got for her 4th birthday. At Jack's first birthday party, Garrett, my brother in law, had brought his horse down to the barn where the party was held. While Jack was opening his gifts, Ray came in the barn on top of the horse! It was a good laugh we all had!

 

 

 

I could tell many stories of how Ray has been good and kind to me, Grant and my kids. So could anyone else who knew him.

 

 

 

Ray was one of my very good buddies and I miss him so much already.

 

 

 

A few weeks ago when Grant and I got in from a vacation, Ray was doing bad at the hospital, so we went to see him before heading on home. I stood over him and cried and cried. Grant sang to him as we held his hands, "What a day that will be." Ray had the sweetest grin on his face the whole time.

 

 

 

And what a DAY, TODAY IS!

 

 

 

 

 

I hugged him tight and he said, "I love you, Hanny." He always called me that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is Raylea today, right after she put her boots on that Ray got her last October.

 

 

 

 

 

We love you, Ray, you man of FAITH! We will see you SOON!!!!

 

 

 

At my birthday dinner in 2010. I can hear Ray's laugh now!