Time For God

O God, You are my God;

Early will I seek You.

Psalm 63:1

Today is February 29. An extra day added on the month of February. It's Leap Year!What is a leap year? A leap year is a year in which one extra day has been inserted at the end of February. A leap year consists of 366 days, whereas other years, called common years, have 365 days. Leap years are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the earth's revolutions around the sun.

go here to read more...http://www.timeanddate.com/date/leapyear.html

Ok, so with this extra twenty-fours hours added to my year, I know I should spend more time praying, but I am already pressed for time. God understands. He knows how I struggle just to be a wife, mom of three, part-time teacher, cook for and feed the hungry (my family), and to get the never-ending laundry of five people done. Yes, God does know. He understands each and every struggle of my day. And He wishes I would tell Him about my day. When I take the time to tell Him about my struggles, they always seem to lessen. When I take the time to spend the first moments of the day with Him, I receive such a blessing...strength and inner peace. Thank you, God for reminding me that no matter what I do today, the most important thing is making time for you!

Here's some wisdom from a devotion I read recently.... (author unknown)

The best way to get the day started is with the Lord. There is no better way to start your day! David acknowledges God as his God. This is a very significant statement. For you see, so many people have God in their lives but He is not their God. There is a big difference. Jesus the Bible tells us is both, Savior and Lord! The truth is, He is both whether we acknowledge it or not in our lives. However, when He becomes both Savior and Lord in our lives, God is glorified and we are blessed beyond measure!

When God is able to be God in a person’s life, his life is rearranged! Early David said he would seek the Lord. It is virtually impossible to find God in the middle of the day when you have not started your day off with Him! It is not that it is difficult for God to find us, it is difficult for us to find God! When we begin our day with the Word of God on our mind and the Spirit of God in our hearts, He is able to guide us in the direction that He wants us to go and give us all that He wants us to have for that hour in our lives. As we continue to walk in the path that God has laid out for us, He continues to bless us and make us a blessing to those around us.

As we seek Him early in the morning, He is able to have a hand in the direction that we head off in that morning. As we begin our day, He is able to make a difference in the attitudes that we have which has a lot to do with how our day gets started which has something to do with how it ends up! If your day gets off to a great start, there is a greater chance that it will end up on a good note. If God is given the opportunity to make a difference in your life, there will be a visible difference in your life that others will see and respond to.

Start your day off with the King of King and Lord of Lords. Allow Him to be Lord and Master of your life. Allow him to be God in your life. Seek Him early in the morning. You might just be surprised at how smooth your day goes!

He Is All I Need

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else,

and live righteously,

and he will give you everything you need.

Matthew 6:33 NLT

Are you trapped by daily worries? Instead of worrying, remember God's promise to always provide for your needs. Then refocus your worry into acting for the good of God's kingdom.

Here I Am

But how can people call for help

if

they don't know whom to trust?

And how can they know who to trust

if

they haven't heard of the One who can be trusted?

And how can they hear

if

nobody tells them?
Romans 10:14

Father, Here I am... use me today to tell someone about your trustworthiness.

Eclipse

And we all, with unveiled faces

reflecting the glory of the Lord,

are being transformed into the same image

from one degree of glory to another,

which is from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18

Last week we watched a lunar eclipse in our beautiful southern sky. I recall that my niece, Kameryn called to remind us to watch. Not being scientifically inclined, and frankly, too embarassed to quiz my 3rd grade niece about what exactly causes a lunar eclipse, I decided to look up some info on the web.

I discovered that an eclipse occurs at those times when the Moon moves into a position of direct alignment with the Sun and the Earth. There are two basic types of eclipses – lunar and solar. Most people have seen at least one total lunar eclipse, when the full Moon passes through the shadow of the Earth. In this case, the Sun and the Moon are on opposite sides of the Earth. If you observe a lunar eclipse (visible only at night at the time of certain full Moons), you’ll see the bright lunar disk turn dark -- sometimes a coppery red color -- for as long as an hour or more.

Now, it has been a little while since I had science class, but Mr. Eidson (my 8th grade General Science teacher) would be proud that I do recall that the moon has no light source of its own. It can only reflect the light from the sun. The reflection is so great that the moon can light up a dark sky – just by having its face turned toward the sun – the source of light! It is a reflection of what it is gazing upon! That's what our Heavenly Father desires from us…. to be a reflection of who He is. If we gaze upon Him, He is reflected from our lives.

His Love Never Fails

But I trust in your

unfailing love.
I will rejoice

because you have

rescued me.
Psalm 13:5

Many times I am disappointed in the way I fail to live out the hope I have in Jesus. I get discouraged at how others treat me and have a lack of understanding. I know that in this life we will have our share of disappointment and discouragement. I will fail others. Others will fail me. I praise God that when I put my trust in the Lord, He never lets me down.

Mother Teresa said, "People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people may accuse you of selfish motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you may win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. People who really want help may attack you if you help them. Help them anyway. Give the world the best you have and you may get hurt. Give the world your best anyway."

Compassion vs Condemnation

Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For by the standard you judge you will be judged, and the measure you use will be the measure you receive.
Why do you see the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to see the beam of wood in your own?
Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye,’ while there is a beam in your own? You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Matthew 7:2-5

It's easy to stand in judgment of others. We criticize the way they dress, the way they speak, their social status, their religion, the color of their skin, their workplace, their education, their weight, their appearance, etc. It somehow makes us feel more holy when we compare ourselves to others. When another believer falls into sin, we even tend to have a condescending attitude that further damages them. We justify this although it does irreversible damage to so many. Even more tragic, imagine the lost person searching for acceptance and forgiveness only to be judged and condemned by a so-called Christian. Where is compassion in the church?



Some quotes to think about...


I'm slipping when I begin taking another person's inventory, not mine.
-Anonymous

Compassion will cure more sins than condemnation.
-Henry Ward Beecher

Another great verse....

So whenever you speak, or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law of love, the law that set your free. For there will be no mercy for you if you have not been merciful to others. But if you have been merciful, then God's mercy toward you will win out over his judgment against you. James 2:12

Roots

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,

continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him,

strengthened in the faith as you were taught,

and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7

Jesus is our nourishment! We get everything we need from Him. If we are truly rooted in Him our lives will bear fruit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We should continually draw from our source ----Jesus Christ. If we do we will be strengthened in our walk and overflowing with gratitude.

The Lamb

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Revelation 5:12

Our Lord is truly worthy of our praise and worship! Great things He has done!

What does worship mean?

“The English word worship comes from the Anglo-Saxon weorthscipe, which developed into worthship and finally worship. As can be seen from the word's derivation, worship is the act of giving honor to someone of worth. Thus, to worship God is to ascribe to Him the supreme worth that He alone is worthy to receive....worship is the work of the people directed toward God." (David Dockery)

My sister emailed these words last night..."I have been down on my knees in prayer, praise and worship tonight for the miracle we have seen with Garrett."

Our God is amazing! He is restoring Garrett! I love what Isaiah 58:8 says...
Your light shall break forth like the morning; your healing shalll spring forth speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

HE is worthy, HIS promises are true! Through Him let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, acknowledging His name. (Hebrews 13:15)

Please go here to listen to a beautiful song called WORTHY IS THE LAMB....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCDC3AFuNtU&feature=related

He Never Lets Go

Matt Redman

Those who know your name

trust in you ,
for you, O Lord,
have never abandoned anyone
who searches for you.
Psalm 9:10 NLT

What promise! He never leaves us. He loves us so much. What else can we do but trust? He never lets go! Check out the words to You Never Let Go, a popular contemporary Christian song by Matt Redman. Powerful words! I love what he said about this particular song he wrote....

There are times when everything in life seems to be breaking and shaking apart, and that age old Psalmist cry of ´How long O Lord, how long?´ is echoing through your soul. It´s in seasons like those where we need to find something firm to stand on. For as real as these struggles are, there´s an even greater reality we can connect with, the wisdom, power and love of our amazing God. In our darkest moments He´s as kind, caring and in control as He ever was. The song for us was a really a way of reminding ourselves that there´s a God who never lets go us, through the times of calm, and the stormy times...remain on the paths of trust and praise. Our God never let go of us, and if we´re wise in worship, we´ll never let go of Him.

You Never Let Go ( Matt Redman)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

Your perfect love is casting out fear

And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life

I won’t turn backI know

You are near

And I will fear no evil

For my God is with me

And if my God is with me

Whom then shall I fear?

Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go

Through the calm and through the storm

Oh no, You never let go

In every high and every low

Oh no, You never let goLord,

You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

A glorious light beyond all compare

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

We’ll live to know

You here on the earth

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

Still I will praise You,

Still I will praise You

The Definition Of Kindness

And do not bring sorrow

to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live.

Remember, he has identified you as his own,

guaranteeing that you will be saved

on the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness,

rage,

anger,

harsh words,

and slander,

as well as all types of evil behavior.

Instead,

be kind to each other,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:30-32

Leo Buscaglia once said, "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

Is there someone in your life (besides Jesus) that has shown you kindness?

I participated in a Bible Study on "kindness" today and the entire time I kept thinking of this one particular person that has consistently shown me kindness. This person has rejoiced in my triumphs, mourned at my losses, prayed with me in the trials, and encouraged me all the way. Although I have only known her for a very short time, I feel a special closeness to this godly friend. She always seems to have the right words to say to me. Lately, she she has been the face of Jesus in my life as I walk through the fire.

After the Bible Study today, I gathered my purse, coat, and Bible then turned around to see her smiling face....she had been sitting behind me during the entire study. After we chatted for a few minutes, she handed me a card and a small velveteen drawstring bag. She said, I just want you to know I am praying for you. I waited til she walked away to open the card and drawstring bag. The card revealed her tender, compassionate heart...speaking words of encouragement. The bag held a beautiful silver cross necklace.

The words below are taken from the Bible Study and are so perfect for describing the kindness this precious friend has shown me.....

Kindness is doing something good for someone:

-when it is not expected

-when it is not required

-when there's nothing to gain in return

-and often when it's very difficult to do.

God bless you, Allison for defining kindness.

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. ~Mark Twain

Weary And Tired

Come to me,

all you that are

weary

and are

carrying heavy burdens,

and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you,

and learn from me;

for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:25-30

What is the yoke that Jesus puts on us? It is God wrapping His arm around us. All we need to do is love Him and give Him praise. We can’t do everything. In fact we can do very little. But with God, Jesus, and the Spirit, wonders can be done in us, and through us. God knew that we could never measure up to His standards, so He sent Jesus to this earth. Jesus obeyed the commands of His Father perfectly and He bore the punishment of death for our sins. As we humble ourselves and recognize our need for forgiveness, Jesus comes alongside of us. He places His yoke on us, freeing us from guilt and giving us His power to live a life that is pleasing to God. God's easy yoke does not fit on a stiff neck. (Our Daily Bread – January 9, 2005)

Cornbread

I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. Job 23:12

I believe my mother is the best cook ever. Everything she cooks is delicious. I have tried to learn to cook meals like hers, but I definitely fall short. She can even make a piece of toast taste extra good. Some of my favorite things she cooks is fried chicken, roast beef, beef stir fry, and cornbread. Ahhh..the cornbread. It's not just regular cornbread. I'd rather have it than any other food she cooks. If you had a bite of it you would agree.

Adrian Rogers said "If you are not feeding on the Bible daily, you are either not saved, or you are dying of spiritual malnutrition. The only strength we have is found when we feed upon the Word of God." Job was saying that if he had to choose between eating physical bread or spiritual bread, he would rather have the Word of God.

Daughter Of Mine

.. our daughters may be as corner stones,

polished after the similitude of a palace...

Psalm 144:12

HAPPY SWEET SIXTEEN

SAVANNAH-JANE

Sixteen-year old emerald eyes
Wants independence and freedom now,
Challenging, Testing, Demanding her way
No different than when she was a ringlet tot, sweet cherub in my lap
In my heart to stay
Now Wavering, Dithering, Irresolute
She beckons me to her castle. Mom! I hear her say
Up the stairs I slowly trod
My legs won’t go much faster
Approaching this temperamental princess
what could be the matter
I wonder, question, speculate
Why she calls for me,
She's coaxing me to sit upon her
Soft Pink Calico fabric quilt
This self-determined woman-girl
Says now bend down and come near
whispers, twirling soft brown curl
Quiet in my ear
Will you lay down with me? Right over here.
She turns the covers back
I moan, complain, protest
Acting as if I am bothered by
This immature request
I then give in
Lie down sighing with an impish grin upon my face
Listing all the tasks I have left to do in this hurried crazy race
I ask her to cuddle closer and now I whisper in her ear
I have something to say to you…
My brunette, emerald eyed, fair-faced daughter dear
That you still want me close

To share a moment or two

Is something of a gift between only me and you

Precious daughter of mine

Broken Bones

VBS, 2006 - Chaguanas Trinidad

A new command I give you:

Love one another.

As I have loved you, so

you must love one another.

John 13:34

I read something today by O. S. Hawkins that penetrated my heart and caused me to examine my attitude towards someone who suffers a moral earthquake or falls into temptation.

Imagine going out during the noon hour in a metropolitan area when the streets are filled with people --- pedestrians walking everyhwere --- and seeing a lady step off a curb. She trips and breaks her arm. Lying there in the street, she is writhing in pain.
One person walks by and says to his friend, "Look at her lying there. She's broken her arm."

Another sees her lying there in pain and simply criticizes her. "You're in the way of pedestrian traffic. We're trying to get by here, and we have to step over you. Can't you move?"

Someone else stops, but only to counsel the woman. "You know, if you had watched where you were going you wouldn't have tripped over that curb." Now she really needs to hear that, doesn't she?

Someone else looks on from a distance and condemns the poor woman. "That's stupid. That is so stupid. She shouldn't have done that."

Sound riduculous? Certainly it does! And yet that is precisely how we act when we find that a brother or a sister has been caught in a trespass. Just because that lady has broken her arm does not mean it must be amputated. It can be mended. It can be put back in place. It can be restored, and it can be useful again.

According to O. S. Hawkins, if we are walking by the Spirit, we will:

Set those broken bones so they can walk again.

Mend those torn nets so they can fish again.

Restore those fallen lives so they can live again.

Worry

Don't worry about anything;

instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need,

and thank him

for all he has done.

Philippians. 4:6 NLT

Don’t worry those prayers through, believe HE is there and HE is listening.

Sweet Aroma

Savannah-Jane hugging Garrett - Easter 1993

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. I John 3:1

How amazing that I am accepted and loved with no conditions...not because of anything I have done, but because of what He did for me!He calls me HIS! I belong to HIM! When I am comfortably isolated or just focusing on my needs, I can forget why I am here...my purpose. I am called to be His hands and feet to those who need Him and have greater needs than I do. When I am reaching out to others my life comes into alignment again with His will. While I was teaching yesterday, a child reached for my hand and smelled it and said "you smell good...even your hands smell good." I explained that I had just put some lotion on my hands. Throughout the day that child found every opportunity to hold my hand and sniff the perfumed lotion. Father, I pray that my life...especially my hands would be a sweet aroma extending love, grace, and mercy to those I meet daily.

The Lord Your God Is With You

Thanksgiving at Aunt Gina's

Garrett, Gatlin, Tamara, and Graceanna

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be terrified;

do not be discouraged,

for the LORD your God

will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

If you are a Christian, there is nowhere you will ever go that the Lord is not with you. No need to fret about whether or not He will show up, whether He'll be late, or whether He's already left when you get there. He's always on time! That is so comforting!
Since we know He is always with us, let's pray that we will "be still and know that He is God" and be aware of His presence. Whatever you are facing today, be strong and courageous...the Lord your God is with you!

Savannah-Jane reminded me of a VBS song we taught the kids in TRINIDAD on our trip in 2006....

Be brave!

Be strong!

The Lord, your God is with you!

Put faith in Him,

There's nothing He can't do.

God walks with you like a mighty warrior,

He surrounds you with His goodness like a shield.

He has put you here for such a time as this

Now trust Him 'til His plan is revealed.

Refuge

Maracas Bay, Trinidad West Indies - July, 2006

The Lord is good. When troubles come, He is a strong refuge. And He knows everyone who trusts in Him. (Nahum 1:7)

It is a fact that we will all face troubles in this life. But, if we trust in Him, He will identify with us, recognize our need, and be our harbor in the storm.
Believe that God will accomplish what His WORD says. When we are in the middle of the storm, it may not feel like that is true, but we don't go on how we feel.

We walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

God is not wavering. He has not gone back on His Word. 2 Timothy 3:16 says:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

Because God’s Word is true, we can base our lives on it and on the promises God has for us in His Word. We can know that God’s Word is true and that His Word will never change!


We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

This is a promise of good things in our lives. This doesn't mean that everything that happens to us is good. Instead it means our God is great, He is able to work in any set of circumstances for our good. His promise to those who love Him is to work in and through every circumstance to our benefit.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20)

Promises

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him,

to the one who seeks Him.

(Lamentations 3:25)

For, Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

(Isaiah 40:31)

Now, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace

as you trust in Him,

so that you may overflow with hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Romans 15:13)

What wonderful promises from the Word of God! As we seek His face, he restores and refreshes us. How can we have joy today? It is because of the power of the Holy Spirit that fills us with joy, peace and eternal hope. Glory to Your name Father!

Carepage Message

This is the message that Krista posted on Garrett's carepage today...

This Is The Day That The Lord Hath Made, Let Us Rejoice And Be Glad In It! What a wonderful Sunday miracle we have had today! As Cristal and the doctor stood by Garrett's side this morning, the doctor told Garrett to, "open your eyes and look at your Mama". Garrett then opened both eyes and looked over at Cristal!! Later as Greg, Jill and Graceanna were with Garrett, they kept asking Garrett to open his eyes. The nurse told Garrett, “If you don’t open your eyes I’m gonna pinch you!” She then pinched his chest and he opened one eye and looked over at them. Later as Greg was talking close to Garrett’s ear he said, “I love you son”, Garrett opened one of his eyes again and looked over at him. The doctor shouted, “Spec-dang-tacular!” I guess that’s medical terms for praise God! They have also removed Garrett’s chest tube and everything is still looking good. Greg got on the phone and called Covenant Christian Church during their service to spread the good news. They put him on speaker phone and Greg could hear the church burst into praise! He said it sounded like a football stadium. We continue to praise God for the wonderful news.

G is for ...God is your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

A is for ...Acknowledge God in all you do and He will guide you in all things. Proverbs 3:5-6

R is for ...Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

R is for ...let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6

E is for ...The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:25, 27

T is for ...The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25

T is for ...Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee. Isaiah 26:3

I Know I Can

Krista wrote this today on the carepage for Garrett....

Garrett's favorite book when he was little was "The Little Engine That Could". He would pick out this book to read night after night. Now more than ever, Garrett is applying that story's message to his life. As Cristal sat by Garrett's side today, she reminded Garrett of that story and said to him, "I think I can, I think I can". It is so beautiful knowing that with our faith in God, we KNOW HE CAN! The family has been continually blessed by Garrett's progress today. As Cristal talked to Garrett the nurse would say to him, "Now hold your Mama's hand, ya hear me Garrett, hold your Mama's hand!" Garrett then softly squeezed her hand! As Cristal whispered in his ear his eyes would twitch. We know that Garrett is in the middle of battle; however we can rest assured because he is protected by the saving blood of Jesus. I had the opportunity to see Garrett for the first time today. We hear the reports from the doctors and the family, but seeing it first hand was really moving. God is really working in this little boy. I thought the power of God felt strong in the waiting room, but being in the room with Garrett you could feel God so strongly. While it was hard seeing Garrett this way, I wasn't scared. I had an overwhelming sense of peace. I know 100% that he is going to walk out of here and return to all of us that love him so. Garrett's family has remained so strong. It is amazing how God gives us the strength to look fear in the face. We so humbly realize that we could never do this alone. The doctor’s have reported that Garrett will remain on his sedation medication throughout the rest of the weekend. They think they will remove the chest tube sometime tomorrow and reported that his kidneys are functioning well. Garrett is tentatively scheduled to have surgery on his broken arm Monday. After this surgery they will then begin weaning him off sedation meds; allowing Garrett to move forward in the total healing process. I wish each one of you could see the impact your messages have on this family. To see them smile as they read each one is a small miracle in itself. Thank you all so much!

Under The Shadow Of The Almighty

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Psalm 91:1-2


Garrett is making improvements and for that we are so grateful. He is still hospitalized in PICU and heavily sedated. We find such comfort in the Word of God and are being strengthened by family, friends and the many prayers for Garrett. We know God is our refuge and fortress and we trust in Him always.

Peace That Passes All Understanding

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

This was written by my niece, Krista and posted on a carepage she created for Garrett.....

Garrett is now entering the last 24-hours of this 72-hour "watch period". The doctors have said that this upcoming 24 hours will be the most critical for Garrett. His brain pressure is now between 14-20. This rise in pressure is normal and the doctors just want to make sure the pressure stays under 24. They will begin feeding him through a feeding tube in a little while. Another great praise report is that Garrett is now trying breathe along with the breathing machine. Given the heavy sedation medication, the fact that he is trying to breathe for himself is great sign! God has continued to work in this place. As Garrett remains in critical condition, his father, Greg, has found the strength to share God's love and mercy with other families waiting in the Pediatric ICU unit. Garrett's family is making a poster board with encouraging scriptures that they will hang in the room with Garrett. While all of the verses have comforted friends and family, I wanted to share two that really hit their hearts:

For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ (Isaiah 41:13)

O Lord my God, many and many a time you have done great miracles for us, and we are ever in your thoughts. Who else can do such glorious things? No one else can be compared with you. (Psalm 40:5)

After being awake for almost 40 hours, Garrett's family was finally able to get some rest last night. Before going to sleep God spoke to my mom (Kathy Graham) saying, "Why do you stay up and wear out your mind and body, where is your faith in me?" This gave her peace and assurance in the work the Lord is doing. Greg also shared with me a revelation he had. Greg said that he slept like a rock throughout the night, however Jill said that he was praying aloud in his sleep all night long. Just as Greg was waking up this morning he lifted his arms to heaven and said, "Lord, he is 100% yours. I put all of this in your hands." He said that God spoke to him and made him realize that we need to move past the “begging and pleading” stage, Garrett is covered by the blood of Jesus. Jesus has already paid the price for all of us. We need to rest in the blessed assurance of God, knowing He is taking care of Garrett. After receiving this message from God, Greg said that he was literally bouncing and recharged. We do not realize it, but the spiritual side of this is so real. He said when he looks at Garrett lying in that hospital bed that he can see the shields of angels surrounding him, guarding him, “bowed up and gritting their teeth”. They are on the watch for the enemy. He knows that they will not let harm come to Garrett, they are fiercely protecting him. Greg encourages all of us to “rebuke the negative thoughts that enter our minds, and experience the power of God!” Even as Garrett lies in the hospital, he is a constant testament to those who are lost. Several churches have reported that while praying for Garrett many young adults have rededicated their life to Christ or accepted Christ into their hearts for the first time. God’s plan is much bigger than we can imagine. We praise him for all he has done!

February 6, 2008

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)

Please pray fevertly for my precious nephew, Garrett. He was involved in a serious car accident yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon around 4:30 pm. He was sent to Savannah Memorial where he underwent surgery during the night. He is very critical and needs continual prayer. Our God is still on His throne and He still performs miracles. In fact, we believe we have seen some in this already. When Garrett was transported, one of the major concerns was his liver...apparently it had been torn and he was bleeding. When he arrived at Memorial, his liver was no longer a concern because x-rays indicated it had stopped bleeding and was not damaged at all. Hallelujah! God is who He says He is!

February 5, 2008

Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped...

Philippians 2:3-6

Look to Christ. Look at what He did. Have His attitude. As Christ's servants, imitate Him. One of the best modern examples of someone who practiced self-denial is Mother Theresa. This woman impresses me. She worked with the poorest of India's poor – the destitute, the dying, the lepers, the tiny babies abandoned on garbage heaps. She, and her helpers, spent hours every day washing sick and dying bodies, cleaning toilets, cutting away rotting flesh, emptying bedpans. And, at night she didn't go home to riches; she lived a life of poverty. In the name of Christ she lived a life of self-denial.

February 4, 2008

Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey him and commit yourself to him, for he is your life. …" Deut. 30:20

In the game of life there is really only one choice! Choose the Lord today and commit yourself to him!

February 3, 2008

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. 1 Peter 5:6

We are to humble ourselves to the Lord. This is an act of the will; humility does not come naturally. But when we humble ourselves to God, we are actually submitting to his care and protection. Today is my mother's birthday and I can think of no one with more humility. As a young lady, she had the kind of glamour and style that turned heads. She is still very beautiful and graceful yet she has a way about her that never demands attention. She always puts others' needs before her own and I can truly say that she exemplifies the very nature of Christ. Her life honors the Lord now and I know her reward will be great in heaven one day.

Happy Birthday, Moma!

February 2, 2008

Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3

It is easy to succeed when you have the right plan.

February 1, 2008

Don't be afraid; you are more valuable to [God] than a whole flock of sparrows. Matthew 10:31

How much are sparrows worth? Not very much, but God knows when each one falls. How much are you worth? You have inestimable value in God's eyes. When you feel hopeless, remember God knows you and deeply cares for you.