tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23568405266243250772024-03-13T22:43:44.655-07:00There is No Place Like Home HIM...Welcome to the blog...ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-36988092353913750882013-11-12T14:00:00.002-08:002013-11-12T14:09:55.812-08:00Type 1 Diabetes Awareness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://despitediabetes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/535586_615881175094144_527652975_n-300x276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://despitediabetes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/535586_615881175094144_527652975_n-300x276.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<u><b>My Son's Diagnosis Story</b></u><br />
<br />
November 14th is World Diabetes Day. <br />
<br />
This is not an article I want to write, but I truly believe it could save a child's life. I never read any article like this before my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Maybe things would have been different if I had known all of the symptoms. Maybe my son would not have been more dead than alive when I finally took him to the Emergency Room. Maybe I would have taken him to the ER first instead of going to the pediatrician and then waiting overnight for test results. Maybe I would have asked more questions.<br />
<br />
I do not know how I am the mama that is Blessed. My son lived to tell the story. There are many children who do not make it. They are sent home, even from the ER without their Blood Glucose being tested. A simple, readily available test could save these children's lives.<br />
<br />
I was so traumatized by the whole thing, especially the fact that I did not insist upon medical care sooner. In my defense, my husband had just become disabled 2 weeks before, and our 15 year old dog had gotten really sick at the same time and had to be put to sleep after suffering a lot. I knew something was wrong with my 13 year old son, but it did not register completely because there was so much going on at the time.<br />
<br />
This is the 1st thing you need to remember about Type 1 Diabetes:
It can be brought on by stress, or grief, so it happens right in the midst of lots of other things that vie for our attention.<br />
<br />
My son had lost weight. He had just had a growth spurt, so I thought it was that, but he kept losing weight. His elbows started look really large because his arms were so thin.<br />
<br />
We thought he had a stomach virus that would come and go. He would throw up for a day or so, and then feel better, but then it would come back.<br />
<br />
He was going to the bathroom, but he was drinking a lot of water and it was summertime... He sleeps on the other side of the house, so I was unaware of how much he was going to the bathroom at night. That is the thing, you think an older child would be able to tell you everything that is wrong. The sustained high blood sugar was affecting his mental clarity, so he did not communicate the other pieces of the puzzle that would have been a red flag. He also did not tell me that he had vision changes.<br />
<br />
My son had terrible acid reflux. This was the diabetic ketoacidosis, and it is deadly if left untreated. It took the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit 24 hours before they would even tell me if he was going to live. By time he got to the ER, he was grey and panting (this is Kussmal breathing). It is the final stages of ketoacidosis before coma. I thank JESUS that he spared my son.<br />
<br />
I have dealt with grief, anger – at myself and those around me -
Something was wrong with my baby, and I let the doctors send me home!!!!<br />
<br />
Please insist upon a blood glucose test if your child has any of these symptoms!<br />
<br />
<b>The Type 1 Diabetes symptoms once again are: </b><br />
<br />
<b>Extreme thirst </b><br />
<b>Frequent urination </b><br />
<b>Sudden vision changes </b><br />
<b> Sugar in urine </b><br />
<b>Fruity, sweet, or wine-like odor on breath </b><br />
<b>Increased appetite </b><br />
<b>Sudden weight loss </b><br />
<b>Drowsiness, lethargy </b><br />
<b>Heavy, labored breathing </b><br />
<b>Stupor, unconsciousness </b><br />
<b>Sudden bed wetting </b><br />
<br />
The list above is from
<a href="http://blackdogsrule.com/warning-signs-of-type-1-diabetes/">http://blackdogsrule.com/warning-signs-of-type-1-diabetes/</a><br />
<br />
JDRF also has a printable PDF with lots more information at<br />
<a href="http:///">http://cdn.jdrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/WarningSigns.pdf</a><br />
<br />
It is my prayer that you never need this information. Please share this information with other mamas around you. Share it – It can truly be the difference between life and death!
If you are a Type 1 Diabetes Mama, I bless you. I cry over your stories as I know you cry over mine. I am amazed by the Strength of your child, as I know that you are amazed by mine. I pray that Diabetes will not hinder you or your child. I pray that our children will walk in the fullness of their destinies, and that the LORD would send His angels to protect them, day and night.<br />
<br />
For more information:
One of my favorite BLOGs to read about diabetes is
<a href="http://blackdogsrule.com/">http://blackdogsrule.com/ </a><br />
He might cuss a little every now and then, but please do not let that stop you from reading. He is all heart, with a passion for his family, and a passion to educate the Diabetic and nonDiabetic communities, and to teach us about Diabetes Alert Dogs. He makes me cry about once a week...<br />
<br />
Type 1 Diabetes does not run in our family. It is not caused by being overweight, or by what my son ate.<br />
<br />
Graphic came from
<br />
<a href="http://despitediabetes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/535586_615881175094144_527652975_n-300x276.jpg">http://despitediabetes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/535586_615881175094144_527652975_n-300x276.jpg</a><br />
<br />
<u>Disclaimer:</u><br />
I am not a medical professional. I am the mama of an amazing young man who has Type 1 Diabetes. The above is to inform you and to share our experience with you. It is not to be misconstrued as medical advice. May The LORD Bless you and keep you and your.<br />
<br />
LOVE,<br />
Sara
<3<br />
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<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUR4UGv-4XMl2fBSXZsC9SdqFXmBDg9zl96JlPfl0If_4H7mkx-71VjHCR6kaAxqY3O4CWAmorfXV8_3J2PtXg78r4ugeer1KEhzBz87ZVInMMHbpRrfLov1CaCjOFIu2tnYXSJCVgbc/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg" /></a>ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-42307271619004646872013-11-05T12:23:00.000-08:002013-11-05T12:34:11.185-08:00MORE Than This<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVV5Gh9SG9PJKtIs9VQW6QK47p30vIv-LumXYZjviMLAJyUBpRgKMLsS6kBb_Yn-_AzXocfY99YEU06kZ1rVDb_30VU0_kv69GIHl5dtkNBpcw6SeNzTkNAI9oqnD-fDZ8hSRTKrXsSE/s1600/river.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVV5Gh9SG9PJKtIs9VQW6QK47p30vIv-LumXYZjviMLAJyUBpRgKMLsS6kBb_Yn-_AzXocfY99YEU06kZ1rVDb_30VU0_kv69GIHl5dtkNBpcw6SeNzTkNAI9oqnD-fDZ8hSRTKrXsSE/s320/river.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You,
Mama, were made for MORE than this. (No, this is not an
advertisement to send you back to the work force, or to that remote
island you have been dreaming of.) </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mama,
I know you, I have been in the trenches with you. I have heard your
groans; I have shared your fears and your complaints. I know the
enemy tells you that you cannot do this. This mama thing. I know
the enemy wants you to think that the mama thing is too big, too
hard, too overwhelming for you... that you are unworthy of carrying
this banner day after long day.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fact
is, you were called to MORE than this. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Your
life can be such that everyone around you says “who does she think
she is?” Not you, but HIM in you. The Power that raised JESUS
from the dead lives within you. The Power that raised JESUS from the
dead. From the dead. The Encourager. The Holy Spirit. Inside you.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
last 2 and a half years, I have been in a battle that is so fierce I
am not always sure I will make it to the end of the day. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Those
closest to me have asked me if I doubt GOD. Thankfully, I do not
doubt GOD throughout this, (I do not boast in this; I believe HE has
supernaturally boosted my faith)... The LORD has dealt with me day
after day because I have been doubting myself and my ability to
minister to my family. I have literally laid on the floor telling
him that I cannot handle this, yet HE says I can. Not me, but HIM
through me. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
was writing in my journal the other day, and pondering the Scripture </span></span>
</div>
<h3 class="western" style="margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ephesians
3:20-21(NIV)</span></span></h3>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-NIV-29272"></a>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">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, to Him be glory in the church and in
Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">GOD
IS more than we can “ask or imagine”. I totally receive that.
That is beautiful and pure and true. Then HE spoke to my heart and
HE told me that what HE has for me is more than I can “ask or
imagine”. HE wants to do through me more than I can “ask or
imagine”. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">See,
all I can imagine is barely being mama. For me that is enough, but
HE says there is MORE for me and you.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
my strength alone, my superpower is being able to reduce my children
to tears with one swoop of my box-cutter tongue, yet HIM in me has
called me to be MORE than a mama.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
never thought I would even be a mama. While all the other little
girls were dreaming big dreams, all I ever wanted was to be mama of
10 kids when I grew up (still do!). </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">See,
this mama thing is temporary (until my kids are married). This
marriage thing is only until death do us part. Of course, I will
ALWAYS love my kids and my husband. First and foremost, however, I
was Created to Worship Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for eternity.
JESUS is my First Love. My most lasting identity is that I was
created to Worship The 3 in 1.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
pray one day, I will live my life in such a way that I will reflect
this Truth. Holy Spirit, please help us!</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For
now, what does this look like for me? Most days I do not know if I
will have the Strength to get out of bed and face the endless
monotony of tasks set before me, let alone the emergencies that have
cropped up so regularly. We have weathered having no income for 2 ½
years, no help from disability, health crisis after health crisis,
including surgery and pneumonia three times recently. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There
have been some intense nights where I was not sure we would all be
here the next morning, but in His Mercy, morning has always come.
“Weeping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the morning”.
Psalm 30:5 NKJV</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-NIV-30009"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Why
am I telling you this? I have been in hard places, but The Bible
tells us to “encourage one another daily, as long as it is called
Today” (Hebrews 3:13)</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Regardless
of my situation or emotional state at the time, He has called me to
serve others and Glorify His Name. HE has had me encourage other
mamas in the PICU, in the surgery waiting room, even in the Emergency
Room. Every time I have obeyed, I have been blessed beyond ability
to understand (or explain!), and the tide has shifted. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When
we magnify our situations (no matter how terrible), we forget to
magnify The LORD. HE is always bigger. HE is bigger than any
situation. HE is never surprised. When I step out for HIM, HE
brings the increase. HE multiplies my strength and fills me with His
Peace. And somehow I am able to go on.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Think
you are having a bad day? Look around. You do not have to look far
to see someone near you who is having a worse day. Throughout all
this I know our family is blessed to all be alive and together! </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ask
The Holy Spirit to show you who you can encourage! Sow seeds of Hope
and Strength in a friend or stranger. Tell your husband thank you
for working today. HUG your babies no matter how badly they have
behaved. Put down your phone, and connect with those around you.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">See
the woman screaming at her kids in the grocery store? Smile at her.
She does not need glares, she knows she should not react this way,
but she is so empty. Remember the woman on the field trip with the
special needs child who makes your kids nervous? She is more lonely
and tired than you. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">LOVE
them. LOVE them all. LOVE them with such Extravagance that it takes
your breath away. One day, when you feel like you cannot breathe,
someone will show up to encourage you, bring you flowers or just
smile at you. One night a security guard in the ER smiled at me. A
simple gesture, but at that moment when I felt I might fall off the
face of the earth, it meant everything. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What
does the enemy say that you cannot do? Whatever that is, GOD has
called you to that and MORE. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What
box does the enemy put you in? What limitations have you allowed him
to put on you? GOD has called you to MORE than you can ask or
imagine. More than carpool or the to do list. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ask
HIM what HE has for you. Who HE created you to be...</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You,
Mama, were created for greatness. You are more than a conqueror!
You were created in His Image, to glorify HIM. You are a praise to
his Name. What can you do today to Glorify Him?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-NKJV-14843"></a>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Because Y<span style="font-style: normal;">our
lovingkindness is </span>better than life,<br />My lips shall praise
You.<br />Thus I will bless You while I live;<br />I will lift up my
hands in Your name.<br />My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and
fatness,<br />And my mouth shall praise <i>You</i> with joyful lips. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Psalm
63:3-5 NKJV</span></span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUR4UGv-4XMl2fBSXZsC9SdqFXmBDg9zl96JlPfl0If_4H7mkx-71VjHCR6kaAxqY3O4CWAmorfXV8_3J2PtXg78r4ugeer1KEhzBz87ZVInMMHbpRrfLov1CaCjOFIu2tnYXSJCVgbc/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg"/></a>ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-52027533130641511442013-10-28T13:11:00.000-07:002013-10-30T16:08:22.255-07:00Word Made Flesh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGzSKesbwZebhYG0clmskj1EHpvIsKKYTqE-Y6xGzTUMGpdVT6nPATDhPRle5kcGYFC1CXSYdmWJLwVOz7I3fFEIlb9CLx1hGxmKVDeINpq8ZAp7yCrHSHdMuP7o8PZiVkHd-4MO6kuk/s1600/retro+tv.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGzSKesbwZebhYG0clmskj1EHpvIsKKYTqE-Y6xGzTUMGpdVT6nPATDhPRle5kcGYFC1CXSYdmWJLwVOz7I3fFEIlb9CLx1hGxmKVDeINpq8ZAp7yCrHSHdMuP7o8PZiVkHd-4MO6kuk/s320/retro+tv.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
grew up with made-for-tv movies and series. Every Sunday night,
they would take a book and bring it to life, for all to see. We
were fascinated by Charlotte's Web and Little House on the Prairie,
and so many others. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />I
had the thought the other day that the life of JESUS, The Word Made
Flesh was like a made-for-tv movie. HE is The Bible come to Life.
Word made flesh. HE is the embodiment of The Bible. His Whole Life is
a guide for us. Word Made Flesh for all to see. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If
there is something that is preached at church, or some thought you
have, look for it in JESUS' Life. HE is our example. (This is
how we take every thought captive.) HE lived His entire Life
without compromise, or rebellion.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last
week I was painfully confronted with my own lack of righteousness. I
still have not recovered. The enemy came against me with a wall of
condemnation. I am not the woman (mama! wife!) I long to be.
The "movie" my children see me walk out is so often not the
one I would have them see. I am in desperate need of a Savior. I am
pretty sure this is Good News, but nonetheless I am grieved by my
lack of patience. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">JESUS
was led by The Holy Spirit when HE was taken to the desert to be
tested. That always amazes me. JESUS was led to the wilderness, so HE
could be tested, tried, proved. <br /><br />In this wilderness of
24 hour a day motherhood, I am being tried and tested and I have come
up lacking. <br /><br />Paul tells us in Philippians 3:17
(NKJV):<br />Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who
so walk, as you have us for a pattern. <br /><br />I, Sara, say "Follow
me, not as I walk, but as I stumble and fall and throw myself at The
Feet of an Awesome Lord Who Saves to the uttermost”. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Here I
remain fleshing out The Word of The Lord, putting my sins (too
numerous to count!) under The Blood, receiving unmerited
incomprehensible, extravagant Grace from the Father. HE knows me, yet
HE loves me. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />HE loves you, HE wants to cover all your lack if
only you will let Him. Let us not cower and hide from our sins
like Fallen Adam in the Garden. Let us come boldly before The Throne
declaring our need of a Savior, and fully taking advantage of The
Propitiation that was so lovingly provided. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Lord, I thank You
that you sent Your Son to cover me and my sins when I was yet a
sinner and had not repented of a single one. Though tempted to run
and hide, I boldly declare that I am desperate for The Blood that
will wash my mama heart clean. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Mama, won't you pray with me
the Prayer my son prays every night for the last 8 years: </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />"Lord,
I plead Your Blood over my sins, and the sins of my nation. Lord,
send revival, end abortion, in JESUS' Name."(International House
of Prayer) </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Lord,
send revival to our hearts, to our husbands' hearts, to our
children's hearts. Send revival to our president's heart, to our
nation, in JESUS' Name. AMEN and AMEN. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For
our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the
Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that
it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by
which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” Philippians
3:20-21 (NKJV)</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mercy
and Grace,</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sara</span></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUR4UGv-4XMl2fBSXZsC9SdqFXmBDg9zl96JlPfl0If_4H7mkx-71VjHCR6kaAxqY3O4CWAmorfXV8_3J2PtXg78r4ugeer1KEhzBz87ZVInMMHbpRrfLov1CaCjOFIu2tnYXSJCVgbc/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/category/women-living-well-wednesdays/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq297/courtneylivingwell/LivingWell.png" /></a>ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-29092435252856619302012-11-24T20:41:00.001-08:002013-10-28T13:19:09.817-07:00LORD of All<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPfGp6w2GLwXWhtrDYsqVqn-RDYdo12_AjuqxzjIm7BiEBjty-sGdTl4FVRdufUc6ggr-ezZjTFLoO0kfVzoiUSnh5TUBdNv93WBkF6cm2F2dX_MPUGEuNravrZFzhDSO7FZJvfP3qQc/s1600/water_tower_tan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPfGp6w2GLwXWhtrDYsqVqn-RDYdo12_AjuqxzjIm7BiEBjty-sGdTl4FVRdufUc6ggr-ezZjTFLoO0kfVzoiUSnh5TUBdNv93WBkF6cm2F2dX_MPUGEuNravrZFzhDSO7FZJvfP3qQc/s320/water_tower_tan.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For a
long time, every time I would go to sleep or wake up, I would have
the physical sensation that I was hugging something HUGE and HARD ,
like a water tower: lil ol' me with my arms spread out and my cheek
pressed against something cold and white.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I knew
this was a choice. What extravagance! The Creator of the Universe
was allowing me to choose: did I want His perfect Will for my life,
or would I choose something easier? Time and again, every time, I
would say “Yes, I wanted all HE had to offer”.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This
came right after a period of time when I had come to Peace with my
very painful past. I could finally look at pain upon pain that HE
had allowed and say to Him “it is well with my soul”. I asked
Him to be Lord of not just my Present and my Future, but Lord of my
Past. I could finally believe that HE could turn MY ashes into
beauty and I gave Him permission to use those experiences for me to
minister to other women. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I
had to choose, would I embrace more pain or the easier road? More
anointing? More of His Presence?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I
write this, HE is showing me the words, HUGE and HARD. This is that.
What my family has been walking through is THAT. I know this is a
promotion, I have known it is a promotion, but I have almost fallen
away <strike>a few</strike> many times.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am
weak and broken. I am a woman who is small in Strength. I have
endured more than I imagined I could have. There are many times I
thought I could not go on, but HE has sustained me. Not in a pretty,
Spiritual way. HE has brought me through in a raw snot-filled,
gasping for air, kind of way. But HE has brought me through. HE has
sustained my mind through things I did not think I could bear. I
know I would be in a padded room without Him. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know
I do not deserve His Grace and Mercy. I know His tenderness is
extravagant. I know the pain I have endured is nothing compared to
His. Yet HE loves me. HE soothes me. HE is gentle with me. When
the whole world walks away, HE is there. HE is HERE. Right HERE,
wherever you are, HE has gone ahead and made a way.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't
YOU know what the LORD has brought you through? (How can we ever
know, this side of Heaven?) Selah – pause and reflect. You are
here, HE has a purpose for you. What do you need to give to Him?
Anything you are holding back? </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yay
for a GOD who is LORD of ALL...</span></div>
ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-52244707481281044372012-11-24T20:40:00.001-08:002013-10-28T13:25:48.135-07:00Thankful for Faith<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2mlhSMvM4CS9pWlyPP2b45gZ0Ao9KlgF38uujx7AEBTBcXcItUqTnG2UhZvhZbv9lodTB0VYU5hVFWaCuSe8ZSyD-YehEdyptWtLTCjbZ9bXX-D-Q1RXITH7LjkhUcD-cGDjPaPXcfk/s1600/pink+daisy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2mlhSMvM4CS9pWlyPP2b45gZ0Ao9KlgF38uujx7AEBTBcXcItUqTnG2UhZvhZbv9lodTB0VYU5hVFWaCuSe8ZSyD-YehEdyptWtLTCjbZ9bXX-D-Q1RXITH7LjkhUcD-cGDjPaPXcfk/s320/pink+daisy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am
not sure what the spiritual seasons are... I know I am in a hard one.
For a year, we were unable to go to church. Not experiencing
corporate worship for a year was terrible. I did not feel the
Presence of The Lord in/on my body for a whole year during the 1st
part of these 2 years, and THAT was terrible. I would minister and
people would be blessed, but I physically felt nothing. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
Lord has taught me to be Thankful for ALL things. I know HE has used
this time and this season to GROW me, and for that I am thankful. I
am not as easily moved as I was. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />I
miss the simplicity of when I first fell in love with JESUS.
Everything was so new and hopeful. It is still Hopeful, but in a "we
will still be okay somehow" kind of way. It is a Faith that is
deeper and richer and truer. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>FAITH,</b>
n. to persuade, to draw towards any thing, to conciliate; to </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">believe,
to obey. (from <u>Webster's 1828</u>)<br /><br />I am learning so much
about Faith. When we first fall in love with Jesus, our Faith is like
a new marriage in the natural. They are both all bright and shiny,
albeit a little untested. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Then
circumstances and life happens, and our Faith gets run over by a bus
(sometimes a whole fleet of buses). We have to scrape it off the
pavement and shake it off before we pick it up again and embrace it.
And then we look at this deeper faith and we realize it is more
beautiful than the shiny 1st faith we had before. Unfortunately some
people walk away and leave their Faith flat in the middle of the
road, when the greatest Blessings come from embracing a deeper, truer
Faith. (This is perdition, or falling away: not continuing to follow
JESUS.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />JESUS
is so much more than we can Ask or Imagine. To walk in the fullness
of what HE has for us, we have to be willing to Receive ALL that HE
has for us: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />We
receive all, we Thank Him for ALL, and then we release ALL back to
Him. <br />This allows His anointing to be unhindered in us. I heard a
sermon one time that "the worst thing for the Holy Spirit is for
Him to be trapped in an unbelieving believer". Don't we need to
believe that ALL things work for Good"? That includes this
sickness, that divorce, this pain, that loss... </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />I
receive, I bless, I thank and I release. Again and Again. All day
long. All year long. A whole lifetime long. Still, when I am old and
shriveled, I release. I exhale.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
bless and let go. <br />I give and I get. <br />I love and I set free all
those around me. <br />May The Lord Bless you and yours, today and
always, <br />Sara </span>
</div>
ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-46792239137025534012012-11-11T11:00:00.000-08:002013-10-28T14:21:08.032-07:00HOPE in the Hurt<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YT4CmFSIFFVSy9rP1XZAO4LPTaRvTeyVtNZUYCRFW9B8Jm9YtHPqtXHR5Jc0PxZEy2v57XeYKVr8Bg5YNJeUs5tl0uhfFeubJbnLtP_fVmovEySfs3CEpTn9_uhc2YkY8S1WnW4_n8c/s1600/MP900438872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YT4CmFSIFFVSy9rP1XZAO4LPTaRvTeyVtNZUYCRFW9B8Jm9YtHPqtXHR5Jc0PxZEy2v57XeYKVr8Bg5YNJeUs5tl0uhfFeubJbnLtP_fVmovEySfs3CEpTn9_uhc2YkY8S1WnW4_n8c/s320/MP900438872.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span class="ecxApple-style-span"><b>My Mama Heart Hurts.</b></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Sadness threatens to engulf me as I am overwhelmed by our circumstances.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
We
have taken my oldest son to the ER 3 times in the last 2 weeks. And we
also found out he has to have surgery for something unrelated to these 3
things, and unrelated to Type 1 diabetes. The same diabetes that
ravages his body daily and knocks him down. The same diabetes that tries
to steal my sleep and my peace and my joy. The sickness that does not
belong here.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
We have had no income for a year and a half.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
We got an insurance settlement that was spent and then some before we received it. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Both of our cars only work half the time.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
My husband has been physically unable to work for a year and a half. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
The
LORD has told me not to say any day is a bad day. And yet, at the end
of some days, I wonder was this the worst day of my life?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Yet at the end of the day, week, month, year and a half, we still have each other.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
We still have HOPE. We still have JESUS.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
We still have a reason to continue on. We are still called to encourage each other as long as it is called Today. (Hebrews <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" target="_blank">3:13</a>)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Today.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
His Mercies are new each day. (Lamentations <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" target="_blank">3:22-23</a>)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
HE gives me Strength for Today.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Darkness comes, and then the new day brings joy. (Psalm 30:5)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
HE promises me Refreshment, when I refresh others. (Proverbs <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" target="_blank">11:25</a>)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Even here.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Even in Broken-ness.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Even in the Broken place.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Especially in this Broken place.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
So many days, I have thought I had no more to give.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
I have thought that I could not go on without sleep another night. I have thought that we could not pay the bills.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
It is not pretty, but we are still here.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
We are stronger.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Now it takes a lot more to move us, and even then we can come back to His Heart. Slowly, HE is showing us to let it all go.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Beyond
the broken, we find the Secret Place (Psalm 91:1). The Place where the
Lord waits to show us how HE can sustain us, no matter the circumstance.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Sometimes I think this is the end, but Life goes on, and tomorrow is a new day.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
I
am not sure how The Lord will work these circumstances out, but His
Word says HE has a good plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). My
mother-in-law says it is like when there is an emergency and everyone is
panicking so, they cannot see the EXIT signs right there. GOD has
already made a way, but we cannot see it YET. We have to stop panicking,
start trusting Him, and wait for Him to bring forth His Will for our
lives. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
HE says HE will never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
HE has not left you.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
HE will not leave you.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
HE loves you, regardless of how painful it is where you are.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
You are not without HOPE.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Our country is not without HOPE.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
This place, this whole life is temporary.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
The Secret Place lasts forever.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
The Ancient of Days is waiting for us to come to Him, and sit at His feet.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Ask Him for living water, HE offers us drink when we are weary.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Be relentless, search out HOPE in your circumstance, even if it is only a cloud the size of a man's hand!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope. My soul
waits for the Lord More than those who watch for the morning—Yes, more
than those who watch for the morning. O Israel, hope in the Lord;For
with the Lord there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption." -Psalm 130:5-7 (NKJV) </b></blockquote>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
LORD,
fill us with Your Glory, fill us with your Strength to face whatever
circumstances You have chosen to give us. Give us Grace to Hold on to
You alone and to release everything to You: the good, the bad and the
ugly. Bind our hearts and our hurts. In JESUS' Name, AMEN. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
In His Mighty Sustaining Power I remain,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Sara</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
"I am the Lord, the God of all mankind, is anything too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27)<br />
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<br />
photo from http://office.microsoft.com </div>
ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-39944935874577877812012-10-14T20:19:00.000-07:002012-10-14T20:26:55.542-07:00I flow in the gift of HUGS.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg180/rhondarenfro/JesusHug2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg180/rhondarenfro/JesusHug2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I flow
in the gift of HUGS.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did
not even know this was a gift. I was at a Woman of Faith Conference
with my YahYahs (10 friends)... It was the first time I ever
tangibly felt the Holy Spirit. HE felt like a mist, and the whole
place was filled with His Peace. I also think it is when I got
saved. Mind you, I went to church my whole life, and had been going
to Bible study, but it is the first time I really felt like I laid it
all down at His feet and surrendered my life to Him...</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There
was this incredible woman ministering there named Thelma Wells. She
reminded me of the nanny that raised me. I knew during the break
that I was supposed to get her to hug me. I went and stood in line
behind everyone who wanted her autograph and pictures with her, and I
humbly asked her if she would hug me. She held me for a long time.
I did not feel anything particularly, but shortly after that is when
GOD started telling me to hug people.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At
first it was VERY uncomfortable to me to offer to give someone a hug.
I was rejected more often than not. For a while I mostly hugged
people in church, not so much in the marketplace. For a while, GOD
would tell me hug to people who I did not like, did not want to talk
to, much less hug. HE was teaching me that my opinions about others
did not matter. HE loves us all, and HE was setting me free from my
prideful opinions and selfish emotions. Regardless of how I felt, HE
wanted to hug these people; I was to be His hands and arms.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If the
person is open to receiving, then The Anointing shows up and usually
what I release is multiplied and we are both blessed and filled with
His PEACE. Sometimes the person cries, sometimes they laugh,
sometimes they are comforted, sometimes we get stuck together for the
rest of the service... One time this Asian woman and I hugged and my
heart started to break, it hurt so terribly... Sometimes I feel like
we are being swooshed up and away to Heaven... In contrast, when the
other person does not receive, nothing happens, it is just an
ordinary hug.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Along
with this hug anointing, I have a MAMA Anointing. GOD will fill me
with a mother's love for someone even almost my age (a couple times
the person has been older than me)... I will be so moved with
compassion for the person that is before me, it is as if they are my
own child and I have known them their whole life. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I
flow in these gifts, I do not receive prophetic words per se. I know
the Father's love for them, but generally I do not hear or see
anything specific for them. This used to bother me because those
around me hear and see so much and I felt like my gift was small in
comparison. GOD has brought me to a place of more maturity to accept
and appreciate what HE has given me, and to NOT compare my gifts to
others' gifts. Each expression should be different as each of us is
a different facet of His Creative masterpiece.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am
not sure if everyone can give hugs, maybe they can? About 2 years
after GOD started having me hug people, I found out about Shampa
Rice, “a little lady from the kitchen” who also gives hugs. Her
expression of Hugs is different from mine, as well it should be. One time she was introduced, saying, “Do not ask her to pray for you, her Hug is her
prayer”. We do not always need to try to fill the space with words,
sometimes I have no words to release, only a hug...</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am
still blessed by this daily as I go about the dailiness of my life.
How GOD uses my gift for The Body and for those who do not yet know
Him. When they feel PEACE, they ask “What is that?” and I
answer “that is JESUS, HE loves you. HE has never left you nor
forsaken you. HE is waiting for you and HE wants to Bless you”...</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This
gift HE has given me is so subtle and hidden. It is so easily
overlooked or pushed aside. Like so many precious things with JESUS,
we have to be open and willing to seek His Treasure.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in; margin-right: 0.55in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="en-NKJV-28391"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="en-NKJV-28392"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="en-NKJV-28393"></a>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>But God has chosen the foolish
things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the
weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are
mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which
are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring
to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in
His presence. </b></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in; margin-right: 0.55in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b> 1 Corinthians 1:27-29</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What
wonderful or even amazingly simple gifts do you flow in? If you
do not know for sure, ask The LORD to reveal them to you... I
Know you have Treasure hidden inside!!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">{{{HUGS}}}
</span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Sara</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photo credit </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg180/rhondarenfro/JesusHug2.jpg</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-337421694650990142012-10-09T14:09:00.000-07:002012-10-09T14:09:44.198-07:00What have I done to bring about the greatest change in me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRCRMKW4_8izh7BEcwf9w1jKqLGDg2dSrOXZ0hWin9bWXbjKWCYx2prU_A1OPtu98TSDQS3yBStotzC41IXy8HTfwJBzEWqcaFi36iXIOFuHaKb9_aokAhhJHiMSQySsSOgmOe8GSiN4/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRCRMKW4_8izh7BEcwf9w1jKqLGDg2dSrOXZ0hWin9bWXbjKWCYx2prU_A1OPtu98TSDQS3yBStotzC41IXy8HTfwJBzEWqcaFi36iXIOFuHaKb9_aokAhhJHiMSQySsSOgmOe8GSiN4/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">6
Years ago, we started homeschooling our children. I happened to read
an awesome intro to homeschooling book by Lisa Whelchel (<u>So You're
Thinking About Homeschooling</u>). Funny, the part that stayed with
me most had seemingly nothing to do with homeschooling or the
children. She was describing what a typical morning at her house
would look like; she would get up before her children and read the
Bible and spend time with the Lord. It sounded so sweet and
Peaceful. They would each wake up and come downstairs and I think
they would have quiet time together...</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My
one thought at the time was pretty brutal. I knew with all certainty
that my children would NEVER find me reading the Bible. I loved the
Lord, we went to church and I even heard from (and obeyed) the Holy
Spirit, but it had never occurred to me to spend time with the Lord
and to read the Word daily. Right then, I decided that I wanted to
become the kind of woman who would read her Bible in the morning. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shortly
after this, I saw a plaque in a store that read</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in; margin-right: 0.41in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>She watches over the
ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her
children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he
praises her. Proverbs 31:27-28</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When
I read the plaque, I knew I was not this woman, but I wanted to be
this woman. I bought it for accountability, for a daily reminder of
what The Lord wanted me to be. I wanted to be the woman that someday
would receive praise, not only from her children, but from her
husband also. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It
has cost me a lot to become someone else. I still fail miserably. I
have learned to set aside “me time”. So many times, I am so
tired and I want to go to sleep early, but someone in my family needs
me. I have literally had temper tantrums inside myself about this,
but The Lord is growing me to not be selfish and to serve His
Purpose. I minister to my family: my children and my husband. I
minister to their physical needs and to their spirits. I do not get
to choose when, and usually it is late at night when these
emergencies come. I cry out to The Lord in emptiness and exhaustion
and HE fills me. HE fills my spirit and HE fills my physical being
with Strength that only HE can give. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">HE
is ever-Present and Available. HE wants us to call on Him, HE does
not want us to try to do this in our own power. My power cannot
sustain me and it bears no fruit. My fruit was self-serving and
isolating; GOD's fruit builds relationships and it creates BEAUTY and
GRACE. It is not haughty or proud. I have not arrived. I am so far
from where I need to be, but I am NOT the woman that I was. I set my
heart to want what The Lord wanted for me, and HE has changed me,
glory to glory... </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today, ask HIM who HE wants you to be, and then
obey... <b>How has The Lord changed you? What will you do to change
more?</b></span></span></div>
<br />ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-78690438955743960152012-10-06T18:09:00.000-07:002012-10-07T16:24:55.371-07:00How my marriage has challenged my FAITH<h2 class="western">
</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFAmUbQccxt-zZWiYzskpqttzXdbJsOb6tdFeNBWBb3-djY2Sce___dQj4ZWj5G9Jxu_eLDxilDEPFJ-T3-XUZ6vWD4b6gIWAlZOogHqLvglqwJXcYskI69Cy_uvHO5J2ijZXNeanavg/s1600/feb2011+180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFAmUbQccxt-zZWiYzskpqttzXdbJsOb6tdFeNBWBb3-djY2Sce___dQj4ZWj5G9Jxu_eLDxilDEPFJ-T3-XUZ6vWD4b6gIWAlZOogHqLvglqwJXcYskI69Cy_uvHO5J2ijZXNeanavg/s320/feb2011+180.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What
has challenged me the most in my Christian faith, is my marriage.
How to keep my mouth shut. How to honor my husband when he does not
act honorably. How to take his lead when I know he is wrong, but he
will not listen. How to not point it out later when he realizes. How
to not talk to him with condemnation when he makes the same mistake,
repeatedly. How LOVE covers all faults, forgives ALL, forgets, and
does not keep account. How to disengage when women around me are
complaining about their husbands, and I could jump in, but I
don't/won't anymore. How to respect him when he is not acting
respectfully. How to hold my tongue in front of the children. How to
not allow our children to speak of him dishonorably. How to forgive
him when he hurts their tender hearts. How to put my full attention
on him when I have a million things to do. How to speak gently and
lovingly instead of snarling. How to let him decide where we should
go when I want to go somewhere else. How to release my husband to The
Lord. How to not try to fix everything he does/says wrong.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">How
to speak LIFE and not death, to bless and not curse... To do him GOOD
all the days of his life. To remember we are one team, not enemies.
To not resent his masculinity, but to nurture and hold up and protect
that manliness. To raise his sons to be proud of their man-ness in a
culture that bashes men. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
fail so miserably. Daily. Repeatedly. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
cry out to The Lord and hold my tongue forcibly. Other times, I spew
forth terrible, hurtful words. I rush to apologize, like David rushed
toward his Giant. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
fail and I cry and I ask forgiveness from him and My Creator. And I
fail some more. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then
there are strong, Peaceful, Beautiful days where I think we have
arrived. We have a great marriage. The Lord is our Center. There is
nothing we can not do. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
learn to SUBMIT to an Awesome GOD by submitting to a broken man. I
set myself to yield my will to The Holy Spirit's Will as HE leads me
to serve my husband. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh
Lord, please break my heart to this. Change me. Help me to resist the
enemy, and not my husband! As wives, help us to encourage each other
to yield to our husbands (and to You!) without murmuring or
complaining. AMEN and AMEN. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What
has challenged your faith?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sara</span></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-33014507675185762592012-09-25T14:38:00.001-07:002013-10-28T15:36:52.402-07:00YOM KIPPUR & See You At The Pole 2012<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuTBoXOC-1RC9dLsDzuwhEsYcpi75rV0oxdd_5X9DavfvorJ53UzPs7q9fWdeFgF41xm0QUKaMsVmQKvWJNrTgBMxhvf4EA6IeCTr0Gcy11vp2i3hyphenhyphengtXH5x-6EGa343UNhS5Z5JlKvk/s1600/cross.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuTBoXOC-1RC9dLsDzuwhEsYcpi75rV0oxdd_5X9DavfvorJ53UzPs7q9fWdeFgF41xm0QUKaMsVmQKvWJNrTgBMxhvf4EA6IeCTr0Gcy11vp2i3hyphenhyphengtXH5x-6EGa343UNhS5Z5JlKvk/s320/cross.JPG" width="299" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I
got this story from the See You At The Pole website:</span></span></div>
<blockquote style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">At
an elementary school near Boston, a little girl was at her school's
flagpole all by herself. After some time, her principal went out to
where she was and asked her, "What are you doing?"<br />The
girl replied, "I'm here for meet me at the pole."</span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"But
there's no one else here, " the principal pointed out.<br />"Oh,
no," the girl protested, </span></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I'm
here to meet God."</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span>
</blockquote>
<blockquote style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This
exemplifies what all the JEWISH Holidays (including Sabbath) are
about also. They are called "Moedim", or "appointed
times". Tomorrow, See You at the Pole happens to fall on
Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is a solemn day of fasting, corporate
prayer and repentance. It is a day to deny ourselves, setting
aside pleasure and entertainment. For Christians, it is also a
joyous day because we know that JESUS died for our sins... It
is like a date with GOD, HE is waiting for us... Will you come?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whether
you come with us to the Pole or not, come to The Cross, repent for
your sins (both known and unknown), and repent for your country.
Pray for the elections, pray for the PEACE of Israel and pray for our
children that GOD will Strengthen them now for what they will have to
walk through. Pray that, even tomorrow, the JEWs will see and
receive JESUS as their Yom Kippur atonement...</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">GOD
has promised to be there, will you?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sara</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-76981277630521472232012-09-14T06:10:00.000-07:002013-10-28T13:28:00.263-07:00Being Sifted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnl7-LAvbgYWo6kh760iPcKlspd_0XkAfnDVxk3Zi_H7ZtQ9gdtI7N-rcHqdwbRDwABec-Inm88jj0vCwFaOWsY0ueH8zTPTINxJAJ8Gz30azVc_btcOBj3IcSB5Xgn43Ucc_M-sJAMF8/s1600/wheat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnl7-LAvbgYWo6kh760iPcKlspd_0XkAfnDVxk3Zi_H7ZtQ9gdtI7N-rcHqdwbRDwABec-Inm88jj0vCwFaOWsY0ueH8zTPTINxJAJ8Gz30azVc_btcOBj3IcSB5Xgn43Ucc_M-sJAMF8/s320/wheat.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
GOD is so much more Mighty than we know. HE is Ever-Present and HE
will never leave us nor forsake us. In our situation, I believe GOD is
teaching us to DEPEND on Him alone and to STAND on His promises. HE
allows terrible things to happen so that we grow and gain authority and
then use our anointing to bless and teach others.<br />
<div>
<div class="ecxheading ecxpassage-class-0" style="margin-bottom: 15px;">
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;">
<span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;">Luke 22:31-32<span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> (NKJV)</span></span></h3>
</div>
<div class="ecxresult-text-style-normal ecxtext-html ">
<div style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span class="ecxtext ecxLuke-22-31"><sup class="ecxversenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">31 </sup>And the Lord said, <span class="ecxwoj">“Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift <i>you</i> as wheat.</span> </span><span class="ecxtext ecxLuke-22-32" id="ecxen-NKJV-25897"><sup class="ecxversenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">32 </sup><span class="ecxwoj">But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to <i>Me, </i>strengthen your brethren.”</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="ecxtext ecxLuke-22-32" id="ecxen-NKJV-25897"><span class="ecxwoj">The
first part of the trial is the testing of faith: getting back up when
we fall and fail to depend on The Lord. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="ecxtext ecxLuke-22-32" id="ecxen-NKJV-25897"><span class="ecxwoj">The second part is the Returning to The Lord. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="ecxtext ecxLuke-22-32" id="ecxen-NKJV-25897"><span class="ecxwoj">The 3rd part is the Strengthening of the brethren. </span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">To "strengthen the brethren" is to extravagantly bless everyone who crosses our path.</span>ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-75741383318536498042012-09-06T21:15:00.000-07:002013-10-28T13:37:47.676-07:00What Has Helped Me Grow Spiritually...<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaUi2z32fsb74X3LnV4Dg2ZtSe4d96uisPoV8WLNYTJAH7c5WZ9LGzvT8RVpbr7XbbdhZRMkiDJqiuA7MnLn0TY4wjbWJp0jtTLcCsNVdYgYmD5WGEEaWn6ssdk3U-fMU_X1LJD6OhVA/s1600/kids.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaUi2z32fsb74X3LnV4Dg2ZtSe4d96uisPoV8WLNYTJAH7c5WZ9LGzvT8RVpbr7XbbdhZRMkiDJqiuA7MnLn0TY4wjbWJp0jtTLcCsNVdYgYmD5WGEEaWn6ssdk3U-fMU_X1LJD6OhVA/s320/kids.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: .Helvetica NeueUI;"><u><b>What
has helped me grow spiritually is my children.</b></u> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI';">They
are so literal in their approach to The Bible. The Bible says Heal
the sick, cleanse the leper - so that is what we should do. They are
not pressured by religious spirits to conform, or squelch their
zeal. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI';">They
love everyone. For years my little one has been known to crawl up in
the laps of homeless men and rush to hug gang leaders. In return,
these tough hard men have melted and wept like babies. Who
knows, it might be the only hug they ever received. At the very
least it was the purest and the 1st one in many, many years. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI';">One
time we encountered a man outside Barnes and Noble who had just
gotten out of the ER and was still covered in blood from a gunshot
wound. My son gave him a candy bar and a hug and then held the man
for the longest time while he cried and cried. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI';">My
other son, my oldest has stretched me this year as I have watched him
battle with Type 1 Diabetes and numerous complications. He has
suffered so much physically and mentally as his body has rebelled. He
knows GOD heals, he himself has laid hands on people and they have
been healed. He has gone through every emotion in the process from
despair to anger to sorrow to grief. At one point, I am sure he fell
away from The Lord. My heart screamed and we prayed and prayed. He
knew the Lord could heal him, and he had to make the choice to follow
HIM regardless whether HE healed him or not. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI';">He
finally started worshiping the Lord again and right afterward a
neighborhood kid gave him a bass guitar. Two weeks later the worship
leader at church asked him to be on the worship team. He is only 14
years old, but he has wrestled with the angel and won. He played on
stage this past Sunday and I wept and wept because I know how costly
his praise is, and how beautiful and pure it must be to the Lord. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI';">One
time 5 years ago, he snuck out of the house at night to leave a note
on the next door neighbor's door. It told her how much JESUS loved
her. We found out months later that it was the last thing she saw
before she was arrested and she held it in her heart all the time she
was in prison. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI';">All
this to say, listen to your children. If you are in Walmart and they
want to pray for someone - don't you stop them. They hear from the
Holy Spirit. GOD is no respecter of persons, if my kids can hear, so
can yours...</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI';">What has helped you grow Spiritually? </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI';">In His
Mighty Name,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI';">Sara</span><br />
<span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI';">*Photo above is a stock photo </span></div>
ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-79365866198531886432012-09-05T11:09:00.002-07:002013-10-28T14:35:38.361-07:00Is there any HOPE for the USA?<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWk2y7EZmInxSaChoRyPX_F9C44Z8vb0i3HrKpThXF0r6B4UOBlxQOeS-y-uVm1J7b1rp4XTqqP-Z9fkFlyLzAxkfJWRpEGTAWuOE99Xc4iX-MIEVzmKa3RAgT74DrR-3QF0dgXUmKVyo/s1600/breakthrough.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWk2y7EZmInxSaChoRyPX_F9C44Z8vb0i3HrKpThXF0r6B4UOBlxQOeS-y-uVm1J7b1rp4XTqqP-Z9fkFlyLzAxkfJWRpEGTAWuOE99Xc4iX-MIEVzmKa3RAgT74DrR-3QF0dgXUmKVyo/s320/breakthrough.JPG" width="251" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A
couple of years ago, I felt the Lord tell me “an open book test is
coming. Open The Book now”. HE prompted me to study the Word, in
its purest form – not another man's opinion of the Word. I also
felt him tell me I was supposed to get stronger (physically and
spiritually) to prepare for the battle ahead. The particular battle
HE was referring to was one our family is walking through, but it is
a good word for whosoever.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />I
often lose sight that we<span style="font-weight: normal;"> are called
to look forward </span><u><b>expectantly</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to the coming of the Lord. </span><b>“Looking for that blessed
hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour
Jesus Christ” Titus 2:13 KJV</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">In
all things I must remember to bring Glory to HIM and not the enemy;
to speak life and not death, speak hope and not fear, speak love and
not hate. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">In
the coming days, unbelievers will run to us as we will be better
equipped for our circumstances because of our relationship with the
Holy Spirit. I do not pretend to believe it will be easy, but we
will have the PEACE of the Lord. Noah's ark was as a SUKKOT from the
world chaos. The LORD promises to be a TABERNACLE to us in the same
way: <b>“For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His
pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He
shall set me high upon a rock.” Psalm 27:5 (NKJV)</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A
few times in the past year, my heart has grown faint from the
pressure of what we are walking through. And my heart was broken
because of my own weakness. More than once, I have been ready to lay
down and give up. I thought myself a Faith-full believer but this
year has stretched me so far beyond my limits. All this, and I am
not even facing tribulation or persecution. JESUS has been showing
our family how to depend on HIM alone:</span></span></div>
“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Fear
not, for I <i>am</i> with you; Be not dismayed, for I <i>am</i> your
God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you
with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)</b></span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I
have not doubted the Lord in this trial, but I doubted myself and my
ability to walk through this. The Truth is, however, that if The
Lord has led me into this wilderness, He will equip me and sustain me
in His Power. He has not left me nor forsaken me. HE knows right
where I am. When I am doubting myself, I am doubting His choice to
give me this situation (opportunity). Jesus rebuked the disciples in
the storm because HE had prepared them for such a time as this...</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I
think most importantly we need a relationship with The Holy Spirit
and we need to pray NOW, for then, for the coming of The Lord... I
believe no man will be able to stand it (in his own strength). Pray
now for yourselves, for your family, for all of us, that we will be
faithful and not fall away, that we will stay the course and walk in
the fullness that The Lord has called us to. Pray that we can focus
on HOPE as the fullness of time approaches.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">What is JESUS telling you about what is to come? </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sara</span></span></div>
ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-7630143757019710512012-09-04T08:02:00.003-07:002013-10-28T14:49:46.671-07:00What The Lord has done for me....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQAJvoFyueGSQXK116kmKB03i94sbB2mhT1_E4qYFkoGBJCGfRCj2_jbSAKIzrhKo39Y_LvqtCQfJslO6chpE1YLo2OetYS_csztgdz7LdiMcCj_CDXUMJ69_qaBcNBzzlQEkC2VLtz0/s1600/rock+formation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQAJvoFyueGSQXK116kmKB03i94sbB2mhT1_E4qYFkoGBJCGfRCj2_jbSAKIzrhKo39Y_LvqtCQfJslO6chpE1YLo2OetYS_csztgdz7LdiMcCj_CDXUMJ69_qaBcNBzzlQEkC2VLtz0/s320/rock+formation.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<h6 class="western">
</h6>
<h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />I
cannot wait until we get to Heaven and watch The video of our lives
(like Bill Johnson says) because I think we are going to be shocked
by how much heavenly intervention there is in our lives...<br />I am
still not sure what I am supposed to write... There is so much JESUS
has done for me that I do not even know where to begin. <br />What
overwhelms me the most is that JESUS called me Lovely, when I was so
unlovely. Looking back at how present HE was in my life before I ever
knew Him or acknowledged Him blesses me so... The first prophetic
Word I ever received was that I was a Vessel of Honor. At the time, I
was no such thing. GOD continues to call me forth, and stretch me
beyond who I thought I was. I am not the person I was. I know that
GOD is real because I am a new Creation. HE taught me how to be a
Mama and then a better wife. HE called me to teach at a Christian
school when I still cussed like a sailor. HE took my heart of stone,
and gave me a squishy compassionate heart. </span></span></h6>
<h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What has the Lord done for you?</span></span></h6>
<h6 class="western" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Sara</span></span></h6>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-83172692092712306582012-09-04T07:59:00.003-07:002013-10-28T15:12:48.333-07:00My Favorite GOD Experience<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EqTHyV2ZpcerqWel9LAftIW80ODDweyBBR-q-8NoMQFTtvhnTyatPA6CKX7ob9VYhtJ1COyGNKk76J-GBzJq1lwskcch8IQQcIIPloebtB7SbinwwRqdXCOaSkc9SLiTiPh-PqH7aik/s1600/plasma.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EqTHyV2ZpcerqWel9LAftIW80ODDweyBBR-q-8NoMQFTtvhnTyatPA6CKX7ob9VYhtJ1COyGNKk76J-GBzJq1lwskcch8IQQcIIPloebtB7SbinwwRqdXCOaSkc9SLiTiPh-PqH7aik/s320/plasma.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />We
have had some cool experiences with the Lord. My favorite so far
occurred when we went to Lakeland the 1st time for the Revival. The
Prophetic was so new to me and I was so in love with Jesus and so
full of Faith. It was the last night we were going to be in
Lakeland, and we were headed home the next morning and my youngest
son (5 years old at the time) was supposed to be baptized at our
(seeker-sensitive) church back home. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />I
had a dream that night that my son and I were in a baptismal font and
there were angels in it and above it. There was fire, like lightnings
all around, going up and down, from Heaven to earth and back again.
I knew in the dream that it was like Jacob's ladder. </span></span></div>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-786"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then
he dreamed, and behold, a ladder <i>was</i> set up on the
earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God
were ascending and descending on it. <b>Genesis 28:12 </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">(NKJV)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was not until
some time later that I realized that Jesus is The Ladder:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And He said to
him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall
see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon
the Son of Man.” <b>John 1:51 </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">(NKJV)</span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NIV-26096"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This
went on all night and I was half-asleep and half awake. My son was in
the hotel bed with me and it was like we had electrical current
surging through us all night. He was asleep, but he would touch
me and then groan. It felt like how that ball they have at the
fair looks... In the morning, I could still feel power coming from
me. I felt it the whole car ride home. That whole day, I was
blessing everyone I came near, even cars as they drove by. The Holy
Spirit was moving heavily on Byron too, he literally cried the whole
8+ hours home. He had not cried since he was 15 before that. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our
car broke down, but we were not bothered - we were so full of faith
we thought the Lord would transport (translate?) us. I was sure
because of the dream with the baptismal font that we would be on time
to the baptism. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NIV-260961"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We
finally got the car fixed, and we were not translated home. We missed
the baptism service. When we arrived in town, there was another
church service going on, and we went straight to our church. We were
so excited to share about the healings we had seen! Right
before the service, we spoke with the worship team but to our
dismay, they were not impressed by our excitement about the Revival
and the Holy Spirit. Later during worship, I felt the power leave -
It was sucked out of my body and instantly I knew it was
because of the unbelief in the room. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
cannot begin to tell you how many times I have begged the Lord for
Him to give it back to me. How I miss feeling His Power with such
Fullness!</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
still do not completely understand, but I think
I <u>will</u> eventually walk in the anointing that I felt.
I believe it is a healing anointing and I think the Lord gave me a
preview of what is to come. So many times I am so homesick for that
dunamis power, especially when I lay hands on the people and
seemingly nothing happens. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If
I knew then what I know now, I would have driven to a hospital or
laid hands on my oldest son or my husband, but there is no place for
regret in The Kingdom. Ironically, my son ended up being baptized in
Lakeland (on a subsequent trip) in a pool and I was in the font with
him. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
know, I have felt it in my body, that the day will come when we lay
hands on the hospital walls and everyone will recover. I want to
encourage you that Our Lord can heal, HE does heal... HE is so
Faith-full. Recently, on literally what felt like one of the
worst days of my family's life (lives?), HE sent a young woman up to
tell us that 5 years before JESUS had healed her when we had laid
hands on her. It was medically verified by a very unbelieving doctor.
She had felt heat when my 5 year old had laid hands on her belly,
even after he had removed it. The Lord in His Perfect Orchestration
that HE calls LIFE, had waited 5 whole years for us to see this girl
again. HE brought this girl up to us as we were standing in a prayer
line, desperate for healing for my oldest son and my husband. HE sent
her to encourage us when we had almost given up HOPE...</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yay
GOD!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What is your favorite GOD experience? </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sara</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-12410572710908421472012-09-04T07:51:00.002-07:002013-10-28T14:37:29.712-07:00Scripture that we hang onto in the Storm
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_0FqCo1VcxsC_pTKeodU2_OgApv-KU7NIBvr5oNmujDfNqtlcWyLVUaZPZyurhL8Uc5SUrzjduTB2d7gfkw33_ErbFEZGl4nE8r5Nl4M8CAA9LYPYNCXH_lrjsh8DMlkqf8dzROLazY/s1600/storm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_0FqCo1VcxsC_pTKeodU2_OgApv-KU7NIBvr5oNmujDfNqtlcWyLVUaZPZyurhL8Uc5SUrzjduTB2d7gfkw33_ErbFEZGl4nE8r5Nl4M8CAA9LYPYNCXH_lrjsh8DMlkqf8dzROLazY/s320/storm.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">My
favorite Scripture is Psalm 91</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<h3 class="western">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Psalm
91 (NKJV)</span></span></h3>
<h3 class="western">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-15397"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Safety
of Abiding in the Presence of God</span></span></h3>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-15398"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">91 He
who dwells in the secret place of the Most High<br />Shall abide under
the shadow of the Almighty.<br />2 I will say of the Lord, “<i>He
is</i> my refuge and my fortress;<br />My God, in Him I will trust.”</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-15399"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-15400"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-15401"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-15402"></a>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 Surely He shall
deliver you from the snare of the fowler<br /><i>And</i> from the
perilous pestilence.<br />4 He shall cover you with His
feathers,<br />And under His wings you shall take refuge;<br />His truth
<i>shall be your</i> shield and buckler.<br />5 You shall not be
afraid of the terror by night,<br /><i>Nor</i> of the arrow <i>that</i>
flies by day,<br />6 <i>Nor</i> of the pestilence <i>that</i>
walks in darkness,<br /><i>Nor</i> of the destruction <i>that</i> lays
waste at noonday.</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-15403"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-15404"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">7 A
thousand may fall at your side,<br />And ten thousand at your right
hand;<br /><i>But</i> it shall not come near you.<br />8 Only with
your eyes shall you look,<br />And see the reward of the wicked.</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-15405"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-15406"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-15407"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-15408"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-15409"></a>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">9 Because you have
made the Lord, <i>who is</i> my refuge,<br /><i>Even</i> the Most High,
your dwelling place,<br />10 No evil shall befall you,<br />Nor
shall any plague come near your dwelling;<br />11 For He shall
give His angels charge over you,<br />To keep you in all your
ways.<br />12 In <i>their</i> hands they shall bear you up,<br />Lest
you dash your foot against a stone.<br />13 You shall tread upon
the lion and the cobra,<br />The young lion and the serpent you shall
trample underfoot.</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-15410"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-15411"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-15412"></a>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">14 “Because he
has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;<br />I will set
him on high, because he has known My name.<br />15 He shall call
upon Me, and I will answer him;<br />I <i>will be</i> with him in
trouble;<br />I will deliver him and honor him.<br />16 With long
life I will satisfy him,<br />And show him My salvation.”</span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We have held onto it
for years. It brings such PEACE.<br /><br />The hardest Scripture
right now for me is </span></span>
<br />
<h3 class="western">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Romans
5:1-5 (NKJV)</span></span></h3>
<h3 class="western">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-28049"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Faith
Triumphs in Trouble</span></span></h3>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-28050"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-28051"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-28052"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-28053"></a>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">5 Therefore,
having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith
into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory
of God. 3 And not only <i>that,</i> but we also glory in
tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and
perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does
not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our
hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.</span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2356840526624325077" name="ecxen-NKJV-280531"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">...because
we are having to live it. My prayer is that my heart will
realign with the LORD and I will see this time the way that HE sees
it. I have been thanking HIM for this trial, because I KNOW it
is for our own good... I know we are better people now, than we
were a year ago.</span></span><br />
<br />
What Scripture have you hung onto like you might fall off the face of the earth?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sara</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-32560259257258445042012-06-10T19:51:00.001-07:002013-10-28T15:06:41.768-07:00A Thousand Tears<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46TgJuk_MOr18nsV4tOvsRAF3Yh-SlOG-LIedj7z24-oXzbZAakO76m6udFL51S9bF3a8XkYIDAyr67chJo41nb4P2n2H-O5Lc3dDuYgkQktlUltYWOSPuAXYE-TUt6aN1W9phs2-eEo/s1600/Daddy+hand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46TgJuk_MOr18nsV4tOvsRAF3Yh-SlOG-LIedj7z24-oXzbZAakO76m6udFL51S9bF3a8XkYIDAyr67chJo41nb4P2n2H-O5Lc3dDuYgkQktlUltYWOSPuAXYE-TUt6aN1W9phs2-eEo/s320/Daddy+hand.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is an amazing song written by Paul Pace about his beautiful daddy, Willy Pace... He sung it at Mr Willy's funeral. I am so mama-proud of Paul. Their whole family is an amazing testament to GOD's Grace and JOY... We are so BLESSED to have known and loved Mr Willy. Please pray for this family as they celebrate their daddy...
♥ ♥ ♥
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Tr_Dq1jcNLE" width="420"></iframe>ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-2479906417662404852012-05-13T15:41:00.000-07:002013-10-28T15:26:16.192-07:00Relationship Encouragement for Mother's Day 2012<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG87AY_T7tRV2ncy5gMY7W72FknxMd4lgdUnnNxWuqWe9sh7uN0y2LCRR6_qMGIh9ukaOY3nffRuSImpzv853Za06kpzHvAPtqdONCDNmzQ4_NUSckxHDZw7DiuZRnKG3U9n8lH9VRCxg/s1600/rings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG87AY_T7tRV2ncy5gMY7W72FknxMd4lgdUnnNxWuqWe9sh7uN0y2LCRR6_qMGIh9ukaOY3nffRuSImpzv853Za06kpzHvAPtqdONCDNmzQ4_NUSckxHDZw7DiuZRnKG3U9n8lH9VRCxg/s320/rings.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Our relationship lives in the space between us – it doesn’t live in me or in you or even in the dialogue between the two us – it lives in the space we live together and that space is sacred space.” –Martin Buber</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Over the last year, I have been forced (or have I chosen?) to neglect just about every relationship in my life except those in my immediate family. I have only kept up with a handful of my friends. This loneliness has caused me to go deeper in myself and in my relationship with Jesus. How can you be lonely when you can speak with the Creator? I can :) The conversation goes "Jesus, why am I alone? I want someone other than You to talk to and be Real with". It sounds pretty pitiful, but it is freeing because after a while you forget how to put on masks and make small talk. After a year of intense solitary confinement, I can tell you I am virtually incapable of small talk and social graces. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Those of you who know me know I have always been pretty transparent. I am not sure others appreciate my transparency now that my life resembles a train wreck but I cannot go back in my box. I cannot pick up that heavy burden again. I am free. The Lord has delivered me. About the train wreck, my life is not so bad - it just does not look like I, or anyone else expected. So back to the quote above and the revelation the Lord gave me this morning when I read it:</span><br />
<br />
<b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Our relationship lives in the space between us – it doesn’t live in me or in you or even in the dialogue between the two us – it lives in the space we live together and that space is sacred space.” –Martin Buber</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Two overlapping circles. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The common ground is the Holy Spirit that lives in us both. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This totally frees me to be myself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And to accept you as who you are. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I do not need to change you to feel comfortable with who I am. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Then we both flourish. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Isn't this God's desire for every relationship?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Isn't this how God comes into relationship with us? HE is fully GOD, yet He applauds me and encourages me to be fully me, the me He created me to be. (I know it sounds silly like Dr Seuss, but stay with me, it is DEEP and revolutionary and freeing.) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today, I am a better wife and a better mother because of this acceptance of myself. I can allow my husband to be who GOD created him to be, and to freely express himself without my being offended. My children can express every part of themselves, and I can love them more because I see them as UNIQUE, one of a kind, masterpieces formed by a Wondrous GOD. No two of us are alike. (I hope as I try to reconnect with all of you, that I can be a better friend also.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I get it now, in marriage when 2 become 1, it is that overlapping part of the circle, it is the Lord! Yay!!! I am fully myself and there is a space right near my heart, just outside the Lord's space, where only my husband is allowed to reside. The Lord has taken down my walls of defense because He is my Vindicator and Protector. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Right outside my husband's circle, is a space for my children, an inner court so to speak, where we can commune with The Lord. Next is the place for intimate friends, and so on. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Unfortunately, I have not been this open and loving all year long. I allowed my pain to cause me to withdraw even from my family. I lived cramped and tight because I was not putting my heart before the Lord. I was stuffing my pain and disappointment, instead of simply telling Him, "Jesus, this is terrible, this hurts, please help me". I chose to hide the emotions, even from myself and especially from the Lord. When I did this, I looked like I was doing better because I was not crying anymore but underneath the surface was a volcano, festering and turbulent. I see so many women walking around bitter and disappointed and all we need to do is stand before the throne and tell Abba Father each and every emotion, and ask him to clean our hearts. It is amazing how quickly the Lord can take away years of offense and sadness. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lord, thank You that You have promised to give us a heart of flesh instead of a heart of stone. Please help us to fully bring openness to every relationship in our lives. First and foremost, please show us how to be open to You, to receive Your Grace and Mercy. Please show us how to be fully present with every person we encounter, even the trash man and the cashier at Walmart. Help us to receive your acceptance so that we can pass that on to everyone You have placed in our circles of influence. Help us to receive Your love, so we can freely give Your love first to our families. Please increase Your Holy Spirit in all our lives, and minister Your Grace to our hearts and minds today. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As we are celebrated today as Mothers, we give You all Glory and Honor and Grace. Please strengthen us for another year of serving our families on our knees, humbly washing their feet and bringing them before Your Throne of Grace. Amen.</span><br />
<br />ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-18107821723552041952011-06-20T14:59:00.000-07:002013-10-28T14:59:50.329-07:00This song has helped us cry the last few weeks...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhon0m-CVqa7hk4mhhgreiMques5jA6flUHlcHkrWTeByv6HdoFkx343lLddYqKM74WqFL4gL3Yj1dB5dTTYtGw2cYuOv7NaY3Qpcmd6u9fnPzbSulU82FxPKTCYwqaG3MumdOmiXi8QV4/s1600/cry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhon0m-CVqa7hk4mhhgreiMques5jA6flUHlcHkrWTeByv6HdoFkx343lLddYqKM74WqFL4gL3Yj1dB5dTTYtGw2cYuOv7NaY3Qpcmd6u9fnPzbSulU82FxPKTCYwqaG3MumdOmiXi8QV4/s320/cry.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It has been such a blessing...<br />
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ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-32536825635540257762011-05-18T15:45:00.000-07:002013-10-28T15:28:25.625-07:00Laughter heals our soul....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I saw this first at.... <br />
<a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/inspirationreport/2011/03/laughing-babies.html">http://blog.beliefnet.com/inspirationreport/2011/03/laughing-babies.html</a>ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-51910930018631397712011-05-10T17:07:00.000-07:002013-10-28T15:01:25.427-07:00Passover - Many ways to eat Matzah!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dgIVhzxxnh35xxVR7Vg_gTUCqUCvydA3283d1QO5wtasmjCAOsD1F3DMSE189Fo6cMHvJwMhO6HimjqZSEiyn-MB7NEYoxx-AURZIJ8jqCa8xkp8g2-Ks-GTA4MyMtGA8TzceuZLOFY/s1600/Passover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dgIVhzxxnh35xxVR7Vg_gTUCqUCvydA3283d1QO5wtasmjCAOsD1F3DMSE189Fo6cMHvJwMhO6HimjqZSEiyn-MB7NEYoxx-AURZIJ8jqCa8xkp8g2-Ks-GTA4MyMtGA8TzceuZLOFY/s320/Passover.JPG" width="228" /></a></div>
<br />
Matzah "Pizza" with shaved asparagus<br />
Matzah with cream cheese and strawberry jam<br />
Matzah with hamburgers (and mayo, avocado, and tomatoes) <br />
Matzah with beef hot dogs (and mayo, avocado, and sauteed onions) <br />
Matzo Ball Soup!!!<br />
Matzah Chicken Sandwich<br />
Matzah with peanut butter and jelly<br />
Walnut cakes with 12 eggs!! (not in the little cake pans next time because they stick!!) <br />
Matzah with Burger Joe (Asian Sloppy Joes) - yummy!!!<br />
Matzah with cream cheese and crispy garlic and sea salt... like an everything bagel but better!!<br />
and last but definitely not least..........<br />
Matzah with Nutella and sea salt - not pretty, but AMAZING............. Definitely not just for once a year!!<br />
<br />
For next year, I want to try...<br />
Matzah lasagna<br />
Matzah toffee bark<br />
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Last year's chocolate matzah torte was yummy...ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-32492311298142630242011-05-06T09:14:00.000-07:002011-05-06T10:03:29.544-07:00Thankfulness - Bless the Mamas!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNm488MmbrpxlH0I1VI40KoZ5vwxGSOuIbt5An0xn45l4XXYo3ByLL3V7YG4LjpKE9P_0C_nbH5NuKuYIN8l8y0moQLAW0wXSl4NZtfwMAgCpJD4VcjWEjdfNwo_m2gC2H8P9Xpf3Oz4g/s1600/feb+2011+256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNm488MmbrpxlH0I1VI40KoZ5vwxGSOuIbt5An0xn45l4XXYo3ByLL3V7YG4LjpKE9P_0C_nbH5NuKuYIN8l8y0moQLAW0wXSl4NZtfwMAgCpJD4VcjWEjdfNwo_m2gC2H8P9Xpf3Oz4g/s320/feb+2011+256.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>Thankfulness.... <br />
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Yesterday was a day for GOOD NEWS and good reports - Breakthrough in the lives of these beautiful women around me... <br />
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There have been so many burdens and so many prayers, and it is so beautiful when JESUS reveals Himself to us, when we get a glimpse of His Greatness and Mercy... <br />
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I set myself to be the leper who returns to the LORD and thanks Him, not the foreigner who continues on His way, forgetting to bless the Giver of all Gifts... <br />
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LORD, we bless you, we thank you for wayward children come home, the roots of sickness exposed, Your Presence always with us whether we feel it or not, healthy babies, and new pregnancies, and so many other answered prayers.... <br />
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Yesterday was like walking through a refreshing mist, as friend after friend brought me Good News of answered prayers. I am humbled once again by the Goodness of our LORD and the beauty of being able to share in praying for so many of you... <br />
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Please join me in offering up a Sacrifice of Praise for all He has given us (family and friends!!) and how he Protects us and leads us throughout our journey.... <br />
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We have been keeping a Blessing Journal to record all that GOD has been doing for us. I have been reading a book by Ann Voskamp,<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> One Thousand Gifts</span>, and her BLOG - http://www.aholyexperience.com/ They both push me to reach for more of GOD and to see Him in every situation - the good and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">especially</span> the bad.... <br />
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I bless all my Mama friends on this day to Honor the Mamas.... Thank you ladies for sharing this journey with me!!! <br />
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Sara<span id="goog_988222438"></span><span id="goog_988222439"></span>ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-47942920509104175402011-04-18T11:50:00.001-07:002013-10-28T15:02:31.800-07:00Passover Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tonight is Passover, and tonight we will remember - I was a slave in Egypt, and my Savior led me out. I am now saved (even though I do not always think like a free person). In His Mercy, He continues to renew me and my mind daily, glory to glory. We remind our children that they too were slaves, lest they forget and run back to the world. When we chose to live under the BLOOD of JESUS, The LORD Passed-over us and we are no longer subject to Pharaoh or the Destroyer... <br />
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Walking through this desert recently, I have been faced with some emotions - do I choose terror, or do I choose to live in Faith and trust that He is still leading me. JESUS has not lost hold of me, no matter what the enemy whispers to me.... I am not alone, my Savior has written the story of my Life, for His Glory. I re-release my life back to Him; I cannot re-write it. Who am I to edit the LORD, to even have an opinion about how the story should go? I do not get to choose how my life will proceed, I chose JESUS, and this choice means from there on out, I am led by the Spirit, whether He takes me to the desert, or the Promised Land. We do not know where we are going, we are following The Leader and His cloud and pillar of smoke....<br />
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I reach down past my emotions, that sometimes mask truth, and I find something to be grateful in this moment, in the moment where I feel empty and lost. I look to no man, no man can save me... I need JESUS and the prayers of my sisters.... I need Truth, and I need to know that Goodness and Mercy still exist. When the worst thing happens, we have to choose, do we eat of ungratefulness, or do we choose to believe that "all things work for the good"...<br />
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We have been led recently to keep a journal of HIS blessings, a gratitude journal because sometimes we forget all the "LITTLE" things HE does for us (though truly they are never little)... How many times He reaches down from Heaven, and pauses to show us His all-consuming LOVE... I hate that we forget, but it is the sin-nature that was handed down from Eve... and the voice of the enemy that lies and says that what GOD has given is not enough. We remind ourselves daily to practice gratitude and to learn to live in AMAZEMENT of Who HE is and HOW He LOVES us... If we will just pause to reflect, we will learn to see Him in EVERY situation even (or most especially) the terrible ones....<br />
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<u>Ingratitude</u><br />
Ungratefulness.<br />
It is how we see the world,<br />
through cataract-hardened eyes.<br />
It allows me to be disappointed in <br />
GOD Himself, Creator of the Universe.<br />
Through the fog of deception, <br />
I allow myself to be disgusted<br />
by the world, but mostly<br />
by my precious husband and my children.<br />
I forget how much they mean to me,<br />
I forget they are blessings.<br />
In my amnesia, I curse and complain -<br />
I see only faults and failures,<br />
letdowns and losses -<br />
LORD, forgive me for eating of the <br />
wicked apple<br />
that tells me what You have given<br />
is never enough.<br />
Forgive me for receiving even a morsel <br />
of "GOD is not enough" - <br />
Blasphemy courses through my veins -<br />
Stop. Still. Ponder. Repent!!<br />
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LORD, forgive me my thoughts<br />
and attitudes.<br />
Fill me with Your Communion Blood,<br />
a Holy Transfusion - <br />
until everything evil and <br />
selfish and self-serving<br />
flows out of me -<br />
Shine Your Light on the darkness still hiding<br />
in my prideful heart,<br />
until Light is all I see -<br />
I do not wrestle with darkness -<br />
I want it to go, Leave.<br />
I wrestle with LIGHT and GOOD...<br />
I hold on until <br />
I find the LIGHT and GOOD<br />
You are<br />
inside of me ----<br />
Humble and broken is where <br />
I need to be ---<br />
LORD, fill me with Wonder.<br />
Replace this shame<br />
with Who <u>You</u> are again.<br />
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Yay GOD!! Thank You for Your victory - Thank You for using us as Your testimony - Your Story - I Bless the way You write it - it is eternal - We are eternal - I am eternal... This moment will pass, but Your Truth remains - You remain - when everything else is shaken, You are there - and that is enough---------- AMEN and AMEN :)ShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2356840526624325077.post-27412038224383303432010-12-11T20:04:00.000-08:002013-10-28T14:56:24.029-07:00Prayer for PEACE / JESUS is LIGHT of the World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our family just finished celebrating the season of Hanukkah. Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights and the Feast of Dedication. JESUS came to earth as the LIGHT of the World. Jews celebrate Hanukkah not knowing the FULLness of the symbolism of Who they are celebrating.<br />
<b>1</b> "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. <b>2</b> He was in the beginning with God. <b>3</b> All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. <b>4</b> In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. <b>5</b> And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." (JOHN 1)<br />
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Jews remember the Maccabees that refused to give in to forces that tried to get them to let go of their GOD. They fought and eventually re-claimed their temple. We must all HOLD ON to our FAITH in Christ, no matter the darkness that comes against us. As my sisters in Christ are struggling this morning, with their own personal darknesses, I remind us all that we must re-dedicate our temples (our hearts, our minds and our Spirits) to the LIVING GOD, regardless of what comes against us. "Set your face toward JERUSALEM", the City of PEACE, and decide in your hearts to follow HIM, no matter the cost nor outcome!!<br />
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The LIGHT of the LORD, The LIGHT of the LORD, The LIGHT of the LORD - conquers all sickness, all disability, all wanderings, all doubt, all wickedness - It dispels ALL darkness. "Come all Ye Faithful, Joyful and Triumphant", Come Ye unto the LIGHT of the LORD...<br />
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If my heart is moved with compassion at all the prayer requests I have seen lately, how much more the HEART of the Father?<br />
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My dear friend Darlene just passed away from this earth - Psalm 27 (and all of the Psalms!!) has brought us such comfort and PEACE during this time.<br />
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<b>Psalm 27</b><br />
<b><i>A Psalm</i> of David.</b><br />
<b>1</b> The LORD <i>is</i> my <b>LIGHT</b> and my salvation; <br />
Whom shall I fear? <br />
The LORD <i>is</i> the strength of my life; <br />
Of whom shall I be afraid?<br />
<b>2</b> When the wicked came against me <br />
To eat up my flesh, <br />
My enemies and foes, <br />
They stumbled and fell.<br />
<b>3</b> Though an army may encamp against me, <br />
My heart shall not fear; <br />
Though war may rise against me, <br />
In this I <i>will be</i> confident. <br />
<b>4</b> One <i>thing</i> I have desired of the LORD, <br />
That will I seek: <br />
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD <br />
All the days of my life, <br />
To behold the beauty of the LORD, <br />
And to inquire in His temple.<br />
<b>5</b> For in the time of trouble <br />
He shall hide me in His pavilion; <br />
In the secret place of His tabernacle <br />
He shall hide me; <br />
He shall set me high upon a rock. <br />
<b>6</b> And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; <br />
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; <br />
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. <br />
<b>7</b> Hear, O LORD, <i>when</i> I cry with my voice! <br />
Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.<br />
<b>8</b> <i>When You said,</i> “Seek My face,” <br />
My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”<br />
<b>9</b> Do not hide Your face from me; <br />
Do not turn Your servant away in anger; <br />
You have been my help; <br />
Do not leave me nor forsake me, <br />
O God of my salvation.<br />
<b>10</b> When my father and my mother forsake me, <br />
Then the LORD will take care of me. <br />
<b>11</b> Teach me Your way, O LORD, <br />
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.<br />
<b>12</b> Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; <br />
For false witnesses have risen against me, <br />
And such as breathe out violence.<br />
<b>13</b> <i>I would have lost heart,</i> unless I had believed <br />
That I would see the goodness of the LORD <br />
In the land of the living. <br />
<b>14</b> Wait on the LORD; <br />
Be of good courage, <br />
And He shall strengthen your heart; <br />
Wait, I say, on the LORD!<br />
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Zechariah 9:12 (New King James Version) says "Return to the stronghold, <b>You prisoners of hope. </b> Even today I declare <i>That</i> I will restore double to you." We are not without hope!! Return to the LORD, lay everything on His altar!! Bring to Him every burden!! We were never meant to carry them! Release EVERYthing and EVERYone to Him.<br />
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<b>23</b> May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. <b>24</b> The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5<br />
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FATHER, I bring all these requests before Your Throne of GRACE and MERCY. I ask that You would fill every HEART with Your PEACE, Your Perfect SHALOM Wholeness that surpasses understanding. I ask that You fill them with the HOLY SPIRIT... that they "shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar". And that You would save us all THIS DAY as the flock of Your People, that we can be as stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon Your land!! (Zech 9:15-16) THANK YOU LORD, that we are not without HOPE. We place our HOPE in you alone!! We (re) dedicate our temples and our homes to YOU, Our Creator. In the Mighty Name of JESUS, we ask and we pray, AMENShemaSchoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06418729597367798316noreply@blogger.com0