Twenty Year Old Miracles

Miracles. They happen everyday. Sadly, we forget some of them. Others are etched into our minds as if they happened seconds ago. Twenty years ago this month I experienced an unforgettable miracle.

It was a typical Illinois blustery, winter day. The weather forecast was calling for high winds, whiteouts, heavy drifting, power outages and more. However, it was cozy and warm in my classroom. My students were busy with their craft. Dominique, one of my favorites, looked out the window at the swirling snow. He asked, “Teacher, what is that man doing outside?” I checked the window, always alert for strangers on our school premises. I didn't see anyone. “Dominique, there is no one there.” He was persistent about the man outside the window. I finally asked what the man was doing. He shrugged, “He is just watching us,” and off he went to his next activity. I brushed it off as the little guy's active imagination.

My director came to my classroom with a phone call from my mom. She was sending my dad to pick me up at the end of the school day. The weather was getting worse, and they did not want me on the roads alone. I told her I would be fine, after all I was an adult of 21, getting ready to get married in a month! I can get home safely on my own! She ended her conversation with her usual, be careful and I'll be praying! (Now, I say that to my own independent driver!)

The school day ended and I headed out into the cold to find my car partially buried in deepening snow. My dad had recently purchased me a brand new car for my upcoming married life in Tennessee. It was bright turquoise with a hot pink wave down the side (think 1990's). It was perfect! The roads were clear in the city, however, things started to get worse as I headed to the interstate. I took it slow and easy. My mind began to wander to my wedding day that was just week's away. I had planned, replanned, and planned again every detail of the day. I was picturing the platform and rearranging my attendants for the thousandth time.

Suddenly, my car hit a slick spot, and began to spin out of control. I tried to remember everything my dad told me to do if this happened, however, my mind went completely blank. Suddenly, an 18 wheeler came into view in front of me. I could do nothing as I propelled toward it on the interstate. Nothing except speak the one name above all names! In Jesus name, in Jesus name, in Jesus name. I said this continually as plowed into and under the 18 wheeler, and together we slid down the road. It truly felt as if it happened in slow motion. I can still hear the sickening sound of glass and medal as my windshield began to buckle and my tiny car slid under the truck. In Jesus name, in Jesus name, in Jesus name. I watched as my rear view mirror came down and touched my steering wheel. Everything around me was smashing under the weight of the 18 wheeler. In Jesus name, in Jesus name, in Jesus name. Suddenly, I was pushed out from under the sliding truck. I was spinning across lanes of the highway and came to am upright stop in the median. All I could think of was, how was I going to get out of the car? Miraculously, I simply opened the crushed door and stepped out. By that time, people were wading over to me in the snow. The first man that got to me was shocked, to say the least. He kept saying. I knew I was going to see a body when I got to the car, not someone standing here! No one could believe that I was unhurt. My lip was bleeding from where I bit it when I first hit the truck, nothing more was wrong. They has already called the ambulance, because they were expecting the worst. Someone called my mom, and another man dug my purse out of the car. It was filled with shattered glass, but there was not one cut or scrape on me. As I looked back at my demolished car, I could see the outline of where the Lord protected my head from being crushed. I knew that I was standing on the side of the road with all of the travelers staring at me, because of one reason. God. There IS power in the name!

Later that night, after I got off of the phone with my soon to be husband, I began to think on the events of the day. The insurance adjuster(love those adjusters :)) told my dad there was one part of damage to my car that was simply unexplainable. The bumper on the passenger side of the back of the vehicle was one of the only parts not crushed by the truck. However, it had one large dent there. The adjuster said it looked as if someone physically pushed my car out from under the truck with such force that it dented in the bumper. I thought of the stranger that Dominique saw. The one that was “just watching.” I feel the Lord opened the eyes of my young student, and let him see that He is continually watching. He is always as close as the mention of His name. Jesus, the most beautiful name above all names.   

Facebook Sermons

Ahh, Facebook...a friend and enemy all rolled into one. Some days...enemy, only because I allow it to be a time-stealer. Other days...friend.  I often find uplifting and inspiring thoughts in my news feed.

Last week, these two tidbits were the first to pop up on an especially trying day.  I grabbed my old-fashioned pen & paper and copied them.  I taped them to my kitchen cabinets to help remind me.

This was written by Sis. Shara Mckee (I received her permission to share it with you.)

Be nice.
Believe the best.
Don't talk behind people's back.
Be enthusiastic, smile, choose joy!
Snap out of your mood, try to refute your negative ways!
Avoid public whining and certainly don't use profanity.
Give as much affirmation as you seek.
Talk to people outside of your circle.
Quit avoiding the hard chores and choices.
Turn off the news and play inspiring music or preaching.
Sing whenever possible!
Talk about how it is going to work out and be alright, instead of insisting the sky is falling!
Forgive, forget, remember your own debt.
Be humble, be loyal, be selfless, and be fun.
If you say you're a Christian, act like one.
If you have a ministry, invest in it, don't slop through it.
Strive for excellence...and passion...enjoy your LIFE!

Such good stuff!  Simple, but yet I sometimes forget.  I have been focusing on a few of these in my personal life, and it makes a difference!

I found this tidbit of wisdom underneath Sis. McKee's.

There's nothing easier than loving "people" in general.  
Anyone can do that. 
But loving that specific person in front of you, 
the one who makes you angry, 
who's hard to take, 
or who can't do anything for you?
That's a miracle!
....Brandt Hanson - favorite radio host of my boys

More good stuff! Think about it awhile.  Miracles still happen.

Unmasked

I am interrupting Riley's 13 Memories with an end of the year/New Year blog.  I have promised myself that I am going to finish them SOON!  Perhaps they will be one of my many New Year's Goals!

Christmas is over.  We had a wonderful one.  Now, like most of you, I am thinking back over the old year and looking towards this new one.  January is always refreshing.  I can honestly say that some of my most memorable spiritual experiences have happened in the cold month of January.

I am not posting this post to facebook.  I have a feeling it is going to be a bit open and very REAL.  I really have no desire to share it with my facebook world, but if someone stumbles across it in my blog world, then I pray it will minister to you. 

I am removing my mask in this post.  The mask that I like to keep in place, so everyone thinks I have it all together.  I must admit that I am good at wearing my mask.  I let it slip off in front of very few people.  I had to duct tape, staple, and at times, super glue it into place in the year of 2013.

There is one place that I do not wear my mask and that is in my home.  I have spent more time in my home in the past year than ever.  There were many days that I was mentally unable to leave, other than to take the kids to and from school.  Seriously.  Just the thought of facing others seemed too overwhelming.  One thing I am able to do without my mask is care for my family.  I am perfectly at peace surrounded by the five I am responsible for.  It seems as if the day to day care of my family can calm the turmoil that is churning within.  I know many do not understand it, sometimes even I don't.  My home has truly been my mental safety zone during the past year.

I have learned much about myself.  Much of it I do not like, but will not be sharing (you know, because of the mask ;)).  I am certainly not the person I had set myself on a pedestal to be.  With the Lord's help, I am determined to change the ugly things inside of me.  I have poured myself out to him this past year until I have been completely emptied. Body, soul, mind, and spirit.  Empty.  I don't know if the Lord has ever brought you to this place, but it is not a pretty one.  My husband has been there with me during this bleak walk.  I am not sure where I would be without him.  When I would lay in bed for hours and be unable to stop the tears, I would hear him praying for me. Day after day. Week after week.  Month after month.  The Lord knew just who I needed.

1.  I have learned that even when I do not like myself, God does.  Again, this is a mystery to me.  I do not know the how and why, yet I know that His love never ends.  I know He is not always pleased with me, yet He still loves me.  After being "in church" all my life, I have come to a place where mercy and grace are very real.  The newness of it each day has been astounding at times. Mercy and grace become so real when you  NEED them.  Perhaps this is the first time in my life that I have really needed them.  Like air and water.  Need.  The Bible tells me that they follow, pursue, chase after me.  Even when I am running from them.

2.  I have learned the importance of being steadfast.  I began to feel this inward battle in early February.  I remember crying out to the Lord in utter anguish.  In my frustration, I told him that even though I did not feel Him in my situation that I would still do what I knew to do.  I would still be right there on my knees each day even if it seemed my prayers were not reaching the ceiling.  Little did I know that I would still be feeling this same frustration and fighting these same battles at the close of the year.  Yet, I have continued to be steadfast in this season. Perfect, no - steadfast, yes.  My daily motto has been, "One day at a time."  I tell myself, "Just make it through this day, and you can go to bed!"  Seriously.  Face tomorrow when it comes.  I apologize if this post tears down the Christian image.  But this Christian is walking a hard path, fighting my biggest enemy - myself.  There is power in putting one foot in front of the other, and steadfastly continuing on.  Remember the tortoise and the hare?  One step/day at a time finally brought victory.  I do plan to make it to the finish line. 

3.  I have learned to stop and think before I criticize.  This Pinterest quote sums it up beautifully...Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about."  How many times have a looked at someone during their situation and thought lofty thoughts? They should be over it by now.  They are only thinking of themselves.  They should be stronger, smarter, more mature.  Don't they realize they have a family?  We are not the all knowing knower.  We have NO IDEA what others are facing.  Battles are real.  Be kind.  I feel the Lord has given me more compassion for others struggles and shortcomings.  When I see my own as I have, I realize the need to work on me instead of them. 

Therefore, I am taking my lessons learned into 2014 with me.  I can honestly say that my inward battle is not over.  Turning the new page into the New Year has not solved my issues.  But, I will continue to strive one day at a time. Not only am I taking lessons learned into 2014, but sermons that have been preached.  I went to church empty the majority of the year.  No one knew I was empty, because my mask was firmly in place.  The Lord always had something waiting for me.  Sermons about Hard Seasons from Bro. Erickson.  An in depth study of Being in the Fire from Bro. Pollock, and Staying in the Middle of the Merry Go Round from Bro. Toney.  He knew right where I was.  He is able to see beyond the mask. 

I encourage you (and myself) to take 2014 one day at a time.  We don't have to run to perfection, only strive for it.  The lessons we learn along the way will be priceless.  They will help us to be the person the Lord is continually molding.  One day we will be able to leave our mask at the finish line, and live unmasked in the victory that we have won! 

How long have you been in the waiting room?

My 2 littles are learning about PATIENCE in Sunday School.  The teachers have taught them a catchy little tune that Landry often sings.  Oh, how I struggle with PATIENCE.  I am a right now kind of girl.  Patience is one of those ongoing virtues that I am striving for, to say the least.  Sadly, my faith often waivers in the times of learning to wait.  I can honestly say, I do not doubt that God CAN or WILL, but have trouble with WHEN! 

"P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E
 you want it right now, but you can't have it right now,

you got to wait for it, wait for it!"
 (Landry & Isabella's Sunday School song)

Joseph waited 17 long years for his promise of leadership instead of imprisonment.  Sarah waited for decades for her promise of motherhood instead of barrenness.  The children of Israel wandered 40 years before settling in their Promised Land.  Forty years of sand, grumpiness, and mumbling when they had been promised a land flowing with milk and honey.  Last night, Clark brought it to my attention how all of their woes suddenly came to an abrupt end.  Moses died and Joshua became the new leader.  In the first chapter of Joshua, we read how the Lord renews Joshua's faith and gives him instructions.  Instruction that are good to heed regardless of what situation we are facing.

Be strong and of good courage...meditate day and night upon the book of the law and it will not depart from thee...be not afraid or dismayed...  (Joshua 1:1-9)

Good stuff!  THEN the Lord instructs him to tell the 2 million plus Israelites to pack their food and belongings that they will be leaving the wilderness, passing Jordan and heading to the promised land within THREE DAYS.  Forty years to three days.  When the Lord says it is time for the trial to be over, then it is over.  When it is His time for the blessing then it happens!  Go in and posses the land which the Lord has given!

My husband's words encouraged me, and proved to me yet again that the Lord knows right where we are.  My prayer devotion for today in my handy dandy devotional book encouraged me even further...

Lord, I know that doubts and confusion don't come from you.  On days when everything I know to be true is challenged - and I feel like I'm walking through a fog that won't lift - be my source of truth and light.  Bring me to complete trust in you.

Harriet Beecher Stowe said it this way, "When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you till it seems as if you couldn't hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that's just the place and time that the tide will turn."

The waiting room of patience is hard!  Like Joshua, be strong and of good courage, be not afraid or dismayed. Forty years might be in the process of becoming three days!

A Misunderstood Mother - The Witness Mother's Day Article

Happy Mother's Day!  I had a good one.  Actually, it started last week, heehee, thanks to my eager husband.  But, that is another blog for another time.  Sis. Carpenter, the ALJC Ladies President and the first lady of our church asked me to write a Mother's Day article for the magazine, The Witness.  There are other articles that you might enjoy reading that can be found here http://aljc.org/apostolic-witness-archives/.  I had some peeps that love me ask me to post it on my blog.  I am thankful that the Lord chose me to be the Mama/Mom to Avery, Riley, Landry, and Isabella.  Motherhood is the only job that I have EVER wanted! Even though it is a more than full-time job with no vacation days,  nothing can compare to it!

 

A Misunderstood Mother

It still hurts to talk about that long ago day. The anguish comes rushing back, my eyes fill, each breath causes pain. The shock on my husband’s face when he heard about the oxen was heartbreaking. Then we heard about the sheep, camels, crops, and servants. Gone. It seemed impossible. My husband was a perfect and upright man that feared the Lord. How could this be happening? However, the servant's voice grew dim, as yet another servant ran into the room. “Sir, I am sorry, but your ten children...all are gone”. The room swayed, the sound of my screaming was deafening to my own ears. Our ten children were dead? I could not take it in. Ten times I had endured the pain of childbirth, only to have it forgotten as each new baby was placed into my arms. Ten lives nurtured to love, honor and respect Jehovah. Now, only ten freshly dug graves. My very existence as a mother had vanished. Each waking thought had always been about my ten treasures. What would I cook for dinner? Were their clothes washed and tidy? Would the life lessons Job and I tried to teach sink in? Now what was I to do? My purpose for living was gone. Grief was my constant friend.

Weeping, I found comfort in the arms of my husband, but not for long. Job suddenly became very ill. I feared for his life. I begged Jehovah not to take him from me also. I felt as if Satan was seeking to destroy us. Our luxuries were gone. I was begging for bread in the city gates, and now Job was suffering beyond anything I had ever seen. Each night, his cries of agony mingled with my groans of grief. Day after day he experienced acute sicknesses. Again, I felt helpless. There was nothing I could do to ease the pain of my husband. Finally, in the midst of longing for my children and desiring relief for Job, I uttered the words that I would give anything to take back. Words spoken at the lowest point of my life, forever recorded in history and indelibly burned into my memory - “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9 NIV)

I wanted to rewind the moment. What had I said? I had spoken so cruelly while trying to hold onto a thin line of remaining sanity. I saw my husbands eyes fill with more pain. He reached for me, tried to console me with his disease-ravaged hands. "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10 NIV). Those around thought that he had rebuked me, but I know my husband's love. He did not say I was foolish. He said I sounded like one of the foolish women. In other words, “Honey, you do not sound like yourself. It is the grief and suffering that is speaking for my steady, faithful wife. Let's remember God's promises. Let's remember his goodness to us even during this trial.”

However, those around misunderstood me. They criticized and looked past my grief-stricken heart and called it a heart of stone. My arms were empty of my children. I could feel Satan fighting every second of every day, and now this terrible misunderstanding. I came to realize the power of the spoken word. I had added one more wound to the many already inflicting Job. I can not say that I felt Jehovah's presence, but I do know that I did not feel his rebuke. Surely, if God was displeased with me he would have told me. He certainly did not hesitate to rebuke Job's friends. (Job 42:7-9) Even if Job forgave me, I was unable to forgive myself. Jehovah willing, Job’s wounds would heal, but the wound from my words would never be forgotten. The scar that I would take from this trial would be the scar of being forever misunderstood.

Our sufferings lasted for almost a year. I steadfastly cared for my husband, trying my best to make him comfortable. I joyfully recall the day that I saw some of the pain leave his eyes. The day he asked me to put away the potsherd pieces that he had scraped his sores with was a day of rejoicing. I slowly felt Satan's hold on us slip away, and in its place the warmth of Jehovah's presence filled my home again. Job and I were able to look back at the wonderful memories of our ten children and smile. However, the day that will forever be etched in my heart is the day that Job felt well enough to wrap me in his arms. Oh, how I had missed his touch, needed his touch. I no longer felt misunderstood, I felt redeemed.

Our family and friends began to gather. They brought gifts of silver and gold. Our flocks began to multiply. Job was able to rebuild and Jehovah's blessings were upon us. I shared in the experience of the doubling of our wealth. Even though I was the one that had wounded with words, I still partook of the blessings. One beautiful, glorious day, I felt the movement of a child in my womb. I knew then the heart of my home had begun to beat again. Jehovah blessed me nine other times afterwards. Me, the misunderstood wound-maker, was given ten of the most beautiful children in all the land. Job and I lived long and saw four generations of offspring. Our end was greater than our beginning.

As women, we love a happy ending and the story of Job is just that! Also, as women we sometimes speak with our minds instead of our hearts. Proverbs perfectly states that the tongue is mightier than the sword. Job's wife found this to be true, and so have each of us, time and time again. Our schedules get busy, our lives become unorganized, debt piles up, and sleep evades us. So what do we do? We wound with our words. Sadly, we usually speak in haste to those around us whom we love the most. As soon as the words are spoken, we are filled with regret. With the Lord's help, we understand we are not vicious or bitter people, and thankfully His forgiveness can heal misunderstandings.

Perhaps you have not been the one that has inflicted pain with your words, but you have been the wounded one. Words cut deep into our heart and our memory. They seem to resurface at the oddest times and continue to cause pain, sometimes years later. Job has taught us many lessons, but perhaps the greatest lesson of all is that Job became intimate with one who wounded him. In his tragedy he found triumph. Not on his own, but with the help of his misunderstood wife. Job's story proves to us that Satan is the author of all misery and that God’s grace is more than enough to support us through any trial. But the ending might not have been a happy one if Job had not been willing to get close to the one who had wounded him.

What new chapter could be written in your life today if you were able to become close to the one that wounded you? What burden could be lifted if you cleared out the misunderstandings of life, and began afresh and anew? No, Job’s wife never forgot that day when things fell apart in her life and when she spoke from her grief, but she also refused to let that moment define the rest of her life. As women, may we always pray King David’s prayer in Psalms 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.”

Sometimes you lose your hard hat!

I was driving to my parents house yesterday, and worrying.  I really try not to.  I know I shouldn't.  Nevertheless, I was.  Worrying about 3 big dental bills this month, about my constant battle with laundry, and groceries that needed to be purchased in the midst of making 3 different school pick-ups and basketball practice and so on.  Worrying about a heavy burden that has  overwhelmed my spirit for months, frustrated over the fact that no matter how hard I try, I can NOT get it all DONE! You know how it is, your basic Mom stuff, frets, and fears.

 

In the midst of my fretting, the traffic came to a stop due to a flagman and road construction.  It was windy, and the flagman was having a difficult time keeping his STOP sign from turning to the SLOW side.  While trying to make sure traffic was indeed stopping, his hardhat fell off and rolled down into a deep ditch.  He turned back to see if any of his co-workers could help.  They couldn't hear him over the sound of the machinery.  He could not let go of his traffic sign to retrieve his mandatory hard hat from the ditch.  His frustration was very evident!  Let go of the sign to get the hat, and confuse the traffic?  Carry the sign down into the ditch to get the hat, and still confuse the traffic?  I had to chuckle, and sympathize with him, "I know how you feel, mister, I know how you feel."

 

Thankfully, at these times of frustration and worry and I still know the Lord's shoulders are stronger than all of my worries.  He will bear my burdens.  I am quietly reminded of one of my favorite scripture nuggets, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known unto God, and THE PEACE OF GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:2.

 

May you be reminded of this today, especially if your worries are mounting and your hard hat has blown away.  He wants us to be anxious for nothing, tell our worries to Him, and He replaces them with peace!  Happy Thursday!

 

 

Perfect Amount of Time

Landry's brain is rarely bored.  It always has many things zooming around in it at once.  Last week he asked me if I would like it if seconds were minutes, minutes were hours, and hours were days.  It didn't take me long to answer, "Yes, I would love it!  Just think of all the laundry I could do if hours were days.  I would never get behind.  Your brothers would never tell me that you were out of clean school uniforms at 8:05 in the morning.  I could have this house spotless before your dad comes home from work"...and on and on and on I went.  More time.  He was probably sorry that he had asked!

 

It is just like the Lord to bring me back to reality.  The reality of laundry that will never be caught up in a house of six.  The reality that the house might be fairly clean when all 4 kids get home from school, but messy once again before Clark comes home at night.  The reality that I will go to bed each night with many things left undone, because He has created my body to require rest.  I opened my devotional and read these words. 

 

"With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day."  2 Peter 3:8

 

Keep us from being slaves to time, Lord. 

You always create time and space for anything that brings you glory. 

Teach us to rest in the knowledge that time is in your hands. 

Whenever we think we don't have enough of it, show us you have plenty and are happy to share!  Thank you, Lord, for your generous supply of time.

 

The Lord put 24 hours in my day.  He created the sun to rise and the sun to set.  It was His perfect plan.  He created seconds, minutes, and hours for me to accomplish the things that bring Him glory.  Thank you, Lord for the time that you have given to me.  May I not wish for more, but use what you have given wisely.  Your plan is perfect.

He Holds My Seasons!

I have been thinking the past weeks on the seasons that life takes us through.  The Lord created them.  It is His will for things to change.  We love the seasons when we are on the mountain top.  However, it is the valley that I seem to remember the most.  Perhaps because that is the time in which I grow.  This past weekend we took a trip to Jackson, TN., the place where Clark was born and raised, and the town that we spent out first ten years of marriage.  I took some time to drive around.  I visited one of our past homes. I drove and wept as I thought of the seasons that our life went through in those ten years.  The ups and downs, the growth of our marriage, the births of two of our sons, the times of laughter and weeping. 

Life often takes us through seasons that we share with others.  Our pain is lessened when we can share it.  However, my season of late has been with God and me.  It is a lonely place.  I have shared it with my husband, but even then, there are times when only the Lord understands and loves us still.  There are seasons when we sing, "It's me, oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer.  Not my brother or my sister, but it's me, oh Lord..."

During this time, the Lord has drawn me yet again to one of my favorite places in His word, the book of Ruth.  Naomi and Ruth certainly went through many of life's seasons.  I've often wondered if Naomi made the correct choice in leaving Bethlehem-Judah.  I realize the search for sustenance drove her and Elimelech out.  The fear of your children starving would cause any parents to run.  However, there were many that stayed and survived.  Her decision to leave her homeland caused such a season of terrible loss in her life.  A season of loneliness that I would never want to experience.  Yet, in her heartache she was able to return home.

Naomi changed her name to Mara, which means bitter.  She was determined, that because of her loss, the hand of the Lord was against her.  During this season, her bitterness made her unable to feel the touch of God, but it had not made Him unable to touch her.  One of my very favorite parts of Naomi's life is God's timing, the season in which He directed her back to Bethlehem-Judah.  She and her family left in a season of famine, wanting, and need.  However, the Lord allowed Naomi to return during the season of barley harvest (Ruth 1:22).  Harvest season is a time of rejoicing, a time of plenty, and time of joy! 

Earlier today, I was reading an article and a sentence jumped off the page and into my heart.  It said, "Appreciate this season of life."  My first thought was, "Are you sure, Lord?"  It is hard to appreciate the tough, frustrating, and lonely seasons.  However, the Lord is quietly confirming that He will eventually change my season, just as He did Naomi's.  He began to change Naomi's life from bad to good. As we know, Ruth's season bloomed into love, and Naomi became the nurse of Obed, Ruth and Boaz's son. (Ruth 4:16) The one who called herself Bitter cared for the boy of the lineage through which the ultimate Redeemer, Jesus Christ, comes.   Naomi's story is such a beautiful reminder that His timing is perfect.  He holds our seasons in His hands! 

Thank you Lord for the miracles that you bring with the change of life's seasons. 

Be cautious when you stop and smell the roses.

My husband is wonderful 99% of the time.  I am not allowed to blog about the 1%.  :)  One of the many reasons I love him is that he is always willing to make a quick Wal-Mart run when we are needing a few things.  He usually brings home a few extras that aren't on the list, and almost always stops by the floral area to get me a bouquet of fresh flowers.  Wouldn't trade him for anything!

This week he brought home a vibrant, cheerful bouquet filled with yellow and hot pink flowers.  They are very pretty!  He told me that he wanted something extra bright since I had been blue lately.  Sadly, my mood had been very blue, more like navy blue bordering on black.  It was a week since my surgery and I was/am VERY ready to be back to my busy self again, but so far it is not happening. 

I quickly opened my cheerful gift to get it in water and a vase.  I was assaulted by a scent as I opened the plastic wrapping.  Not a sweet flower scent, but a horrible, rank,  garbage smell.   Terrible, awful smell.  Landry immediately started complaining and asking where the stinky smell was coming from.  Keep in mind that his allergies are terrible, and he can barely smell anything - yet he could smell the flowers!  Yes, they are really that bad. 

So far, we have kept the stinky flower smell a secret from Clark.  Each morning after he leaves for work, Landry or I set them out on the back patio to get the stinkiness out of the house.  Every evening before Clark comes home,  I bring them in and set them by the kitchen window that is slightly opened to hopefully let the stench out.  I don't want Clark to think I am ungrateful, and I don't want him to stop bringing my Wal-mart beauties.  Hopefully, they will give up and wilt soon, until then they will spend their days in the fresh outdoors and their nights cozy in the house.  Maybe the Lord was trying to tell me that my attitude is not only navy blue/black but also stinky....hmmm, certainly something to think about...

Just want to thank Him!

The Pressons, along with the rest of the world, will be saying goodbye to the past year and having high expectations for 2012.  Each new year is a huge clean slate.  The promise of change, reevaluating, and renewing is intoxicating.  We walk through the memories of the past year, and wonder where the new one will take us.

In all honestly, our 2011 began very bleak.  Clark and I were desperate for a miracle, and knew that we had nothing else to do, but put it in the Lord's hands.  I am thankful to say that the Lord did give us exactly the miracle that we needed.  It was not a small miracle, it was one of those HUGE, only God can do, kind of miracles.  The kind that you weep, travail, and fast for years, kind of miracle.  To God be the glory!!  I can not thank Him enough for placing this miracle in our hands.  May I never forget what it felt like to need this miracle.  May I always show compassion for others that are desperate for their own miracle, just as we were desperate.  I am so thankful for this trial that Clark and I faced, because it taught to us to reach further, stretch our faith, be more of what the Lord wants us to be.  It showed both of us necessity of relying fully on Him, because the next trial will require it.  More strength for the journey.

I hesitated to post this blog.  In fact, part of me feels guilty for knowing so many of my friends "end of the year reminiscing" is not ending on such a high note.  However, to those of you that are still in the thick of your trial, please be encouraged that HE IS ABLE.  He knows, He cares, He listens, He provides the need, and He does take us to the mountain for rejoicing after leading us through the valley.

As we begin a new year, let's put our needs in His capable hands once again, and fully trust Him.  Trust God with all your heart, your soul and might. You and I can not solve every situation. We can not fix everything that is broken. Only God can. He promised us that He can bring peace, and can give us the deepest desires of our hearts. He can redeem the years the locusts have eaten, and He delights in blessing, YOU,  his faithful child!  Happy New Year to you and yours!  May you grow in Him through life's valleys, and let all of rejoice with you on your mountaintops in 2012!

Repentance Replants

Fear and faith.  Powerful emotions.  I allow them to play tug-of-war in my mind.  I am ashamed to admit, at times, I feed the fear instead of the faith.  I have been having a particular health issue for many months.  I have had several tests and a surgery and yet the problem persisted.  I let the fear take root, and the roots grew deeper.  I had yet another surgical procedure on May 31st.  I was awakened by the nurse warning me to call right away on the results of the biopsy they had taken from the mass that was removed.  The fog of anesthesia was still thick and murky. 

Do not wait until you hear from them, call in three days.  Do you have children?
Yes, I have three sons. 
Please, you must realize the importance of this, the urgency of this.  Call soon.  You must take care of yourself. 
The roots of fear dug deeper still. 
You will be be seeing this surgery room often.  
High risk, high risk, high risk.

The nurses firm warnings replayed in my mind over and over while waiting the three days to call for the results.  Faith kept trying to knock, but my fear would not let her in.  The call came when the boys and I were running errands.  The tears begin to fall, fear's roots lost hold when I hear the pathologists report.  Avery can not handle my tears.  Ever.  Is it the cancer, Mom?  Has it come back?  Unable to speak, I shook my head NO!!  We had a time of thanksgiving in the van, while I quickly called Clark, my parents and in-laws to tell them the good news.

I went back to my doctor today for a re-check from the procedure.  He was so happy with the good report.  I was scared for you, but didn't want your husband to know. 
It did not look good. 
Too large, too much blood. 
So soon to have trouble from the last surgery. 
I should have been giving you bad news today, but I am happy to give good news!

Tonight I am spending time with the Lord, asking for forgiveness for my doubts.  Thanking Him that grace and mercy stand waiting when I let fear dig deep, asking Him to replant faith firmly in my life. 
May it grow strong and true, regardless of the winds that may blow. 

The Compliment of an Introduction

Many years ago, my husband and I were attending General Conference with a "mere" 20,000 other Pentecostals.  The conference was awe inspiring in message, song and fellowship.  However, it was unlike the unerasable memories of conferences past when I roamed the halls looking for friends from far and near, and hoped that my parents did not know I was not in the auditorium.  This particular year, I was in the hallway trying to convince an exhausted 3 year old, and a fussy infant that they should be quiet during their marathon of church services.  I was losing the battle.  During the midst of hiking up my skirt for the umpteenth time after having toddler Avery pull it down again, and trying to clean the remnants of milk that came back up from infant Riley off my dress, I noticed a particular young man.  He was surrounded by a pack of Pentecostal Youth.  He was tall, handsome, and had beautiful red hair.  The air around him seemed to pop with personality and fun.  The young people hung onto every word, and laughed along with his expressive stories.  His demeanor was self confident, but yet kind.  On the outside looking in, I knew he was the life of the party, a much sought after friend. 

Suddenly, the young man quieted the crowd around him, and pushed ahead down the corridor.  He wrapped his arm around a man and led him back to his crowd of admirers.  "Hey, everybody, I want to introduce you to somebody.  This is my dad!"

His statement was spoken with such excitement and pride that he could have been introducing the president of the United States.  The youth welcomed the father with as much enthusiasm as they had the son.  This particular incident went straight to my overly tired motherly heart.  I wondered what this father had done to earn such love and admiration from his vibrant son.  What a high compliment to give a parent.  How wonderful he must have felt as he walked away from that crowd.

I often think that I am blessing my heavenly father with my gifts of praise, tithes and offerings, good deeds and works.  Are my times of fasting, prayer and Bible reading really touching him? Though all of these works are well and good, perhaps he is longing for me to introduce him to the crowd around me-the busy mom in the grocery store, the college students at the library, the parents of the children that I teach, my friends on Facebook.  So, "Hey, everybody, I want to introduce you to somebody. This is my dad...my heavenly father."  I know he will love you like no other.  No matter how many times you makes mistakes, he will welcome you home with open arms.  He will provide for you, shelter you, and be your closest friend.  His grace is astounding, and he will do anything to call you His own.  He has already laid down his life just for you.  So, meet my father.  Your life will never be the same!

Faith in the Fire by Lisa Newcomer

My sister, Lisa Newcomer, recently gave a devotion to the Sunday School Staff at the church where I grew up in Aurora, IL.  She sent it to me this morning, and it spoke to my heart!  It certainly gave me the FAITH BOOST that I was so desperately needing!   I asked her permission to share some of it with you...Hope you are as blessed by it as I was!


When preparing for this devotion I started thinking of the different individuals in the church who are going through trials right now. I am sure each one of you are going through something in your own lives. Whether it be sickness, financial needs, lost loved ones, or other types of trials, God is still faithful!   He is still good to us all. He does help us and is with us always. Think back on past situations that seemed impossible at the time BUT God brought us through them. Life is hard! When I think of all the sickness our church family is facing... Sis. Sue Darby, Bro. Bill Darby, Bro. Ralph Darby, Bro. Kitner, Bro. Dorf, Sis. Gunter and on and on. Life is especially hard for them right now.  Life might be hard for YOU right now too. We all have lost loved ones that we want to see living for God. Due to my husband's back surgeries, we have faced financial problems these past 3 years, because he is not able to work. I know many of you are facing job loss, and financial problems also. Through it all, we can still say God is so good. Our faith and trust are in HIM.


This quarter our Sunday Schools class is studying about Faith. The name of our book is "Faith Works".
The lessons are called, Faith Hopes, Faith Gets Back On Track, Faith Pleases, Faith Obeys, Faith Provides and more.

The lesson "Faith Hopes" tells us- "Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for. The evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

One of the lessons was "Faith Gets Back On Track".  Sometimes, even when we have a strong walk with the Lord, we still have a bad day.  Perhaps our "bad day" consists of sickness, financial need, or we fail God.  At times, we mess up big time. What does faith encourage us to do?  We pray and keep on believing.  We don't give up, and we get back on track.

Another lesson, "Faith Sees the Promise", talked about how people can make promises to us and then break them. People can hurt and fail us. Numbers 23:19 says, "God is not a man that he should lie. He is not a human that he should change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried through? (New Living Translation)  God Keeps His Promise!! The Bible story in this lesson was of God promising Abraham and Sarah a son. Abraham was 75 when God made him that promise. When Isaac was born he Abraham was 100 years old. Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for their promise!

The next lesson is "Faith Obeys God."  After waiting 25 years for a son God puts Abraham to a test of obedience, his hardest test ever. God asked him to offer his own son for a sacrifice. Yet Abraham obeyed, and through his obedience God provided a sacrifice.  God made a way out!

(Proverbs 3:5-6" Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and He shall direct thine paths."

The Message Bible says it like this,

"Don't try to figure everything out on your own. Listen to God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go. He's the one who will keep you on track. Run to God! Run from evil!")


The last lesson is just as powerful as the others, "Faith Provides."  Matthew 6:32-33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of god and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."   God knows EXACTLY what we need, and will give it to us if we trust Him to provide. The Israelites did not trust God. They forgot the way He had brought them out of the wilderness, how He had provided for them. They complained and whined, without putting their trust in him.  Let's not look back like the Israelites...but let's remember Faith Provides!

We ALL need His healing today, His protection, His help, His provision. We can't forget all the good things God has done for us in the past. We can't let go of what He has brought us through, when at the time there did not look like any way out or any hope. Faith in God provides a way out.


An Excerpt From the Secrets of Happiness Book:

Are You In The Fire Today?

If you could talk to the three Hebrew children about the fiery furnace perhaps they'd describe their experience with the Lord this way:

"The fire was all over us. Our robes were ablaze, but amazingly, our skin was unaffected. We had no idea what was going on. Then something moved over in the ashes; we were not alone!

"Suddenly out of the smoke came a shining, gleaming... person. We never got His name. He never said it. He never said anything in fact, but just knowing He was there brought comfort in the fire. His presence created protection in the midst of the crisis.

"Now, we don't mean that the fire went out. No, it still burned, but the brightness of the flames was eclipsed by the brilliance of His presence.

" We never saw Him again; He only showed up when we need Him most. But one thing is sure, looking back, we're glad that they dragged us from the presence of the wicked king into the presence of the righteous King. for in His presence we learned that, 'No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper." (Isa 54:17)

Are you walking through the fire today? If you are, remember you're not alone - He's there with you! Take courage! When He brings you out you'll know Him better, trust and have faith in Him much more, and have something to say to others that's really worth sharing.


Thank you Sis for being my guest today on Presson Ponderings!  I admire you for YOUR faith and your walk with God.  I am excited to see the wonderful things that the Lord is going to do in your family!

Summer Focus

I seem to lose my vision during the summer.  It usually starts to get cloudy around Memorial Day and begins to become clearer in time to purchase school supplies.  I have come to realize this happens because we do not keep a consistent schedule during the summer months.  We  stay up late and sleep longer the next morning.  Our meals take place at random times throughout the day.  We visit fun places and do exhausting things.  All of this activity and change is causing me to become visually impaired.

Do not worry, I don't need to make an appointment with Lens Crafters.  However, I do need to make an appointment with my Heavenly Father.  The One who sees all and knows all.  I realized this when  reading a flyer from my home church that we visited while on vacation.

The pamphlet encouraged the reader to focus on having 20/20 Vision in their Spiritual walk.  The 20/20 Vision theory is blindingly simple.  To attain a heightened spiritual vision, the pamphlet encourages us to strive to combine 20 minutes of prayer with 20 minutes of Bible reading per day.  The paper went on to say that it might not always be that easy.  For me, in the midst of vacations, swimming, picnicking, summer colds, Dollywood, watermelon, and camps, we don't always TAKE time for focused prayer and Bible reading.  Instead, we need to MAKE time to implement this daily discipline.   Such a simple thought yet powerful...don't take time...but make time! 

I want my sons to have a daily commitment in their walk with the Lord.  I want their insights, outlook, point of view, and illusions to be focused on Him each and every day of their lives, not only as BOYS, but more importantly as MEN.  The most often quoted verse in the Bible concerning visions is Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish...".  I am responsible for the souls of three particular "peoples."  I want to make sure that their view of a Christian walk is not blurred or distorted in any way.  I believe a parents greatest heart break is when their children perish spiritually.  Therefore, I must MAKE time to have 20/20 Vision. 

My prayer is that a clear vision will birth inspiration.  Inspiration will provide momentum and give the energy to do extraordinary spiritual things.  And in turn that will give so much meaning to marriage, motherhood, and LIFE...even in the midst of a busy summer!

Lord, take me back to the Landmarks!

The newspaper headline read, “Tanks for the Memories.” It went on to tell the story of our water tower, a prominent landmark in our city. The name of our city, Maryville, was painted on its side. My husband read aloud the details to our family. The decision had been made to take it down. The article stated the water tower had not been in use for years and the cost to maintain it could not be justified. This “old way” of delivering water to the city was outdated as there were now more efficient ways to provide the service. The tower itself had become a relic to be looked upon fondly by those who remembered the days when it provided life-giving water to the city. What had once been imperative to the city’s survival was now a rusty, peeling eyesore.

We watched over the next several weeks as they disassembled the large water tower. The bowl at the top slowly came down, piece by piece. The large pieces of steel were lowered to the ground, cut up with a torch, loaded on a truck and hauled away. The skyline of our town would be forever changed. My eight year old son spoke up, “No one is going to know where they are after it is taken down.”

Sadly, my son’s remark gave me pause and caused me to consider a spiritual parallel. Over the years I’ve seen spiritual landmarks suffer the same fate as our city’s water tower. We have watched as many of our spiritual landmarks have been torn down just like the water tower. Modern technique and the church social club mentality have become more important than the things that have formed our foundation as a movement. They have slowly quit using our spiritual landmarks and have found that it is easier to just tear them down. Some ask, “Why keep them on display if we are not going to use them?” The cost of “maintaining” the landmark is thought to be too high. It seems many would rather conform than offend.

Many are no longer taking their children to visit the landmark of HOLINESS. Its story is not told in our churches, therefore a love for it has not been established in the hearts of our children. Because of this, the power of Holiness is becoming a distant memory of a past lifestyle. Their parents and grandparents visited and took snap shots of this spiritual landmark, but it is no longer considered a necessity for today’s generation. A love for Holiness was not developed. In its place is an empty lot with a ‘For Sale” sign where anything can move in.

The landmark of BIBLICAL DOCTRINE is also being replaced. The teachings that were once lovingly studied and taught by our forefathers have been buried in our church archives instead of in the hearts of the saints. Many have built cathedrals of unconditional love and grace in the place where doctrine once stood. The next generation does not realize the soul saving necessity of it.

My husband read the conclusion of the article. The water tower that once proudly welcomed travelers to our city and let them know they were in Maryville, was now being sold for a small price on Ebay. Surely those who once appreciated the life-giving flow of water from the tower could have never imagined the day it would been torn down and sold for scrap. How often has it been decided that the destruction of spiritual landmarks were necessary to draw in a bigger crowd with bigger bank accounts? Unfortunately, our religious culture seems perfectly at ease selling off the spiritual landmarks that have guided our past. However, my salvation and the salvation of my family, is not for sale…at any price.

Destroying spiritual landmarks is not a new thing. Solomon allowed worldly pleasures to replace his God-given landmark of WISDOM. Samson gave up his ANOINTING for the love of this world. Esau traded his BIRTHRIGHT for a bowl of soup. Hophni and Phinius traded their PRIESTHOOD for the riches of this world. The rich young ruler passed on SALVATION to hold on to something that he could not keep. Saul traded his KINGDOM for the jealousy of those to come. Each of these was once a major landmark in their lives, but they were laid aside for what they thought were bigger and better things.

My son’s words continued to come back to me as the weeks of demolition continued. How many of our churches will lose their way because of the spiritual landmarks that are slowly being removed from our spiritual landscape? I am determined to take my children to the landmarks of holiness, doctrine, and righteous living until it is indelibly imprinted on their hearts. I want them to be so in love with them that they will never tear them down, though the years go by. May the foundation be so firm under these landmarks that they will never crumble when it comes time for them to make lifestyle decisions of their own. I pray my children have a sign on the spiritual landmarks of their hearts that reads, “Not For Sale.”

I would like a PB & J, but hold the peanut butter, please.

Warning...serious Mama bragging ahead...if you are the kind that roll your eyes when Mamas start telling why their child should be the eighth wonder of the world then bail from this blog NOW...okay, you have been warned.

The Pressons have a love/hate relationship with peanut butter. My middle man, Riley, is deathly (sadly, absolutely NO exaggeration with deathly) allergic to peanut butter. So, we are very careful with it whenever anyone eats it at home. Landry on the other hand is NOT (thankfully) allergic to it...and that is where the LOVE comes in. He eats it on his pancakes, crackers, apples, carrots, sandwiches with banana, sandwiches with jelly, and often asks for a big scoop of it on his plate.

On Sunday, February 28th our pastor asked our congregation to begin fasting each Wednesday for our upcoming Easter services. Many raised their hands in agreement. The next morning, I was fixing Landry's ritual pancakes. When I reached for the peanut butter he shrieked, "NO peanut butter, Mama!!" He then reminded me of Bro. Carpenter's request. I was still a little puzzled why my FIVE year old was reminding me of this. He calmy told me that he was going to fast from peanut butter. I began explaining that our pastor was asking this of the adults, and he told me that he had decided he was going to join in also. I was still not getting the depth of my little man's decision, and reminded him that Bro. Carpenter had asked that we fast only on Wednesdays. He FIRMLY told me that he had decided to fast from peanut butter every single day until Easter.

WOW! I must admit that I was amazed at his commitment! Landry still sleeps through most of our Sunday night services, I am astonished that he even heard our pastors request!! Tears began to fall as I spread plain old boring butter on the beloved pancakes. I was so thankful for the spiritual depth that Landry was experiencing at this young age of five.

Later that morning, he asked for his morning snack of apples and peanut butter, but WITHOUT the peanut butter...It was getting to the point where I was speechless. The next morning, I thought that the fast might be "over." I still would have been super proud. 24 hours without peanut butter for my pb lovin' 5 year old would have been awesome! But no...he requested plain butter on his pancakes AGAIN! I talked with Landry about the reasons why we fast...about how we are telling the Lord that we love him more than earthly things. I told him about how we go to the next level in our relationship with the Lord when we fast, and how it was important to spend extra time in prayer for the things we were fasting for. He seemed to understand all of this completely. At this point, I was filled to the brim with pride...the good kind of pride. The kind that make your heart rejoice!

Day after day went by and the fast got harder and harder. But, Landry's determination was beyond amazing. One day he stood at the pantry doors with the saddest expression, and I asked him what was wrong. He said, "I really, really want peanut butter and crackers but I know I CAN'T!" He settled for an ice cream sandwich...which is yummy too! The fast did come to an end this week. Avery asked for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and Landry started sobbing quietly. I asked if he would like to stop his peanut butter fast and he sadly agreed. I told him how proud our whole family was of him, and how much the Lord LOVED him. I think a 3 week peanut butter fast is absolutely AWESOME!

I am overwhelmed by his faith and his commitment to his Savior. He puts many of us to shame with our excuses of why we don't go further in God than we've been before. He has inspired me to fast more, pray harder, and trust the Lord for greater things. May I enter the presence of the Lord with childlike faith. I know Landry has touched the Lord in a great way these past three weeks. My son is going to do great things for God...not when he is a teenager, not when he is a grown man. But right now, when he is a five year old boy that still falls asleep in church.

"I love you more..."

We say "I Love You" often at our house. It is one of those things that you can never say enough! It is something that comes naturally to say to my sons, and especially to Clark. Life gets in the way, and we get busy. A distance can grow alarmingly fast in a home, but those three small words pull it back together again.

When Riley was a toddler he LOVED chocolate pudding. I was tucking him in one night, and he sleepily mumbled, "Mama, I love you more than chocolate pudding." That is one of my very favorite of all my motherhood moments. We have used that phrase a million times since then. I love you more than ice cream...I love you more than Krispy Kreme donuts...I love you more than Dollywood...I love you more than football...the boys and I try to top one another in our "I love you more than..." phrases. Landry has added a little something extra. When he thinks of a really good one he ends it with, "Now that's a lotta love!"

Clark and I have started the Daniel Fast. It is a 21 day fast that several members of our church are participating in. Since January 4th, we have given up many pleasurable delectables. We have eaten fruits and vegetables, nuts, and water. As Bro. Carpenter put it - if it grows out of the ground- we are eating it! I will admit that it has been incredibly difficult at times...I am really missing my bread, especially my sweets, and eating out. It has been very difficult to spend so much time preparing each meal, especially on the busier than busy days. But, I am finding that my time with the Lord is growing sweeter and sweeter. He is renewing burdens and opening my eyes to new things. I am wholeheartedly telling him that I love Him more...more than sugar, more than caffeine, more than chocolate, more than the convenience of easily prepared meals. Lord, I love you more. It may sound simple, but it is amazing how much closer you feel to the Him when you get even the little things out of the way.

There was once a young ruler that asked Jesus what he could do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him to sell all that he had and give it to the poor. Sadly, the rich young ruler was unable to say, "Lord, I love you more." How often am I like him? Am I able to say I love YOU more than my "me" time, more than television, more than facebook, more than the simple cares of this life? I pray through these days of fasting that my relationship with him is strengthened to the point that I am able to lay aside ANYTHING that might come my way that could hinder my walk with Him.

"Lord, draw me closer to you!" For He's the One who proved that He loved me more...loved me more than life.

Mothers, Remember Lot's Wife

She was running, stumbling, getting up and falling again. Sweat was stinging her eyes, and Lot kept screaming to not look back. Every time she looked at him she seethed inside. The night before, he offered her daughters to a group of perverted men, and she hated him for it. Thankfully, two strangers had saved her girls from unspeakable defilement. However, today they were making her leave her beautiful home, precious jewels, and fine linens. Because of this, she was beginning to detest these so-called angels. They said God was going to burn the city. Who was God anyway? She had left other daughters, grandchildren, and son-in-laws in Sodom and Gomorrah. Perhaps, if there was a fire, they would rescue some of her fine things, and she could secretly return to get them.

If she wasn’t so frustrated, she might even find the situation laughable. Why run from the wrath of a God she no longer served. Why seek shelter in the arms of a God she no longer believed existed? She hadn’t always felt this way. Once she had lived in the tents of Abraham. The blessings were innumerable. At times the presence of Abraham’s Lord was so thick that it felt as if you could touch it. Her marriage was happy. Her children were healthy. For the most part, they honored God and His ways. One day, Lot returned to their tent and told her they would be moving close to the beautiful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. She was ecstatic. Abraham never allowed them to have any fun. A little excitement was just what she needed.

She loved her new life. The people of Sodom and Gomorrah didn’t want to know Abraham’s God, but she and Lot were able to hold onto both God and the world. Then, her family got so caught up in the pleasure of life that they slowly let the ways of God slip from their grasp. They began to assimilate the ways of their heathen neighbors until they couldn’t even remember what it was like to dwell in His presence. She became cold, careless, and disobedient. Not only had she moved into Sodom, but she allowed Sodom to move into her.

A spirit of regret began to seep into her soul as she continued to run from her beloved cities. The guilt of not holding fast to the truth for her children’s sake began to overwhelm her. Perhaps it wasn’t too late. Maybe she could convince the angels to go rescue her children from the doom that was coming.

She called out to them as they ran, but her voice was silenced over the explosion behind her. The smell of brimstone burned her nose, and her back stung from the heat of the fire. It was happening just as the angels said it would. Lot was screaming to run faster. The fire roared louder. She could hear the screams of her neighbors and friends. Suddenly, her mother’s heart struggled past the desire for worldliness, and tried to reach for her unsaved children. She didn’t want to loose them to the fire. The pain of being responsible for her children’s lost souls caused her to feel complete devastation. She turned around to point them to safety, turned back to point them to God, turned back…

We know this Biblical story’s terrible ending. Some of the details of the account have been expanded, but the message remains the same. Sin brings death and destruction that affects more than our selves. Most people assume that Lot had only two daughters, but scripture tells us this is not the case. Lot says to the Sodomites in Genesis 19:8, “See now, I have two unmarried daughters.” Later in verse 14, he “spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters,” meaning Lot and his wife had other married daughters. Finally, the angels tell him in verse 15, “Arise, take your wife and daughters who are here…” implying he had daughters elsewhere. When God rained down fire and brimstone, Lot’s wife’s daughters, sons-in-laws, and possibly grandchildren died a graceless death.

History would have changed in Lot’s family if his wife had taken a stand for righteousness. If she had held kept the boundaries that Abraham, her pastor, had set for the safety of her family, her children would have had the opportunity to be saved. Her daughters that were rescued on that dreadful day birthed the Ammonites and the Moabites. Both of these nations were hostile toward the children of Israel for generations to come.

There are few things in scripture more solemn than this. When Jesus referred to Lot’s wife in the New Testament, he was not warning the Pharisees, but was warning the church. Perhaps he was speaking directly to mothers. Remember Lot’s wife. Remember the daily decisions that you make for your self and your children may cause irreversible consequences. Find a place to pray. When you feel pulled towards the world, fight for the salvation of your children as much as you would fight someone that was physically harming them. The soul of our children is a mother’s greatest responsibility. The pleasure of sin is for a season, but the heartache it brings is for eternity. Mother’s, remember Lot’s wife.

Daily Prayer for the Lost

Several years ago, our weekly choir practice was interrupted by a telephone call. It was one of those phone calls that makes your heart speed up and stop all at the same time. A young girl from a neighboring church had been in a horrible car accident. She was in intensive care and her injuries were life-threatening. My pastor's wife asked that we all find a place to pray. Our sanctuary was immediately filled with the sound of travailing prayer. We all knew this young girl. She was beautiful inside and out; a role model for the youth of our church. We reminded the Lord of the many wonderful attributes that this young lady possessed, and of what potential she had for His work in the future. We wept and pleaded for her life, we claimed healing for her injuries. At the end of our prayer time, my pastor's wife said that she knew the Lord had heard our prayers and felt He had already touched Becky's broken body.

My pastor's wife then went on to ask us how long it had been since we had prayed over a lost soul like we had for our friend that had been injured. Had we wept for our co-workers, neighbors, and loved ones that were destroying their life with sin? Had we reminded the Lord of the potential they had in His kingdom? Had we pleaded with the Lord to save their soul? A quietness settled around us as we began to think of those that needed not a physical touch but a spiritual healing. They were headed for death. Had we travailed for their soul?

The youth of our church have recently returned from youth camp. They have brought home a renewed vision to see lost souls saved. It has spilled over into my heart. So many times, I try to minister to the needs of the saints around me. A meal cooked for a new mother, a card sent to a person going through a tough time, a token of love bought for a friend in need...all of these things are well and good, but how often have I travailed for the sinner? I am ashamed to admit the burden has not bowed me down in prayer lately. I am trying something new this month. I am writing a different name of a lost soul on every day of my July calendar. If the Lord can go searching for the one when the ninety-nine are safe, then the least I can do is bring their name to Him in prayer. My prayers, along with others, for Becky touched the throne of heaven and she received a miraculous healing. Perhaps my prayers will make a difference in the lives of Lance, Billie Joe, Rebecca, Natasha, Daniel, April....

One Tree at a Time

Most of you have read this in one place or another, but I wanted to add it since it is MY story. I wrote this in November of 2007. It is wonderful to look back and see how the LORD brings us through and out of whatever trial we are facing. One day we can look back and say, "Thank you, Jesus!" Love you all.

I held my breath. I knew the moment was coming. We rounded the bend in the road, and I heard the little scream I had been anticipating. “Look Mama, look! It’s the mounts…it’s the mounts!” My two year old finally glimpsed the majestic view of the Smoky Mountains! He had seen this same sight many times before since my parents had recently retired to the popular area, but he never ceased to be amazed by them. To him, they were the most massive things that he had ever seen, and he was in awe of them.

His older brother was, and still is in his own opinion, much wiser than the excited toddler. He calmly stated the mountains were really nothing special. “You see Riley; mountains aren’t very exciting at all. When you get up close, all that is there is just a bunch of trees!” My husband and I laughed, because it was such a typical response for our oldest son.

However, as we continued curving along the highway the Lord kept bringing my son’s comment to my mind. I was, at that very moment, struggling with a large mountain in my life. Cancer. From the time my doctor gave his diagnosis that one little word continually bounced around in my mind like a pinball in a pinball machine. Cancer…boiinngg…cancer…boiinngg…cancer. In fact, I had just been through two surgeries to remove the cancer from my body. My husband was taking my boys and me to my parents so they could help take care of me until I had healed enough to begin my treatment. Mountains…yes, I knew all about mountains.

In fact, my mountain seemed so massive in my life that I felt I may never be able to climb it. The weakness, the mood swings, the exhaustion, the sickness… it seemed they were pushing me down my mountain instead of over it. The Lord began speaking to me in that still small voice that always makes me sit up and pay attention. The mountain isn’t really that powerful. When you get up close, all that is there is just a bunch of trees. At that time in my life I didn’t have the strength to conquer the mountain, but I sure could take down a tree. The next day I was able to take down another tree, and the next day another.

The children of Israel received manna for one day. The Lord didn’t provide enough food to take care of them for the entire journey, but He provided enough strength for each day. The Bible tell us in Matthew 6:8 that the Lord knows the things we have need of before we even ask. The chapter continues on with the Lord’s Prayer and instructs us to pray in this manner. “Lord, give us this day our daily bread”…Lord help me conquer this tree today to get me one step closer to going over my mountain. He didn’t promise to give us enough leftovers to have strength for next week, next month, or next year. But he did promise us our daily bread. After many months of daily taking trees down I realized… I had gone over my mountain!

I recently celebrated the five year anniversary of my cancer treatment. The Lord added so many blessings to my life during that time. My doctors were not sure if I would have more children, and He blessed my husband and me with a third beautiful boy. I am proud to say that I can see the beauty in the mountains that life may bring…even if the Lord and I have to take them a tree at a time.