Christmas Morning Tuesday, Dec 25 2007

Merry Christmas – 2007

And yet it is not merry based upon my circumstances.  We are in a condo near Scott’s parents on the beautifully serene Tennessee River in N. Alabama. 

  

Tennessee River        Riverbreeze Condos      Bay Hill Marina

I am here in the living room praying, meditating and making the best use of my time possible.  Scott is bed, very ill.  He has some sort of flu combined with sinus problems and coughing.  He is sore and unable to rest much.  I spent part of the night in prayer for him, and he’s some better this morning.

Our children are back home in Texas.  Our friends are there and scattered elsewhere.  Scott’s family are a mile away in their home, giving him time to rest and heal. 

Not the normal Christmas morning. No tree, no decor, no gifts.  Someone else’s home (gorgeous, but not home).  The worst – my darling husband really out of it and sick. Not normal circumstances that lend to great joy, you would have to agree.

But I can rejoice in that my morning is not based upon Jesus being born today (and there is scholarly evidence that He did not), but rather that He died and was resurrected and so I have abundant, eternal life.  That makes me happy!  I can rejoice this Christmas morning that my circumstances do not dictate my feelings.

I am redeemed by His blood and given power to live a supernatural life by His resurrection.  Nothing changes that.  No illness, no distance, no variation from traditional holidays, no absence of family or friends can ever change the joy that resides in me because of Jesus love.

And so, I’m making the best use of my time.  I’m reading a wonderful book I’d recommend to all who read this inadequate blog of mine.  It’s “Victorious Christians You Should Know” by Warren W. Wiersbe, published by Baker.  A good used copy is available today from amazon.com for $.61 and a new “used” one for $1.95 plus the normal $3.99 s/h.  Do yourself a favor and get it and read it as you make your New Years Resolutions (if you do such a thing only once a year.)

Here’s the comment I want to pass on to you today, Christmas Day 2007.  Chapter 7 – Bonar – Minister with the Laughing Face, page 46. 

“We have got more from Paul’s prison-house,
than from his visit to the third heaven.”

As you have read in my categories on pain-management, you know my best results are obtained through laughter, joy and Jesus.  As I read the above statement, I thought – this is true. 

It has been my great joy and privilege to be transported into heavenly places often. 
But – it has been the presence of the Lord in my trials that have perfected patience in me, carved out an eternal peace for me, and sculpted a holiness not based upon “don’ts”.

As I have suffered (diseases, disorders, syndromes, surgeries, accidents, poverty and want, persecution from the saints, and mockery from the ungodly) I have found my Jesus an ever present help in my trouble. 

He has come to me whenever I quieted my cries to notice His presence.

He has been there to touch me whenever I closed my eyes to the trouble and opened them to “look unto Jesus.”

He has been there in silence, in the loving arms of those who cared for me, in dreams and visions.  He has spoken to my heart in the voice I have learned to love.  I see Him in the eyes of my husband, sons, daughter-in-law, and extended and mentored family.

Every time I open His Word I sense Him near.  I love reading the Bible.

I can worship and pray in tongues knowing my prayers are God-inspired and heard immediately.  How thankful I am that I am filled with the Spirit and can speak in tongues.  It is my constant resource and I pray continually throughout my days under my breath. Like last night in worship and in taking care of Scott.

Last night we accompanied Pops (Scott’s dad) and Kim (his sis) to Friendship United Methodist Church.  His Mom was singing in the choir. She has a lovely voice and I love to hear her worship. We had one of the most memorable Christmas Eve’s ever. 

The pastor, Calvin Hagen, chose to show “Joyeux Noel” in part last night which confronted us with how real our Christianity is in difficult and impossible circumstances.
Do get the movie as soon as possible – it is unforgettable.

Then afterwards we took communion.  We paused at the altar to thank the Lord for this wonderfully friendly church that has a spirit of worship we love.  If you get near Athens, AL check them out.  http://friendshipumc.org/  Read Calvin’s blog to see why the young people are attracted. He makes it real.

How blessed I am. 

How I rejoice that the whole country is aware of Jesus today (like it or not) and even a carnal media give Him honor.  A few moments much earlier this morning surfing the TV in the condo I noticed how many programs said “Merry Christmas” and not “happy holidays”.  News programs.  Not the normal Christian stations like Daystar or TBN. 

How blessed I am. The media does not dictate what I believe and what I experience based upon what I see and/or read.

My prayer turned towards those news anchors and weathermen that the Christ of Christmas would make Himself real to them, and that they in turn would bow their knees to Him.

So back to Paul’s prison.  My request of you today is that you take some time during your festivities to
(1) pray for those in prison
(2) make commitments to give sacrificially in 2008 and
(3) that you take time to give thanks for your “prisons” of learning, asking the Savior to manifest Himself to you.

It is this last point that has made you who you are and will make you who God intends you to be.  Everyone can rejoice when it is going good – but only the Christ-centered Christian has the privilege of rejoicing in suffering.  If you will – you will be changed.  If you will never take your eyes off Jesus, crave to be like Him – you will go through “prisons”.  And like Jesus – endure the “cross” for the joy set before you.

Here is an excerpt from Pastor Calvin’s blog – as you read it – think what God has done for you (or wants to do) in your “prisons”.  Think about who it is you pursue.  Think about what it is you crave.  And think about why Jesus came.  Please.

What Defines Greatness?

All my life I’ve heard people described in the context of “good.” He is a “good” man. She was a “good” Christian. What does this mean? I know around here there are alot of “good” churches. Yet, if “good” is the enemy of “great,” what is greatness? How can we be “great?” Well, as I think about this, I remember Jesus saying that we are going to do greater things than he did while on earth, because he is going to be with the Father – interceding on our behalf. So, what is greatness? Is is possible for Friendship to become a great church? Just what are the essentials of greatness?As I reflect on this, I believe God is calling us to be a great people – a people with passion for whose we are and who we are. And, if we are passionate about our relationship with Christ, it will pave the way for us to become great – according to biblical standards – which will be proven in our character, commitment and courage.

Merry Christmas
Choose to be passionate about your relationship with Jesus
Today and every day.

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A minor miracle 2 days before Christmas. Monday, Dec 24 2007

We returned from our cruise on Thursday.

As I was repacking on Friday I realized I had lost all my family diamonds.  Not big to some folks, for sure, but very important to me.  They were from 1885 - my great grandparents, my grandparents, my parents and my husband.  I intended them for inheritance for my daughters-in-law and my Binney nieces.

Like the woman in Luke 15:8-10 (see below) I was ransacking my home.  I got everyone into the act, we searched everywhere and couldn’t find it.  And if our son Ben can’t find something, it is not there.  I couldn’t stop crying, and I looked until I couldn’t do it any more.  I couldn’t sleep for fretting.

Friends I asked to pray for me reminded me of times when other things were lost and found.  Like my friend David Floyd’s blue contacts in the swimming pool.  Or another friend’s green contacts in a park.  My d-i-l’s covenant ring lost in Texas, found in a camper she had never been in – in Alabama.  Or a $700+ check lost in the morning (we thought it was washed – cause we found something that looked like it all soggy) but found when we were looking for my diamonds.

Another friend reminded me if the devil steals from you – God will see that you are repaid 7 times!  And that God has always been faithful to me. 

I finally got on the faith side of the story and began to relax, knowing God would take care of me – and my faith is not dependent upon materials things.

We found the diamonds today. 

The night they were lost I thought I heard the Lord say, “I have them, I’ll return them, but I’ll keep them awhile.”  The next day when I awoke (the day we left TX) I thought I heard the Lord say, “I’ll put them under your pillow”. 

But to tell you the truth, my heart was so conflicted I didn’t know my voice from the Lord’s (or maybe the devil).

Anyway, just as we were crossing the Atchatafalya swamp I was so sleepy I thought I’d grab my purse and use it for a pillow and grab a few.  Then I realized we were going to stop in a minute for a bathroom break and to get a soda. 

We went in, I took what I was buying to the cash register.  A lady behind me in line was talking about how expensive her bananas were and so when I paid, I paid for hers.  She didn’t want me to do it, so I just said, “Pay it forward”.  She turned to the next guy in line and said, “What ever you’re getting I’m paying for it.”  It was Scott.  He protested, but she was adamant, saying “this lady started it, I’ve got to keep it going.”

The cashier gave me my change which I put in my wallet, and there in the change part of my purse was the black velvet bag with the diamonds. 

I cried.  The lady cried, the cashier cried.   She praised the Lord with me, saying “that’s like God, you do something nice for someone, and get an immediate reward.”  Scott didn’t cry, but nearly. 

Thank God.  God is amazing.  I had done some serious looking at idolatry toward my “ice” and other “things” and pride for having them. I realized God is all I really NEED.  He always provides. And I will keep them someplace safer now for sure.

God is good!  His goodness reminds me of the rest of the parable now – how the angels in heaven rejoice when sinners (that includes everyone I know) repent.  How thankful I am we have a Savior who made provision for our sins, how He was willing to die for our sins, so that whenever we are lost in any way shape or form – He can redeem us

I know at this time of year, people are more conscious of Him than ever.  But like we learned when we were working with orphans in Mexico, after the season is over, they often forget what this time of year is all about. 

Don’t forget Jesus – don’t forget He is the one who searches and finds that (or who) is lost.  Rejoice with me for my returned diamonds, and with the angels when someone comes to the Lord. 

God Bless You Real Big
Merry Christmas!

Julie

“Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin , does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?  ”When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!’  ”In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”  Luke 15:8-10

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When I think about the love I know #2 Thursday, Dec 13 2007

I got some bad news day before yesterday.  My foot doc told me to 86/DC walking.  I have a tendon trying to tear off, and where it is – well if it did it would require surgery.

So, I was bummed. 

That is until I began to think about the love I know.

On the way home from the doc, I called my husband to tell him.  I was so sad that there would be a serious crunch in our plans to go the Ball on Friday night, and it would be really tough on our cruise to the Caribbean beginning the next day.

He loved me.  He instantly said it wouldn’t change our plans, we’d go, have fun and just make some changes.  He made me think it was okay if I couldn’t walk – instantly.  He loved me. 

Then I got home and made a couple calls and sent out an email asking for prayer.  I got loads of responses from loving family and friends!  Love is so healing.  I was changed from frustrated and worried, to full of hope and faith again, just by their loves.

Last night in our Tuesday prayer meeting the folks there really sowed love into my life.  It was so sweet – even though they brought some hard words, real words about me not taking care of myself and indulging in robbery and self-indulgence – it was gendered in the most sweet and tender love.  Christina was particularly careful with me – but firm and convincing at the same time.  What love!  Mature Christianity loves like this.

And before the prayer meeting Albert dropped in to do the typical vacuuming, dusting and clean up I would do if I could walk.  What a man of God – so humble and so serving.  The woman who gets this man will be loved so awesomely.  I appreciate love that serves, so much, because I know it is the hardest.  It requires a lowering of self to wash someone’s feet (or vacuum and dust) and it is so Jesus.

Today Christina came over again, bringing Nevaeh 2 and Selah 2 months, to help me do some things and so I could show her how to use my sewing machine.  She is an amazing woman!  Even with babies discomfited she got her projects done and then cleaned for me. That is the kind of love that just reduces me to crooning.  Holding Selah and watching Veggie Tales with Nevaeh brought up all the potential grandmother love I have sown for 30 years. 

Some of my friends, like Cherilyn and Beckie, my age – have grandchildren and I have none.  How I envy them.  Especially spend these last few hours with the little girls and their Mommie who loves me.

I am so loved.
I am so blessed.

Thank you Jesus!

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$29.95 Is life so cheap? Thursday, Dec 13 2007

I just was watching a daytime program on TV and the host showed a “gift for anyone” for $29.95 with the comment “anyone can afford that!”

I beg to disagree.  I know the host would have no problem, nor would her friends and associates, but most of the people I know either can’t or shouldn’t spend that much on a “gift for anyone”.

The more I see this season, the more convinced I am that we need a serious wake-up as Christians.  The Christ–mass season is getting further and further from Christ.  It’s getting more and more material.  And we buy into it. 

A large portion of the people I know consider going into debt for Christmas okay. 

These same people would not consider charitable donations a reason for credit debt.

What is wrong with this picture?

Has life become so cheap that we can be “bought” with a gift? 

Now I know some people have the love language of gift giving.  I do.  I love giving gifts to people and do so throughout the year.  I see things and think of people.  A good example is when I’m grocery shopping at the large warehouse type stores, HEB, Target or Walmart.  I rarely go there without seeing things I would like to buy for a friend or family member.

BUT I don’t.  We have a commitment to be debt free.  We were once for a period of 16 months.  Totally debt free. 

The amazing power of the freedom we experienced is not be be compared with anything that has ever made us happy.  Day after day, we experienced peace and blessing.  There was a new anointing on our lives, and wonderful harvest of souls – where we had not sown.

We came back to the USA and immediately got into debt again, buying a home.  Then another move and making 2 mortgage payments each month until the ‘Bama house sold.
And then one thing after another until we were in debt again.

Now we’ve tightened our belts again, and are budgeting more efficiently. 

Is life so cheap that we think we can buy love? 

This year – give what matters.  Give you. 

There is no gift quite so precious as when my husband puts aside whatever he was doing or wanted to do to be with me.  We drive around sometimes and just talk.  It helps to get out of the house, away from the office, far from phones, email and people dropping by.

Life takes on such a wonderful glow just being together.

Like last Sunday afternoon playing Phase10 with our family for a couple hours.  It’s not the kind of game you can’t talk and joke through.  We made alliances, laughed silly, did strategizing, and then found out no matter how you plan – it’s the draw of the cards.

That’s the way it is in life.  If Jesus isn’t your bottom-line, if loving Him isn’t your top priority – then you are trapped in the draw of the cards.  And perhaps for you, life is cheapened. 

Change your life.  You can do it.  Learn to prioritize people first, stuff last.

Give you as a gift. 

I’m thinking if you’ve been drawn to read this blog – you’ve got some amount of depth and wisdom.  So I know you can change.  Get hold of Jesus and beg forgiveness for giving in to $29.95 life, for buying into the “buy love” philosophy.

Ask Him to show you the things in your home you could re-gift.  You’ll be wonderfully surprised at all the beautiful and/or pragmatic things you can wrap up for someone else and never miss yourself.  We give things we love to people we love and it’s so fun and satisfying.

Ask Him to lead you to free or almost free items.  Pay full price for as little as possible.  Garage sales are wonderful, particularly with a dear friend and a cup of Starbucks.  Yeah, you can splurge once in awhile, providing you’ve saved enough of your pennies you don’t have to charge it.  Or buy it in bulk, grind it yourself and make it early before you go out searching for hidden treasures.

Ask Him for inspiration as you make “coupons” for everything from a game night, free babysitting for young families, car washes, lawn and garden care, a meal delivered… let your God given imagination permission to run wild.  Have fun!

Ask Him to help you watch for seasonal sales – like after the holidays when you can purchase things at 75-80% off.  Save the items you buy for next year’s giving complete with wrapping and even the cards.

How about implementing your talents and make an apron, a bag, a blanket or dried herbs, herb vinegars, or holiday cookies and breads.  If you work with wood, build a cradle, book ends, or bowls.  Get your baskets at the garage sales or at craft stores and make your own creative gift baskets.

The possibilities are endless.  This time of year there’s loads of ideas in magazines.  Don’t buy the magazines, but when you go to the doctor or dentist read the magazines and ask their staff to copy anything you want to take home to do.

Life doesn’t need to be cheap.

It’s precious and it’s up to us who are mentoring others to lead the way.  It’s never too late to change.  Old dogs can learn new tricks.  And you young pups are more creative than we ever were – don’t make our mistakes.  Be different!  You want your children to inherit a better world.

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Learn to Think Like Him – in good times and bad. Thursday, Dec 13 2007

Since this morning flew by so fast, I’m just now getting around to my reading.  This chapter I’m adding from The Message just got me.  I’ve been praying for someone who has been really troubled by anger.  I’ve asked all the appropriate questions, gotten no answers, even though they are totally willing to receive help from me.  Today’s reading, Hebrews 13 – 1 Peter 4 mentioned a phrase over and over, “to get your own way.”  Now I believe I am on track for them – because the anger is always manifesting when someone makes a demand upon them some way - in traffic, in crowded stores, in people asking for their help. They tell me sometimes it is totally accidental.  Sometimes it is only a simple request.

If you read this, please pray with me for them.  They are greatly loved.

1 Peter 4

Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.

You’ve already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it’s time to be done with it for good. Of course, your old friends don’t understand why you don’t join in with the old gang anymore. But you don’t have to give an account to them. They’re the ones who will be called on the carpet—and before God himself.

Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus.

Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!

Glory Just Around the Corner

 Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!

 It’s judgment time for God’s own family. We’re first in line. If it starts with us, think what it’s going to be like for those who refuse God’s Message!   If good people barely make it,
   What’s in store for the bad?
So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it.

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Healing of the heart Monday, Dec 10 2007

I got this excellent message from my friend, Karen Snyder today.  I think you will benefit from reading it too.

Dear Friends, 

As I was lying in bed early this morning, I couldn’t help but think of you and how much Jesus wants to heal your hearts!  Because Jerry and I have a huge desire to see you all healed and walking in wholeness in Jesus, I am compelled to write this letter. 

I want to share with you a small portion of my journey through healing and wholeness and what this has meant to me and what I believe it means to the Body of Christ. 

First of all, there are several major keys to the healing of our hearts.  The first one is repentance.   When we repent, it sets us free from the bondage the enemy has put us under.  When we are under his bondage, we do things we do not want to do.  Our human hearts want to be protected from hurt so we build walls…unfortunately, those walls keep the people we love out and it also keeps Jesus out. 

2 Timothy 2:25-26… in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.  

The second key to healing is forgiveness. When we forgive, we are then set free from a bondage that keeps us trapped and bound to the person who has wronged us.  If we do not forgive, that hurt is continually being brought to our attention.  When we are faced with similar situations, then we tend to recoil in self-protection.  Or we react with fear.  But God has not given us a spirit of fear. Fear is from the enemy.  If we are to have pure hearts before God we cannot have fear.  Fear can rule our lives and then we will make our decisions based on fear and not faith.  This is not God’s way.

Romans 8:14-17 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but your received the Spirit of sonship.  And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”    

The third key to healing is to recognize inner vows we have made and how we have allowed them to cause roots of bitterness to grow in us. Hebrews 12:15-16 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.  

Let me give an example of an inner vow.  They are very common in children as they watch their parents do life.  As a three year old, I was in a ballet recital with two of my friends.  I was shy and did not like to be on that big stage with hundreds of people looking at me.  I felt vulnerable and afraid.  My little heart was so overwhelmed that I subconsciously made an inner vow. 

It went something like this.  “ I will never stand in front of a crowd of people again, because it is too scary!” Ever since that time, I have had a huge fear of public speaking.  I did not even remember this vow until the Lord recently brought it to my attention.  So I repented to the Lord for making that vow and forgave my parents for leaving me so vulnerable and alone.  This is such a new healing, that it has not been tested.  Yet, I believe that fear I once had will be gone when I do step out.  The sad thing is…it festered and grew and robbed me of nearly 50 years of blessing and freedom I could have had. If we truly want to walk in freedom before the Lord, we must become whole. 

Here is what Webster’s says wholeness is.  Free of wound or injury: unhurt (2): recovered from a wound or injury: restored (3): being healed <whole of an ancient evil, I sleep sound — A. E. Housman> b: free of defect or impairment: intact c: physically sound and healthy: free of disease or deformity d: mentally or emotionally sound. Isn’t this what we want?  Isn’t this what Jesus is all about?  It says of Jesus,   

Isaiah 61:1-3 He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.  

Psalm 34: 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  There is another important understanding about wounds from trauma.  When we are traumatized through no fault of our own, we sometimes are held captive in those wounds and in that point in time. 

This is very common in physical and sexual assault, violence, divorce etc.  It is as if a part of our heart is held captive in that moment in time.  We are in an emotional prison.  We cannot seem to escape.  But Jesus has the keys!   

My own testimony is this.  In 1992, my Mother was killed in a car accident.  I was so traumatized by losing my best friend and Mother, that my heart was held captive to this moment in time.  I would relive my last conversation with her and the last time I saw her.  I would even relive the accident.  Our human minds are always trying to figure out why and what we could have done differently to remedy the situation.  Most times, we can’t. 

Life is beyond our control!  That is why we must rely on Jesus and walk by faith. When the Lord revealed this captive part of my heart to me, I received prayer from some close friends and a healing took place.  I no longer had flashbacks of car accidents when I myself would get into a car.  And I received peace in my own life because of it. I believe if we will go to Jesus and to each other for prayer and healing, God will do great things!

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. If we are to be a fully mature church, who flows in unity, maturity and love…. we must be whole! 

Ephesians 4:13-16 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ — from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.  

This fully mature church will be effective in all that the Lord calls her to do…but right now, she is the walking wounded!  We have got to get ready.  God cannot hold back His presence and power much longer.  Most of us know this.  These hurts must be cleansed from our hearts for those reasons.  If we are to lead the charge God has called us to, we must walk in purity and holiness, without spot or wrinkle.

Yesterday, on my lunch break, I came upon a young woman in the restroom, shaking, crying and praying.  I asked her if she was okay.  She was upset because she had just gotten her long hair cut shorter for the first time and she said she had been in a bad situation.  I told her that her hair looked great, which it really did, and that she would be okay.  She said Jesus sent me to her in that time.  I just smiled and said, He probably did.  As I spoke the truth to her about herself, I saw her countenance change.  The peace of God came upon her and she was okay.  I hugged her and asked what her name was.  As I left, I began to intercede for her.  I may never see her again but I know that my words left a lasting impact on her.  What if I had not been walking in my own healing from fear and insecurity?

My precious friends, we have got to dump all the baggage we carry on a daily basis!  We have got to walk in freedom so that we can lead others in the same freedom.  The New Dew, as Micah (pastor) calls them (I love that!) do not want to come into a place with as much or more bondage as they already have!  They long for freedom!  They long for wholeness in their hearts!  We must be there in our own hearts so that we can show them the way!

John 8:36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. 

Colossians 4:12  that you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. The freedom Jerry and I have experienced through healing is so awesome! 

We are not there yet and so we look forward to more and more!   This is not only for us but also our family, our friends, our church and the Body of Christ at large.  We have a huge effect on others!  We can allow God to use us to change lives, to help others to become whole! So let’s go together before the Lord and become healed and whole so we can walk hand in hand with Jesus.  Let’s become whole so that the enemy will have no right or stronghold to put his hooks into in our lives!  Let’s get ready so the new dew will come in and we can allow the Son to shine on them!  We love to see people get set free! 

We love you!

Karen Snyder
December 6 2007

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In the still of the night Monday, Dec 10 2007

I woke up this morning at 3:18 – time to pray.  Time to see what God is doing, time to see what He will say.  He’s always speaking to His sheep – a God of comfort can do no less. Everytime I still my spirit, He’s there to give me rest. 

Like Noah whose name means rest – I have learned that when I rest in Him, I’m as safe as Noah was in the ark.  Disasters come and go, that’s the way it is, but God has provided a haven of rest in His son for those of us who come.

Come now with me, let’s go see what He is saying.  Let’s see how His words affect our behaving.  Will He give direction, point us in a new way?  Will He speak words of correction to keep us from going astray?  Or will His words drip with love, the only love that never fails?

And if those are the words we hear – will we take time to prevail?  Prevailing simply means don’t ever quit and never give up.  It’s not so hard if we go day by day, if we hide in Him, if we take time to pray.

Oh, Jesus, you make me weep, sitting here alone with you.  Your tender touch, your breath so warm, comforting me, holding me, preparing me for things anew.

Your sacrifice I cannot forget, I come on paths sprinkled by your love.  But your resurrection takes my breath away, you were dead dead and not you’re alive above.  It’s that holy power that is now mine to use, to use it as you did.  To heal the sick, raise the dead, and send demons far away – what a privilege, what a pleasure to be You with skin on.

Oh I wonder with You here, are you so pleased with us?  I know your pleasure, you call me treasure, but is there more that I could do?  Oh, no, You say – You simply want me here with You.

Oh.  My.  How undone I am.  I am heavy with your presence, unseen love, sweetened room.

I love you Jesus, only you I adore.  I love you Jesus, and I want more.  More and more and more of Your love – more and more and more.  I am greedy and I’m craving loves like only you can give.  You are my husband, my lover, friend.  You are my refuge, comfort, and my end.

I must stop this blogging and go now friends, I cannot journal and love Him completely.. 
So He wins.

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Sunshine on my window makes me happy ~ Monday, Dec 10 2007

Having been made aware there are younger people out there with my name, Julie Baxter, who blog - I have decided to become more specific about who I am. I want folks to find me.

 
The REAL Julie Baxter

I love Jesus.  I love His Word, the Bible.  I love His people and those who’ve never met Jesus.  I love His creation; beach, mountains, high plains – and India, Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, England, France, Belgium, Scotland, Japan, Canada, and islands of the sea. Anyplace Jesus wants me to be.

I’ll talk about things that move me, make me laugh, challenge me, or things I can support wholeheartedly.  I’m in love with my husband of 17 years and our two sons and daughter-in-law, and the family of God we enjoy.

  
Our family 2007

Sunshine on my window makes me happy.  I work hard.  I love serving others. I have a dog, Holly, who is my friend. I recycle.  I try to be kind to my environment. I believe in “Use it up, Wear out, Make it do, Or do without.”

 
REDUCE – REUSE – RECYCLE – REBUY and/or QUILT the boys jeans.

 I was born in San Diego, raised in Kansas, and lived for 26 years in the Seattle area.  I’ve got loads of genealogy on our families, love quilting and own a bunch of really old ones, and putter in the garden.  I love art – others of course, and doing some of my own.

          
          Heron  Sun           Redwing Rushes      Moses at Red Sea

In 2002 God spoke to me and said, “I brought you to Texas to heal you.”  At that time I weighed over 400# in 2005 and now am 270# and still losing.  God has totally helped and motivated me to lose the old fashioned way.  Eat less, eat better, exercise more.  (For me that meant – “Move it, move it!”)  Thank goodness we have a pool and the beach is less than an hour away.  I can’t praise the Lord enough for the weight loss.  I can swim in the ocean again!

I take JuicePlus+ which is the only thing that EVER made a difference in my health.  My immune system is stronger, I have energy, I’ve lost weight and stress less.  You already know we need to eat more fruits and vegetables – this is the simplest way to do it.   Ask me about Juice Plus+!

     
Ulysses, KS                        Sunflowers 

Ode to Ulysses, Kansas 67880 

Sunshine on my window makes me happy
Somedays it just takes my mind away.      
Some times it steals my creative moments
But mostly I just rest and pray.

I thank God I was raised in Kansas
I thank God for cousins who are friends
 I thank God for small town blessings
For His goodness that never ends.

John Deere, Cowboy coffee
Combines all making dust.
Memories of ripening gardens
Us chasing fireflies after dusk.

Not much to do for young ones
With imaginations going wild
Turning over outhouses,
Thinking their clothes are in style.

  Politics goes on as usual
At city hall and in the church.
Say nothing, don’t cause trouble.
Don’t leave friends in the lurch.

Folks just do what they think best
And no one is to blame
We all have our own dictionaries
Written in our own pain.

All the same I’m really glad
I hail from such a tiny town.
Cause when life is mean
Friends & family don’t let you down.

Pray God will visit our hometown
Pray He will come with love
It will be a real showdown,
The enemy fallin’ before the Dove.

Sunshine on my window makes me happy
I think of family and my friends.      
It reminds me of the love of God
The incredible love that never ends.

Go Tigers!

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Focus – making your time count Friday, Dec 7 2007

Good morning!  Wanna get focused??  First I’ll show you what dictionary.com showed me. Focus   [foh-kuh s] NOUN

• A central point, as of attraction, attention, or activity: The need to prevent a nuclear war became the focus of all diplomatic efforts.
• Physics. A point at which rays of light, heat, or other radiation, meet after being refracted or reflected.
• Optics; the focal point of a lens, the focal length of a lens, the clear and sharply defined condition of an image, and  the position of a viewed object or the adjustment of an optical device necessary to produce a clear image: in focus; out of focus.
• Geometry. (Of a conic section) a point having the property that the distances from any point on a curve to it and to a fixed line have a constant ratio for all points on the curve.
• Geology. The point of origin of an earthquake.
• Pathology. The primary center from which a disease develops or in which it localizes.

 VERB

• To bring to a focus or into focus: to focus the lens of a camera.
• To concentrate: to focus one’s thoughts.
• To become focused.

 [Origin: 1635–45; < L: fireplace, hearth ] Synonyms: center, heart, core, nucleus.Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1 Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006 

Now here is what got me thinking about focus. 

Hebrews 12:2-11 KJV

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 

Hebrews 12:2-13 The Message
Discipline in a Long-Distance Race

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don’t feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children? My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but don’t be crushed by it either. It’s the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects.God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children. This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; its training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.  

Keep your eyes on Jesus.  Stay focused. 

And how do we do that? For me, if I don’t begin my day with Jesus, it soon reaches out and grabs me, luring me into all manners of “desperate” or “exciting” needs and events.  Even after all these years of loving HIM, I have to stand guard over my flesh.  Sure as shootin’ (yes, dear, yet another Midwestern idiom) things will happen.  Day by day events all seem to take flight and fly right into my flight plan.  I have to watch to see that it doesn’t happen.

If something does – I have to discern how much of a priority it is immediately.  Blood – that get’s my attention.  Smoke and/or fire will also get my attention.  Husband kissing me – well, you’re knowin’ that gets my attention. 

I have found that if I don’t get out of bed before I have my Jesus – life is better. 

That means that when the boys were younger, my day had to start much earlier. (Isn’t amazing how early children can rise when they’re excited?)

That translated into better planning in the late afternoon and evening before.  If I couldn’t grab a nap to make up for lost sleep I did one of 3 things (1) ask God for a double portion (2) toughen up – count my blessings for the hours I did get (3) refuse to give the enemy credit for messing me around period.  It also meant I had to have my testimony intact.  I had to be known to be in prayer often and much, and let the family see it.  Not so I was spiritual, but so they could get used to waiting until I was done and so they too would implement the practice of looking unto Jesus first and foremost in their lives. 

Now it is habit.   Jesus is habit.

I just have to get better at scheduling and prioritizing everything else I do – like blogging!  I make lists, copious lists; I have to do files, loads of them.  But life happens.  I have a goal this year to learn from my husband’s years of classes in time management at work – allowing the one who steers our family to help me get it together.  I’m thinking if a space and defense contractor can pay him to do it for others, I’d be dumb not to take advantage of it myself.

See, I’m already learning to focus……. and it is kinda like the origin of an earthquake.

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Do you love your pet? Do you live in S. Houston? Friday, Dec 7 2007

If you love your pet like family and you live in South Houston, Clear Lake, Friendswood, Pearland or anywhere in between  . . . .. . .

You need Integrity Pet Services.  Here’s their webpage www.integritypetservices.com

And if you want a really good recommendation just ask…….. we’re related to the owners. We know how skilled, experienced and loving they are.  One example – during a 40 hour evacuation Chris gave up his water so the dogs could have some!  What a son!  Sara is just as loving.

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