On Wings Like A Dove

Warhorse

2012-01-20T18:53:00.000-08:00

My friend, Susan and I enjoyed a night at the movie. It was my second time seeing Warhorse, a movie worthy of a second watch. Much like Secretariat, it was about a horse's strength and fortitude to focus on the goal and win the race through lots of obstacles. He eventually returned to his master and owner by the films end. So touching to see him nuzzle up next to the one who truly loved him with all his heart, even enough to let him go at one point.
I always like to look at it from a spiritual standpoint. How strong am I in my resolve to plow through the obstacles and trials of life with my focus on the Lord and Master of my soul? If I get sidetracked do I quickly return my focus on Him or on my circumstances? I must say the longer and closer I walk with Him the least likely I am to get off course.
There was a bond that could not be broken between the young man who raised the horse and the horse himself. It was obvious as the horse loved on him. The horse had learned to recognize his master's voice when he whistled and it actually saved the life of Joey, the horse, in the end. Have you learned to recognize the voice of your Master and respond to it in obedience. It could definitely be your lifesaver today!
If you have not invited the Father in to be your Master, please consider it today. The kingdom of God is at hand. Prepare ye the way! Make a straight path and walk in it.

A Season of Repentance

2012-01-05T17:17:00.000-08:00

We meet each week for Support and Prayer time with our Prodigals. Some wander in and out of their walk with the Lord. God is patient with us all as we walk our individual journey. But now there is a sense of urgency in this year of 2012! The Word says, "The Kingdom of God is at hand". I believe it is.......so why are are playing this game. One day serving the Lord, one day serving the enemy!!!!
It is time to make our decision, either we will serve God or we will serve Satan. We can't continue to straddle the fence. How would our life change today if we knew we would stand before the Father tomorrow? We will give an account my friends. I want to stand before Him in a white, spotless gown one day. That means I need to live a pure, spotless life today and all the tomorrows I have.
I believe we are preparing the gown we will wear on that glorious day when we see our Bridegroom-lover. Let's make the choice to serve Him with all our heart's, soul's, and minds.
He has had me reviewing my life these last two weeks. I have almost a full page listed of things He has had me repenting of. It has not been pleasant to realize I had that much to repent of but guess what....I don't think He is done! I am so thankful He loves me enough to point out things I need to lay down now!

Happy New Year

2011-12-29T17:42:00.000-08:00

I don’t know about you, but I am totally blown away that 2011 is gone and we are embarking on a New Year. I was reviewing the year to see what accomplishments were made for God’s kingdom and as usual realize that He has accomplished much. We have been so blessed to see the Father work in so many of your lives over the past year. We believe we are only a human extension of His love, grace and mercy as we reach out to hurting families in however He leads. What a privilege to be in a position to see Him work and join His outreach

Many of you have faced many obstacles and found yourselves in hard places this past year. Many days you felt you could not make it, but as you kept your eyes on Him you found He was walking right beside you in it all, just as He promised He would. There is a song, sung by Selah that speaks of His faithfulness. I love to sing it back to Him as a praise song because of His constant faithfulness to all of us over the years. I just imagine Him smiling down on me as I sing (yes, HE loves my singing!) those praises back to Him.

Think on all He has done in your lives as you sit and reflect on the events of the past year. Praise Him for His faithfulness to see you through those times you didn’t think you could or wanted to take your next breath. I remember many days and nights just having to keep His Word close at hand as He spoke to me giving me hope and assurance of His presence. He has always been faithful to see us through.

Now, I ask you, how will you allow Him to use that pain and suffering? Will you be available to His call to help someone else through a difficult time in their lives? Will you be open and bold enough to tell them of how God’s word brought you peace and comfort in the midst of your struggle? In Charles Spurgeon’s devotion he writes: ““We do not have a High Priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our weaknesses.” Note that it is not said, “touched BY, but touched WITH.” Many a man can be touched by the sorrow of another, but he is not touched with that sorrow. He has feeling, but not fellow-feeling. He pities the sorrowing, but he does not sorrow with them. Our Lord is touched with a feeling of our weaknesses. It is one thing to see pain, but quite another to be touched with a feeling of it.” Allow Him to use that pain you experienced to be touched with the other person’s sorrow as you minister to them.

We look forward to a new year of ministry and we want your input. Let us know if there is a way we could minister to you more effectively. You can either email sandra@onwingslikeadove.com or write us at P O Box 557, Clemmons, NC, 27012 with your suggestions or if you would like to share a brief testimony of God’s faithfulness to you over this past year. You may even be ready to help us in ministry to families in this coming year, if so let us know. We would love to hear from you.

Sandra

What is Your Passion?

2011-11-30T18:03:00.000-08:00

Hosea 7:6b, “Their passion smolders all night; in the morning it blazes like a flaming fire” NIV.

Recently, in my travels, I noticed a large transfer truck with peppers of all kinds painted all over it – bell peppers, hot peppers, and red peppers, yellow and orange peppers. The words “Passion for Peppers” was also painted on both sides of the truck. You sure couldn’t miss the message it conveyed.

I began to wonder what it would be like to have our passions printed all over our vehicles or on our person as we traveled through life. What is your passion in life? Has it changed over the years? Probably so, I know mine has.

What does passion mean anyway? Funk and Wagnall’s Dictionary defines it as: “Intense or overpowering emotion; an eager outreaching of mind toward some special object; fervid devotion”. So what is on your mind most of the time or to what do you devote most of your time? Maybe that is what you are most passionate about.

Your passion can come out of your own sense of shame or pain. You might be fervently devoted to anti-abortion issues, or mental illness, or autism, or drug addiction, or a hundred other things by which you have had personal experience. You don’t often have a passion for something unless it has affected you in some way. I know I wouldn’t have a heart for the families of prodigal’s/prisoners unless I had walked through it myself. I wouldn’t have empathy for those afflicted by mental illness had I not experienced it in our family.

Our passion may come out in words or actions, but it usually does come out. If we give ourselves to our work people may see that as our passion. If we think and participate in sports all the time, that may become our passion. If we give of ourselves to a particular cause that likely comes from a passion. Something doesn’t usually become our passion unless we have experienced it or been touched by it.

Examine your heart and pinpoint your passion. How are you living it out on a daily basis? How are you using that passion for God’s plan and purpose to touch and influence others you come in contact with throughout your day?

Ask God to turn the smoldering flame of your passion into a flaming fire as you go out into the world with the intent of bringing God glory through your passion. Allow the passion that God has given you to minister to those you come in contact with. We are to comfort others as He has us!

I think of Paul before his Damascus Road experience. His passion was to kill Christians. He had studied under the best teacher in the world…Gamaliel. He had the head knowledge but it wasn’t until he encountered Jesus on the road that he truly became passionate about the things of the Lord. He became fervently devoted to preaching and teaching about His Lord because of his own personal experience.

I was satisfied for so long with my salvation experience and the knowledge I had obtained over the years about God, but it wasn’t until I experienced God that my longing to know Him in a deeper and more intimate way caused me to be passionate about that relationship with Him. Once I began to hear His voice from the scriptures and my time with Him, it became such a passion that I was no longer satisfied with the ten minute time I had been having, I found myself thirsty for more of Him. It became a joy to know Him more fully and learn to trust His love and acceptance of me no matter what I did or did not do. He loves me regardless and I can trust His love. If I fail in some way He doesn’t love me less. That has changed my whole perspective of what love is. He totally completes me!

My life verses became like Paul’s as taken from Philippians 3:10-14: Verse 10 states: “For my determined purpose is that I may know Him—that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, [perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person] more strongly and more clearly” Amplified. I encourage you to read the other verses and make it your passion to know Him more fully.

Prayer: Abba Father, I pray you will turn our passions into Yours. May we become more deeply and intimately acquainted with You. We worship today on our faces at Your feet. Give us boldness to share with others the difference You have made in our lives, just like a blazing fire. We love and adore You Lord, Amen.

Who is in the Wind?

2011-10-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

This question brings to mind John 3:8:

The wind blows wherever it pleases.

You hear its sound, but cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.

So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.

The word spirit in both Hebrew and Greek means “breath” or “wind.” Both a breath of air and a breeze are appropriate images for the Holy Spirit.

Consider several properties of the wind.

Wind is moving air, and this fresh air is needed continually for life itself. Even seeds often require wind for their dispersal and subsequent growth. Similarly, the Holy Spirit is the presence of God, the source for all life.
Maple trees depend on the wind to blow their seeds to new places where they can grow new trees. Hot air balloons go wherever the wind takes them.

Wind has no material shape or form. It is invisible; we cannot see the source or the destination of wind. It is a mysterious, unseen force. Nevertheless, its presence is known by its effects.

Likewise, the unseen Holy Spirit can be experienced in a refreshing way. His presence is displayed in the work he does in human lives by transforming, sanctifying, encouraging, and teaching.

Wind is a powerful force. It cannot be stopped or controlled by people. Likewise, the Holy Spirit is not subject to human control. The moving of the Holy Spirit is God at work.
There is great variety in the wind. It may be a soft whisper gently rustling the leaves on the trees, or it may be a hurricane uprooting trees.

Likewise, the Holy Spirit may gently bring a person to Christ, such as a little child raised in a Christian home, or he may work in some climactic, dramatic way to bring conviction and conversion to the hardened sinner.

In Acts 16, contrast Lydia, whose heart the Lord opened (verse 14), and the jailer, who needed an earthquake to jar him to his spiritual sense (verse 30). In both cases, the Holy Spirit did the regenerating work.

Do Not Fear

2011-10-29T07:08:00.001-07:00

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

We must always remember that God is with us in our circumstances. He is our Commander in Chief; always fighting our battles for us. Find your rest in Him today. We do not live in our circumstances, we live in Christ. Set your eyes on Christ Who stands above our circumstances. You may just see things in a whole new light. It is an act of the will. We must choose to set our gaze on Him. He is the Victor already; Satan has already been defeated in our circumstances. Hold your heads up high my friends. We are in a battle but we are NOT alone. We take our instructions and directions from our Commander; not from our enemy who wants us to live defeated. Persevere in your faith. We are in the Father's bootcamp and we will be strengthened as we keep our eyes on Him.

Day at the Beach

2011-09-26T11:17:00.000-07:00

Jimmy and I were privileged to get away for a few days to the beach. I say privileged because I always consider it just that. To be able to walk the beach taking in the majesty of God's creation as you watch and hear the sound of the waves coming in and out is a privilege. We don't get there near as often as we like but I try to take it all in when we do. We did a lot of walking this trip.
We would get our equipment and march down to sit on the beach for hours at a time. Course I had not only my chair but a bag full of books, my journal, camera, Bible, ipod for music cause you just never know what you might need when God speaks through your time with Him. I don't wanna miss a thing.
Mind you, there was an ominous forecast for the whole week which included lots of clouds and rain. My little friend Debbie must have been praying for our favor cause even though the clouds rolled in and out we never got caught in a down pour. We would walk for quite a distance and always make it back before the rain started.
The last day we were sitting on the beach and contemplating whether to go in when we heard a loud clap of thunder in the distance. I jumped up and started preparing our things for departure. God doesn't have to speak more than once with that message! We left many on the beach and I wondered how they faired when the rain, thundering and lightening began moments later. God gives us warning many times and we have a choice, move or get wet!
We had a great evening together as we watched a movie and cooked shrimp and clams while all snug in our little condo. It was a great time together. I felt so rested by the end of our time there, but interestingly enough ready to return home. No place like home!
I have been able to get a lot done but have lots more things on my to do list for this week. Next weekend I will spend time in the mountains and it will be a different time with the Lord. We have seven mother's coming and it will be my pleasure to make their time a time of rest! Many of them don't get away often so I want to be their willing servant. The Lord has much in store for us. Please pray for all to receive a special Word, just for them during this time. I thank God that He gave me a time of rest in preparation for this time together.
Keep praying for God's favor, Mrs. Hampton, it works!

The Dead Goose

2011-09-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

I meant to get back a couple of days after writing about the injured goose and tell you how Jimmy and I came home not long after to a dead goose right in front of our house. The speed limit is 25 in our little subdivision but people do way more than that. Years ago I watched as a young fellow deliberately ran down some geese crossing in front of him. He and his passengers thought it was funny. If I could have gotten hold of him I would have wrung his neck.
We believe that someone deliberately hit this goose and killed him. No one going the speed limit would have hit him with enough force to kill him; these geese are tough birds. The first thought was that the dead goose was the one who was coming around with the injury. We thought he just wasn't able to get out of the way, but then the next day the injured goose appeared in our yard.
The culprits didn't even have enough decency to move the dead goose from the road so Jimmy got his shovel and moved him into the ditch. Too sad! That could have just as well have been a child. I know the geese can be aggravating, but that is no reason to kill them. I think they mate for life. I know they walk over each spring with their new offspring and you better not get close or that long neck sticks way out with the intend of biting you! Our little dog found that out right quick one day. She doesn't get within neck's reach now you can bet your bottom dollar.
The injured goose is now much better but he continues to come over for special treats in our side yard and drinks from the bird bath. He is no longer afraid that we are coming to shoo him off. I am a sucker for the under.....goose! The other geese still don't have much to do with him so guess he thinks we are his family now. It is all interesting.
I have much respect for God's creation which includes the animal world. I try not to kill anything intentionally unless it might be a mosquito, a snake, a spider, a fly, or a roach. And not even those if they are not in my house. I thought a lot of ugly thoughts about the one who killed the goose. I have to forgive though, right? Oh okay, I will.

The Injured Goose

2011-08-30T17:44:00.001-07:00

We have a lake across the street from us and that means lots of messy geese trump through our yard daily. They make a mess on our driveway and eat up our beautiful green grass. Needless to say we consider them more of a nuisance than anything. But as an animal lover I never want any harm to come to them.
We often see people come speeding down our street and you can tell they are less than patient as the geese waddle across the street in front of them at their own pace. I have even seen cars TRY to hit them. Now that makes me mad! In the spring they have their little ones following right behind. The parents are very protective, as our little dog found out one day. They don't have those long necks for nothing. She doesn't get quite to close now.
Recently we have noticed that we have an injured goose hanging around our yard. I have a bird feeder right outside our kitchen window so that I can observe the different birds comings and goings. The geese often come over to scavenge for seed. The other day I noticed that a goose was hobbling around with what appeared to be an injured leg. I watched him on and off all day and he was always by himself. I called my husband to the window and we decided that he needed some food, so we took some seed out to him and put fresh water in the birdbath. He was hesitant as we came into his space but when he discovered we had food and were not trying to harm him he settled down and ate up. Smart bird, huh?
I got to thinking about what spiritual significance there was to this story. You see his buddies had left him on his own. That is what animals do. When another one is injured they leave them so that they don't get slowed down. I thought how sad! All the other geese were walking around together and there he was injured, left to himself unable to even fly. He kept sitting down, like it was just too hard to keep walking.
Oftentimes that is what we do. A fellow Christian falls down and we leave him to fend for himself. They might need us to walk alongside them for a while with encouragement until they are back on the right path. Instead we go on off with others without a thought to the needs our injured brother or sister has. Is this true of you or do you help to carry your brothers burden? Sometimes it is easier to go about our business believing we won't ever be down ourselves. My heart usually goes out to the underdog or in this case, the undergoose! Think of someone who is down and needs a special touch of love by you. Would you be willing to reach out to that downtrodden person as the Lord leads you? Take a moment to make a call, send a card, or take a meal.
Often our inmates feel deserted. They are left without any support many times from their family or friends. What is the old saying, "Out of sight, out of mind". We tend to forget them as we go about our busy schedules. A letter or a package or a book that would minister to them is often the very thing that will give them hope that someone cares about them. Consider ministering to someone today as God directs you.

Can you believe it?

2011-08-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

After the marvelous wedding on Sunday of my son and his fiancee ( whom I can now legally refer to as my daughter-in-law) I headed off to the beach with four grandchildren. Mind you I made sure the video player was in the car and we stopped and picked out movies that would keep them all occupied for the 5 hour trip. We had two in car seats with one in the middle and then one in the front with me, all taking turns, of course!
We got down to my friend, Jean's house and unloaded the car and headed straight to the beach. Our 3 year old couldn't talk about anything but sand castles. Believe me he had sand from stem to stern. But they all had a blast, from driving the golf cart to going up and down the elevator a million times, to playing on the WII, and closing out the night in the pool at 10:00 then home to baths. Whew, Maw Maw was pooped but oh such memories. Worth it all.
We were invited to stay another night and since the kids overheard that there would have been world war three if we hadn't. You know, all the cries, and moans and why not's. Well I had no good reason for why not, so we stayed and went to the Family Kingdom and they rode to their heart's content.
The morning we were packing to leave I got a call from our son, saying, "Bring the kids by and we will spend some time with them and take them home." Was that music to my tired ears! See Mom and Dad had gone to the beach for their honeymoon too and decided a little family time would finish their time off just right.
So I had one lone grandson in tow on the ride home. He watched movies and maybe enjoyed the quiet and one on one time too. It was good for all. And guess what! I wasn't really as tired as I had thought I would be. God's strength enabled me to keep going, and going, and going.
Thanks Jean for a whale of a time! You are a most gracious hostess. So patient and kind. We love you!

You are Beautiful indeed!

2011-08-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the great privilege of ministering to my first patient of the day spiritually. I could tell we were of like spirits as I entered the room. God gave me an entrance to talk about Him with her not long after. I got her medical information but was prompted to share with her about my recent talk at the ladies Tea at Center Grove in April. God has really used that teaching tool He gave me to share with so many ladies I meet who don't think highly of themselves. I am able to reassure them of His love for them and how beautiful He sees them.
After sharing my experience with her I said, "I don't know why I just shared all that with you". She said, "I do. I have not been seeing myself as beautiful. I hate to look in the mirror". Tears began to run down her cheeks. I remembered that I had put some of my You are Beautiful booklets in the car so I went out to get her one when I finished her interview. Oh how I pray that God will speak to her through them and continue to minister to her heart.
To think that the first printing of the booklets led to a second printing and now I am needing more, I just marvel at how God is using that message He gave me in preparation for the Ladies Tea to end up blessing more and more ladies. The world has poisoned our minds with what a beautiful woman looks like. They say you have to be a size 2, have flawless skin, wear the designer clothes, and have money to maintain all of it. God says, "NO, It is your inner beauty I am interested in".
This lady had plenty of inner beauty. She couldn't see it cause the enemy had deceived her. He had also deceived her into believing that she couldn't do anything about her weight which had her so depressed.
I have been invited to come to the Salvation Army in September and October to share the same message about being beautiful in His sight. I am so excited to share cause I know the Father had this group of ladies in mind when He spoke the message to me. Many of them have never heard that they are beautiful. Many have been used and abused. They can't see the heart of a Heavenly Father and take in His love for them because they may have never even known their earthly father or may have suffered abuse at his hand. I know God is excited that His message continues on. We ARE beautiful ladies, let's chose to believe it!

Come....I have a Free Gift for you!

2011-08-03T07:14:00.000-07:00

My husband, Jimmy, and I went to Concord Mills the other day. While going in and out of shops I had a lady from a booth in the walkway try to entice me to come see her products. I said no but then she had the perfect catch phrase, "I have a free gift for you." She got me by the arm and led me over to apply an ingredient that cleansed my skin. The old dry skin came rolling off and it actually did feel a lot smoother afterwards. She talked about how it prevented the pimples (I noticed she had a couple on her own face) and how it exfoliated the skin making it smooth and young. She observed my old age spots and honed in on how her product would make me younger.
She started explaining how the two products were usually sold separately; one for $69.00 and one for $120.00. But today, I could purchase both for $69.00. I told her repeatedly that I was not going to buy but she kept trying, with her hand on my arm.
At the end she even pulled me over to the cash register to show me an even better deal. I told her that she was really convincing but as I said before I was not purchasing anything. The attitude seemed to change. I had told her that I would be praying for her in days to come. She was a Jew, here from Israel she said. Of course her products were from the Dead Sea. In a sort of condescending manner she said, "Oh, I will be praying for you too."
I immediately prayed against any soulish prayers from her. I really don't think I wanted her praying for me. She had indicated she did not know Our Father and I sensed her prayers would be against me, not for me.
Later I heard from a salesman in a near by Christian bookstore that these ladies had been trained for sales and the determination came from the fact that if they didn't sell, they didn't get paid. Can you imagine working all day without pay? I would say that was a way to motivate them.
Got me thinking! We have available the greatest gift of all yet we keep it to ourselves. We don't go out of our way to offer it to the passerby. We often don't say a word, much less keep on trying by another method to share with others in our day to day walk. Our reward will come in eternity. Will you be motivated by that enough to share Christ with those you meet today. A smile, a touch, a promise to pray for them in their circumstances, or a word of witness as to how His coming into your heart has changed you. Others should be able to look at your face and know that you have been with the Father. There should be something different about you just like with Moses. He radiated God as he came down off that mountain. The application of His Word and His presence will make the difference in your appearance and spirit. That's how people will know you have been with Him.
I also envisioned how the enemy works to draw us in with promises of this and that. He tries to hold on to us and entice us to purchase his products with promises of what he can provide. But God always makes a way out. We can choose to stand our ground and say, "NO." Sometimes we yield and then walk away wondering how in the world we fell for his lies. We can get drawn in even when our intentions to speak a word of hope to them is pure. Satan can hold on to us (strongholds) in such a way that if we don't have our armor on and stand on the Word of God, we can be drawn in. Glad I had had my time with the Commander of the Hosts that day. My shield of faith was in place allowing me to resist the tactics of the enemy.
By the way, I never did see a "free gift." Praise Him we can give out His free gift of salvation to all who will receive. I praise Him for the opportunity to share with this young lady. I can still see her face. So blinded! What a great reminder to pray, not only for her but for her people.

Waiting on God

2011-07-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

Each time I meet with mother's of prodigal's I am surprised by the emotions it brings up in me. I cry right along with them. I remember the pain and agony so vividly. I hurt for them. I cannot fix it for them any more than I could fix my own situation. They have to go through and learn for themselves what God is saying to them through all the day in day out struggle to keep their head above water.
Hopefully my sharing how God worked in my situation brought them encouragement. I was evidence that you can make it through. I remember the Psalm 69 passage that so often spoke of my own feelings: "Save me, O God, for the waters have threatened my life. I have sunk in deep mire, and there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and a flood overflows me, I am weary with crying; my throat is parched; My eyes fail while I wait, for my God".
Waiting for God is so hard, but I had a perfect example recently about the benefits of waiting. I had gone to a neighborhood yard sale which has been on going because they are moving. I saw a chest of drawers there that my granddaughters needed. The one they have is falling apart. They were asking $100.00 for it. It was well built by Stanley even though it was old. I mulled over it, came home and talked to my husband about it and then really forgot about it.
As I was driving in the neighborhood yesterday I again saw a sign that they were continuing the sale. I decided to go by today, as it was on my path of walking. I was surprised that first of all they still had it (I first saw it 2 weeks ago) and then that they had marked it down to $75.00. I still mulled over it and started to walk away when the lady said, "I will take $50.00 for it if that helps you decide. See $50.00 was the price I had in mind all along but I am not good at dickering. I said, "Sold". I'd say God worked in that! He knew the need and she was happy to sell it and I was happy to take it to my little granddaughter's!
It took patience. I could have jumped at it the first day and paid twice as much for it. Course it could have been gone, as it often happens, but it was intended for me.
We don't like to wait but God is working all along. If the chest had been gone I had already determined that it was not meant for me, but God gave me favor once again. It will provide a need for many years to come. And guess what, a man was there at the sale and helped my husband load it. I saw God all over that adventure.
Praise Him I have also been able to see God's hand in the life of our family also. I have not always waited patiently, but He has taught me more and more to lean on Him and wait for Him to work. I always tried to help Him, but He is teaching me more and more to let go and let Him do the work that needs to be done. I always mess it up anyway.
I pray for these mother's and feel a special bond with them already. I will WAIT to see how God works in their lives and the lives of their prodigals. I can't fix it for them as much as I want to, but I know the One who can. He will walk with them the way He did with me. As I told them and I will share with you as you read this: "You will live through it, even though it does not feel like it right now". The waters will not overtake you. God will hold you up with His righteous right hand! He loves you so much and He loves your child way more than you do. He wants them to get it too. He will arrange the circumstances that will eventually help them see but it might be a hard road to get there for all of you. Hold on with all your might through prayer, support from others, and persevere to the end. You can do it, you can.

The Happy Campers

2011-07-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

Well since I can't seem to get the recent pictures downloaded I posted one from a year ago! Shelbi and Izzy went to camp last week and returned yesterday. They hated leaving their friends but were very glad to be in the air conditioning! I wonder if they will appreciate it more now.
They sang a couple of new songs they had learned and went on and on about the things that had happened. It was refreshing to know that they had connected with other Christian friends and had bonded, if just for the week, cause they won't see some of them till next year probably. They were all hugging on each other before they left. Course they talked about some cute boys.
The complaints: No air, bugs (Izzy even woke up to a daddy long legs on her), sunburned, and feeling hot and dirty. Izzy set some sort of record for jumping off the highest tower into the water (she has a little Mama in her) but she was sporting a huge bruise on her leg from the landing. I don't really think she will try that again....lots of pain!
But even with all that said, they were planning for what they were gonna do next year when they go.....now that's a good sign.
I am so grateful that they are having the opportunities to learn and share with other's about the love of Christ. It makes all the effort spent very worthwhile. It totally gives me pleasure!
I am praying that they will grow to serve the Lord in ways they can't even imagine just like I saw them doing at our outreach the other week. They ministered to the kids who came by loving on them, helping them with crafts, and face-painting. The kids cried when it was time to leave. God is molding them into beautiful vessels to be poured out for Him. Isn't that what it is all about. Praise Him....it is exciting to see Him work in them.

On Wings of Healing Outreach!

2011-07-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

Many ask, what does prodigal mean? A prodigal is anyone who has ever walked away from Abba Father's plan and purpose for their lives. We have all been prodigals, we just might not have walked away as far as the prodigal son did in the story Jesus shared.
All in our On Wings of Healing Support Group have walked a journey of drugs, alcohol abuse, prostitution, lesbianism, etc. Many have experienced a time of incarceration. They come each week to seek the support they need to continue their walk of freedom from Satan's strongholds.
We had an outreach the other night to the prodigals and their families. I was amazed how each one of them gave of themselves that night in service to our Lord. They served food, loved on those who came, gave testimony of how God brought them out, sang praises to the One who set them free, and assisted with cleanup. I love each one of them and how I see the love of Christ in their lives and hearts. What a blessing they are to me. They have taught me so much about what real love is.
Many children came to our event and one little boy cried because he had to leave. WOW! They made bracelets that told them the gospel story and bookmarks with the name of Jesus on them. Hopefully they will remember the day fondly and I pray that seed that God planted that day will be watered and grow in the future.
The numbers were not as much as last year, but the Spirit......oh was it present! His work was accomplished whether with a hug, a cup of water in His name, quality time spent, in the testimonies or songs. I am confident that we did what He wanted as we reached out in love. Praise Him.

A Day of Blessings!

2011-07-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

My friend, Debbie, text-ed me to see if I wanted to go visit another church that day. The pastor of the church is coming to speak at our Celebration Dinner in September and we wanted to meet him personally. Here are the blessings we experienced yesterday:

We were standing to go in the sanctuary when I looked around and there no more than 6 feet away was the pastor, shaking hands. We had an excellent opportunity to speak with him.
As I read through the bulletin I read that they were having a luncheon opportunity after the service to inform you of the church and to hear from the pastor and his wife. We believed that was an invitation for us, so we decided to stay.
They announced that if you were a first time visitor, and we were, that you could take your visitors card to the desk and receive one of the pastor's books. It was the book he wrote that first led me to invite him to speak to our group. It is Shame Off You and we certainly experience shame as families of OWLAD.
We ran into two old friends and who knows how God will work to connect us in the future!
The pastor had a great message on letting go. That we are not in control. I needed that reminder once again!
Then last night about 10:15 I had a call from a friend of our son's. He had accepted Christ 2 years ago as I led him to pray. He had had some major life changes in the past months and was addicted to pills. He had recently sought help. He was calling to tell me how God had been working since that time. That he had been reading the Word and how God was changing his heart.

Now was that a blessed day or what? God knew I needed those blessings as encouragement in what we do. Hope you have a blessed day yourself. I encourage you to look for them and then praise Him when they come.

The Lost Billfold

2011-07-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

My husband and I decided to take in a movie Saturday night so we ate a bite and got cleaned up to go. I noticed my husband was frantically looking for something. He eventually told me he had misplaced his billfold. Well, that was enough to get us both frantic with the thought of credit cards, insurance cards, and money possibly in the hands of someone else. We looked over and over in the same places hoping that it would finally show up, but even after an hour........it was no where to be found.
After praying to find it I decided to go back over to a spot that he sometimes leaves it. I saw some dollar bills, but no billfold. In my spirit I heard a voice say, "look down and move the filters"that were beside the cabinet. I obeyed and there was the billfold. It had fallen off the cabinet. We might never have found it till we moved. LOL!
What a relief and a peace was felt by both of us when the billfold was found. We missed the movie but it didn't matter, we had found the lost billfold.
It made me think about the lost coin in the Bible. Jesus spoke again by parable, "What woman is there," he said, "having ten pieces of silver who, if she loses one, does not light a candle and sweep the house, seeking diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and her neighbors together saying: 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece of silver which I had lost!' There is joy like that among the angels of God," said Jesus, turning to the Pharisees who were listening, "over one sinner who repents!"
Our candle was the largest flashlight we could find. We were shining it in every corner, under the bed, behind the furniture, anywhere to be able to find the lost billfold. We didn't call all the neighbors but they just might have heard us shouting with joy!
What if we were that frantic to search for those we know who are lost. Actually there is way more at stake than some dollar bills. After the way we rejoiced I am just wondering what a celebration it is when the angels all rejoice over the lost soul who comes to a moment of repentance.
At our support group the other week we had one of those lost souls come to know Him in a personal way. We were so excited! Wouldn't it have been nice to have heard the rejoicing of the multitudes of angels along with the Father. One day we will have that privilege. What a glorious day that will be. In the meantime, let's be searching everywhere for a lost soul. Lord give us a heart for the lost!

Give us rest tonight Lord.

2011-06-29T18:39:00.000-07:00

I hate what Satan does to deceive young people! He wants to steal, kill, and destroy not only them but their families. He gets them in his stronghold and then makes them think that is the only way they can live. I remember my son talking about when he was using nothing else mattered, not his children, not his family; just the next hit. He might come to his senses once he was taken away from his drug of choice through imprisonment, but he usually went right back to it on his release.
I correspond with a mother in California whose son is using. He was imprisoned for a while and just got out and has already gone back to his substances and spent all his money that he had saved before he went in.
As Mom's, we don't understand that logic. We have had a sweet time of communication with our child while they were behind bars, and we hoped and prayed everyday that this would be the time. This time of reflecting would surely be the time they would wake up to how they are destroying themselves; their bodies, their minds. But once again round and round we go. We want it to stop! We want to fly away and be at rest; like the dove in Psalm 55:6. We are desperate to see change. We are frightened by the next call, the next ring of the doorbell. Will it be our lost sheep or will it be the police with another horror story about our precious one.
Oh Lord, help us to be able to release that one to you. We want to Lord but it seems we take it back over and over. Help us Lord to get out of your way and let you work. Help us to release everything to you Father.
Please be with my friends Jenine, Diane, Shirley, Betty................help them sleep well tonight Lord. Please!

Poem from a 16 year old girl in Juvenile Detention

2011-06-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

NOT FEELING CARED FOR

I feel alone
Like a deer that's just
been born
But its Mom died.

Like the only flower
In a field.

Like a pool of water
In the middle of the desert.

I feel deserted
Like an open piece of
candy on the shelf
That nobody wants to
buy.

Like a box of kittens
And I'm the last one in
the litter to be picked.
Like an unironed pair of
pants
That nobody wants to
wear.

I feel the need for love
A squeeze of lemon in my
glass of water
A breeze on a warm sum-
mer's eve
A whisper in my ear that tickles.

It grieved me as I read the heart of this young girl who feels so all alone in life. I would love to put my arms around her. I can't, but I know God can as He wraps His loving arms around her right where she is. I am praying that He will send someone to love on her. I pray that she will know the awesome love that the Father offers. He is the only one who can fill that empty void in her life. Often times I hear from the young ladies who come in the office, that they also are looking for that love and acceptance. That often takes them to the streets in search of love. But they are seeking it in all the wrong places. Oh how I hope to share with them how much the Lord loves them. So much that God sent His only Son to die for us. What better demonstration of His heart for us, the one's He created and knew before we were conceived. The enemy comes in like a roaring lion to steal that assurance from us. These ladies need to know how beautiful they are in God's sight. His Word tells us in Psalm 45:11, "The King is enthralled by your beauty; honor Him, for He is your Lord". I am praying that this young lady will see her worth, her beauty,as expressed from the One Who created her. Human's will disappoint us every time, but when we finally accept the love of the Father we will never be the same. Do you find yourself feeling like this young lady? Maybe you have been searching for love in all the wrong places. God to His Word today and let Him tell you how He feels about you. If you are a child of His, you are Beloved. If you have not made that decision please do it today! None of us are promised another breath. He loves you......come to Him today and accept His free gift of salvation.

Living Waters Retreats

2011-06-21T16:13:00.001-07:00

"If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink" Psalm 42
In Revelation 22:17 it says, ".........'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life."
Our invitation to Living Water Day Retreats is extended to anyone who is thirsty for a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Lord.
God has prepared the perfect setting in the mountains of N.C. for you to come and drink of the Living Water as we share His Word together. He is often pictured as the source of living water for the refreshment of the spiritually thirsty.
If you find you are thirsty for a fresh word, accept our invitation to come aside for a day and receive what He has prepared for you. It might just change your life.
If interested please contact Sandra at sandra@onwingslikeadove.com or 336-972-4213.
God is waiting and we are preparing a place for you.

2011-06-11T15:40:00.000-07:00

What a privilege it was to attend the graduation of Rushan Fernando last evening. I have known this family for four years as we have ministered to them in the absence of their husband and father who is incarcerated. I had received an invitation in the mail and had already made arrangements to attend. Then in the mail came the sweetest letter from the father who was grieved that he would not be there to see his son walk across that stage. He was writing, not only to thank me for going, but to ask the favor of some pictures of the event.
So it is with pride that I became like a sardine in a tin can amongst the crowd that pushed their way into the auditorium to see their own friend or family member walk up to receive their diploma. A small price to pay for the look of thankfulness on the face's of the family as I arrived.
The family were very brave to celebrate the event without one grumble or complaint cause Dad wasn't there. Afterwards I took them to dinner at the restaurant of Rushan's choosing. They thanked me over and over for coming. They don't know but it was more of a blessing to me to be a stand in family member for their Dad. I know he was thinking at the time of the ceremony how much he wanted to be there. My part was to love on his family and to provide him a little taste of it through pictures that I will send to he and his family in the days to come.
God let's me get in on those blessings each time I minister to someone. What a blessing to be able to sit with this little family in celebration of a young man who came to an important milestone in his life despite adversity and trial. It has been a long hard four years but he did it. We are so proud of him.

Spring Retreat 2011

2011-06-06T15:02:00.000-07:00

Several mothers retreated to The Potter's House in the mountains of N.C. for a time of rest and refreshment. Each mother had major pressures and hard decisions facing them. God kept sharing that He wanted our retreat to be a time of rest. He showed me the passage from Mark 6:31 "come away by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest"We had a great time of sharing and fellowship. We each heard God speak through a time of creating in the Art Shed. God revealed some deep hurts and issues through each picture the ladies crated. Afterward, He shared a passage with me from Isaiah 64:3"You did awesome things that we did not expect".
Each time we pull aside from daily activities that keep us distracted, we find He speaks loudly. It is now up to each one to follow His direction individually.

I always find it refreshing that He speaks to each one who seeks after Him no matter their level of faith. He met some by the stream, some by the fire pit, some swinging by the bridge and all through their art projects.
One mother shared that "He had reinforced the need for her to pull back and seek rest and refuge in Him. She says there has been a stronger desire to seek the Lord for guidance in every decision no matter how small the decision may seem to be....

With God's Blessings,

Sandra

The day the world stopped for our friends

2011-03-09T07:55:00.000-08:00

It was one week ago today that my friends Sheila and Rogers world turned upside-down. They had been crazy with worry over their son who had not come home the night before. He had just gotten off house arrest and was to be home by 6:00. Most of those we minister to at On Wings has lived through that scenario many nights. The fear that comes over you is debilitating as you imagine all kinds of things that could happen.
Sheila woke up to the worse news of her life. There stood the sheriff's chaplain with the words she hoped never to hear, "your son was found dead in his truck".
Sheila said all she could say was no, no, no, as she bolted out the door trying to make sense of it as the words rang in her head. It will take a while for it all to become reality as she sorts through her feelings and loss. I know they wanted to relive the time, the if only's have surely played over and over.
This is the bottom line fear of each parent who deals with a child who is addicted to drugs. Oh Lord, if we could only stop the cycle. If we could only get through to the ones we love so much with the message that they are destroying their lives for a moments seeming pleasure or escape. It cost this young twenty year old his life.
What can we do Lord to get the message across. To save our loved ones from destruction. Help us Lord to know how to help....how to get through...cause even after we pray, and cry, and pray some-more we find ourselves helpless to change it.
The solace comes in the fact that numerous folks had talked to Josh about his relationship with the Lord and he had said time and again that there was a time he had accepted Jesus into His heart. On that basis we can have some sense of peace, knowing that at last he is free. Not free on this earth with us as we had hoped, but he had found his freedom in Christ. Have you my friend? We never know when God's hand will be removed from our lives and we will breathe our last.
Josh had written a letter to a friend that expressed his acceptance of the Lord in his life and the desire to know that this friend had also made that decision. She read it at his funeral and I pray it reached the hearts of each one in attendance.
"Man's days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed" Job 14:5. "In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind" Job 12:10. In light of this scripture we can rest in the One Who has total control and know that His purposes will be accomplished.

Heaven or Hell

2011-01-23T18:08:00.000-08:00

I read the saddest thing today in the Parade. An actor is playing the part of a single dad who is dying. There is a twist to the afterlife. The actor said that in real life he is a "bad boy" and thinks heaven would be boring. He wants an apartment in heaven during the week and go to hell to party on the weekends!
I wanted to cry when I read how misinformed he was. Will anybody tell him that is NOT the way it works. Heaven will not be boring and hell is certainly not the party many think it will be.
"The rich man died and was buried. And being in torment in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, not can those from there pass to us" Luke 16.
Bout says it all doesn't it? So who will go tell this man who speaks so flippantly about traveling from heaven to hell that there won't be that opportunity and the rich man is having no party. He is in torment.
Love, that is how we are to respond to this man whose eyes have been blinded by the evil one. Love for the lost, that is what I have been praying for. Father give me love for this actor and those like him who don't have a clue. Send someone Father to tell him the truth. I am praying someone will warn him before it is too late. Father, you love him and desire for him to come to the saving knowledge of your dear self. Send him someone Lord.

Waiting on the Snow

2011-01-10T11:10:00.000-08:00

We have a winter advisory once again for today and tomorrow. After my quiet time this morning, I thought maybe I could get a walk in before it started. I looked out the window and there were snowflakes already coming down. The temperature was 34 degrees, so when it starts we know it will stick on the ground.
I donned my layered clothing, my head covering, gloves and my husbands big coat. Off I went. It was kinda neat to see the snow flakes falling all around me. I seemed to be out all alone save a lost minature pincher (who ran scared when I tried to call him) and the wild birds looking for food.
By the time I got home I was really sorta warm from the clothing and the walking. I am glad I went when I did. I was also grateful to have a warm shower to get into afterwards. My face and legs were blood red and took some time to return to normal. It was rather invigorating to be outside. Neighbors were out putting out salt and moving cars at the end of their driveways in preparation for the weather to come.
I am now curled up in my study getting some projects accomplished while the snow begins to increase in it's intensity. I have a fresh brewed cup of coffee on the table beside me and my little faithful dog at my feet. Life is good!
I am beginning a Precept's Bible Study which was to meet tonight but I got a feeling it will be canceled. I have most of my homework done but need to put some finishing touches on it. Guess I will have more time to do that than I thought.
I am thinking about my little co-workers who will be out in this weather trying to get to work. I have had to travel many a day on snow and ice. As a nurse if we were scheduled to work no excuses were accepted.....you came to work regardless. I remember the nights I spent in either the hotel near by or my time in a hospital bed in order to be at my post come clock in time. One advantage was you didn't have to get up as early since you were down the hall from your work station. Hopefully the snow and ice will be outta here by the time I go to work this week.
Who knows, I may just curl up and take a nap. My husband is sleeping after his night at work. All is quiet. Sounds like the perfect opportunity! You all stay safe.

Gift Wrapping

2011-01-06T18:41:00.000-08:00

I love cats, but never more than at gift wrapping time. (I couldn't resist letting you see mine in the act).My cats have always loved to help wrap the gifts. They walk on and lay down on my gift wrapping paper, roll in the tissue paper, and chew on the bows. They also like to lay in the boxes.
Ming is not suppose to go in the living room but he jumps over the gate and investigates the tree. When he comes out he has tree needles on his back and takes them everywhere in the house.
He also drinks the water, especially right after I put some in, like he doesn't have water in his bowl. They say people live 5 years longer who have animals. They are stress relievers most days.
We have a neighborhood cat who has come here since he was a kitten. I can't resist leaving him food and when it is really cold he comes in the garage to sleep. He thinks he owns the place and when we drive up he comes running just a talking to us, like where have you been. Both the cats are male but amazing are the best of friends. No fighting! Ming never goes out and Skittles never comes in they just talk to each other through the door or the screened in porch.

Dove Tree

2011-01-06T18:19:00.000-08:00

I wanted you to see how beautiful my dove tree was at Christmas. I have been collecting doves for years and it was my dream to have a dove tree. Well, I did it this year. I just sat and admired it some days. There were gold, silver, white, and glass doves.
I wish I could have had you all over to admire it with me:-). Mind you, you will have to turn your head sideways to see it cause I couldn't figure how to turn it the right way.
There are doves that were given to me by friends and family that will be cherished for years to come. They all have a lot of meaning to me. So you might say I had a Holy Spirit filled tree this year. My grandchildren loved it and helped place the doves.
It was really a representation for me of purity, holiness, and God's presence. I kept it up as long as I could before it dried to a pencil. All the needles were shedding from it and I believe one little spark would have set it on fire. Oh well, I enjoyed it while it lasted. I will have fun putting it back together next year and having my grandchildren come to help place the doves on the tree.
Don't you know I will have fun this year collecting from my travels to add to it. I had doves from all over, even from the Cove! Memories......

Does God have your heart?

2010-12-21T16:46:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had a divine appointment and beat yourself up for not saying what you felt you should have to the person? Have you ever wished you had another chance?
That is exactly what happened to me a few weeks ago. We had a water main leak and needed our plumber but the one we have used for years was not available. I went to the yellow pages and found a company in town.
When I called the lady was very nice and had someone come out immediately. After all our water meter was whirling round and round. Now that can't be good. Soon a young man came to our door and found the problem in no time.
We carried on a conversation as he finished and I felt led to ask him where he went to church. He said, "I don't like the organized church, but Jesus has my back." Well after he left I beat myself up for not asking, "But does he have your heart?" I felt like calling up and asking to speak to him but didn't think that was appropriate.
I couldn't get this young man off my mind, so what did God do? He brought him back in about three weeks due to another leak! You can bet your bottom dollar I didn't miss this second opportunity to ask. He acknowledged that he did have Jesus in his heart. He showed me on his back was tattooed a cross. So guess he was right, Jesus had his back but more importantly his heart.
I thank God for the chance to make sure of this young man's relationship with Him. I can now rest my mind. Lord help me to never miss the opportunities that come my way to witness for You.
"And don't forget to pray for me. Pray that I'll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all....." Ephesians 6:19 Message.

Proof of Identity

2010-11-20T17:08:00.000-08:00

I am applying for a position as a PRN (as needed) nurse in my previous place of work. I would work probably one day a week or less, according to the need. Upon retirement, which was 6 weeks ago, (unbelieveably) I had thought about going back one day a week to help with the income and have some fun money.
Wouldn't you know that even after 23 years of employment with this same company I was required to reapply and produce proof of who I was and that I was a US citizen qualified to work. I had to go through all the tests for TB and mumps and measles and what medicines I take, and yes a drug screen!
I got to thinking how God knows if we are His, once and for all. We never have to prove our citizenship or worthiness to work. He will be waiting with open arms for our entrance through the heavenly gates. Doesn't matter if we have worked for His kingdom causes for one day or fifty years. We won't have to go dig for our credentials. We are tatooted on His hands. He knows us brothers and sisters! Is that not amazing and reassuring.
Won't matter that I can't find my SS card or that my passport has expired. He knows me! The policies of major corporations baffles me at times. What happened to the simple life? We make things so complicated now a days. In the past we would have skipped all the hipe and taken a former employee back in in a heartbeat especially after 23 years service. Makes me scratch my head. No wonder we have so much stress in the world, nothing is simple anymore. The nurse had to fill out lots of forms taken from info in my file from years past. Interesting! Think my fellow employees will remember me when I go back in or had I better take a picture ID? Sometimes I don't even know who I am so guess I shouldn't expect others to either. Ha, life is fun, right?

Afternoon spent with a Dear Friend in a Courtroom

2010-11-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

I went to help a friend at her house this morning and then left to go to be with another friend in court. Thank goodness I left a little early to get there, the traffic was horrendous. They had one lane blocked for what seemed like forever. Some people were very anxious because I know they needed to be somewhere at a certain time. Some were even changing lanes and going around on the right side of traffic in order to get ahead. I was a little early so felt comfortable that I would make it. Some cars were taking the exit ramp a couple of exits before....now that was smart.
I got to the courthouse in plenty of time to meet my friend, her family, and a few of her other supporters. We have been praying for God's will in this situation. There is a program in the city ready to take him in, but the judge was not familiar with the rules and restrictions of the facility, so the sentencing was postponed till friday. The lawyer, DA and the judge will investigate the program and hopefully have someone present from the facility to answer any questions regarding security, educational offerings, rehab capabilities, qualifications of the counselors, etc.
I hated that the family had to sit there for two and a half hours on pins and needles awaiting their son to be ushered into the room and expecting a verdict, but now having to wait till friday for closure. It is NEVER easy.
I understand the questions the judge had about the facility and his reluctance to make a judgement without further information. Seems like the lawyer would have anticipated that those type questions would need to be answered and been better prepared to answer the judges questions about it, but then that would have taken further research. With the fees they charge seems that they would have been ready with that information. Now everyone has to come back together once again to sit through who knows how many more cases before this one is heard.
It brought up all the old feelings I had as a mother awaiting the final decision of our son's fate. It is a very unpleasant position to be in. I grieve for any mother who has to endure the humiliation of sitting through lawyers, the D. A., the probation officier discussing the future of the young man sitting before them. Coming from the other side I know it must be tough to know what the best decision is for the one on trial. Do they think he would benefit from a rehab situation or would it be best if he experienced prison, to hopefully deter him from going the round again. I could tell the probation officier was not sure what would be best to get this young man's attention. She could not see it from a mother's perspective (heart), she had to approach it from the standpoint of the law and her instinct.
I always prayed and hoped that each time our son was sent to prison that that would be what it took to open his eyes and cause him to turn from the old friends and other influences. It is a hard thing to watch. These parents are not trying to get him out of consequenses, just trying to help him get the best possible assistance hoping for the best possible outcome in the future.
Please pray for God's perfect will to be done. He and He alone knows what this fella needs to get his attention. We certainly don't want the easier way for him if he will not learn from it. It is hard to say whatever it takes Lord, but that is our prayer. God loves him more than even his mother does. Hard for a mother to comprehend that anyone could love her son more or have the best intentions for him but it is true. God's word also says He prays for the rebellious. Pray this family will totally release him to the Father. That is where he is safest!

Buying items for the Shoe Boxes

2010-11-14T18:30:00.000-08:00

After church (and of course McDonald's) my three grandchildren and I went to the dollar store to buy gifts to put in the shoeboxes to go overseas to other children. I will have to admit that this is the first time I had gotten them involved and it was fun.
I had two ten year old girls and a five year old boy. They would suggest things to buy to put in our buggy and believe me it was interesting. Brett picked out trucks with machine guns and so forth on it. I explained that we couldn't send guns, so back it went on the shelf. He picked pencils instead. A little safer, right?
Then we went the gamit from bubbles, play dough, chocolate candy, chap stick to crayons, and bottle water. I explained that the boxes might sit out in the very hot weather so we couldn't send things that would melt or leak.
As we approached another isle we ran into a lady who had been around us smiling as the kids would make a suggestion or throw something in the buggy. I said, "interesting to shop with three kids!" Turns out she was shopping for her own shoe boxes and said she was getting ideas from my kids.
We came home and they enjoyed packing their items into their individual boxes. We will get more in order to get it all ready to send. Then we will have to wrap the box in Christmas wrap and hopefully they will prepare a card to put in the box with a message to the child who receives it. We might even attach a picture so that they can know who sent them the gift.
The whole experience gave me a chance to share with them that this would probably be the only thing this child would recieve for Christmas, maybe all year. Made them stop and think, at least for a minute! I wish they could go with me in a couple of weeks to see the videos of the children recieving the gift. The joy on their faces as they open the box is worth any effort we put into getting it made up. I have enjoyed joining my friends the last few years to journey up to Boone to help inspect and pack up the boxes for shipment to the different countries. It is quite a process. Let's pray for this outreach across the many different countries, that God's love will be felt to all who recieve.
What a privilege we have to participate in this effort through Operation Christmas Child.
God Bless.

A Spectacular Day with the Grandkids

2010-11-13T16:24:00.000-08:00

I have three of my four grandchildren with me tonight. We went to the Spectaular Kids Day Event this afternoon put on by WBFJ. They had fun on the blow up jumping equipment, watching the puppet show, eating popcorn and snow cones. Their mouths were blue by the time they finished. Izzy and Shelbi got their face painted with Jesus loves me and the cross. Great witnessing tool as we went to a fast fun resturant afterwards and people asked them what it said.
We stopped at a furniture outlet afterwards and it was so funny hearing them make comments about all we saw. Brett said once, "That looks marvelous, Maw Maw." Then we got to the kids area and they saw a Mickey Mouse phone and they all wanted to take it home.
We stopped and got a extra long coney hotdog. It was oh so good but Brett had trouble holding on to it so he had catsup and mustard and chili running down his chin and onto his jeans! Typical boy, right! It all comes out in the wash!!!!!
They came home and within 60 minutes had out the bikes, bubbles, chalk for the driveway and are now playing legos. They are old enough now to sorta entertain themselves for a while.
Soon there will be baths, a snack, brushing of teeth and then snuggling in the bed to fall to sleep to a movie. I always snuggle with them. Paw Paw is working tonight so he is missing out on the fun.
Domino on the other hand is having a fun time jumping on them and catching anything that falls from the table. Ming is nosing around in all they are doing. He might just snuggle up with us later. Curiousity killed the cat you know. He loves the kids.
It is getting cold now so the neighborhood cat came in to curl up in his bed (an old stroller that we keep around, just for him). Sounds like a zoo around here doesn't it? We like it that way. Keeps us going and making memories for years to come I pray. Maybe next time Kane will come. He was not feeling well today and he is two and even though he tried, can't keep up with the older ones. They are all growing up too quickly. I will enjoy this time together. Pray that you are able to have your family close by. It is a blessing.

A Day of Stripping

2010-11-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

I went for two walks today. I thought it was gonna rain so walked before my husband got up, then came home and cooked sausage and waffles! Man were they good! Then I took some seed to the birds and put water in the bird bath. You see I had looked out and seen two doves sitting on the edge of the birdbath and knew I needed to get cracking with their provisions. Then Jimmy and I took off on another walk. As we walked the birds were giving us a symphony like I have never heard! Maybe because I am taking a little more time to smell the roses, and listening to nature a little more closely. I needed the extra walk, but was worn out by the time the last lap was done (reckon it is my age?).
I had soaked pinto beans overnight and so I got the beans cooking with a good ole ham hock. On a cool crisp day the smell of the beans cooking was very comforting. A month ago I would have been at work so I spent the day praising God for the opportunity to do some much needed chores at home in the warmth of my home.
I got going on stripping the kitchen wallpaper (that's right, wallpaper, what did you think I meant?) and spent the whole afternoon getting the big wall done. The rest should go a little faster since they are smaller areas. There was only one small section that will have to be patched up. I think that is very good. Now my hardest thing will be to decide the color I will paint the wall. I am going to paint the wood work off white. It is now a dark color so I am hoping that it will lighten up the room.
I thought as I stripped the paper off about how God often times has to strip us. Often times He can remove large strips at a time, but sometimes it is a long, tedious job. Some of the paper came off in small little pieces and I had to keep applying the paper remover to keep it wet. I guess God has to keep applying His Word to strip away all our pride, judgemental attitudes, wrong thoughts and words, etc.
After dinner I decided to get in the hot tub to ease some of my aching joints. It felt so good as I sank down in the hot, hot water with the jets pounding out the aches and pains in my joints!
Now I am settled in to do some writing and reading, my favorite way to wind down the day. I continue to enjoy my retirement days, but find plenty to do. No soap opera and bon bons for me! I never could imagine how anyone could ever be bored when not at a job. There is always plenty to do. Tomorrow Barbara and I will work at the office for a while. Thank goodness there will be no stripping involved!

A Day in the Garage and other pleasures!

2010-10-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

My son, Rob, and I spent the day in the garage cleaning, throwing out junk, taking a truckload to Goodwill, and filling up the garbage can. It is a job I had been wanting to get done for a long time. I had not realized how bad things really were till we started in on the huge task. We spent all day working and got maybe half of it done. At least I feel like if I keep working at it I can make some progress now.
If Rob had not helped me I probably wouldn't have gotten rid of as much as I did. We threw out old shoes, old toys, old clothes and things I had taken out and piled on the table hoping to have a yard sale with.
I really want to paint the walls this winter and get things looking much better. Now that I am retired maybe I can get it done. I also need to paint the front door. We changed the color of the shutters two years ago and our door is still the old color! Maybe I will get up to the paint store and purchase some paint for that this week....that is IF I can remember to do it. It would look nice for the Holidays, right?
Today I really felt like we got a lot accomplished and it makes me happy to begin getting the house in order. I never had time to really work on it much with work and the ministry needs. Now I am beginning to feel I might just get a handle on things and spife things up a bit.
I am staying busy but have been able to do some things like spending the day with my Dad for his 82nd birthday, visiting with friends, doing some short trips with friends, cooking more, as well as cleaning out. It is so nice to have the extra time.
At the end of the day I always like to believe I have accomplished something. Those days with family and friends are satisfying times as we invest in each others lives. We love to laugh and play, and did I say eat?
Our son came to church with his son, Kane, on Sunday and Kane wanted to stay at Maw Maw and Papa's houssss! We took a nap together and then got up to go for a walk. We strolled him a while and then let him walk and run. We petted the neighborhood cats and pointed out all the birds and planes, and beep beeps that passed!
Then we took him home in Papa's truck with him riding up where he could see everything. Course we HAD to stop by and get some doughnuts to take to our grandaughters on the way.
Then we stopped and got a $1.00 movie to watch on the way home. It was a true life situation about Pompa (not sure of the spelling) disease that two children in the family had. It is kin to Muscular Dystropy. Course I had to make my self stay awake after a while. It got sorta late, but then we didn't have to get up early today, right?
Once again, life is good.

A God Ordained Appointment with Matthew

2010-10-23T12:47:00.001-07:00

I had four different events to attend today and by gingos I did it. But I must tell you I had one event unplanned by me, but ordained by our precious Lord. I love it when it happens.....joining God where He is working.
I went to a baby shower this morning and on to an art festival on Jonestown Rd. I never go to the grocery store over that way but decided to run by Harris Teeter on Country Club because of the meat specials of the week and because I needed Cocoa for my cake.
When I parked I noticed that some guys were outside both entrances into the store raising funds for something. I started in the left side of the store but went towards the right side, hoping not to get caught up in whatever they were selling but guess what..... God had other plans and I noticed a young man standing by a sign speaking about a drug and alcohol rehabilitation house. I decided okay, I think I need to stop and speak to him. He explained that he was in the program and shared how God had changed his life. You know I was all into that so I started telling him about my journey with our son Rob who was addicted to drugs in his past.
About that time the phone rang and it was my son saying that I had called him with my phone and all he heard was me talking to someone. You see, I do that often. I usually accidently call Rob or our daughter Melissa and they are quite use to it. Don't ask me why I dial them but I must accidently hit my phone and it automatically dials them. When he called me back I told him I was just talking about him to Matt and he wanted to talk to him so they shared with each other and Matt asked Rob to pray for him.
I went in to do my shopping and came back out to talk to Matt. I had stuck some cards in my purse this morning showing people how they could order my book, Where was the Prodigals Mother?.....so I reached in and gave him one in case his mother wanted to read it. He started crying and gave me her address and wanting me to call her. He said he was so concerned for her and that God had brought me his way today.
As I was talking to him my eyes went to the sidewalk and there is where I saw the image you see at the beginning of this article. What does it look like to you?
Now I started thinking of all the ways the Lord orchestrated my path today:

1. He prompted me to put the cards in my purse this morning (just so I could hand one to Matt).
2. He took me to Peter's Creek Parkway for a shower, had me invited to an Art Festival all the way back over to Jonestown.
3. Had me forget to get Cocoa for my cake yesterday while at the store just so I would go over to the grocery store near by Jonestown on the way home to get some.
4. Sent me over to the right side of the entrance to meet Matt.
5. Had me ACCIDENTILY dial my son on the phone so he could talk to Matt.
6. Then drew my attention to the dove on the sidewalk as confirmation of His presence in the whole event.
My God is a mighty, awesome God. It reminds me of the time He had me go over across the waters to minister to a mother in another country who was so broken hearted about her son in prison. I pray I will always be willing to go across country or across town at His direction. Nothing is an accident now is it? Is He a personal God who is interested in every detail of our lives or what!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Who could doubt Him? He delights me each and every day. I love Him so, and I pray you do too!
Sandra

God's Country as my Dad would say

2010-10-20T19:17:00.001-07:00

I have been away in God's country for the past six days and man was it glorious. As you can see the country is beautiful. As you get ready to enter the property you are met with the beautiful wings always decorated for the season. So inviting. You literally feel the peace of God as you enter, protected by the wings of angels.
Nancy, Lynn, and I went to the Valle Cruz Fair on Saturday and it was a gorgeous day. Perfect for visiting all the tents, ohhing and ahhing, buying, eating (lets see we had an apple pie, chili beans and cornbread, and then apple cider. We sipped on it while we sat back and listened to the music and wanted to get up and dance to the tune. We were tucked down in the valley with the beauty of the changing trees all around us. It couldn't have been more perfect.
The next day Nancy and I went to church in Boone, ate at Vidalia's (awesome french toast), then drove back for a nap and some time with the Lord. Nancy and I shared for a while and she asked me to stay at the big house with her. The next morning the Lord took me straight to Jeremiah 18:1-6, "The word came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying: "Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words." Then I went down to the potter's house, and there He was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemd good to the potter to make. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, "O Sandra can I not do with you as this potter?" says the LORD, "Look, as the clay is in the potters hand, so are you in My hand, O Sandra." WOW! Is that not amazing. I stayed at the Potter's House for the rest of my time there. The little cabin I was in is called the Potter's House.
Please pray for the ladies who will attend a retreat there this week-end! Pray for Nancy and Pat who will lead it. God will be there, just pray they each one meet Him in their own way. If you ever get a chance to go please do. You can check out the Potters House blog site on my home page. You will see pictures of it also with the wonderful brook which flows the length of the property.

A night at the fair

2010-10-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

The fair was in town this week so we decided to take our grandsons. It was fun watching them ride together. Kane the two year old was seemingly not afraid of anything. He rode even if Brett, the five year old, wanted to ride in another car, truck or plane whatever it was.
We had bought the little bracelets which allowed them to ride as many rides as often as they wanted to. Kane was a little under the weather and ended up sleeping for two hours in the stroller which gave Brett the chance to do just what he wanted to. We ended up staying for seven hours, that's right seven. Seven stands for perfection, right?
I did fine that night but boy did I pay for it the next day. My joints were weary. But that is okay, cause we made lots of memories. It was loads of fun and I would do it all over again. Papa and I went back tonight, just the two of us. It was more relaxing but not near as much fun. The kids tend to make us young don't they? I will miss them growing up to go their own way.
I worry about our girls though cause I saw a lot of the older girls with boys there and I have to tell you it concerns me. The boys and girls all over each other, dressed so provocatively. I prayed everywhere I went. As we came out of the gate for the big rides I looked over and told my husband I felt like we had just left Sodom and Gomorrah. I wouldn't be in there at night for all the money in the world. So many temptations for young people and vendors trying to lure them over to take their money and invite them in to partake of the things of the world.
Think I want the kids to stay little and enjoy the simpler things and maintain their innocence for a long time to come. I don't want our little ones to get sucked up into what the world is offeing. So I guess my knees need to be on the ground in prayer for them and their mates. Oh Lord, please protect their little eyes, and ears and body. I want them to love you more than the things the world has to offer. It doesn"t fulfull. Oh Lord help them realize that!

Does God forgive ALL sin?

2010-10-08T07:22:00.000-07:00

At our Celebration dinner the other week, a mother asked me, "Do you believe God forgives ALL sin? I answered right away oh yes. His Word tells us He does. Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved. God promises to cast our sin as far as the east is from the west to remember no more if we will but confess and seek His forgiveness.
This morning God took me to Acts 13:38-39, "Brothers! Listen! In this man Jesus, there is forgiveness for your sins! Everyone who trusts in him is freed from all guilt and delared righteous...." Isn't that the most comforting Word. Often times we believe that we or our children have committed the one sin that Jesus cannot forgive. That is a lie of the devil, the father of lies.
"No matter how evil our sins, there is pardon for them. God forgave David for his adultery,dishonestly, and murder. He forgave the prodigal his "loose living". Simon Peter's triple denial of our Lord accompanied by profanity was for given. The apostle Paul was forgiven of his preconversion merciless persecution of Christians.
Although there is no unpardonable sin, there is an unpardonable state----the state of unbelief. There is no pardon for a person who dies in unbelief." Taken from Eternal Security by Charles Stanley
Give me some feed back on this and add to these comments if you like! This mother needs to know the Truth.

Life is Good

2010-10-07T17:36:00.000-07:00

Well I am almost at the end of my first week of retirement. My husband asked me tonight if I felt like I was really retired. It might take a little longer to sink in but while it is I am enjoying knowing I don't have to go in.
I got up and had my time with the Father, then went for a walk, came home showered, ran errands, got groceries and came home to welcome the plumber over to fix a water leak. Praise the Lord it was an easy fix and now we are back in business.
By that time my husband was up and ready for some food. I got supper cooked and cleaned up early. That left me time to clean out and rearrange more closets while pitching out some things for the trash, some for goodwill and some for an upcoming yard sale.
I decided to take an evening walk and take in nature and the wonderful weather. Then I came home to sit out on the screened in porch with a cup of coffee, write and check my emails. Got thank you notes to get off to my friends and co-workers. Sooooooo as you can see, I had a profitable day. I decided to top the day off with a small bowl of butter pecan ice cream.....now you see why life is good.

Retirement

2010-10-05T19:33:00.000-07:00

I had the best time at my retirement dinner a couple of weeks ago. There were about 20 gals there to greet me after a long day at work. So much fun! After the meal we had my favorite....cheesecake. They gave a gift of money to my favorite ministry...On Wings like a Dove. It was great. Can't believe I will soon not be going in to work. Seems strange after 40 some years.

Then last Thursday Medical Park Hospital gave me a reception with the biggest chocolate cake ever. Staff members came in and out for two hours and it was so good to hug on each one and except their best wishes. I had been there for 24 years so it was with mixed emotions that I greeted each one. By the way, all the cake got gone.
I got to sleep in the next morning as long as I wanted....but since then I have gotten up early each morning. Yesterday I attended an all day seminar and had to get up at 5:30 a.m. Our grandson, Kane stayed with us last night and he allowed me to sleep in till 8:00. That was pretty good.
We took Kane and Brett, our other grandson to the fair today. We got there at 1:00 and left at 8:30. Can you tell we had a grand ole time? We ate and let the kids ride the rides and ate some more. I will put pictures on tomorrow. Gotta keep Kane tomorrow so my son and his girls can go to the fair. Then Papa and I may go again....alone.
We had a blast today and made lots of hopefully good memories for those boys. We saw friends we hadn't seen in a while. I have not felt yet like I am retired. Normally I would be going back to work tomorrow till the end of the week. Maybe it will sink in soon. Think I will sleep in tomorrow...what do you think?

Dinner with the Girls

2010-09-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday night my co-workers took me out to dinner. I had to work late hours that day, so when I walked in most were already there. I saw a former friend who now works at Baptist first. It was good to see her and nice to know she thought enough of me to come back to join us.
There were plently of nurses from my department and several from the admitting department and the Preop area. We had a blast. I apologized to a couple as they left in hopes they would forgive the noise we were making.
We had a nice dinner and reminised about the years we had worked together. There have been so many changes, some good, some we didn't perceive as good but we always made the best of it. There are young nurses coming in to take the place of those going out. It is hard to believe that I am at the age to retire, I don't FEEL any older than them!! (Most days that is).
This Thursday we will celebrate together with a reception in the board room. I have been to many others and it is surreal that it is now my turn. I look forward to speaking to each one who comes. My family will also be there with me....grandkids and all. I will miss Medical Park Hospital. It has been the best place in the world to work as evident in the fact I have been there 24 years. It has never been hard to tell patients that they would recieve the best care there, cause it is the truth. I can sell anything I really believe in!
I have been so excited because it has been my passion to do ministry full=time. So as I was handed my packet last week I was surprised that I busted out in tears. Now where did that come from? It is hard to invest that much time in a place, meeting the needs of thousands of patients, working side by side with my co-workers, and the Dr.'s and not have a little sense of loss, right?
God seems to be turning the page of my life right now and I can't wait to see what it looks like. I sense that is not only my time to go but His calling me away to do His bidding till He takes me home. Some have asked, "What are you going to do?" Whatever He tells me to do!!!!
First off I think He is saying, Sandra, Why don't you clean up that filthy house before you do anything else. So that is the plan for next week. Clean, pitch out, wash windows, paint, tear down wallpaper, pitch some more then.......Wherever He leads I will follow!!!! Mind you I DON"T have to do those things first Lord, I CAN leave them and continue to follow YOU! Much more my pleasure to do so.
Hope to blog and write more often. So will see you soon.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2010-09-13T19:30:00.000-07:00

What a glorious day Jimmy and I spent celebrating my birthday. We are at Lake James so we woke up to an awesome view of God's creation as we overlooked the mountains behind the back drop of the smooth as silk water. And this is what I opened the Word to: "The LORD is over many waters." Psa. 29:3. Also I was given this scripture by a friend for the day: "May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand-fold more than you are, and bless you, just as He has promised you!" You can't beat that for an awesome start to your day.
I have so much to be grateful for...A great family with great grandchildren and children who love each other. I am blessed with in laws of my children whom I love and hold dear!
My husband was so good to indulge me for the day by allowing me to do just what pleased me. We had thought that we would either go to Black Mtn. or to Asheville so we headed that way and decided to stop in Black Mtn. and have lunch and shop. Then we decided there was plenty of time to head to Asheville and so we went to the shops there, got a frappicino at Starbucks, and finished the day off with dinner at the Texas Roadhouse. It was awesome. Then we came back to the Lake and just finished watching the Tooth Fairy which our son had told us we would enjoy (he was right). It was cute.
I got so many messages today wishing me Happy Birthday from friends and family. I will head back home tomorrow, have our On Wings board meeting and head home to pack up for a seminar the rest of the week with Sylvia Gunter!!! Life is good.
I have a meeting to discuss my retirement next week and have just 5 more days to work. Now if that is not something to celebrate I don't know what is. I feel like I am opening another chapter in this book of life and it is exciting. I can't wait to see what God brings my way and the experiences He has in store for me. This is a great place to be in life. I look forward to having more time to write on the blog, work on more projects, and do some fun things. I told Jimmy I might take some cooking classes! I love to cook when I have time and I plan to make that time.
I have already signed up to take a writing course in the fall. You might just get tired of me before it's over.
Thank you Lord for a wonderful birthday! They get better and better!!!!!!!!!!!

Joye

2010-08-25T17:14:00.000-07:00

After a long battle with cancer my dear friend Joye passed through to glory yesterday. For her it was a glorious awaiting but for the one's who loved her it is a great loss. I am so grateful to have called her my friend and had the time with her on this journey of life.
I met her mother at church a couple of years ago and our spirit's just came together each time we met. Janet now serves on our board at On Wings. She has a lot of wisdom and now after this journey with her daughter I know she has more! God has walked with this very special family for months now as they have loved on and cared for Joye. What have we all gotten in return?......the awesome presence of God each time we entered her room. Her smile always greeted us and her hand stretched out in welcome and come sit down by me look.
I have seen her minister to others in sickness and in health. We sat together a few months ago at a youth detention center sharing with about 15 young men from our hearts as mothers. I will carry that time together with me always as she loved on them and expressed her heart with love.
I have had the chance to sit alone with her as she poured out words of encouragement and hope to me as I yearned for my prodigal to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. He will Ms. Sandra, he will one day soon!
You see Joye had walked the same path but came to our friday night support group and brought others with her. She brought doughnuts and donated a TV cart and shared her struggles with love and understanding with each one present. We have lost two from that group this year and it grieves me but I know where they both are today. I am confident that God used them to bring Him glory in life and in death.
The morning of her death I texted Janet this: "Yahweh takes care of good men (women), and their heritage will last forever!" Psalm 37:18. Her heritage WILL last forever.
Joye we will miss you but we wouldn't want you to come back to this world of suffering. We know God has already said to you, "Well done, good and faithful servant...... I can just close my eyes and see you dancing in the streets and worshipping our Lord with song. Wait on me girl, I'll be there in God's timing. We will sit together and rejoice over how God was so faithful to us. How He loved us and how we longed for Him to sit with us each day. How He provided all our needs and many of our wants. I love you. Sandra

The Prodigal Chapel

2010-07-28T16:47:00.001-07:00

While at the Cove someone mentioned that there was a Prodigal Chapel in Montreat with a Frescoe of the Prodigal Son. Well you know I just had to stop by to see the picture and take a picture. There was great significance in each character and each scene. The lady who toured us pointed out a dove in the eaves of the building. Wow!
I just had to share the picture with you. I was amazed that a previous pastor who was sitting with me one day at the Cove asked me what prodigal meant. Guess I take for granted that everyone knows the story,especially a pastor. I told her a prodigal was anyone who has walked away from God's plan and purpose for their life. She said, "Oh."
Praise God the Father waits with open arms to recieve us when we return. Pray for all the prodigal's we minister to and for each family member.
Sandra

The Cove

2010-07-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

I was priveleged to go to The Cove this past week-end with Anne Graham Lotz, Jill Briscoe, and Fernando Ortega. What a time of refreshing just for those in ministry. I was by myself and God really ministered to me. I walked up by the trail the first night. It was so hot and humid that I had to stop and pant twice. It was an upwards climb. I have been walking and felt I was in pretty good shape but man did I give out.
When I got back to my room I opened my journal to write and reviewed back a few pages and this is what I had written: "Keep walking with Me along the path I have chosen for you. Your desire to live close to Me is a delight to My heart. I could instantly grant you the spiritual riches you desire, but that is not My way for you. Together we will forge a pathway up the high mountain. The journey is arduous at times, and you are weak. Someday you will dance lightfooted on high peaks; but for now, your walk is plodding and heavy. All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hadn for strength and direction. Thought the path is difficult and the scenery dull at the moment, there are sparkling surprises just around the bend. Stay on the path I have selected for you. It is tryly the path of Life." Taken from Jesus calling. WOW!
What a visual picture of my struggle up that path, one step at a time, keeping on the path leading to the high peak where I DID find surprises around the bend. I had even had a passage in Hosea 2 a couple of weeks ago which told me to take His hand. Such an awesome place to be. If you have not attended please do so. It will bless your heart and revive your spirit!

Bride in Intercession

2010-07-11T18:07:00.000-07:00

I wanted you to see the bride in intercession I shared before in the cleft of the rock blog. This is hanging in my office downtown. This is what I saw as I looked over the head of the friend I was talking to.
I have prayed for years that Christ would see me just like this bride, dressed in white as beautiful as this one is. I believe He showed me through all this that that is exactly His viewpoint. He is so amazing.

Sandra

Fourth of July

2010-07-11T17:38:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful family time on the fourth of July. We grilled chicken and had all the goodies to go with it. Melissa baked the beautiful flag cake.
We watched fireworks from the neighbors and Tanglewood Park from across the street at the pond. We took a quilt over and our grandaughter got into the goose poop. Yuck. We had to come back across and wash up. They all had a ball outside as we chased lightening bugs. We even found a praying mantis. It has been a long time since I saw one of those. They got a kick out of that!
Kane, the two year old and Paw Paw came in and chilled in front of the cartoons. Kane had run his little legs off trying to keep up with the other children. He chased a big old ball all over the place.
My Mother and Daddy stayed till 10:30 which is unheard of. They are usually ready to head out after dinner. Everyone else left about midnight. Guess they all had fun.
My friend Debbie came to join us and was outta here before dark!

Come to the Cleft of the Rock

2010-06-29T17:07:00.000-07:00

While away at a women's retreat in the mountains this weekend the Lord spoke to me to come to the cleft of the rock the next morning. On this property there are several meditation spots and one is called, "Cleft of the Rock." So I gathered up my journal and Bible and off I went. I first went to the rock in the middle of the brook cause that is my favorite spot. We only had a short quiet time so the Lord kept wooing me to go to the cleft.
I got a bench and went into the cleft. I read the Exodus 33:22-23 passage and waited on Him to show Himself just like He did to Moses as His glory passed by. I got up to return the bench and as I did I looked and there streaming down from the heavens was the second picture you see with the sun beams bearing down. I stood in amazement that He was giving me a visual picture of His glory right then and there. Just like the dove experience that I have shared with you, this was a visual appearance bright and clear.
Then today while at the office I was reading in the Message translation and what did I see:
"Jesus took Peter and the brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from his face. His clothes were filled with light." Matt. 17:2-3. Wow! I get the chills now just writing it.
Then a friend came in and I was talking to her in our downtown office and my eye was drawn to the picture I just framed and put on my wall. I had the picture for over a year from a prayer conference I went to then. We had been told to pick out a picture on the wall that spoke to our spirit. Mine was of the Bride in Intercession dressed in the most beautiful wedding gown ever, head bent in prayer, just like mine was this Sunday morning in the cleft. I want you to know that the sun rays were shining down on her in that picture just like you see in the picture above.
Can you see why I have goosebumps. He is so amazing. I have been asking Him to allow me to see His glory but man, I didn't expect such a demonstration! He continues to blow me away.

Favor All Day

2010-06-22T18:36:00.000-07:00

What a day I had yesterday. My friend Debbie prays for me daily and usually that I would find favor. Well she out did herself yesterday, or should I say God did. Our daughter Mel and Brett, our grandson came over and took Paw Paw out for Father's Day. That was fun in itself.
We came back and talked and shared. She and I decided to go to the nearby furniture consignment store but first we had to take our little dogs out. As I turned to come back in the house I noticed a package at the front door which looked about the size of something I was looking to come. Sure enough it was.
I tore into it and it was an exciting moment for both Mel and I. (I will tell you soon what it was!)
Then we went to the store and Mel found a water fountain she liked and purchased that. I had seen this table and chairs that I liked for the kitchen but the table was too big for my area. Well, wouldn't you know the lady said this butterflies down into the table to make it smaller. Wow! Just what I needed, one to size up or down according to the family needs, so I put it on hold and came home to measure. Perfect!
Now would be the question of whether to spend that much on it. Mel and I decided that the table could be the spring board of the new color I needed to paint the cabinets and the walls, after I tear the wallpaper down. Man, I am getting excited now.
After supper and getting Jimmy off to work I decided to ride to Home Goods store to buy a birthday gift for a friend and ran right in to my dear friend Nancy.
I told her I was praying for her ladies retreat this coming weekend and she said she had almost called me the night before to ask me to come along. Two of the ladies had canceled at the last. I said, "Are you serious?" She said yes, so I am now going to one of my favorite spots for the weekend and couldn't be happier.
Now as many times as I have shopped at that store I have NEVER seen Nancy there so of course we believe it was meant to be!!!!!
Then on the way home my daughter calls and says, "Mom, you better hold on to your pants cause Bryan, her husband has said he wants to buy you that table and chairs. Well, I am speechless and tears start trickling down my cheeks. Now that is favor. It is for my RETIREMENT (Did I tell you I am retiring???) Well I am, so he wanted to help me celebrate it. Now is that just too sweet or what. Made me feel very special and totally loved. So you see I didn't want the day to end. Mel finished our conversation with these words, "Think I'll get off the phone and call Debbie to pray for ME some favor!!! Ha! Look out Debbie, the word is out.

An evening with Cinderella

2010-06-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

Last night I took our grandaughters, Carolyn and Shelbi to see Cinderella in an outdoor theater in Lewisville, N.C. It had stormed just hours before and we were so afraid we were not going to get to go, but it cleared up and was a beautiful evening. We took our chairs and snacks and off we went.
Ashley was in the production and that made it even more special to the girls. We didn't get to get a picture with Cinderella but we got the King and Queen, the Fairy Godmother, and the stepsisters. That was a thrill to the girls but the greatest was taking Ashley home afterwards. They were able to get up in the carriage with her for a last snapshot too. That will have to go in the scrapbook. Ashley did a great job. We love you girl.
Maw Maw

A Place of Beauty and Rest

2010-06-07T18:51:00.000-07:00

We went to Lake James this weekend with some dear friends and had a great time. We did a lot of resting, talking, boating, tubing, and eating! The weather was just perfect and we were able to boat over to a resturant close by and have supper on Friday. We even beat the storm coming back. Thank you Lord!
Then we awoke to a breakfast of waffles and sausage and bacon. Wow, I didn't even have to prepare it. Thanks Frank, what a wonderful host you are. Then we went out tubing and relaxing in the boat. It was as much fun watching the others ride as it was riding.
We watched Blind Side together and fell in the bed late. The good thing was we were able to sleep late. We arose again to the smell of coffee and sausage frying up in the pan. Frank made us sausage gravy and eggs and biscuits. Wow, two mornings in a row. Can't beat that.
We all gathered to watch Charles Stanley as is our custom. He was great as usual but we were concerned because he was sitting down. Seems he hurt his knee. Hope it gets better soon.
We came home to reality as there was laundry to catch up on and floors to mop. Calls to make and emails to attend to. I had several family situations and a call from a young lady who is turning herself in tomorrow. There is a warrant out for her. She has been using crack. She will come to the office tomorrow so be praying as we share with her.
We praise God for His time outs along the way of life. He gave us rest to recharge us and put us back on the frontlines. His sunset was beautiful each evening. Hope you enjoy.

God's Divine Appointments

2010-06-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

Man, I can't believe it has been a week since I wrote. So much has gone on since then. Busy living life without time to sit down to write!
I have talked about Divine Appointments before but today was filled with them at work. My first patient took me an hour to interview because we couldn't stop sharing about what God had taught us in our journey with Him!
He is going through some health issues and wants to be crystal clear on God's direction for him. So refreshing.
I shared our need for men mentors at On Wings. We believe that the Lord orchatrated our time together today. His best friend actually told him to go ahead with his plans to have the surgery because he believed he was going to meet someone or be a witness to someone through the experience. God knew our need and I believe crossed our paths for His own purposes.
There have been times I have met people with the same impression and then nothing ever panned out but I believe it will with this young man because our spirits were in tune, for such a time as this. I believe I knew his heart and he knew mine before we left that hour of appointed time. Now we wait to see how God will work through it all.
Then this afternoon I talked with two young ladies about their faith, the last being a mother of a young lady who is incarcerated. She, like me, has been through years of heartache. Our hearts connected right away and I hope to meet with her in the future.
Wow, Wow, and Wow again. God is so awesome to bring people across our paths that so inspire and energize our faith. I remember Henry Blackaby's words so many years ago, "Watch to see where God is working and join Him." I am amazed at His workings. Makes me excited to get up each morning to see what He has in store for me.
Remember to always be on the look out for your divine appointments.
Sandra

A Visit to the Youth Detention Center

2010-05-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

A couple of friends had been going to our local youth detention center and I told them that I wanted to go sometime. They went today and had invited me, but it was to be at 3:00 and I was working till 5:00. I told them that if I was to go God would have to orchastrate it cause I couldn't get off otherwise. They were taking mother's who had either been incarcerated or had had children incarcerated. Well, as only He can do I got off just in time to make my way down to the center. Isn't He amazing.
So I figured ok Lord you wanted me to go now give me something to say that will touch the heart of these kids.
As they filed in I began to watch them and their demeanor. Some had those inquizitive looks, some horsing around, but the ones who got my attention were the ones who look as if they had NO life in their eyes, no hope of change, no hope of a future, and no love in their hearts. Those are the faces that will haunt me. I wish I had had more time with them. Lord use the hour we had with them to make a difference in their lives. I pray they will hear the voices of each mother as they go back to their homes. Some gave testimony that Mom was in jail, they didn't know Mom or Dad. Man, how would that feel? Some go back into the same environments and they recyle around and around. One boy had come in NINE times!
They shared their hopes and dreams of being an electrical engineer, a football player, or a basketball player. What happens when they go back into an environment where they have no demonstration of love? Please pray for these young men.
Sandra

Amazing Spring Retreat

2010-05-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

Our Spring Retreat for our Mother's was totally AMAZING. We had rain off and on but that didn't dampen our spirits. The sun would break out ever so often which allowed some of us to go up on the mountain, some by the firepit, some on the rocks right in the middle of the roaring brook, and some on the porch. Wherever we found ourselves God was in our midst and He spoke to each heart as He would like. We were all open and ready to recieve from our spirits as His Holy Spirit spoke and renewed and restored us each one.
The most comforting thing was to be able to share our pain, shame, and deep hurts and struggles in company of like Mother's. There was no shame in the group as we shared how hard it is to open up and be honest in front of those who "seem" to have it all together, with kids doing just the right things.
One of the women didn't know what to expect because she had never been to a Retreat. Man, did God ever do a work in her life as she shared. I know it won't be her last retreat!
God provided every need we had and then some. We had awesome food prepared by a new found friend who has lots of energy and passion to serve. What a chef! I could not have done it without her willing spirit and provision. We were not only fed spiritually but gorgeously fed by her hand as she "washed our feet" with her servants heart.
Thank you to all who prayed for each lady in attendance. It was truly a blessing. Now I will not share any more till we get our blog updated and rejuvanated. My dear friend Nancy has agreed to help me with that. Stayed tuned!

Sandra

Brett's Preschool Graduation

2010-05-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

We went to our oldest grandson's graduation the other night. We had a big time watching all the kids go on stage and sing and do the cutest things. Course we had eyes for one little fellow with our camera's focused on his every movement. He was the best of all you know. He has a way of making some of the strangest faces when he knows he is the center of attention and he certainly was that night with Mom and Dad, Maw Maw and Paw Paw, Grandaddy and Grammie and Grandma in attendance. He was in hog heaven. He likes it when it is ALL about him.
We then went out to dinner and had a big time laughing and sharing for a while longer. It is hard to believe that he is five and will be going into kindergarten next year. Seems like he was just born in many ways. I wonder where he will take us in the years to come. Melissa says right now it is his goal to make people laugh! He has played soccer two years and has decided that he is done with that. He wants to play golf. The next Nicholas? (I hesitated to say Tiger Woods).
We are so proud of you Brett. You are soooooooooo smart and God made you so special to us. You bring a lot of joy to us. Thank you for the picture. I have it framed and hanging in my office right where I can see it often. It so goes with my colors (sorry Mel).
Love Maw Maw

Vacation by the Sea

2010-05-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

Jimmy and I got away for a few days to the beach, right by ourselves. We forget every May which weej is bikers week. You guessed it, we were surrounded but not as much as last year. The bikers were more down south and Murrells Inlet where we went to dine on the most fabulous sauteed shrimp in the world at Drunken Jacks. What a fabulous salad bar and a great view. We should have split a plate, but no we never remember till we are so stuffed we can hardly get up from the table. Oh well, it's only once a year, right?
Jimmy got sick right off the bat. We ate at my favorite for dinner on Mother's Day, Bonefish. Now I know we have one here but the first one we ever ate at was at the beach and after all, it was Mother's Day, my choice right? We had a coupon which made it all the better. Course we topped it off with key lime pie. I took it home and had two servings from it. Makes my mouth water to think of it.
Anyway, Jimmy had gone to the couch (cause of his snoring) and came back to bed shivering. I thought he had just gotten cold, but the shivering didn't stop and he said he felt like a dog. He ended up in the bed all morning. I went on out to enjoy the beach and he joined me before long. Don't know what the deal was but he was all better. I couldn't believe he was sick on the first day of vacation. I had called and asked our daughter Melissa to pray so I believe she will get my next request as needed,cause it worked.
We did a lot of resting and a little shopping. It was cooler than normal but I am grateful cause even though I stayed pretty much covered up my feet got sunburned a bit.
I am beginning to understand my parents desire to be in their own bed. I could hardly get out of bed by the second morning and began having spasms in my back. We laughed that things sure had changed since we had been there together the first time on our honeymoon 40 years before! Ha! Sure was glad to be back in our bed at home,but the back continues to be an issue, even after a massage. I had had a gift certificate left from 2 years ago and another one from last September that a friend had given me so I put them both together and totally enjoyed. Thanks Melissa and Cindy.
Melissa had give me a generous gift certificate two years ago. I had used it once already and had some dollars left on it. I kept saving it and it is amazing it hadn't expired on me. Now that would have made me mad! I remember reading something Erma Bombeck had written years ago about the foolishness of saving things to use or wear hoping to use them ONE day only to get the diagnosis of some dreaded disease and then die only to have our kids sell it at a yard sale, or throw it in the trash. Why do we save things and not use them. Now that is another whole subject.
Our time away didn't last long enough but that's the way it goes. We look so forward to our get away only to have it come and go often before we blink! Praise God we were able to get away and enjoy our time together. It was great! So nice to sit and read right by the ocean and listen to the song of the ocean as it came and went. Neat to dig in the sand with our toes and walk and watch the sea gulls and dodge dead jelly fish and all that goes with the scenery.
Sandra

Sandra

Clean Up Day

2010-05-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

Melissa came over to help me clean up and organize my home office the other day. I had been putting off the dreaded task because it was quite overwhelming. We worked five hours and still didn't get it all done. She suggested I get a cabinet with bins to store some of my things. I put my little desk downstairs which made room for it. I cleaned the windows and the blinds (only room in the house so far with clean windows). I have been so involved with other projects that I hadn't gotten around to doing much cleaning. It has inspired me to go one room at a time. By the time I get around the whole house it will be time to start all over.
Melissa suggested I get green bins. I have tomato red walls and white bookcases so the green really makes it pop. I am quite pleased. I still have to sort through some papers and books so I have placed them temporarily back in the closet floor, but Melissa organized the closet shelf in the wonderful plastic bins I had gotten. I have all my wrapping paper, bags, and bows stored away. It was nice to go in today and actually find bags for my Mother's Day gifts. Now the key is not to let it get in that shape again,right?
I would like to now have my quiet time in my clean, organized office but my little dog, Domino lays with me on the couch in the den with her head on her paws each morning. I would have to get her use to being on the floor. Now that is a novel idea! She is so cute as she has her quiet time with me. She knows it is our routine. Of course with the nice weather I like to go out on the porch in the mornings. Now that brings up another area that needs some spring cleaning. I get the pollen wiped off and then kaboom, it is back again. Since the family is coming over tomorrow I guess I better get it cleaned off.
Man I don't know about you but I don't seem to ever get it all done anymore.
I need to also be out in the yard pulling weeds. Jimmy and I walked around and spraying weeds this afternoon and also poison ivy. I had gotten into it a few weeks ago and it took me up to now to get rid of all the patches. It was a buger this time.
I am most grateful to Melissa for helping me. I would have never gotten it accomplished! I owe her big time! She is better about throwing things out than I am. I am a pack rat. Not a hoarder but a pack rat. Have you seen those programs with the hoaders. Hope I never get that bad. It is too sad. Makes me feel better about my mess.

An early morning call

2010-04-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

I was preparing for work this morning when the phone rang. I went to pick it up and saw it was my husband Jimmy. He explained that he had been involved in an accident. See he was coming home from his job after working 12 hours all night. A lady had run a stop light and he had plowed right into her. He was driving his big truck and she was in a small Toyota sooooooooooo guess who got the worse of that. They were both okay but Jimmy was complaining of a shoulder injury. I told him to go to our family Dr. to make sure it was okay and he checked out fine.
Jimmy's fellow Detention Officiers were right along behind him and they had stopped to help. I can just imagine the thoughts of this young lady with all these guys in sherriff uniforms surrounding her. She got out of the car confessing. Bless her!
As I called our children to report to them that Dad had had an accident but was okay, Melissa said, "What's wrong Mom". Poor thing has gotten calls so many times with bad news she knew that an early morning call could not be good.
As I looked at my phone I had gotten an email from Sylvia Gunter who has written many prayer books and in bold type it said, THE BATTLE IS THE LORD'S. I had had this same scripture when our son attempted suicide. Stand still and see the deliverance of the Lord. WOW!
Jimmy encouraged me to go on to work and his friend would take him home as he lived in Clemmons. God had already given me peace and I knew He was in control so I did go on to work and everything worked out fine.
Our grandson Brett, was very upset about Papa and he and Melissa are coming to visit tomorrow and Brett wants to bring Papa a card. He is so sweet.
The truck was banged up pretty good but is fixable. It was Jimmy's Dad's truck and he has protected it for 10 years since his Dad's death. I knew it hurt his heart to wreck it but he took it well.
We are so grateful that no one was hurt and that God once again protected. We praise Him as our strong fortress and Mighty Warrior.

A Teachable Moment

2010-04-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

I had promised our grandaughters that they could pick out a ring they had seen at Lifeway when their birthdays arrived. Due to schedules we were not able to get there till this past weekend. We had our almost two year old grandson with us when we went. He had a big time playing hide and seek with Papa. Then he saw a Veggie Tales lunch box on the shelf. He attached himself to it and when his sister tries to take it away he cries out, "Mine". Well you guessed it, we came home with a Veggie Tale's lunchbox!
On his way out the door he saw a stuffed dog and picked it up and put it under his arm and headed towards the door. This time we had to use it as a teaching moment and explain to him that he couldn't take it with him. He was so cute but he has to learn he can't have everything he wants, right? Not even from Mama and Papa.
When we got home from church on Sunday he took the lunch box to bed with him. Don't know how long he will be attached but it is cute for the moment. So cute, who can resist that little boy. He loves to call for mama and papa. Most times he says mama papa like it is one name. What a boy. We love being grandparents. They are all so special and have brought such pleasure to our lives.

Insecurities and Change

2010-04-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

Man, what a powerful time with Beth, family, and friends yesterday. I am so happy my daughter, and daughter in law to be were able to attend. I have not finished her book as yet but I am learning more about my insecurities. God has given me two straight weekends of retreats and instruction. I feel very blessed that He has allowed me to come aside for Him to do new works in me. It was a powerful time of worship (Congratulations to Travis for his Dove Award). I pray I will learn how to deal with my insecurities as the Lord comes in and works on my heart.
Last week He told me to be content with who I am, this week He instructed me to lay down my insecurities. I look forward to new adventures with Him as He continues to make the changes in me He needs to.
I sense there are many changes coming. I know God is changing family relationships and bringing healing, for which I am most grateful. I am not one who normally likes change but I know He means it all for my good. Sometimes we get stagnant with things the way they have always been so He comes in and shakes it up a bit. We might not like it at first but then we can often see that the change was all good. Often times it gives us new freedom.
Just like the change with my computer. It took me about an hour on the phone with the technician today but now I am hooked up to Hi speed and I am sitting in my bed writing tonight. I will be able to go out on my porch now and downstairs in the basement. How cool is that! See I had resisted that change for so long but now that it is hooked up I can get better service all over the house. Loving it.
So I am learning to be more content with other changes in my life. It is not easy but we make our way through and with God's help we are able to "go with the flow" as my husband likes to say. It is much easier to go with the natural flow and direction then to try to swim upstream against it. I am learning to get excited about where the journey with take me.
Sandra

Quality Time

2010-04-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

I called up my Dad to ask if he could help me put a cabinet together yesterday. He can do anything. I use to think so as a little girl and I haven't changed my mind. He was available so I went over and wouldn't you know they didn't put the right board in. I am so glad I didn't start the project on my own. I had opened the box and closed it back up cause it had too many pieces. Thank goodness my Dad had a drill and was able to make the holes that were needed to get it all together. Otherwise I would have had to take apart what we had done, stick it back in the box (or try), and then return it only to begin the process over. I wouldn't have been a happy camper.
Our son, Rob and grandson Kane, went over before I got there and helped Grandaddy move some boards that were laying on his grass. Kane swung with Grammie.
My daughter, Melissa, is coming over next weekend to help me sort through my home office and reorganize. The shelf will go in there. For some reason she thinks I shouldn't have things sitting around all over the floor. She thinks it will look better in a shelf with pretty little bins :). I think I agree.
I can't wait to get it all fixed and "Cute".
So you see I am spending quality time with those I love while getting things accomplished. After putting the shelf together we went to a seafood restaurant to eat. We hadn't been to that particular one in a while and it was sooooooooo good. Could have been cause I hadn't eaten lunch!
Now I will have to think of some way to repay all the favors I am recieving, huh? Melissa and I will probably go out to eat afterwards also. That girl can eat! She is precious to want to help her ole Mom. Ole, not old.
Jimmy and I spent quality time this week putting out rocks and stepping stones in the garden. It about broke our backs but it does look nice. We have more to do. It has been a desire of mine to put rock at the driveway drain pipe. It looked so bare and ugly. We got one side about done. We both came in and crashed afterwards.
Why am I telling you all this? I don't know, just chatting. It is a lot more fun doing a project with helpers. We about got ALL the family involed in helping each other this week.
Have a great day.
Sandra

The Potters house

2010-04-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

I was invited to the Potter's House for a ladies retreat using God Guides. Our scripture passage was from, Jeremiah 18:2, " Go up to the Potters House, and I will give you a message. So I went up to the Potters house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him".

Well my mind focused on, "I will give you my message".That was enough to send me running as fast as I could to the Potters House. Nancy owns this property and man is it ever full of God's glory. Such beauty, such peace, such respite from the world.

One of the days we were on our own for a rest time and I chose to go off by myself right in the middle of the roaring brook. When you are there you feel like you are the only one there with God. That is where He talks and talks.
I could hardly write His words down fast enough. Some of it was private, just for me and some I can share but man did He speak.
My passage was from I Peter 5:6-8, "So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God. He is most careful with you." I had written beside the passage, The Message, cause I was reading the Message translation. Then I reread it and saw MESSAGE beside it and though bum, this is His message, this is what He wanted to bring me to the Potters House to tell me. WOW! I can't explain to you how free I felt as I left that place of solace. I have never been really content with who I am. He is teaching me over and over and I am loving it.
I had divine appointments both before and at the retreat. I believe God absolutely set me free from many things that bound me and had hurt me. He took it all away. I even did an art project that I discovered helped to identify some painful issues. They came out and Thank God Almighty I am free at last. Free to see what He has for me, free to experience new adventures, free to experience new relationships, free to restore and heal old relationships, FREE TO BE ME! What will that look like, better look out cause I don't know but I am ready!!!!! (Hope it will be better than the OLD me).
He has put a NEW SONG in my mouth and I pray He will give me wholehearted devotion to Him. I pray He has purged me of critical attitudes, and a gumbling spirit. All I know is I put my old heart in the firepit and He burned it up. Will I still have challenges......you know I will but it was an awesome time with Him and I loved it.

I got home and was talking to my Mother and she even told me I was a JEWEL!.. Amazing. Thank you Lord.
He thinks I am ok just like I am......Amazing.

Sandra

Spring, Did I say it is my favorite season????

2010-04-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

How is it you forget from year to year the things you don't really like about the season. I was reminded this weekend, actually last week: When the tornadoes ripped through, when I had to start pulling weeds and cutting back dead limbs, when pollen covered my car and they reported it was the worse ever this year,when I pulled up old flowers and then suffered with poison oak all over my arms, hands, and some on my face. Ugh! I can look at the stuff and zap----I develop skin blisters and boil like areas! I started right away putting my cream on them but they really got bad this time. I feel like scratching them but know better.
One area really got bad and looked like a boil and hurt and got real inflammed. I thought, Wow, how did Job feel when he had boils all over. Job 2:7,"So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD, and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. And he took for himself a potsherd with which to scrape himself while he sat in the midst of the ashes." His friends didn't recognize him and kept silent for a week because his agony was so great.
Oh my goodness, puts it all in perspective, right? From the sole of his feet to the crown of his head. Man, I cannot even imagine. My worse area is between my fingers. Can you imagine scrabbing these sores and blisters with a potsherd? Ouch?
So there you go, this is nothing. It will all be gone in a few days. Yes, it looks gross but I think I can endure it. (Just hope my patients can tomorrow).
I just go in apologizing and telling them it is not contagious! "Yeah right," they say.
By the way, I think the devil planted that old stuff right where he knew I would dig, what do you think? Watch out my friend, he might just be out to get you too! :-)

Sandra

He is High and Lifted up

2010-04-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

Man what a glorious day in the Lord as we sang praises to His name. He is high and lifted up, He is King, He is Saviour, He is worthy of our praise. Man, we sang to the rooftops today, how about you. Melissa shared with me that she lifted her hands with abandonment at her church today as Newsong sang. Hallelujah. Spontaneous worship. He couldn't be more pleased! Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there's just something about that name. It demands our praise.
Our son and his family came to worship with us today and then we headed on to our daughter's for food and fellowship. We were a little rowdy and loud but that is just the way it is. We like it that way. There have been times we have not been able to celebrate all the family so we enjoy it when we can.
The kids had a ball hiding easter eggs and finding them. Even little Kane at under age 2 was learning the process and having a big time. So much fun to see the wonderment of the little ones and join in their little world. It is often more fun than ours!!!
It is great to see all four of them having fun together and hearing the laughter and sqeals of excitement as they find their eggs and open their baskets. Are they a little spoiled, yes, but isn't that the way it is suppose to be.
Our twin grandaughters turned 10 yesterday. Can't believe it. Seems like yesterday they had those two little bald, bobbing heads. None of us could tell them apart.
I hope you had a great time in the Lord today and then with your family. If some of your family members were missing from your celebration I prayed for you today. I know the pain of having that empty seat. Paw Paw had to miss today because he was working this weekend. He was sorely missed.
Praise God, Jesus is risen. May we all live in His resurrection power. Be happy in the Lord to day and everyday.
Sandra

Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him

2010-04-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

God had taken me to this passage from Job 13:15 yesterday. I thought, okay what does this mean Lord. Our son had been having stomach pain and they were doing an endoscopy yesterday. Did it mean I would recieve bad news, what?
We actually had some emotional battles to work through and I kept remembering, Yet I will trust Him!
This morning I went to Job 13:20-22. Job asked God to end his pain and stop frightening him with such terrors. In 14:1-12--Job embraced the fact of God's control over the issues of life but challenged their meaning. Job asked God for a little grace instead of such intense judgement and a little rest from the pain.
Psalm 56:3, Confidence in the Lord is a purposeful decision, replacing an emotional reaction to one's circumstances. Anguish is intensified by increasing harrassment in vs. 5. 56:8, David asked God to keep a remembrance of all his sufferings, so that God would eventually vindicate him. 57:1, I will make my refuge in the shadow of Your wings. When life becomes bizarre only ones relationship with his God calms the soul. (All these notes taken from John MacArthurs Bible commentary.
Isn't He good to keep us focused and trusting Him. What in the world would I do without Him who is my counselor, my guide, my Bride-Groom Lover.

Even though He slay me, yet will I trust Him! Amen and amen. He has proved Himself faithful over and over. I love Him so.
Sandra

God-talk without God-acts

2010-03-30T18:02:00.000-07:00

"Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup----where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?" James 2:14-17 The Message.
I read this passage on Saturday morning as I sat at Starbucks eating breakfast and having a cup of coffee. I was headed to our office for our workday. I also read James 2, "If a man enters your church wearing an expensive suit, and a street person wearing rags comes in right after him, and you say to the man in the suit, "Sit here, sir, this is the best seat in the house!" and either ignore the street person or say, "Better sit here in the back row," haven't you segregated God's children and proved that you are judges who can't be trusted? Listen, dear friends. Isn't it clear by now that God operates quite differently? He chose the world's down-and-out as the kingdom's first citizens, with full rights and priveleges."
Well as soon as I drove up to our office and got out of the car I was put to the test! What do you think came to mind....the above passage. It was like God was saying okay Sandra what are you going to do...go in and avoid this street person who is asking for something to eat or but your God-talk into God-action.
I don't even think this lady was telling me the whole truth but you know what, that didn't matter. She was hungry so we walked to the corner diner and she got her food. Guess what, as I offered to pay the owner waved me on....I believe she had been in before and he knew the situation. God Bless his soul he provided the food.
Now this was a true example of God preparing me for what I was about to face that day. He is so into us isn't He. He gives us opportunities to put our faith into action. I love His word and I pray you do too!
As I walked back to the office I then had two of our support group attendees come in to help us move a cabinet in, clean the office, the outside windows,put together a shelf, and sort clothes. Quite a profitable day.
Two ladies also put scripture verses on candy bars to be distributed at the coming Hope on the Inside event. The inmates will recieve a goodie bag with several items in it. Thank you Lord for allowing us to be involved in some same way.

Sandra

Fishers of Men

2010-03-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

My orthodonists likes to tease me about my not being at church. He was the one not coming so much but he would get on me first because he knew I would ask him where he had been! That's been 12 years ago but he still harasses me about it. Now we go to different locations so we really can't keep tabs on each other.
Today while there he said why weren't you in church yesterday, were you fishing? My response was, "I fish everyday, for men." I thought about it afterwards and I pray that I am consistent with my fishing each day. My friend gave me the passage in Luke 5 recently about Jesus instructing Peter to take the boat out and lower down the nets again. Peter did but he told Jesus he had been fishing all day and caught nothing, but he obeyed Jesus as He told him to launch out into the deep. Are we willing to launch out at the call of Jesus?
Don't we often feel that our fishing produces no results? But Jesus said to lower the nets and he caught so many fish he had to call for help to pull them in.
That is what I want to see...many coming to Jesus as I share daily.
Often times we don't see the results we want to and we tend to get weary of putting out the net but if only one is brought in that is encouraging. Keep fishing my friend, and leave the results to Him. Choose obedience to Him and take your boat out deeper as He directs. He will tell you when, where and what to do as you fish.
Sandra

Do as I say, not as I do!

2010-03-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

I use to harp at my children to keep that retainer in because their teeth would move and they would be back at square one. Both of them experienced that my warning was right! Both of them had to get braces again in their adult life. You say aha, I told you so.
Well, guess who found themselves almost in the same boat. Yes, me! I didn't wear my retainer for a while and when my teeth began to shift and get out of order I tried to get the retainers in but.... no can do. I got the bottom one in but was unable to get the top one to work. So, off I went to the orthodonist to see what I needed to do before I too found myself with braces. Praise the Lord a new retainer could be made and I was able to prevent the same ordeal my children have. Goes to show, you need to practice what you preach, right?
I went today to receive the new retainer and as my friendly orthodonists attempted to adjust it, he broke the wire! Man, they just don't make things the way they use to do they. It couldn't have been his frustration with the subject matter we were discussing (healthcare) could it? Next time I go I think I will talk about something less controversial, like grandchildren or something.
Think I will learn a big lesson from this: WEAR THAT RETAINER! Do what you preach to others because believe me it is a costly mistake when you don't. When will I learn Lord. You try to teach me daily but I tend to procrastinate till it is painful and costly process to get back to do what I know You desire me to do spiritually speaking.
In order to look like You I must apply Your (retainer) principles daily. When I don't I pay the price and my life gets out of order and I am not pleased with what I see. Thank You for the reminders You give us to get our spiritual lives in order before You have to pull us in with stronger (brackets and wires) means. May I remember to apply the retainer of Your Word to my life daily.

Sandra

The winter is past and spring has come

2010-03-19T17:46:00.000-07:00

"My beloved, spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle dove is heard in our land; the fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away" (SOS 2:10-13).
I took the time to sit on the screened in porch and on the front porch for a time tonight. After getting my husband off to work I had a little time to just sit and take in the sights and smells of the nearing spring time. I watched the birds, heard them singing, pulled back some pinestraw to let the budding bush pop through. I especially enjoyed the gathering of two doves as they played together and flew into the nearby trees where I believe they had their nests. I am very attuned to the sound of the dove! I am always drawn back to this passage in my mind out of the Song of Solomon. So I got out my Watchman Nee SOS commentary and reviewed the material. It is one of my favorite books.
Someone had recently talked about the winter season in their marriage and I wanted to share this writing with you all. We have had a hard winter and it makes springtime all the more precious.
I will quote from the book: "Since the Lord now calls her to come away with Him, He sets before her all of past experience and the facts which are before her eyes."The winter is past." Winter is gloomy and cold and not conducive to growth. It represents a time of testing in which there is little to cheer about. In other words, the Lord has already conducted her safely through the experieinces of various trials of coldness, darkness, and seeming death. It was He who manifestly brought her through these trials and used His living presence to make her forget them all. Therefore "the winter is past."
"the rain is over and gone." The rain here is not the refreshing rain of springtime but that rain which, because of a cold atmosphere, turns into hail or snow. The winter rain can shut you in and make it impossible for you to accomplish any kind of work. In addressing her at this stage the Lord is saying in effect: "those many testings and trials are now all behind you because of your living sense of My abiding presence."
The reference to flowers, birds, turtle-doves, and so on are an appeal by the Lord to His loved one to stand on resurrection ground. Springtime means more than death, it means resurrection life. Flowers are adornments of beauty. Birds represent the voice of happy song.
"The vines with the tender grape give a good smell." We must notice that the vines here are in blossom, and thus they indicate that the life of the believer at this stage gives forth fragrance and shows promise of very much fruitfulness. Fruitage is assured because the vine blossom comes after the young fruit appears".

Wow! That is a lot to take in. Once you have been through the winter of trials and struggle you move up to a new level spiritually and then is seen the fruit coming from your life. God has a purpose in ALL our winters. Yes, we enjoy the springtime but it is in our winters that we learn to abide in His presence and come forth with His fragrance into His RESURECTION! Praise Him today. Praise Him even while you are in the middle of your winter. Now that is faith! When we wait to praise Him after the storm, it saddens Him. I pray you will learn what He has for you in your winter so that you will be fruitful and multiply.

God bless,

Sandra

Pooped

2010-03-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely pooped tonight. I had all intentions of coming home from work, cooking supper, and doing a little yard work! I couldn't get up from the chair. I just cleaned up our dishes and typed something for our inmate newsletter and think I will relax and get to bed early. I work tomorrow and will have grandkids for the weekend. Not sure when the yard will get presentable. My house needs some attention also. Too tired to think about it all tonight. Maybe I will have more energy tomorrow.
My thyroid is out of whack so I am blaming my tiredness on that. Couldn't be the age, right? I have patients who come in and were born the year I graduated from High School, now that slams it right in your face:). I am just grateful I have made it this far. God has been gracious to allow me good health to this point and I am reminded of that each day I take care of many with so many health problems.
Be thankful in all things, right?
I sent a verse to my friend Debbie today that God took me to this morning, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the ordeal that has come to test you...you are sharing what Christ suffered; so rejoice in it"! My oh my, I know I will never suffer what my Lord did as He took my ugly sin upon Himself. He was beaten for my trangressions. That always brings tears to my eyes as I envision them beating Him beyond recognition. Nothing I ever go through or do could ever repay Him for His love and sacrifice for me. I am so in love with Him.

Night, night!

Sandra

My mother is 80 today

2010-03-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

Where do the years go? I cannot believe that my mother is 80, nor that I am 60+! I use to think my parents were so ancient at 60. I don't feel ancient, old some days but not ancient. Most days I can usually go with the best of them, some days not.
Our family had a surprise birthday party for my mother Sunday, and we surprised her sucessfully. It was fun to see her enjoying her special day with family and friends who came by. Her cake was beautiful. No other cake will do for that special occasion except the ones they bake and decorate at Ketchie Creek Bakery. It had green and pink dots with a big green bow on the top. Beautiful and oh so good! She was blessed to have her four great grand-children running around and giving her hugs and kisses. Makes me wonder if I will have that privelege of seeing my grandchildrens children born. Now wouldn't that be cool!
The sad thing was that many of her family who are older than she, were not able to come due to physical limitations and issues like Alzheimers and memory loss. It is so hard to see my family members aging. As I wrote each name out for Melissa to send an invitation to I took a trip down memory lane as I remembered how each one of them had contributed to my life. I must remember to express my thanks and love to them because none of us knows the hour our Lord will call us home. It is a reminder to me how fast the time is flying.
I remember staying at my Aunt Bernices house for a short season and how much I loved my Uncle Junior who was her husband who passed away years ago with cancer.
I remembered the Christmas's at her house and my Aunt Jean's houses as we all gathered to eat and exchange gifts and be with our grandmother when I was a young girl. I remembered my cousins who I rarely got to see because we always lived far from them. That made the time together that much more precious. Since I didn't have brothers or sisters I pretended they were mine.
I appreciate the fact that my folks are still in good health and able to take care of each other at this point. I praise the Father for their good health and that they are near by. They were in other cities for the majority of my married life so it is nice to have them near by. We don't see each other every day or sometimes every week but we chat and visit as our schedules allow.
I thank the Father who gave me friends who are part of our little family and come to share in special occasions like Sunday. They made themselves at home and began to help clean up the dishes. I love having friends like that who are more like sisters.
I have so much to praise the Father for. He has taught me so much through all my friends and family. I love each and every one of them. Lord remind me to tell them often how much they mean to me and how their lives have blessed me.
Thank you for my parents long life and their influence in my life over the years. For their teaching, praying, encouragement and support over some very hard years. What would I have done without their support, advice, and listening ear. Thank You for allowing my mother 80 years of life!
Sandra

Diary of a mad black woman

2010-03-11T17:29:00.000-08:00

Did you see the movie? Well yesterday I met her face to face. I walked into the room and I knew this woman was angry. Then I saw her pull out her new testament and her journal. A question I asked her brought tears to her eyes. At the point I knew it was okay to say, "I sense your spirit is troubled." At that point it all poured out....all that she was going through. She was angry and hurt and rejected and had been "stoned" by her church body. I let her share her anger and sorrow for a half hour.
It was much like the man I talked to several years ago who questioned each thing I had to do like weighing him, taking his BP "again" and asking questions about his health. I finally asked him, "why are you so angry". It was like watching a pressure cooker being released. He poured out his heart and his pain as his tears began to roll down his cheeks. He had found a listening ear. I was just glad he didn't punch me in the process!
There are some hurting folks out there who are just looking for someone to share with, to give them some encouragement and the will to keep going. This lady kept saying she had gotten her eyes off Jesus. It was clear that she was refocusing on Him and burying her nose in the pages of His Word. I had often found myself in that position so I recognized her plight.
As I left we hugged and I believe she felt finally as if someone cared about her. God gave us that time together. I praise Him for His love for her that He would place us in a room together to share once again. You see as I looked back on her old chart I had been the one to see her before. She remembered that. Was it a coincidence that this nurse 2 years later would be the one to interview her yesterday out of 50 patients that came in? I think not! He had a plan. I am just priveleged to be a small part of what He was doing in her life yesterday. Praise Him.
Today I got an email from a patient who shared with me last week. He was coming in to have a mass removed. It was thought to be a fatty tissue, no big deal. Tonight I recieved an email it was cancer. He will be back next week. His surgeon was his old high school buddy. I have been praying for that surgeon. Could it be he may have an impact on him as he walks through this journey of cancer? Do you think?????
Life is exciting my friends. Always wake up with expectation to watch what God is doing in lives and He just might let you be a part of it. What a privelege to serve Him. I am crazy about Him.

Sandra

Endurance

2010-03-10T16:34:00.000-08:00

Our son has been sick for the past couple of weeks. At first they thought it was just a virus. They gave him fluids in the ED and sent him home to rest with phenergan. He has no insurance so they had him and in and out in the matter of an hour and a half. He continues to have N&V with stomach pain. He went back to the family Dr. last week and they took him off his medication thinking that that was what was causing it. He is to wait 10 days and if no better he will do further testing. The first couple of days were better but since that time he has continued to be sick. Now as his mother I want an answer right? God has given me peace, but I am very concerned about this physical illness. It incapacitates him most days. I am trying to be patient and let him deal with the situation but it is tough. My Dad had lymphoma of the stomach and that of course is something I think of with the continued bout of stomach distress.
There are lots of stresses in his life right now with the threat of losing the family dwelling place due to some poor decisions by other family members. Therefore, it is a stress for my husband and I.
On top of that work is hard right now, but I know God has me there for His purposes for now. On Wings is growing and the demands are great for outreaches and administrative issues. I love it and would love to be full time but God has not opened that door as yet.
I must admit that I have moments of oppression and we know from whence that comes don't we. He seems to come at us when we are physically weak and weary. I was that way on Monday as I could not shake the sense of oppression. Have you ever been in a place you didn't feel you could even smile? Seems when I am preparing for ministry meetings and so forth it hits me hardess. Most days I can get through it but some days are very hard!
I woke up at 3 am and could not go back to sleep. I begged God to give me just a little more rest before the alarm went off at 5:30. He did. When I met with Him at our appointed spot He took me to the following:
2 Corinthians 4:1-Don't lose heart....a strong Greek term which refers to abandoning oneself to cowardly surrender. That was not how Paul responded to the continual attacks he faced. The task of ministering the New Covenant was too noble to lose heart over. Since God had called him to proclaim it, Paul could not abandon his calling. Instead he trusted God to strengthen him. These were the footnotes.
So there you go. What we are doing at On Wings is too important, too noble to lose heart over.
vv.17-18-Paul took no pleasure in the pain itself, but rejoiced in the power of Christ that it revealed through him! The greater the suffering, the greater would be his eternal glory.
Endurance is basd on ones ability to look beyond the physical to the spiritual; beyond the present to the future, and beyond the visible to the invisible. (All footnotes from John McArthur's Bible).
I love it when God takes me in Bible meditation from one passage to another. It was exciting to hear His encouragement to me this morning. Because He met with me I was able then to pour out to a patient who came in broken and angry in spirit. God gave me boldness to tell her I sensed her spirit was troubled. For 30 minutes she poured out her heart to me. If I had not met with my Father this morning I would not have been armed for His assignment for me. That is what gets me up each morning. That is what makes me eager to get to that quiet spot in the wee hours while it is quiet. I hope you make the time to meet with Him. I love Him so.

Sandra

What a Day

2010-03-02T17:20:00.000-08:00

I got up early today and went to a community meeting. From there I went to the office, pulled up at the front door, unloaded the car and went to park. As I went up to the office there was my faithful helper, Barbara, regular as clock work. She is always eager for her assignment and today was full of projects and needs.
As I was making a promised phone call my 10:30 appointment arrived. I welcomed her and we sat down to share over a cup of coffee. Oh I believe God has some marvelous plans as this lady joins us in ministry! I am excited!
My 12 noon appointment (a hurting mother with two prodigals) arrived early so the first lady excused herself and agreed to stay and watch the office and sort some clothes for me in preparation for our Family Outreach to begin on Saturday. We are inviting families of inmates to stop by to visit our office and recieve any kind of support we can as the Lord leads us.
My passage the other day talked about lauching out into the deep. Well today I feel like the deep is overwhelming me, but my friend reminds me that Jesus is in the boat with me as I launch out. I am not alone.
It began snowing as I made my way home. I forgot about the errands I needed to do because the snow was really peppering down and seemed to be sticking. I came home, got a bite to eat and was headed to my next appointment of the day when I got a phone call from my dear friend to stay home. We spent 99 minutes on the phone in marvelous conversation over the passage in Luke 5:1-15. I hold on to each word of wisdom this "Spiritual Mother" shares with me.
Since that time I have prepared dinner, gotten my husband off to work, and sat down at the computer to answer emails, tend to projects awaiting me, and speak to you
So as my day comes to an end and I prepare for rest and work tomorrow, I will go and meditate on what we shared and ask the Father to educate me, revealing His direction to me for the coming days.
Isn't God good to allow us to be involved in small ways the way He is working in huge ways in the lives of those He brings our way. Glory to Him.
Lord help me to rest and be refreshed for the adventures you have for me tomorrow.
Sandra

A Beautiful Day with my Beautiful Daughter

2010-03-01T16:33:00.000-08:00

I got up earlier this morning to prepare to have an adventure with my daughter today! We were going to Mocksville to pick out a beautiful cake for my mother's 80th birthday. Now that is a milestone! We were planning all the way there how we might design the cake and the many things we would need to do in preparation for our surprise! We were like 2 schoolgirls. It hit me that I am so blessed to have that kind of relationship with my daughter. She is not only my daughter but a very dear friend and confidant. I like that. I cherish that.
We talked about some of her insecurities of the past (reading Beth Moore's book on Insecurities you see)and how she didn't feel accepted by others in school. Some made fun of her because of teeth, acne and other mean things. Let me at them... She shared how she didn't really tell me about those things at the time.
I expressed to her how beautiful she is. She didn't seem to except that but those of you who know my daughter know how beautiful she is both in and out. She truly is. Such a sweet spirit and a loving, caring, generous heart. I realize I haven't always told her how I felt so I wanted to tell her again today, in public.
I love you Mel,and I want you to know that and believe how beautiful you are to others, especially your family.
Let's do more days like today. It was loads of fun.
MOM

Launch Out

2010-03-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

I was reading my devotional today and have been mulling it over in my mind all day. "Launch out into the deep" Luke 5:4. "How deep He does not say. The depth into which we launch will depend upon how perfectly we have given up the shore, and the greatness of our need, and the apprehension of our possibilities. The fish were to be found in the deep, not in the shallow water.
So with us; our needs are to be met in the deep things of God. We are to launch out into the deep of God's Word, which the Spirit can open up to us in such crystal fathomless meaning that the same words we have accepted in times past will have an ocean meaning in them, which renders their first meaning to us very shallow.
Let go the shorelines and launch into the deep"> Taken from Streams in the Desert.
So that is my word: Let go the shorelines and launch into the deep. Still mulling!
Think on this my friend.

Sandra

A Divine Appointment

2010-02-24T17:20:00.000-08:00

After 12 days off from work, today was my first day back at work. I had decided to praise the Lord for my job and not dread going in. I know God has me there for His purposes so I need to rest in that. Some days it is hard! The day was going well. After lunch I had a patient who had lost her sister a month ago to cancer and been through a health issue with her Dad, having to put him in a health facility in Flordia the first of the year.
She had been having pain for a few years in her side and the Dr. had told her that it was arthritis. After the ordeal with her sister, she decided to suggest to her Dr. that he follow up on this pain. After tests revealing she had a mass in her side she was facing major surgery herself.
As she shared I immediately realized that God had brought her to me and we were able to share about God's faithfulness and I shared several scriptures that had gotten me through some very trying times in my life. She cried, releasing the hurt and pain she was trying so hard to hold in. Tears are release valves you know.
The Lord protected our time together and I really believe she felt calmer and less anxious as we parted. That is what my job is all about, right? Reassurance and comfort at a high stress time in someone else's life. God calls us to be comforters. I shared at a speaking engagement last month that I had read a saying, "God comforts us not to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters!"
I am so grateful that God gave me the opportunity to share with this lady and I pray that she will rest better tonight than she might have before we talked. These are the times I love being a nurse. This is what good well-rounded health care should look like. Treating the patient like a person instead of a number. Sure is the way I would like to be treated, how about you.
Thank you Lord for the reminder of why I go to work each day. Thank you for each opportunity you give me. Help me to always be tuned to what is below the surface and minister when it is needed. That is part of the healing process.

Sandra

Fortieth Anniversary

2010-02-21T17:17:00.000-08:00

Jimmy and I were away from Sunday through Wednesday celebrating our 40th anniversary. It had snowed on Saturday and we decided we would delay our travels till Sunday. The roads were in great condition so we went on in, turned the heat on, unpacked, and went back to town to fool around. While there I asked a clerk what they were saying about the weather. She said it was suppose to start snowing that night and they could get several inches accumulation and then it would snow through Thursday.
Well we debated whether to go back, get our things and head back down the mountain but instead we stopped and bought candles, additional food items and a weather radio and felt adventurous. There is not radio or TV at the cabin. (Roughing it you know!) We didn't want to be snowed in without any communication. We prayed that if it did snow we would not lose power! That wouldn't have been fun.
It did snow the entire time we were there and it was just beautiful. Some moments it just gently fell and then you would look out and see it pouring down.
The cabin is on a brook so we heard the water flowing and were able to walk out by the water and down the property path to stretch our legs and get a better view of the brook.
I had hoped to see some wild life (outside:) but no, none. No doves either! We got a lot of rest and caught up on movies and reading too. I could have stayed longer but Jimmy was ready to pack up and come home on Wednesday morning. No TV or remote makes Jimmy bored and dull (you other gals know what I mean?)
It was a great trip. We dined at Roca in Blowing Rock on Valentines night and I had the most wonderful Grouper and JK got his steak. We had a wonderful waitress and they gave us our dessert. I chose Blood Orange Sorbet; over chocolate:-)! Awesome! If you have never tried it, you must.
The rest of the time I cooked but it was fun. Made chocolate chip cookies and snacked and got fatter and fatter. Now we are back and back to the daily grind. Just grateful we were able to get away so many aren't able.
We are grateful the Lord has given us 40 years together.
sk

Support Group

2010-02-19T18:55:00.000-08:00

Man did we have a great time tonight. We had a couple of new folks come. We had about 16. Ollie shared her struggle this week with the temptation to use and her concern for her brother who is definitely using drugs and alcohol. She has been free for 32 days. Praise the Lord. It is so cool to hear the others there who are at different stages in their walk out of addiction encouage and rebuke when needed. See they have been there and they know the struggle but they are further along in their walk with the Lord. It is such a good time together. I am getting to know them each one more and more and knowing how to pray for them to be strong in the Lord.

Today when I went for a walk the Lord had me focused on the song, I need Thee Every Hour. We closed with that song tonight and I asked if anyone wanted to lead us. Ollie said she would and WOW, it was awesome. It totally came from the heart. It made me cry. Isn't it so true we do need Him hour by hour. None of us would make it without His encouragement in the Word and through prayer.

I love Him so,
Sandra

Bretts Day

2010-02-18T20:21:00.000-08:00

Today was our oldest grandson's birthday. We met he and Mom at McDonalds for "Chicken and Fries" and oh how could I forget, "COKE". He dug into his gifts after eating and discovered he had a book, a game, and a Transformer. Yeah, thanks to Mom we did good. He actually liked everything!

Then we loaded up and headed for the Greensboro Children's Musuem. We stayed there for 3 hours. We cooked, rode the train, drove cars, built a big cat house (mainly named due to the fact it had no doors and only an opening maybe a cat could go through), played Dr., sang, clapped, listening to knock, knock jokes (by Brett) and beat the drums. It was lots of fun. I hope he will have lots of good memories (I know I will. What a privelege to be able to be with him on his very special day.

Hard to believe he is five years old. He is growing up way to fast. Seems I just had the privelege of seeing him born. He is so smart and keeps Maw Maw and Paw Paw straight believe you me! Course someone needs to, right?

Happy Birthday Brett. We love you so so much.
Maw Maw

Whiter than snow

2010-02-13T16:03:00.000-08:00

Once again the Lord made our area white with snow. I thought as I heard that 49 states had experienced the white stuff that maybe God was showing us we can be whiter than snow with His cleansing blood. Maybe He is calling out to us once again. The snow is so white and beautiful you hate to see it dirtied up with tracks and cars that pass by. the dirty snow is what sin looks like as it comes into our lives and dirty's us up. Praise God He shed His blood to die for our sins. It is His blood that makes us whiter than snow. Hallelujah!

Is He making a point with all this snow. Is He allowing the crippling of many areas to prove that He is in control. Washinton DC was one of the hardest hit. How significant is that? A city full of people who believe they are all powerful. Here is where He took me, "For He directs the snow, the showers, and storm to fall upon the earth. Man's work stops at such a time, so that all men everywhere may recognize His power." WOW! Job 37:6-8. Do you recognize His power?

"By His fantastic powers in nature He punishes or blesses the people, giving them food in abundance. He fills His hands with lightning bolts. He hurls each at its target. We feel His presence in the thunder. May all sinners be warned. My heart trembles at this. Listen, listen to the thunder of His voice. It rolls acrosss the heavens and His lightning flashes out in every direction. Afterwards comes the roaring of the thunder----the tremendous voice of His majesty. His voice is glorious in the thunder.We cannot comprehend the greatness of His power." Job 36:31-37:7.

Next time you see or hear God in nature chose to use it as a time of worship. He is in control and He speaks through nature----Question is, are we listening?

sk

Losing Hope

2010-02-11T17:40:00.000-08:00

I went to church last night and was able to talk to a mother I hadn't seen in a long time. She expressed her sense of hopelessness for her circumstances recently,such as several deaths in the family and continued trials and struggles with her son. She said for the first time she had lost hope. That haunted me as I tried to sleep last night and I have thought of it many times throughout the day today.

I thought about Psa. 119:74, "May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word." I remember the times I was tempted to give up hope but God's word always breathed new hope into me as I read it, actually no, devoured it. Used it to get my next breath. I remember Henry Blackaby praying with this broken hearted mother and asking God to help me to never give up! That prayer carried me many nights when I didn't know where our son was. When I didn't know if he was dead or alive, in jail or in a drug house.

I prayed and prayed down on my face at times in intercession for our son. I chose to stand in the gap believing God could and would answer my plea in His timing, in His own way, and for His own purposes. I chose to believe his promise to bring our son home from the enemies camp in Jeremiah 31 and that He would restore what the locust had stripped from us in Joel 2, and that he would change the desolate land into a garden of Eden one day from Ezekiel 36. I urge you not to give up on your child, your life. Don't let Satan oppress you. God is the Victor. He has already won the victory. Hang tight my friend. God has not forgotten you. Your hope is in Him and Him alone.

Sandra

Make comment

2010-02-09T14:32:00.002-08:00

I would like to see you participate by making comments and signing up as a follower. Let's have some interaction. You are welcome to give scriptures or write your opinion on a subject or give a word of encouragement to each other. Write your struggles and prayer requests.

Please pray for Ollie who is one of our prodigals to stand firm and avoid temptation. She is 22 days clean today and just passed her surprise drug test. We are so proud of her.

Lets lift up each family member who struggles everyday to keep their families going in light of their loved ones absence. It is so hard for the wives to keep persevering with their jobs and maintaining their sanity in light of their situation.

Sandra

Join

2010-02-09T14:32:00.001-08:00

My struggles

2010-02-07T16:36:00.000-08:00

We were able to go out to join with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ today in worship after 2 weeks of snow and treacherous roads. After worship my grandaughter, Shelbi and I joined the first impressions luncheon at Calvary West. I have always considered myself to be outgoing and friendly but I can tell you I am struggling somewhat still in our new setting. After 20 some years we are worshipping at a new location and there are honestly some times I find that I feel like the outsider. Maybe this is because most of the congregation is younger, but I am just being honest here. I have connected with some of course but don't feel like I have a real connection here. Once again, I am just being honest.

So I say to myself, if I feel this way maybe others feel it too. Our daughter often had trouble making close friends in her school years, and I use to tell her you must be friendly to have friends. Maybe this is what the Lord is showing me. Would I be more comfortable back at the main campus with ole friends and familiar surroundings like so many my age are or does God still have me here in this place for His purposes. I must continue to follow His leading. Now mind you I am not saying folks aren't friendly, they are. I am just saying I don't seem to have made my connection with folks who might miss me if I wasn't there. Am I feeling insecure? Maybe I need to read Beth's new book!!!! Which by the way I am purchasing!

Anyway, I had a great time with 2 of my grandchildren and my daughter after church. We always laugh and pick and it encourages my soul. The grandchildren are growing up so quickly. I love making memories with them.

Please pray for Matt who is dabbling with alcohol and medicines. His grandmother has been raising him while his Dad is in prison and Mom on drugs. Pray for the generational curse to be broken.

Please pray for Austin who is in rebellion.

Please pray for the Prodigal Support Group on Friday nights at our office downtown.

Sandra

Valentine Wedding

2010-02-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

I was priveleged to attend a co-workers wedding today which I can tell you brought back lots of memories. Jimmy and I were married this valentine's day 40 years ago. I think back to that time of wedful bliss and know I didn't have a clue what I was saying at age 21 as I spoke the vows that day. Most young people don't, for better, for worse, in sickness and health, richer or poorer. We never dream there will be sickness, and we just know we will not struggle with finances, or the WORSE of life.

It is because of the vow of commitment and because of the love for each other that hopefully matures that we are able to hang in together when the worse's come, when we are down with sickness, or when the stuggles come financially. That's where the rubber meets the road and we chose to stay or hit the road. Most today don't seem to have the commitment to stay. They proclaim if my spouse does this or that I won't hang in there, but then comes the test.....What will they chose to do, the hard thing or the easy thing.

God says it is better not to vow than to break that vow. Yes, there will be WORSE days and yes, sometimes we might need to hit the road or ask them too but hopefully we are able to hold on together and allow the Lord to restore and heal us.

That is what I prayed today for this couple, that they will stay committed to their vows not only to each other but to the children involved to whom they vowed to be the best parent they can be. Innocent children. Multiplied reasons to keep the vows they made today. I pray that one day they can celebrate their 40th anniversary together.

I have learned so much in our relationship over the years. It hasn't always been easy but through it all we have hung together in the joyous times and the challenging times. I am sure there have been times we have wanted to give up (let's just be honest) but praise God we never did. He has been the tie that has bound us together and to His dear self. Commitment----that is the key.

Let's choose to keep our commitment to our Lord to remain pure, holy, and blameless in His sight. Let's never give up even when there are things He allows we don't understand in our lives. Even when we are poor, or in bad health, for better or worse. Lets learn contentment as Paul did. In whatever circumstances we are! He is the Bride-Groom Lover of our souls. He never means us harm, meaning ALL things to work together for our good and His glory.

Sandra

I am a big cry baby!

2010-02-05T10:20:00.000-08:00

I decided to tackle a chore today that I have been needing to do for a while. That is to organize my books. I try to display them by author so I can go right to the one I need but the shelves get filled up and I find myself sticking them any ole where. So today I pulled out some, dusted, and tried to once again get them in order. I decided to go to my bedside table and reshelf most of the 10 I had accumulated over time there. I tend to have several going at a time.

In the process I reminensced over some I hadn't picked up in a while. I picked up the books Dr. Corts had written. In the front of one he had written a note and autographed it to Jimmy. In the pages of another I found a note he had written me years ago assuring me of his prayers for our son and the response to a letter of concern I had. He took the time to write me a long letter and expressed his concerns over the same thing and asked me to pray for him as he led our church. I cried!

I picked up a book from my mother, Keepsakes of a Mother's Heart and skimmed it. I cried!

I found a card written by my dear friend Debbie at a time we were struggling with our son's rebellion. I was encouraged for the gift of friends. I cried!

I ran across a book, "Thank you to a very special Mother" from my daughter Melissa who had written and highlighted it throughout with words of endearment to me, this mother who failed so many times. I REALLY cried!!!!!

I ran across books I hadn't looked at in a while and wished I had more time to read through them all. I cherish the books I have and love them all. I try to share them with friends and therefore am missing some which I may neve get back. I won't cry over that.

I also got out my old water fountain, dusted it off and have it in operation. Forgot how soothing the sound of running water is. I sat down in my rocking chair by the window and got a booklet out written by Jack Hayford, "The Finger of God". Think I will take a time to read over it and enjoy the quiet and solitude. Maybe I won't cry over this one, but who knows. God may show me a truth or call to me from the pages-----I hope so. Speak Lord for I am listening.

Sandra

Rejoice

2010-02-05T07:33:00.000-08:00

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us----they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads hight no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love." Romans 5:3-5.

What a reminder to me to praise the Lord when the problems come because we know they are for our good. I hope we can all see that and learn to rejoice in Him through the trial. Lets do like our examples in scripture and begin praising Him in the middle of our issue and see Him work in a mighty way as we praise Him. He goes before us to fight our battles. Lets just make the enemy real mad as he seeks to destroy us, by singing a new song to our Father who rescues us each and every time from the enemies clutches. He allows us to go through just long enough for us to learn the lesson He has for us and to accomplish His purpose.

As I look out my window at the beauty of the snow I see Him marching through the tops of the trees. It is action---He has arisen from His throne to go forth in victory on our behalf. Lets revel in that as we are once again snowed in. He is calling you closer dear friend. Take the opportunity to rest in Him, without complaint. Be content where He has you!

Sandra

Discouragement

2010-02-04T16:35:00.000-08:00

On my way to work this morning I learned of a volatile situation with a couple of our prodigals. This couple had been doing so good, but in one moment of anger he had given her a black eye and ended up in jail himself. How disappointing. This situation remained on my mind all day long. I called the wife after work and talked and prayed with her. The tears were evident in her voice. It was hard to be reasuring when she is now going to lose her home and feels so all alone once again. As I searched the Word here is what the Lord gave me: "I would have lost heart unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart, wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psa 27:13-14.

I was so discouraged to see this couple right back down in the pit. But the wife still has a job and we are going to try to help her get into a shelter. Please pray for that as we make contact with an agency tomorrow. Pray for her rest tonight. Pray God will be very near her and soothe her breaking heart. Her name is Pam.

Pray for Mark to be able to sit and think over the situation and allow God to speak to his heart in all this. Pray for him to be totally transformed during this time the Lord has set him apart. Pray for the others in the group as they learn of this turn of events. Pray they will reach out to both of them in love. Pray that we will have wisdom in how to help.

We must not be discouraged. The Lord is working in and through it all to accomplish His purposes. We must not give up. We must continue to show God's love and hopefully bring hope and healing to this couple. We must undergird them with prayer. Join us will you?

Sandra

When you sit in darkness

2010-02-03T17:36:00.000-08:00

Micah 7:8, "When you sit in darkness, the Lord will be your light." Isn't that a great promise to cling to. It doesn't say IF but WHEN. We all have our dark moments but the Lord promises to be with us and see us through. I don't know what I would have done over the years without that hope. Several of our families are in dark moments right now. Please pray for them.

Pray for:
Jerri-Breast cancer
Austin-in rebellion
Jason-awaiting results from tests
Rob-sick for a month

So many at work going through struggles also. Lets remember to intercede for each other. Lets pray God's will be done and for His grace to be sufficient for each struggle. The Lord ALWAYS has a purpose and a plan for all that comes our way. I like to think of it as being in God's Boot Camp. It is training and preparation for what He wants to do in our lifes in the future. Will we choose to fight against His purposes or rest in Him for the outcome. He is working in others also remember. We pray and pray for Him to work but we are not pleased with His methods often times. Let us learn contenment in all circumstances just like Paul. Read Phillipians 3. It is not easy but the deeper we come in our relationship with Him the easier it will be. Trust Him in all things. He knows best.
Sandra

How can you be bored?

2010-01-31T16:33:00.000-08:00

I cherish the downtime I have whether planned or forced. I have been perfectly content to be enclosed watching the snow fall and enjoying my quiet time.
Yesterday I read, cleaned, worked on a project, cooked, talked to all my family, then read some more. All things I don't usually have the time for while going to and fro.
Today I listened to John and Charles on TV, had my quiet time, worked on a project, cooked, read, walked the neighborhood with my husband, completed session one of Esther and watched the DVD with Beth, cried, laughed and learned. How can we get bored closed in less than 48 hours. With all the technology and opportunities we have to be energized why do we get bored so quickly. Maybe it is because we have not learned to be content with where God has us. We are always wanting something else. If we don't have down time we complain, if we do, we complain. Will we ever learn to be content in ALL things?
Tomorrow most of us will be back to the grind. Then the Lord will hear us complain we are too busy and don't have enough time to do the things we desire to do. Are we ever satisfied with where He has us?

Sandra

Snowed in

2010-01-31T10:42:00.000-08:00

My daughter Melissa has urged me to begin blogging again, so here goes! I had a dickens of a time getting back on. Thanks to my friend Neil we worked through it and are ready to roll. I figure if it was difficult then the enemy tried to defeat me but we perserverved and I pray I will honor the Lord in all that is shared.

What a beautiful sight as I look out on the landscape. The snow is so bright that the sun just glows off it. You need sunglasses to look out!

That is what I imagine Moses looking like as He came off that mountain after being with the Lord. God's glory was all over him. He literally glowed. I pray that as God has given us a respite from the busyness of the world that we have taken the opportunity to come into His presence. Now let us go out with the light of His glory on us to a lost and dying world. Let's be bold about our source of that light without fear or trembling.

Charles Stanly shared this morning about God's Presence. Have you sensed His presence in a powerful way? His presence energizes us.
1. Ask Him to show you ay sin in your life
2. Surrender things that are stumbling blocks in your life
3. Be available for Him to speak to you anything He desires.

Mind you, to hear from Him you must set aside the time to be with Him. When you have been with Him then and only then will you shine with His glory. He waits for you. Will you show up?

Sandra

Happy Birthday Rob

2009-07-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

Can't believe we now have a 32 year old son! Amazing. Been a lot of water over, under and around the bridge since he was born. God has taught me so much through him. Thank you for the lessons son. I love you very much. I pray for you continually.

Man, I guess you thought I really took a vacation, huh? It has been a month since I wrote. I discovered facebook and then ministry has been amazingly busy.

We are having a function for the children of the incarcerated tomorrow night at Winston Square Park. Come join us at 6:00 for hot dogs, music and fun. Pray for the weather!!!!

Sandra

Vacation time has come and almost gone

2009-06-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

We look so forward to our vacation. We plan so much to do, and pack and the time finally arrives. Often times we are disappointed with our time or we have so much fun we don't want it to end. What am I saying? I never want it to end.

I have gotten so much done with the ministry this week with little down time. God has blessed me so much this week. We have a new board member, a new volunteer, a new opportunity to minister to other families, help to sponsor 3 young boys to go to camp. Wow, God totally amazes me. I love to be about His business. It has been an exciting week.

Now comes a little R & R. Tomorrow I will be traveling topless with our daughter. (In her convertible that is). Then I will be traveling with a couple of great friends to the lake for some sun and fun. I have way too many books and projects packed, but you never know what you will be in the mood to accomplish, right?

Of course today I raided the grocery store in preparation for our time away. I will be providing the meal for one night and of course have plenty of other goodies. We act like we are going to be gone for days. I can't wait to get away on both adventures. We never know what God has in store for us. I look for His divine appointments everywhere I go.

Hope you are having a good summer. We can't complain about no rain this year huh! What good does it do to complain anyway, we are not in control but praise God we know who is.

sk

Hope on the Inside

2009-06-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that half the year is about gone? Is it my age or is time really speeding along? There is much work to be done for the Lord, and when you see how fast your brief life is and how fast the time is flying, you understand the urgency of the hour to get the message of Christ out to all who will hear and that is just what we did this past weekend. It was amazing!

I was involved in an outreach to area prisoners this past weekend called, Hope on the Inside. It was sponsored by Forsyth Prison/Jail ministry. What an awesome experience as we saw 80 inmates pray to recive Christ.

Our topic was forgiveness of God, others, and themselves. There were 60 men in our unit and we sang, prayed and gave our personal testimonies. Please pray for these men to grow in their new faith. They don't have as many oportunities to recieve discipleship one on one as we do. The chaplains will followup with these men, but there are only 3-4 of them to 80 who made decisions.

What a privelege to go in to share the Truth of God with these men. Some have never heard but I guarantee they did that day. Pray for their families as they visit and grieve over the location of their son, daughter, spouse or father, mother, or some other loved one. It is so hard to leave your loved one behind the prison bars. The clang of the bars is unnerving.

On Wings Like a Dove is having an outreach July 16th for the children of the inmate. Pray we will make a difference in the lives of each family member who attends.

Sandra

Released

2009-05-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

About 3-4 years ago I met a lady who does wonderful water color prints. I started then to talk to her about the possibility of painting a dove. She said she would need photos of doves that would not have any copyrights on them. I started praying about how we could get something like that. Along came a lady who did photography and she investigated someone who might have doves for weddings and funerals. Eventually we got it worked out to go and photograph. What a great day it was to see over a hundred white pidgeons released. Then we got out the doves and photographed them. Wellllllllll eventually we got the pictures to the artist and she has recently released her picture. You can find it at susancrouch.com. Click on Newsletter and schbang there is the picture of the doves. She is offering the prints now and if you purchase them ONLINE On Wings Like a Dove ministry gets 50% of the proceeds. The print is called "Released". God is so good to bring this about in His timing. It will help us to be able to minister to our families. We thank Susan so much for her support. What a giving lady. Check it out!

Sandra

Hopelessness

2009-05-18T19:44:00.000-07:00

While out running errands today my Mother called to tell me of the death of my cousins' husband. He had chosen to end his own life. What shock that brings, along with anger and many questions. I can't imagine her pain not only today where the shock of it has not even set in but the why's and struggles the family will be left with as they come out of their shock to sort through the why's. How hopeless he must have felt to take his life with no apparent warning. Everyone was baffled today! Not much to say, except I am so sorry.

A year ago our son attempted suicide while we were away at the beach. God had taken me to 2 Chronicles 20 the day before which I thought was for the family members we minister to, but I later realized it was for me as I repeated those verses 15 & 17< " Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's. You will not need to fight in the battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem! Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you."

As we returned home I kept repeating that verse, "The battle is not yours, stand still and see the deliverance of the LORD." God was in control. He has done such a work in our son since that time. There has been much breaking and molding! I used to try to be in control. God has taught this Mother to let go more and more and allow Him, Who is Sovereign to do the work He wants to do in our son. It has freed me up so much and believe me He does a much better job.

My heart grieves with my cousins family as they sort through the pieces over the coming months. My cousin's first question to me was, "Sandra, did he go to heaven, that is what I am worried about!" My response: "Yes, if he had ever asked Jesus into his heart you can be sure he did." I knew what she meant about him taking his life and how some have taught you won't go to heave. God engraves us on the palm of His hand. His blood has covered us. Once brought into His fold we have the assurance of eternal residence. He promises NOTHING can snatch us out of His hand.

Our little family was spared that day as our son was spared once again from death. We are grateful. I know from the grief of a dear friend, who is like a sister to me, at the loss of her Dad to suicide how devastating that can be. I can't imagine the depths of dispair and the sense of hopelessness someone must feel to take their own life. Please pray for this family.

Home again

2009-05-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

We always look so forward to our time away from work, especially if we have special plans. Our expectations are always high and there begins to come a sense of relaxation when you are finally all packed and set to go. Many times the plans go as we anticipated, but we are often shot curves along the way. As we know life has lots of turns and twist which can cause us to stop in our tracks completely (giving up) or learn to go around (perservering)knowing God is in our circumstances and will see us through to the end.

We just returned from our trip to the beach and we had such a great time visiting old friends and then spending some alone time together. I wanted to stay another night but Jimmy said no because he knew he must mow before he started back to work on friday. We often return to unsettled circumstances, often with our son. This time he did great but we came back to find our little dog, Domino, was not eating or taking her treats. We were glad we had come on back home to get her the care she needed. If you know Domino, when she doesn't take treats, we know she is not well.

I took her to the Vet the next day and the news was worse than expected. Her own body is destroying her red cells. She has some sorta autoimmune disorder and is on high doses of prednisone. She has improved each day and is back to eating and taking her treats but her blood count has not improved. I said Lord, "Why in the world do we have to come back to this heartache, after all she is like family." My heart greives when I think we might lose her at age five! She IS part of the family.

I was reading in my Blessing Your Spirit book by Sylvia Gunter and Arthur Burk:

" I bless you, Sandra, with the perspective of your Father who knows the end from the beginning. I bless you with not magnifying the presence of enemies or trials or problems to seem bigger than the Sovereign Lord of the universe. I bless you with gazing at your Father and glancing at your problems. I bless you with knowing that your Father is available to help you at all times with all that you need. I bless you with a river of peace flowing over you and permeating everything you are and everything you do. I bless you with a river of peace that flows out from your spirit and washes over those around you. I bless you with the smile of your Father whispering to your heart and spirit, "Your peace based in your trust in me pleases me very much." I bless you in the name of Jesus, your Jehovah-Shalom, Amen.

I want to be found gazing at my Father and glancing at my problems! Thank you Lord for that reminder. Revive my spirit Lord and do in me what You will. It is good to be back home, no matter the trials you might face. We can do anything in the power and strength of our Lord and as a family. I praise Him for the family I am blessed to have. I have so much to be grateful for.

Sandra

Kairos weekend

2009-05-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

I attended a ladies retreat for loved ones of prisoners or ex-prisoners this past weekend. Man did we laugh, cry, hug, and worship. I would recommend it to anyone who needs healing from the trama of having a loved one incarcerated. They also have a Kairos inside for the inmates. I won't tell you everything but you will definitely be loved on and encouraged. You can go to their website: www.kairosnc.org or www.kairosprisonministry.org.

They will have another session in the fall in the western part of the state. It is powerful. If you want rest and sleep though don't go. Ha! We went to bed about MN and were awakened to singing about 6am. I met a lot of wonderful ladies I will remember for a lifetime.

The lost duckling, (No, not the ugly)

2009-05-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

It has been a little while since I was on. So much going on it is sometimes hard to sit and write. Our ministry needs are different from day to day. There are sometimes urgent calls that need to be attended to then and there. Some families have gotten beyond the current crisis and are able to cope well. It has been interesting to watch how the Lord has worked in the hearts of the prodigal's family as God has grown them up in Him.

I learn visually and often God teaches me through nature and His creation in the animal kingdom. I love animals and seem to run up on strays. Well my heart has always gone out to the underdog, so while walking the other day I saw a mother duck with six little ducklings following ever so close behind her as they crossed the street together. Now why they had to go across the street I don't know since they have a big pond on the other side. I thought then, oh, it would be a shame to see any of them run over!

The next day as I walked there was a young man waiting in the driveway across from the pond and as I approached he said, "Mam, could you help me." I looked down and there was one of those tiny little ducklings. We took it up to the pond in search of MOM, but she was not where in sight. I turned to the fellow and said, "I guess you have a new friend." I went home and got him a basket and lined it with grass and off he went with it hanging over the handlebars of his bike. I hope the little one survived.

As I went into the house I thought now what was I to learn from that Lord. I thought about how when our children get separated from us they are sometimes caught up in things that could take their very lives. They have no idea what a cruel world it is outside the Mothers care. I wondered how the Mother felt as she got home and one of her babies was missing. I remember my frantic times of searching when our prodigal was away from the fold.

I imagine that God feels the same mercy and love for that lost one as we did as we tried to care for the one left behind. Is there someone God has sent your way to reach out to with mercy and love? Maybe you don't have a prodigal but I am sure you are exposed to prodigals everyday. How did you reach out in love and compassion to them, showing them the love of the Father.

Several of us Mothers/Spouses of prisoners or past prisoners will be gathering this weekend for a retreat. Please pray for us.

May God bless you and yours,

Sandra