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February 22, 2012

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Reveal why we are here!

February 1, 2012 By 1 Comment

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Lord Jesus, I love you so and am really tired this morning.  It seems that we never just have a day to sit and do nothing.  Sometimes it is ok with me, but sometimes I just want to sit.  4 kids and all their activities is a lot.  I love it 99% of the time, but lately it has been getting a bit much!!

Clay and I even after 5 years of living in this area have relentlessly asked God the purpose of us moving here.  My word, the blessings we have received from this huge step of obedience have been overwhelming at times.  Jesus, you have been so good to us!!  Thank you!!

There have been hard times as well, but that possibly makes the blessing so much more glorious!!  And if I am really honest, the hard times are from me looking back to what we had or what we might have now – Christian education, convenience, beautiful youth group, rocking church with out of this world worship, Target, and such!

So, for some reason, Clay and I are asking once again because we know our time has not come to an end, but is just now beginning it seems, why do you have us here?  What is it that You want to do with us?  I dont believe in just going through life reaping – I want to give back and be used!!

Gen. 28 spoke so loudly yesterday morning so I went back to it again today to see if I was making more of it than was there.  Too often, to a fault, I look at scripture as a way God uses to change my behavior.  I see it as a way of correcting me.  And the scripture is for that purpose.  But today, I feel like through this word the Lord is showing me the future.  I believe the Lord is trying to impart some encouragement and direction.  I feel like the Lord is speaking a specific word to our family.

Gen. 28:15 “I am with you and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land (I believe he has already done that part).  I will not leave you until I have done what I promised you.  (I know for our modern day Christ risen, Holy Spirit sent to stay with us, He will never leave – Yeah!!!!)

Verses 20-22 I feel the Lord speaking a word over us and just reminding us that no matter what this all looks like He is there and will provide!!!

Thank you Jesus!  Serving you is an incredible privilege!!  Thank you for your Word and Your encouragment!!  Thank you for your peace and direction.  I want to abide so closely in You, but never get stagnant and stale.  I know you have a plan and I am excited to see it unfold.  May I be patient to see it to fruition!  May I be patient as you speak to Clay.  May I be a supporter and not a rusher!!!  Jesus, protect me from me!!  Lord, do your thing and may I not get in the way!  May your glory prevail and you receive all glory from all endeavors!!  Shine Jesus shine.  Pour Your favor on us, please!

Ps. 18:29 “With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall!!!!!!!!!!!!!”   Love that!!

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Filed Under: genesis, Illinois, personal, psalms, service
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Consecrated!

January 30, 2012 By 3 Comments

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Oh Dear Jesus – we have had a wonderful weekend with our friend, and now family (the girls voted him in as family), Ryan Warren.  His 25 year old self has infused some awesome energy into what You have called us to.  Brainstorming a vision of something new was like watching a miracle unfold!  God is up to something really cool and I cant believe He has asked us to be part of it.

One year ago this month the Lord gave me this verse to memorize and dwell on.  Is. 42:9 “The former things have taken place and new things I declare; before they spring into being I will announce them to you!”  A year ago I thought it had solely to do with Speaking Thru Me Ministries, but now I see clearly it has so much more potential than that!

Here is what it says in the Biblical interpretation of the Message:

5-9God’s Message, 
   the God who created the cosmos, stretched out the skies, 
   laid out the earth and all that grows from it,
Who breathes life into earth’s people, 
   makes them alive with his own life:
“I am God. I have called you to live right and well. 
   I have taken responsibility for you, kept you safe.
I have set you among my people to bind them to me, 
   and provided you as a lighthouse to the nations,
To make a start at bringing people into the open, into light: 
   opening blind eyes, 
   releasing prisoners from dungeons, 
   emptying the dark prisons.
I am God. That’s my name. 
   I don’t franchise my glory, 
   don’t endorse the no-god idols.
Take note: The earlier predictions of judgment have been fulfilled. 
   I’m announcing the new salvation work.
Before it bursts on the scene, 
   I’m telling you all about it.”

Im so excited to talk freely of what God has laid on our hearts, but for now I hope and dream and write down like mad thoughts and inspirations!  I beg all those that happen upon this blog to pray for us.  Pray for boldness, for strength, stronger faith, for clearer vision, for humlity, for time, for ideas, for the favor of the Lord…….total dependence on Him!

God, we are ready to be used by You.  We are ready to go where You lead.  We are ready to be consecrated!!  We dont want to just be committed, but completely sold out and consecrated to this adventure!

Ryan reminded us last night in Acts that to see signs, wonders, and the miracles of God – which are not just possible, they will happen, it will take a complete sold out devotion, consecration of not just our hearts, but of everything!!!  ACTS 2:42-43

Lord Jesus, make us ready!!!  Father, I love you, i live for you, and I long to serve you……………consecrated!!

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Filed Under: believing God, devotion, family, husband, Illinois, Isaiah, ministry, Personal Faith, STMM
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Little Is Much When God Is In It – Guest post

November 29, 2011 By 4 Comments

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Hey yall – this is my new friend Marie.  I have been so impressed with her true JOY! And she is from Charlotte, NC!!!! Marie is a girl always uplifting on her tweets, where I know her the best, and someone I look forward to coming across my screen.  She is a gal that even though we have never met in person one that I would bond with.  I love this post and the timing of it all.  What a beautiful spurring on and encouragement to give of ourselves!!  Marie, I long to know you better.  There is a lot going on in my heart and this post resonates loudly!! Thank you for being used by Him and bringing Joy to us!!  You are a treasured jewel!  Leigh

 

Little is Much When God is in it

We are dreamers. We dream of doing huge things, having wonderful things and simply “making it.” We have lofty goals and take radical steps towards reaching them.  Then, when we realize that what we want may never happen or the dreams may never come true, we sit in disbelief and wonder what we could have done differently. Sometimes we even decide “what’s the use, IT just doesn’t matter anymore” and put ourselves in a “do nothing” mode. This should be a red flag to us, but often it’s not.

We’ve taken our eyes off the prize, we are letting discouragement win and we forget that little is much when God is in it.  Our hearts scream of doing more when in reality we need to focus on our strengths and remain faithful to do those thing.  We set our eyes on the unattainable when our eyes should be on the ordinary items within our reach. Those ordinary items will be the little things that God uses to do amazing work for His glory; after all, our labor IS for His glory….right?

Have you given much thought to the little things that God used? When 5,000 men (not to mention women and children) needed to be fed, Jesus didn’t send word to the nearest palace to have their servants bring the biggest and best foods available. He didn’t break out the finest china and whip up a five course meal using the top chefs of the land.  A young boy offered Jesus a small lunch of bread and fish that was just enough for this one little boy and Jesus took his willingness, blessed it and served a multitude with 12 baskets to spare.

I constantly remind myself and others, it’s not in what we offer the Lord, it’s THAT we give of ourselves, use our talents and be available to follow His lead, even if it means ignoring our own hopes and dreams. We focus on fears and failures when we should be focusing on the Father.  We give in to our whiny selves and listen to that voice that says “why bother” when we should be faithful with the little things that God has entrusted us with.

Take some time to think about your talents and your strengths.  Are you using those gifts for the Lord? Are you being faithful to what God has called you to do?  We are all called to be edifying one another, are you building up others and encouraging them?  Little is much when God is blessing it.  You feel as though you don’t make a difference and even that you simply don’t matter, but you do.  God looks at you through the eyes of compassion, longing for you to simply be faithful to do what you know is right in His eyes.

Little is much when God is in it – think about these little things:

  • You spend time each day praising the Lord via Social Media. Your praise is picked up by someone half a world away who is discouraged, but your thankfulness has reminded them of a past blessing. They are encouraged and strengthened. They are praising God regularly now, due to your praise.
  • You purchase the Bible study books but write in a regular notebook so you can pass along the book to someone else. You allow someone who is financially struggling to draw closer to the Lord. They draw closer, their family notices and someone else is hearing God’s tugging at their heart.
  • You give your last $10.00 to a special offering or ministry focused on others. A child receives something that his/her parent had no hope of getting them. They grow up, remembering the kindness of strangers and make it their mission to help others.
  • You leave a note for someone who seems a little bit down lately, telling them how special they are.  They woke up crying tears of sorrow because they felt worthless, but later went to sleep, crying tears of joy because someone actually cares.
  • You smile and nod at a passerby, not knowing that their day has left them wondering how things will ever get better. Your compassionate smile reminded them that there is hope and tomorrow will bring another day to try again.

 

If you feel like you don’t have much to give or wonder how you could possibly make it one more month, give your little bit to Jesus and let Him use it. Give your talents, abilities, finances or lack thereof to the Lord and tell him it’s His, to do what he wants to with it and then trust him.  Trust Him for the wisdom of the next step, for the power to make it through one more day and for the ability to make a huge difference with what He’s given you.

You were given the strengths, talents, insights and wisdom that you have for a reason. You can influence others that no one else can.  You have the ability to shine and be Matthew 5:16 out loud for the Lord.  Remaining faithful to the little things you can do now will have you in the habit of faithfully following and serving the Lord, so that when He gives us more to do, He knows, beyond doubt, that we will be faithful to complete it.

YOU simply need to be available and willing to do whatever it is….BIG or SMALL that God wants you to do. When you do, trust that HE will bless it and use it mightily.  Trust that your faithfulness to listen to your heart will encourage others to do the same.

Trust that Little is MUCH more than you can ever imagine – when GOD is in it.

Take stock in the ordinary resources you have around you. Get into the habit of spreading joy and making a difference with those resources and when more resources come your way, you’ll be faithful to make a difference with those as well.

Here are some ways to get you going:

50 Ways of Making a Difference without Spending a Penny http://www.spreading-joy.org/site/50-ways-to-make-a-difference-without-spending-a-penny/

Need more still? Another 50 ways right here http://www.spreading-joy.org/site/another-50-ways-of-making-a-difference/

Making a Difference is as Easy as ABC…. http://www.spreading-joy.org/site/abcs-of-making-a-difference/

 

 

About Marie Wikle: Seeing through the eyes of compassion and understanding the heart that desires to have an impact, Marie encourages others to see the full potential of the everyday, ordinary resources that is right within their reach. 

Everyone needs to make a difference and with creative thinking and a unique look at the ordinary, she shows people all over the world just how easy it is to make a difference.

Marie is available to speak to your ladies group, child’s class room or any social gathering so that you can hear firsthand how to step up, lead the way in innovative thinking and see just how easy the ordinary items of daily living can be used to make a difference.

Contact Marie for more information via email at marie@spreading-joy.org

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Filed Under: christmas, gifts, giving, Matthew, missions, Uncategorized
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I can never tell if you are mad at me!!!

November 16, 2011 By 7 Comments

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If you have ever heard me speak or at least seen my videos you will know right off that I am pretty energetic, quite dramatic, and by no means monotoned.  My mom is very much the same way.  I love to laugh and do so very often – same as my mom.  I would say that I often act a ‘few’ years younger than I should.  I love to have a good time!  Silly pictures and videos on facebook will prove this point.  In the private of my home my daughters are very much the same way.

My husband on the other hand is quite professional.  I don’t think you would ever say that my husband is silly.  Oh yes, he has his hilarious moments – in fact, he is extremely funny, witty, and humorously creative.  But just to see him out and about you will be impressed with his mature demeanor and charismatic gentleness.  Clay is just like his father!  You will not see any silly pictures of Clay on facebook and I doubt he will ever be videoed making a complete fool of himself the way I often do!

Make no mistake there is no doubt in any of the kids’ minds they know who loves them.  And most people I would say know where they stand with Clay and I.  I may come across a bit more reserved, but once I get to know you there is nothing I hide or wont do – fun things, ha ha!  I have moved so often in my life I just take a little bit to warm up.  I dont want to force a friendship on anyone that really had rather not have another friend!  But once I see that we have gelled – you cant get rid of me or my silliness.  My husband having lived most of his life in this area is very comfortable with small talk (one of my greatest fears) and pretty much already knows where he is accepted and not.

I say all that to tell you about a day the students recently had at my son’s middle school.  It was called Talk Like Tucker Day.  My son is quite a mystery.  He has hardly any inflection in his voice when he talks.  He does not talk very often – at all.  When he does, listen up because he may only say it once.  Tucker is very shy and one with great potential.  It is quite interesting that he is so liked because one might often wonder where they stand with Tucker.  Because his voice is a bit monotone, well except for a crack here and there, it is so difficult to know when he is joking, when he is excited, or even when he is mad.  Tucker would never be convicted of being fake.  It is what it is, but one just might not know what it is – ha ha!  As his momma I do get frustrated at times.  Being such an animated person, I long for him to be sarcastic or jovial on purpose.  I even dream of him driving away in his car to go to college and yelling out the window, “I love you mom!!”  We have a few years to go!

But all this talk of personality, voice inflection, silly acting, etc. brought me back to prayer.  If your prayer time were taped and you could go back and hear the way you sounded with the Lord – does it convey a love, desperation, confidence, excitement, trust…in your words and possibly voice?  Would the Lord be able to know just by the words chosen this heart is for Him?  Do we come to the Lord as a last resort?  Do we come to the Lord out of obligation?  Do we come to the Lord because it is routine?  Do we come to the Lord in ritual?

Of course He knows our heart – praise You Lord for that – so He knows the true intentions and the very meaning of our words whether they have inflection or not.  But on the other hand, He is very well aware if we are just playing a game and being fake.

Oh Lord – have Your way.  Jesus, encourage me above all else to be real with You and to make sure there is no meaningless words brought to Your presence.  Lord, I want you to know by my words AND actions that I do trust in You.  I love you Father and I want to show you this.  I praise you Lord and I pray that can be seen in my actions and even in my voice!  Oh Father – may there be no holding back with you!  Oh Lord – help me to understand Whom I am addressing – to whom I am going boldly before the throne of Grace!  Oh Father – give me a Holy fear and reverence for You like I have never had before.  Jesus – You deserve it all.  No questions left unturned.  No thoughts not addressed!  Thank you Jesus for your mercy.  Thank you for the grace!  Thank you for being love, all consuming love that I know so well, but long to know in greater detail!  Jesus – you are it and you are all!  I love you!!!  (screaming loud with one hand raised typing slowly – ha)

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Filed Under: clay, Family Life, husband, prayer, Tucker
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Joy of Cooking in Sicily!

November 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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Hey everybody – hope you are doing well. I am still studying in the book of Revelation and am learning so much I am finding it hard to relay to you all. Anyway – more of that will come on Thursday, possibly. I want to take a few minutes to introduce the next guest blogger. This is my friend Joy. As you will read below she is from Sicily – or at least that is where I met her. I lead a women’s retreat for the military wives on base that she attended. It was unbelievable!!! I soooooo want to go back! Anyway, Joy and her sweet family took me and my friend Abbie to The Carnivale’ festival where we got to know them a little better. It was crazy awesome. Food, food, food! Below you will find an introduction to Joy’s blog and all the ways you can catch up with her. Yall please go visit and say hello. Tell her I sent you and enjoy your time in another part of the world! Have a beautiful day! Much love, Leigh

 

Hi ya’ll! My name is Joy Hardin. I currently live in Italy with my husband and two boys. I am having a blast living overseas and getting to enjoy the Italian food culture! I adore food! I love cooking uncomplicated dishes, but occasionally enjoy trying more difficult recipes just for the challenge. Sometimes I succeed and sometimes I fail miserably, but it is fun trying and even more fun eating!!
People often tell me I am a good cook, but I truly don’t think I fall into the category of “good cook”. I am just a “good recipe finder”. I cannot throw ingredients together and create a fabulous original dish. To me, that is the definition of a good cook.

My food blog was created in order to share my love of everyday cooking with you. I am no Martha Stewart; she is too complicated for my lifestyle. Although I am from the south, I am no Paula Deen; she uses too much butter. I am definitely no Rachel Ray; she is way too perky! I am just an ordinary girl that likes to try new foods and recipes and would like to share some of my favorites with you.
As a follower of Christ, I occasionally weave my faith walk into my blog posts. After all, He is the Bread of Life and the only “food” that can eternally sustain us. I hope you will come along with me on this journey so you too can discover the joy of everyday cooking.
You can find me at:

http://www.thejoyofeverydaycooking.blogspot.com

facebook Joy Vinzetta Hardin     http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=713452620

Twitter    http://twitter.com/#!/JoyfulatHome      I am new to twitter

Pinterest http://pinterest.com/everydayjoy/

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Filed Under: blogging, Culture, eating, food, new blog Tagged With: , ,
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And here is what Knoxville thinks of them!!

September 22, 2011 By 2 Comments

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My mom and dad have always been so faithful to exercising and staying healthy.  After his stroke on Dec. 8, 2009 – which still baffles the medical community because he is SO healthy – working out and “getting it done” is still part of their every day life.  They do everything together, I mean even more so now!!  This is beautiful article written by their workout facility.  Mom and dad are an inspiration to all they meet – even if you never meet them, but are just observing.  I have been to this place to watch them workout and do their thing.  All eyes are on them watching with anticipation and “hopefullness”.  Sometimes their eyes say, “Wow, I cant believe this has happened.”  And many other times the eyes say, “I hope I find someone to take care of me the way she does.  What a team!”  I hope you enjoy this article even half as much as I did!  Sorry the picture didn’t copy – I will try again!  (Yes, I look just like my momma!)

News

Thursday, September 01, 2011 – Living the Healthy Life
Rob and Susie Hargis
Rob and Susie Hargis 
Fort Sanders Health and Fitness Center isfull of amazing people with inspiring life stories. As a staff member here, Ihave the privilege of meeting those people and sharing their lifelongcommitments to healthy lifestyles.

From the first words out of Rob and Susie Hargis’ mouths, one thing is clear –this is going to be a truly great love story. 48 years of marriage and theystill act and talk like a couple of teenagers in love. This great relationshipis built on trust, love and dedication. They’ve also been dedicated to livingactive lives, even becoming Senior Olympians several years ago.

Senior Olympics is just one competition this active couple enjoys. Australiafor The World Masters tournament in 2009 is where we set the stage for Rob’sgreat triumph. Competing in full court basketball, he brought home silver andgold. Susie, of course, proclaimed him the MVP! This past July, Susie competedin a 3-on-3 National Senior Games basketball tournament in Houston, Texas.While she and her team lost by one point, they did win the silver medal, andsecond place is still great when you are competing against thousands ofathletes.

Time Out

On December 8, 2009, the Hargis’ fun and games came to aracing halt. Rob was exercising at the Fort when all of a sudden simple thingsbecame difficult to understand and the left side of his body started to losefunction. He told Susie, “Take me to the emergency room.” Susie says she couldtell something was wrong.A trip to the ER revealed Rob had suffered a stroke. It would be devastating newsfor anyone, but especially for Rob, who realized his Olympic days were behindhim. He spent three grueling months at Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Centertrying to regain strength and function on his left side. Now, after nearly twoyears of hard work, Rob has regained ankle strength and is hoping to havemovement back in his left hand soon.

Getting Back in the Game

Rob’s therapy includes many types of treatment, including exercise at Fort Sanders. His exercise regimen has increased productivity inhis other treatments. Through it all, Susie has been his cheerleader and sometimes even his coach. Together, they play a little basketball, workout onthe weight machines, and walk on the treadmills. With each step the Hargis’keep their eyes on the prize. For Susie it’s a victory in the next tournament.For Rob, it’s simply to improve everyday life.Through all the wins and losses on and off the court, this couple has had agreat sense of humor. They are always there to cheer each other on – workingout as a couple, doing therapy as a couple. In fact, they take on life as a couple. Susie’s next tournament will be the Huntsman Senior Games in October.This time, Rob will be her coach.

 

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Filed Under: dad, daddy's journey, Family Life, mom
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I saw the unseen!! Incredible day!

September 20, 2011 By 1 Comment

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Lord Jesus, going to a Children’s hospital is not always my favorite thing to do.  #1, I’m there for a reason – there is something going on with one of my children and so therefore that is always reason for concern.  #2, the other families are there for a reason as well.  Many that you run into look very sick or their parents have the face that tells all.

At the same time it is a very tough trip, I am always brought to a very grateful place.  It is as if I am saying thank you in my mind the whole time I am walking from one room to the next knowing that the particular stages of sickness that are so visible in so many of the kids we have not entered into.  Thank you!!

Much like always, we didn’t park in the most convenient location and had to do quite a bit of walking to get to our building.  Passing the patients outside still hooked up to all kinds of medicines AND smoking was something that Sarahjane could not understand.  ”But mom, if a doctor is making them stay in the hospital, cant he make them not smoke too?”  I thought she had a very good point.

The further we got into our journey I began to think about each family represented.  This was the last place anyone would have ever chosen to spend even a small amount of time.  No one asks to be sick or even given something that is curable.  Sickness, in any form, is not something we as humans raise our hands to be chosen for.  BUT, i saw the unseen.  I really did – it was not visible, but I saw it!

18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor. 4:18


As i passed each family I allowed my mind to go to a place where there would be no sickness.  A place where no doctors would be needed.  A place where there would be no pain – no need to even draw blood.  A place where the sick would never cry again and those giving care would never cry as well.  


The Lord allowed me to envision Heaven and these precious lives walking, running, playing, singing, jumping, and even sitting………at peace.  I quickly took my mind to a scene in Heaven when some day when both my dad and I will meet up on the corner of Gold Street and run to worship the Lord Jesus.  He will hold my hand with his left hand that will be fully functioning and we will together RUN to the Father as fast as we can – no cane, no delays, PERFECT.  


For now I saw the unseen.  But someday I will see AND experience the unseen all at the same time. I pray for those families that are living in the seen, that have no hope of the unseen.  I pray they come to find the hope that will help them make it until they see the unseen!  Lord, may they come to know the one that freely gave His blood once and for all.  May they all come to know and trust The Doctor!  May we fix our eyes on You!  I love you Savior!  


PS – Update on Sarahjane – the doctors are running more tests on her thyroid.  They also are doing a test to find out what stage of growth her bones are in.  All in all – the doctor had no serious concerns.  Praise You Lord!!  

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Filed Under: 2 Cor., dad, heaven, Sarahjane
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Pain Does Have an Answer

September 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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Oh Lord – I cannot say enough about the incredible-ness of this past weekend in Washington.  WOW!!  As i showed you on facebook, they thought of everything!  It was again a church of much vision and passion and followers of Christ with guts to try!  I don’t see this kind of church everyday, but when I do it is like a taste of heaven.  It is almost one of those things that you have to be there to understand!  So next time, I will take you!!  

After serving at a church for a weekend I am always reminded of the hurting people.  I get the opportunity to speak and pray with all kinds of ladies that are going through things I cannot relate to, but can relay my Jesus to for hope and healing!  It is like I always carry the answer – we DO!!!  Jesus!  
In my devotion I came across a verse that offers so much encouragement and hope for anyone and everyone.  No matter if you are in the midst of a trial or just got out of one – another will be coming – this scripture will speak comfort in your heart!  
13-14 I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness
      in the exuberant earth.
   Stay with God!
      Take heart. Don’t quit.
   I’ll say it again:
      Stay with God.   Psalm 27:13-14 (Message)

Another translation

13 [a]I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the (A)goodness of the LORD
In the (B)land of the living.
14 (C)Wait for the LORD;
Be (D)strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the LORD.  (same scripture but NASB)

There is an answer for your pain – Stay with God!!!  The writer here must have just gone through a pain or trial and this is their final word on it – Stay with God!  Wait on the Lord.  

“Land of the living” or “exuberant earth” simply mean the day we live in today. The earth as we know it.  Here and Now.  

This you must hold on to not matter what the trial is – You may have to look hard especially if your mind’s eyes are clouded by depression or even frustration, but you will see the goodness of the Lord.  You may have to wait a bit longer if you are clouded for whatever reason, but take heart you will see His goodness!!  In the wait be strong and may your hope be encouraged knowing the visible goodness is coming!!!  Take heart!  

I don’t know about yall – but I needed to hear that!!  Pain does have an answer – or there is an answer for the pain – wait on the Lord – you will see!  

Today after I lift weights with my trainer girl – killer woman that I love – my daughter Sarahjane and I will take off for St. Louis for her appointment with the pediatric endocrinologist!  I am excited for this meeting to find out more!  Yall please pray for clarity and definite answers.  Either way – I know we will see the goodness of the Lord on this earth – even today.  I will wait on the Lord and be strong and have a courage heart.  Even if it takes longer than I want – I will wait on the Lord!!!  Amen Jesus – I love you!  
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Filed Under: ministry, psalms, Sarahjane, Speaking, trials
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Monday’s glance at the week

September 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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Lord Jesus – you have given my family a very exciting and busy week ahead.  We have 3 baseball games this week alone.  That right there makes homework tough and all the other things that the girls want to do.  There are times it seems like Tucker’s events rules the house.  But the girlies are good about supporting him.

On Wednesday Emmajoy will be in a talent show at her school.  She is singing the Carrie Underwood version of I’ll Stand By You.  Yeah – that is what I thought too – cant you start with a tad bit easier song??  But actually she sings it pretty well.  She is feeling it!!  ha  (Mom, I will tape it and post it on here or Facebook.)  She also made student council this week.  Her daddy helped her write the speech and I helped with all the other crafty stuff!  I had so rather help with speech.  lol!

Sarahjane and Elleigh both have gymnastics and cheerleading this week as well.  We have to fit that in during the games.  I am thankful for my friend Nathalie that is so willing to help me out in a pinch!  There have been a lot of pinches since school has started!!

This weekend I’m traveling to Washington, In. to speak to a group.  I’m very excited.  It is a small group of 60-70 ladies, but that usually means a lot more fun and intimacy.  I will be speaking on “What Does God Require of Me” based on the scripture Micah 6:8.  One of my favorite messages.  It will be a weekend of having another stand in the gap for Clay and I.  He will be traveling home at the same time I am to be there.  It happens like that often, but we have some great sitters to help us out if need be!

Lots is going on with Speaking Thru Me Ministries.  This week I am fervently praying Ps 90:17 “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands – yes, establish the work of our hands.”  There is a really cool opportunity on the horizon and I want to know if this is something STMM is to be part and ask for the favor of the Lord to be all over it!  We shall see!

Lots of feelings and thoughts.  But this i know to be true – I am serving the Lord.  I love the Lord.  He loves me.  He is my judge.  He is weeding out my schedule to refine my “business”.  Lord, establish the work of my hands!

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Filed Under: kids, psalms, Speaking, STMM
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Doing my work release hours!

August 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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 3 Then the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: 4 “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?”  Haggai 1:3-4

Dear Lord, It has been a long time since I posted just simply because I have so many things going thru my head and I am trying to hear correctly.  Sometimes being quiet and having less distractions helps to hear You better.

This past Sunday I taught a wonderfully written lesson by our youth minister from the book of Haggai.  Basically the whole 2 chapter book is talking about a people that have beautifully decorated homes, but the temple of the Lord was in ruins.  Chris made lots of great examples in the lesson that I was to expound upon and did so with much conviction.  (I’m not sure the students got much out of the lesson, but I was forever changed after that hour.)

You see, the Lord of course knew before time began that on my way into church I need to be appalled by the amount of grass and weeds that had been allowed to grow up on our sidewalks.  When I saw it I immediately began to place blame and get angry at what a terrible representation this was of our church.  I was ready to make heads roll – ha ha!  I remember even peering down the sidewalks to see if our street neighbors’ sidewalks looked like ours – nope!!!  UGH!!

So as I began to teach, very loudly to much of the other classes dismay, I could feel the conviction of the Lord sitting heavily on my heart.  It was if I could be preaching to the kids and a conversation going on at the same time in my head with the Lord – quite surreal.

At the very end of my class I was so burdened by the lesson that I told the kids – “I’m not just up here preaching to yall in hopes that you change your life, etc… This lesson has impacted me in a huge way.”  I went on to explain the sidewalks and if it were my house that would never occur.  I don’t even want a weed in my flower beds or near my shrubs.  So why would I sit by and let my church, the Lord’s house look this way?  Why would I let the more important place be falling apart while my own house is shining.  - Haggai 1:3-4

So I had to take action.  I marched myself up to the church and bent down and begin to pull weeds on Monday.  I tried to do it after school was in so that less people would see.  But my lands it is on Main Street and there is no way to cover up this deed.  Oh my stars – my hams are so sore, my fingers want to fall off, and my arms can hardly be brought over my head!!  It has been so interesting the looks I have received, suggestions made, and also the help.

One wonderful lady – Debbie – sent a text thanking me and then met me there the next day to help.  Many cars would give me a little toot as they drove by.  One man in his work truck, Donnie, stopped by to give me a shovel and stayed for a few minutes to help as well – in his work clothes!!!  Another stopped by, Bryan, to tell me he would just spray it and then weed-eat it.  And still others would look quickly at me and then kind of shake their heads as if to say, “wonder what she did to get put on work release or community service hours?”  ha ha

You know – it was great to have help, I could easily make a roar about why this is not done, I could just spray and let time and the wind take the ugly away, but that is not what any of this is about.  This is about me responding to the Word and conviction the Lord Jesus placed in my heart.  This is about obedience.  This is about living out what I know to be truth – the Word of the Lord!!  This is about doing what I was called to do…this week!  This is about not taking the easy way out!!!

I wrestled Monday and Tuesday because I knew the Lord wanted me to write about this.  I was not embarrassed to write about it, I was scared people would judge me and say I was looking for applause.    That is why the Lord and I have argued much of the time out there.  But I relented after Him playing over and over in my heart – Leigh, this is about me and You.  This is about obedience.  This is about making sure My house is taken care of.  This is about people learning from conviction.  You tell this story and encourage others to take a look at their place of Worship.  You tell this story so others can see that My Word is alive and living and still convicts.  You tell this story in hopes that others will turn to my Word to receive a Word.  You tell this story as an example.  You tell this story – because I say so.

So I want to end by asking for forgiveness.  Lord, forgive me neglecting Your house.  Forgive me for by-passing certain parts of Your Word subconsciously thinking it may not apply.  Forgive me!  And I want my own church to forgive me for not doing my part in taking care of my church!  I have not done my part and please forgive me for not acting sooner.  Forgive me!  

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Filed Under: church, conviction, Haggai, neglect, yardwork
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