Personal Faith

Reveal why we are here!

February 1, 2012 By leighgray 2 Comments

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!!

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

Consecrated!

January 30, 2012 By leighgray 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!!

Filed Under: believing God, devotion, family, husband, Illinois, Isaiah, ministry, Personal Faith, STMM

Prayer Gifts by Leebirdfree!

November 15, 2011 By leighgray 6 Comments

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Talk about an encourager – this is my friend Lee! She is an extremely caring lady that also has a great name – ha! Lee is one of those friends that when you see her name come across your twitter feed or FB wall or even by email you dont panic wondering what she wants. You know whatever it is will be uplifting, joyous, and in step with Him! I love me some Lee and have been forever grateful since the day we “met”. My prayer is that she and I will live on the same street or at least neighborhood in Heaven! Thank you Lee for guest posting today! Hope you will come back!

Prayer Gifts by Lee Merrill

When I pray, I feel like I’m slow dancing with Jesus. With a smitten heart, I stand on tip-toe to whisper my heart into His ear. In turn, He whispers His heart into mine. Together, we discuss the needs of the people I love. Sometimes, I write them down; I call them prayer gifts. Prayer gifts allow me to place the prayers I pray into the hands of those I love. A double blessing, prayer gifts petition the heart of God and uplift the heart of people.

My first prayer gift was born out of the need for a cheap gift. A church friend’s birthday rolled around, and I was flat broke. I fumbled around and found some pretty stationery, wrote her a prayer of blessing, and handed it to her at church, apologizing that I had no real gift. Her response floored me! “Never in my life have I received such a beautiful thing! I will keep this forever.”

Soon, the Lord nudged me to expand my prayer gifts to non-Christians. I’m not gonna lie, sisters. I was scared. I didn’t want my friends without Jesus to reject me. I didn’t want them talking about their wacky religious friend behind my back. But the Spirit compelled me. I had to do it.

My co-worker, Christine, had a birthday close to Christmas time, so I wrapped up a couple Karen Kingsbury books and tucked a prayer gift inside.

All through Christmas break, I worried about how she’d receive the prayer gift. I mean…I didn’t pussy foot around, friends. Timid prayers are for sissies. I prayed gutsy stuff! For God to capture her heart and astound her with His powerful presence. For her marriage and family life to be enriched by the influence of Jesus. For her to understand that true life begins with Jesus.

Guess what? Not only did she receive the prayer gift with joy, she informed me that she would be expecting one every year for the rest of her ever-loving life! This year, I believe she’ll be receiving her seventh annual birthday/Christmas prayer gift. I’m still praying and waiting for her to give her heart to Jesus. Her heart gets a little softer every year.

Prayer gifts are perfect for any celebration: birthdays, weddings, babies, and housewarmings.

They are a soothing balm for heartache: grief, unemployment, divorce, and miscarriage.

They speak power into the hearts of people making a difference: women’s ministry leaders, teachers, bosses, and caregivers.

They spur on God’s girls (and fellas) to pursue godly character: grace, strength, peace, and freedom.

A prayer gift is the marriage of two of my passions: prayer and writing. Join me on my blog each week for Prayer Gift Mondays! As long as there are people in need of prayer, I’ll be penning prayer gifts!

Connect with me (and my prayer gifts) on my blog (http://prayergifts.blogspot.com, on Twitter (@LeeBirdFree), and on Face Book (Lee Walker Merrill)

Filed Under: friends, prayer, prayer blog

Joy of Cooking in Sicily!

November 8, 2011 By leighgray 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/

Filed Under: blogging, Culture, eating, food, new blog Tagged With: blogging, ministry, speaking

Pain Does Have an Answer

September 19, 2011 By leighgray 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!

Filed Under: ministry, psalms, Sarahjane, Speaking, trials

It’s Not Just the Bad that is Wrong

August 31, 2011 By leighgray Leave a Comment

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Dear Lord, So often I am just a half a day to giving up all social media because of different stuff I see. I don’t know how to explain it, but so much of it is all about ourselves. I’m including myself in this observation. But then you bring something to me and help me to know my time is not done there yet and to keep on. In fact, I felt Your conviction so as to discern that not taking place, not participating in this avenue of ministry, not even using this for Your good and Glory……….. it would be sin!

Lord, as these thoughts come to me it almost causes me to go to my knees because I don’t understand it at all. I have even thought I have to be making this up in my mind. But after much prayer, conviction, and confirmation – I will obey and in that obedience there will be action………again!

“ If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” James 4:17

I really appreciate this verse so much! I appreciate the specificity of it! It doesn’t just say that anyone that knows good and doesn’t do it randomly is sinning, but it is specific to me! When I know something He has called me to do no matter what it is – no matter how silly it may seem – no matter how many other times I have done it – no matter if it has never worked before – no matter what – IF i don’t or chose not to follow through on this “good” – that is not just general sin, but this is sin for me!!!!

What is it in your life? What is it that you keep passing by for some reason? What is it that you hear Him saying – I need you to do this “goodness” and you don’t make time, you done feel like it will be effective, you don’t want to get involved, you think it is stupid, you are embarrassed, you are don’t see any good that could come from that………………..

It is not just the obvious bad that is sin in our lives, it is not doing the obvious good that is sin as well. Oh Lord, may we hear you! Oh Lord, may we respond to you. Oh Lord, may we have joy in our hearts. And Oh Lord, may You be pleased!! I love you Savior!!

Filed Under: doing good, facebook, James, media, twitter

Made To Crave Bible Study starting soon!

June 3, 2011 By leighgray 1 Comment

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Made To Crave

by Lysa Terkeurst

Summer Bible Study at Leigh’s

Are you sick of the yo-yo dieting? Do you want to come to the end of the diet road? God made us to crave, but the problem is that we usually crave everything but Him. This Bible study is the most logical and direct approach I have seen to losing weight AND keeping it off!!

WAIT – maybe food is not what you crave more than Him…shopping, coffee, money, all consuming thoughts of your size even if you are able to keep your weight down…it can be anything. This study can also address those issues as well.

I want freedom and I know you do too. Come, let’s do this together and tackle these issues once and for all.

845 Co Rd 1350 N Carmi, IL. – 618-383-4856 6:30pm

June 14, 21, 28

July 5, 12, 19

Aug. 2, 9

By the first meeting date you need to purchase Made to Crave book and the Bible study participants guide. You can purchase these at www.madetocrave.org.

Please call me with any questions or email me at cletus104@gmail.com.

Please let me know you are coming!!

Can’t wait to do this with you!!

Filed Under: bible study group, summer

955 – Made To Crave Summer Bible study at mi casa!

May 31, 2011 By leighgray 2 Comments

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Made To Crave

by Lysa Terkeurst

Summer Bible Study at Leigh’s

I want freedom and I know you do too. Come, let’s do this together and tackle these issues once and for all.

845 Co Rd 1350 N Carmi, IL. – 618-383-4856 6:30pm

June 14, 21, 28

July 5, 12, 19

Aug. 2, 9

By the first meeting date you need to purchase Made to Crave book and the Bible study participants guide. You can purchase these at www.madetocrave.org.

Please call me with any questions or email me at cletus104@gmail.com.

Please let me know you are coming!!

Can’t wait to do this with you!!

Filed Under: bible study group, summer

917 – Just plainly thankful!

November 25, 2010 By leighgray Leave a Comment

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Woke up early this morning to find another gloomy day! Lots of blowing rain, cold whipping wind, and darkness. I am not sure if it is still shot gun season, but I certainly wouldn’t want to be out there! But my heart is full!

As I rolled out of bed my mind went straight to Ps. 100 before my feet hit the ground. My mind strolled back to 4th grade SS class when we were suppose to memorize this Psalm. I remember being extremely embarrassed that I didn’t fulfill the task. My parents were even helpers in the class, but for some reason I missed the memo – or didn’t care. I remember now thinking how awful I felt because even the boys that didn’t want to be there had it memorized.

I think that began my “never agains”. Never again would I NOT do what was asked by someone in church! Hate to disappoint and I tried to never again do that!

I went back to that scripture this morning and read it today with fullness and no 4th grade guilt. I have moved on from that day because of the joy in my heart and the thanksgiving from my mouth!

Check it out – Psalm 100 (The Message)
^1-2 On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into his presence.

³ Know this: God is God, and God, God.
He made us; we didn’t make him.
We’re his people, his well-tended sheep.

⁴ Enter with the password: “Thank you!”
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.

⁵ For God is sheer beauty,
all-generous in love,
loyal always and ever.

Isn’t that great!!! I love that version.

Is there anything that can hinder our praise?? I am glad you asked… These are 4 things that we must pay close attention to as we come to the Throne of Grace.
1) Ignorance
2) Tradition
3) People centered worship
4) Hidden sin

When I think back on this last year I think I am most thankful for the incredible recovery my dad has made from the Dec. 8 stroke and the incredible example of love, devotion, and sacrifice my mom has shown towards my dad, but example of “in sickness and in health” to us all.

It is overwhelming how good the Lord has been – I am thankful for…
my salvation and the joy of knowing the Lord has saved me from the pit of hell and saves me from myself daily,
my husband and the way he accepts me, loves, encourages me, makes me laugh until it hurts, and provides for us all,
my kids that are my joy and crown, they are my life, they are my everything,
my family both near and far,
my friends that don’t try to understand my weirdness, but just love me for me,
my ministry partners and all that God has allowed us to do thus far,
my church, pastor, and leadership,
home, schools, and this incredibly friendly town,
teachers that push my kids toward excellence,
coaches that see potential and want to bring out the best,
Christmas presents under the tree,
driving around the town to see all the lights and brightness of Hope,
Lulu,
cars, trucks, and SUV’s that get me to and fro all year round,
our SS class that has gone above and beyond in putting feet to their faith,
Maya,
the Holy Scripture that is life to me and discipline as well,
doctors that will heal my ankle so that I no longer walk around in fear,
insurance that will help us make this happen,
my brother that has been so faithful and available to helping my parents out through this time of relearning and acclimation,
Gojo that gives my hubby opportunity to put food on the table,
swimming pools that will bring lots of kids to the house this summer,
baseball, basketball, and cheerleading events that are so fun to support my kids,
clothes and jewelry,
elliptical machines that will become my best friend once I get to walk again,
stretching clothes that make a growing body feel better, ugh!!!!!!!
hot shower and smell good to put on after,
rain and sunshine,
Olive Garden, Dimaggios, Gottzs, Taco Tierra, Mackies,
friends that meet me for lunch,
places of work ,
cute little salad and sandwich shops,
land to watch wildlife from my back porch,
neighbors that share their butter all the time,
FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and EMAIL,
smart phones,
computers,
technology that I cant figure out – not!!!
TJ Maxx and Marshall’s and Ross when I am in Tenn.,
my momma’s green beans and fried green tomatoes,
money for tomorrow,
stocked kitchen,
flip flops,
beach,
Lifeway,
people like Vicki Courtney that are helping me to raise my kids,
Beth Moore and her incredible way of helping me to pursue the Lord with everything in me,
indoor plumbing,
basement to send the kids and to seek refuge during a storm,
pizza and card night with friends,
Tamiflu,
Vandy Children’s Hospital,
Delta Airlines,
Ronald McDonald House,
friends from Liberia,
chocolate,
hot cookies,
cold,cold,milk!!
etc!

Filed Under: psalms, thank you

915 – R U ready?

November 22, 2010 By leighgray Leave a Comment

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Good morning – got a busy day and a busy week. Definitely having ankle surgery on Dec. 8 and so I will not be walking like a real person for at least 6 weeks. That means I must get some Christmas shopping done NOW!!! But you know that really is OK – I like to get it all done and then relax!

Today Clay and I are heading over to Evansville. He has a check up and I just thought I would tag along. Makes me think of an older couple in retirement that goes too all their appointments together. The future is so bright – i really do look forward to those days.

I spoke in Kenton, Tn. this weekend and had a blast. I was able to take my 2 littlest with me. They were wonderful. We laughed and giggled so much!! I love hanging out with them! I want them to better understand what I do and feel more secure in knowing this is what God has called mommy to!

This event was not just bathed in prayer, it was smothered!!! It was so wonderful!! There was a group of young girls there as part of a signing team – INCREDIBLE!!!! I loved having youth in the audience!! But they were so awesome!!! I hope to bring them to Illinois!!

This morning God reminded me of being ready!! Acts 14:1 “…There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed!” This past weekend I said something while i was speaking that was incorrect. It was a terrible mistake and all was corrected, but it really “shook” me to the core!!! One of the very reason I would walk away from speaking, even if it were disobedient, is the fear of portraying the Lord incorrectly or His Word in not a truthful manner! It scares me greatly!!

I want and long to be an effective speaker! I want to display the Word for the Truth and have His name made famous. I want to bring glory to Him and speak in such a way that others are drawn to Him. I want people to see Jesus working through me and His power made known! I want to be ready and so effective that whether it is a planned engagement or a personal “street” encounter that He is made known! PERIOD!!!

But to be ready and effective – you must prepare – I must prepare!! And most of that preparing is on my knees through prayers!!!

God, thank you for your grace. Thank you for the women that delivered grace and mercy to me that day when i spoke incorrectly! Thank you for the one that showed my err. Thank you for helping me and training me to be more effective!!! Jesus, I want to do whatever and be available whenever!!! Oh but Lord, help me to be effective in such a way that they BELIEVE!!!!! I love you – amen!

Filed Under: Acts, ministry, Speaking

Reveal why we are here!

Consecrated!

Prayer Gifts by Leebirdfree!

Joy of Cooking in Sicily!

Pain Does Have an Answer

It’s Not Just the Bad that is Wrong

Made To Crave Bible Study starting soon!

955 – Made To Crave Summer Bible study at mi casa!

917 – Just plainly thankful!

915 – R U ready?

Speaking

Consecrated!

Why would i want to share my gift of influence???

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