Marriage Is A Journey

Marriage is a journey.  What have you packed for the trip?

When I plan for a trip. I pack more than enough stuff "just in case" I need it.  When I realized that my marriage was a long journey that I would travel until I die... I started to pack.  These are some of the things I have for the journey.

• A pack a patience. One for each day
• A lot of smiles and laughs.  I can never have too many of those.
• Food for my soul. My Bible, journal, and sermon notes are carry on items.  
• I keep gratitude on hand. I never know when I will need it.
• Cute lingerie is a must. My husband makes sure I keep that around (chuckle, laugh, smile) 

and love... I let God fill my bag.  He has it overflowing and makes sure nothing is too heavy for me to carry.  

These are just a few of the things I keep in my marriage suitcase. 
What about you?
What do you bring along for your journey with your husband?

Lisa

Did God Really Speak To Me This Morning?

My early morning devotion took me to Deuteronomy where God commands me to show kindness to those in need. My response is “OK God, I can do that today”. I leave the house, go to the dentist, and smile as I speak kind words to everyone in the office. I leave there and come home. My husband is there.

He had taken all 3 kids to school this morning so I could make the appointment. Afterwards he planned to take my mini van through inspection and finally go to work. He greeted me with a kiss and a smile. I sighed back.

I walked around doing my normal morning chores. I made the bed, emptied the dishwasher, made breakfast, and put some clothes ways. I thought about how much I do all day and began to feel unappreciated by my husband. He had not done or said anything, it just came over me. Ever had that happen to you?


Now I am in a bad mood and a bit annoyed with my husband for no apparent reason. He prepares to leave and wishes me a good day. I say thanks and let him leave the house with no smile, no kiss, and not much affection. Can you say NO KINDNESS!


Since I forgot God’s word to me earlier, He was king enough to speak again. I sat down to the computer and read an online devotional. It took me to the book of James. Be slow to wrath or anger. The writer says that the enemy wants to tempt me to be easily offended. When that happens I am to practice mercy and forgiveness. I hear kindness….Is that a summary of my morning or what?

God really has spoken to me this morning. I am going to respond by treating my husband with kindness today. I am going to confess my anger as sin and ask God to help me release mercy today. I love my husband and I love my God. Because, even when I am offended enough to be mad for no reason… they still speak to me in the morning.

 
Lisa


I pray you show extra kindness to your husband today.

Is It Your Husband?

I feel compelled to ask…. Is it your husband?

Is it your husband…

Who will work on the oil spill or prosecute the car bomber from Times Square?
Is it your husband running for election or seeking a job promotion?
Is your husband working overtime or looking for a job?
Will he treat patients in the Emergency Room or fight a local fire?
Is it your husband who will take off from work to care for aging parents or sick children?


Is it your husband who is hurting or feeling disrespected?
Is it your husband who woke up wanting to leave home and never return?
Is it your husband who is struggling to hold on to his faith?
Is it your husband looking to his helper for strength and loyalty?

Someone’s husband is doing all of these things and more. Is it yours?

Today, I challenge you to pray for husbands. Include the men of God ordained to head households and have dominion over the earth.

1. On this national day of prayer, ask your self is it my husband?
2. Then offer his name to the heavens first.
3. Next, offer prayers for our leaders!

Today take a moment to pray for a husband you know….

Lisa

“Wives On Purpose” is praying on tomorrow 5/6/10. On the National Day of Prayer http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/ we will be standing in the gap for marriage. At 5:00 a.m. many faithful wives will get on a conference call to pray for those who are weak.  Our prayers will include not only our marriages but also the marriages of community leaders, Church leaders , and our Country's leaders.     

If you would like to join us please email wivesonpurpose@yahoo.com. Type “national day of prayer” in the subject line. You will be sent the details. Thank you for using the weapons of prayer and praise to impact marriage. 

Follow Your Heart…

In times of marriage hardship, wives often suffer from broken hearts. Let’s face it many tears, lots of frustration, deep sadness and growing bitterness may result from hurt feelings that lead to broken hearts. Every day trials and conflict make living with our husbands painful at best. Making plans to live without him breeds anxiety and uncertainty often at simultaneously. What a crazy way to live. Why? Could it be that we are following our hearts?

In the depths of marriage despair, I had to consider Jeremiah 17: 9-10. The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it? Now I must wonder, if I would follow a girlfriend that was deceitful and desperately wicked?

I the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind. Could it be that my troubles are a result of God searching my heart and testing my mind? Maybe I have overlooked God’s involvement and given his glory over to the heartache telling me that the enemy is attacking my marriage. Did I forget the deal was for better and for worse?

Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings. This is HUGE! What if I am being given life circumstances according to my ways? What has been my way? Have been a wife according to my way or God’s way? What is the fruit of my doings? Have I spent time seeking God for his response to these feelings of heartache?

Even in the midst of our greatest problems with our husbands I have good news! We can Stop following our hearts and begin to follow our minds.

• Our mind chooses to believe God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). He is for our marriage success.
• Our mind reminds us that we are the wife by covenant (Malachi 2:14b).
• Our mind honors our commitment to our husbands and over powers our emotions.

We can get through the worse times because the strength of Jesus is made perfect in our weakness. Are you weak in your marriage today? Choose to follow God’s truth. Stop following you heart. Instead, lead your heart to follow God. You have victory in HIM.

Lisa

Prayer for the National Day of Prayer

Special Prayer For The National Day of Prayer - May 6, 2010


We have purposed in our hearts to pray for those who lead us.  The "Wives On Pupose" will be praying for our husbands who lead our families on May 6, 2010.  Please prepare you hearts to join us and pray for our nation'a leaders as the day approaches.  The following text is reason for us to continue to seek God on the issue of corporate prayer. 
Lisa  

visit: http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/  for more information

Judge Rules National Day of Prayer Unconstitutional

On April 15, 2010, United States District Court Judge Barbara Crabb, for the Western District of Wisconsin, struck down the National Day of Prayer statute, as violating the Establishment Clause. Judge Crabb ruled that the statute serves no secular purpose, but rather calls the nation to engage in a religious exercise - prayer.

The National Day of Prayer belongs to Americans. It is a tradition that dates back to 1775 and it is not for a Judge to take away. We the people called for the day of prayer and for 59 years we have practiced our freedom to gather and pray.

"Please remain in prayer with us about this critical matter. We know God is in control. And, whatever lies ahead, we are committed to stirring the hearts of Americans to prayer and to preserving the National Day of Prayer as a vital expression of our nation's cherished religious liberties."

-- Mrs. James C. Dobson (Shirley)
Chairman, NDP Task Force

Presented By ~ The Presidential Prayer Team™

PRAY - PROVIDE - TRANSFORM

When The Wives Pray

4/15/10


What is the National Day of Prayer?

The National Day of Prayer was established as an annual event in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. The observance of the National Day of Prayer is founded on the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion and can be celebrated by all Americans.

The National Day of Prayer has its own Web site (http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/) that offers information about how the day is observed across the United States.

When is the National Day of Prayer?

Thursday May 6, 2010

We Are Joining the National Call To Pray.

Wives are never shy about seeking heaven on behalf of our marriages. Each Monday night we get on the phone and pray! Now we are accepting the opportunity to join people all over the nation in prayer for MARRIAGE!

Wives On Purpose will be rising at 5:00 AM to stand in the gap for women in troubled marriages and those who are too hurt to pray for themselves!

We are lifting up the serious issues that cause stress, strain, and separation. We are standing against divorce and every other trial that causes death to God’s holy covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. We are using our weapons of prayer and our praise to seek victory through God’s resurrection power for marriages.

Won’t you join us in 3 weeks?

If you or a women you know is in need of prayer. Make the call on May 6th.
mailto:wivesonpurpose@yahoo.com

I'll be praying for you and with you.

Lisa

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

4/14/10


I promised a few more peeks at our celebration and our ministry.  Here they are.
Happy Anniversary to all of the “Wives On Purpose” past, present, and future!
God has touched  our hearts and our lives.
Because of him, we can stay married til death to us part.

Enjoy our story!

Log on to www.youtube.com/tonytusmc

Lisa

From Our 5th Anniversary Celebration

In honor of this year's theme, my dear friend and member of the Wives On Purpose Support Group wrote this poem for our celebration.  I hope it blesses you and your marriage.


LOVE NEVER FAILS

By Vanetta Tate © 3/12/10

Love is not the feeling that one gets in a new relationship

Where you can’t hear the words for looking at their lips

It’s not time standing still waiting for the phone to ring

Or the candy, flowers, or just because gifts that you bring

The kind words, your gentle touch, and romantic dinners

Are all nice, but are really just temporary joy lenders

The walks in the park, a new bottle of perfume

When it is all over, real life will resume

Oh, all of it is wonderful and great

But keep on living, just you wait

In the beginning neither could do any wrong

As life progresses we start singing a different song

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE,… Sent from above

The kind that comes in the marriage deal

Ordained by GOD and not how you feel

Love is hanging in there thru thick and thin

Saying I’m sorry, I forgive you, I love you again and again

Tolerating one another’s quirks

Not dishing, slinging, uncovering, or airing the dirt

Getting over differences and letting go of the hurt

Praying, communicating and keeping GOD first

Keeping you needs along side of mine

Both being mindful we’ll be just fine

Being totally committed to GOD and the cause

To complete the journey life with you without a pause

There is the true test that only time can tell

It endures all things LOVE NEVER FAILS!!

*Written exclusively for Wives On Purpose

I'll share more from our program as the week goes on.
Lisa

5 years of Ministry

Apart from Him I can do nothing but I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength! This is the heart of my life especially today as I prepare to celebrate 5 years of ministering to married women, the “Wives On Purpose”.

We have met each month in small support groups to learn ways to practice biblical teaching in our marriages. We have prayed each Monday night for our marriages and those all over the world. We have gathered for Christmas breakfast and summer picnics. We have been purposeful in our role as wives and this evening we will dress up, eat, and rejoice in the Lord for he has made us a good thing!

Pray with me that all present will enjoy fellowship with our Lord, a good meal, and that the marriages themselves will be blessed beyond measure with grace, patience, and God’s unmerited favor.

Thanks to all of you who have supported me over the past 5 years and to those who will stand with me for God’s covenant in the future. I am excited to see what he has in store next!

I love you all with the love of Christ,

Lisa

Be Strong and Be Encouraged- Our 5th Anniversay Is Coming!

Good Morning All,


As we draw near to our 5Th Anniversary celebration, many of us feel very little like shouting. It seems that husbands have hurt feelings, and children have been more needy. Time is running away from us at jury duty, doctors appointments, schedule conflicts, we have even lived through car accidents. Some have run into communication barriers with husbands and many just have one thing after another going wrong... I am writing to tell you Be Strong and Be Encouraged!

Don't think it strange as we face trials preparing to celebrate God's holy covenant of marriage. Rather take this time between now and Saturday to do the following:

Pick out a cute dress and refrain from asking your husband what he is wearing. He can choose his own clothes.

Pray for all of the marriages connected to Wives On Purpose. There are those coming to see God show up because they are considering divorce. There are some who are very off purpose and need to be close to those who are strong right now. Pray for all of us.

Praise God for all he has already done for us! I have seen him provide and move people in ways I couldn't have imagined. Rejoice with me and wait to see for yourself. For now just give him PRAISE!

Finally whatever is on your plate right now. be....
Patient. God has not overlooked your concern. Maybe he just wants you to stop looking at it long enough to enjoy Saturday....

I can't wait to see you all.
Watch for blessings this week!

Lisa

A Little PEACE!

The past few months of my life have been like riding the fastest roller coaster in the biggest amusement park in the world. Unexpected and unusual events have propelled me forward taking sharp turns that felt like I was tipping over. My circumstances lead me slowly upward only to reach a top peak and fall head first downward. The pace has been fast and furious leaving my stomach nauseous and my head throbbing. Up, down, and around I go! Such has been my life since Thanksgiving. The ride continued through Christmas and into the New Year.

One morning I was thinking about my circumstances. I replayed some of the details of these events and wondered if I was going crazy. I didn’t feel crazy but, my parents had expressed concern for my well being. My closest friends had me placed me at the top of their prayer lists. My husband has just been looking at me with a helpless expression on his face. Maybe I am losing it and don’t even realize it.

“How are you doing Lisa, I asked myself?” (I ask myself a lot of questions).
Fine, I really am fine,” I replied. Then I began to wonder why.

I sat very still and then I heard the small voice. …and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:7). The light bulb had come on! I could see clearly. I was not crazy at all. I fine because I had the peace of God and it surpassed all of understanding!

How did I get such peace? I heard the voice again. “Peace” I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27). In the midst of messy circumstances, I had received a little peace. My heart was no longer troubled and I was no longer afraid. Peace had strengthened me. I was prepared to handle what was ahead.

Like everything Jesus offers, peace is not just for me. I began to remember watching other godly women as they faced trials covered in the peace of Christ. When a 50 year old wife buried her husband six months shy of her daughter’s high school graduation, she had peace. She lost her husband but, not her mind. I also saw a devoted wife of over 50 years care for her sick husband until he passed. At the home going service her sigh contained a mixture of sadness and relief as she spoke softly saying “my work here is finished”. She had peace. I had spent the last few months caring for some ideals that had died. I had to bury some other false hopes. I had lost some things, people, and direction. In the midst of it all, I was moving forward. I had peace.

My life is still on that fast roller coaster track. God is full control and I believe he has strapped me in tight and is taking me on the most exciting ride of my life. My heart is pounding with anticipation. My head is filling with hopes and dreams and my stomach is still a bit nauseous. I expect sharp curves. I anticipate uphill travel and it may take a long time to reach the top. I am certain that I will fall pretty fast and hard some times. BUT as long as I have the gift of PEACE, I can enjoy the ride!

How about you?
Lisa

Enter 2010!

January 2010

Happy New Year!

I know we are 5 days into it now but, this is how I have entered 2010.

VERY SLOWLY… It seems God is doing some amazing things in me and in my life. Can I tell you that amazing doesn’t always feel good? Many of my current circumstances are difficult. I would not have chosen them.

BUT in 2010 I am striving to see God in new ways. That is my heart’s desire and my constant prayer. I want more of Him and to experience the hand of a Big God in my life. That leaves me here:

Slow to write to you on the blog
Slow to face the mundane tasks of my day
Entering 2010 with some pretty bad (oh sorry) amazing battles to fight

In the process I am also here:

Reading the Bible in One Year
Praying Like I have Never Prayed before
Seeing God be Provider (My husband’s pay is a limited resource)
Seeing God be Healer. (Some things come only by prayer and fasting)
Experiencing the blessings of immediate obedience.
Seeing a bigger picture of the Body of Christ. (Ministry really does happen on Twitter) and…

Loving the Lord more and more each day!
How have you entered 2010?
Where is God taking you?

Lisa

Building Your House

Last night on the Wives On Purpose prayer call, our scripture was Proverbs 14:1. The New King James Version reads: The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her own hands.

I got to thinking about building my house, about building my marriage. A long time ago my marriage was a nice design idea in my head. I planned my wedding and signed the contract to begin work. I was married in the Church and joined by God. I had indeed entered the marriage covenant and begun living my life as life’s construction crew surveyed, dug, poured, and measured. Brick after brick was laid to make my marriage house. I loved and admired the finished product. I was sure that when the rains came down and the floods came up that my marriage would stand. Why, because we were founded on the Rock!

What I failed to realize is that sometimes in a fierce and violent storm, all that we see is wiped away. The only thing left is the foundation. It is from there we that rebuild. A wise woman builds.

During 20 years of marriage, I have learned a few tips to help build and rebuild my marriage house.

1). I survey my property. I never assume that my marriage house is in good shape. Periodically I ask my husband questions.

• Are you comfortable in our relationship?
• Are there some things we should address?
• Are your needs still the same and are they being met?

2). When I see a tear, some peeling, or just something broken, I immediately call in for repair. Jesus is the best worker I know. I put him on speed dial and tell Him exactly what is wrong.

• I pray no matter where I am or what I am doing.
• I stop and pray.

3). I have learned that I get what I pay for. Building a house costs time and money, building a marriage costs too.
• I pay with patience. Marriage is until death.
• I pay when bad weather stops all progress.
• I pay for top quality materials. Only the best books, devotionals, marriage conferences, etc. will do for my marriage mansion.

I want to build my marriage house. I know that occasionally it needs upgrades and sometimes entire rooms need to be renovated. I keep my eyes and ears open to the Lord so when it he says it’s building time… I can say Yes, Lord… Let it be done to me according to your word!
If you are in a time of building do not fear. Understand that you are a wise woman!

Lisa

I Am Pressing On

Today is a good day. The sun is shining and it is not too cold. I enjoyed some private time with Jesus this morning. I got my kids to school on time, ate a healthy breakfast which included oatmeal, then I dressed for my exercise workout. That is where my thoughts took over.

I don’t belong to a gym or a take any formal classes. I don’t swim or run. I simply pop in a DVD. To keep myself motivated, I picture many of the women whom I admire in my living room exercising with me. I walk away pounds with my favorites. P. Bunny Wilson, Stormie O’Martian, Sheryl Brady, Darlene Bishop, Trena Jenkins, Priscilla Shirer, Lysa TerKeurst, Beth Moore, and so many others. Yes, they are my cheerleaders.
Surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1), I should be able to finish the program right?

Today was different. I was distracted. My mind wandered away from my famous cheerleaders and my DVD. The tasks I had to complete seemed more important than what I was doing. With each step I became anxious about my “to do” list. I even looked at my watch to see how much longer the DVD would last. Then I heard the women say “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you” (1Cor.6:19). “Take time to care for it.”

I moved to knee lifts….8 more, 4 more…I was getting tired now. I wondered if I should turn it off. As I debated this issue, I heard the ladies again. This time they said “press on”. “Press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Then it hit me! This is how I often approach my marriage and my husband.

I start off pretty good. I move to do the right thing (love, honor, and obey). Then I get distracted. My mind and my heart begin to wander. My “to do list” takes priority over him. I move on one more day, one more day, one more day…. Only now I live with anxiety and frustration. I am getting tired. I began to ask myself if I should just turn it off. How do I turn off?

You know…

I fix dinner but don’t serve his plate.

I welcome my children home with a smile. When he arrives I give him little more than a polite hug.

I interrupt my evening for the children’s bed time routine. I sigh when he interrupts me doing the dishes to share a new idea.

I stop calling him during the day to say hello.

I call on the cell phone when I need him to make a stop on hi sway home.

I complain about the household tasks he forgot to do.

I question him about every decision he makes.

This can be a very long list if I let it BUT…

I hear the ladies. Press on! Press toward the goal of a happy marriage. Press on even when you are tired. Press on and finish the race. I want to win the prize. Don’t you? I hear the Spirit of God telling me to press on.

Have you ever had to press in your marriage just to do the right things? Have you heard the Spirit of God supporting you? I would love to hear your testimony…

If you would like to leave a comment and do not have a blog. Click on Comments and choose anonymous from the drop down menu. You may leave your name in your comment if you like. I really do love to hear your thoughts so please share...


Lisa

Blessings In The Pit- Notice What God is Doing

This may sound harsh but, I consider my present living conditions a pit. I live in a rental property and I am not happy about my living situation. I moved here three years ago and I know that God brought me here. Having made that clear now let me give you my testimony about this pit.

When we first arrived in this house we encountered plumbing problems. Then the kitchen cabinets wore out. We are without a few working shelves and drawers. The windows don’t open and close properly and several are missing screens. I could go on forever about the repair work that is needed here. The bottom line is I have spent the last 3 years despising the house, the neighborhood, and the circumstances surrounding how long we must remain here. I have spent a great deal of time complaining about this pit and whining about how long it will take God to move us from here to somewhere better.

Recently, I decided to stop complaining about my struggles and to focus on seeing God everywhere in them. I want to learn something new about Him in all that I experience. I started with my pit because this morning I was complaining…. again. I got in the shower (For those who have never heard me say this…God talks to me in the shower)…As the hot water beat on my tired body I began to pray. I asked God to move me to a better place but this time I also asked him to show me where he is in this situation. Like always, he answered.

He reminded me of Joseph. Joseph began his journey with the Lord from a pit. His pit was empty and had no water. (Gen 37:24). In the pit, Joseph was left and his brothers thought he would die there. But God had a plan to deliver him and use him. As I recalled the story I compared my current house and living conditions to Joseph’s “pit”. For me this house is empty and has no life giving water… (Even the water outside does not work)

If you know follow the story, you find God’s hand on Joseph until he got to the palace. While in the shower God showed me his hand on my life even in this pit.

A few things I noticed:

1. God taught me how to fight for my children using the weapon of His word. My middle daughter hates her bedroom. She complains of bad dreams and fears that someone is coming to “get her”. I posted psalm 91 over her bed. We pray it every night. We play the Bible on CD in her room at night and I spend many nights praying over her.

2. God showed me the importance of teaching my children to pray. They must be able to seek God for themselves. My son sleeps next door to his sister and often wants to protect her. I hung a framed prayer written by my father over his bed. It is entitled “Mother’s Teach Your Son’s To Pray” by Hailey Bernard Ellis. By age 3 he could pray openly and with great faith for our family.

3. God humbled me. Our house is very outdated. Many things are broken and need repair. I pointed out every one of them. I wanted my husband to feel guilty enough to hurry up and move us. Then the recession hit. I heard about families who lost homes. I knew several. They would be glad to live in mine. I was convicted and humbled.

4. God still blessed me.
I recognize some of my daughter’s spiritual gifts.
My children now turn to God when they are afraid.
I have been delivered from a huge bag of spiritual bondage.
I have been freed from some unhealthy friendships.
My husband has been freed from strongholds.
My husband has been freed from past hurts.
I can see my husband’s determination to have the best for us.
My children are flourishing in school and developing godly character.

5. God has shown me gratitude. My pit has 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, a finished basement, and space for my children to play. The “Wives On Purpose Ministry” meets here each month, and I have even entertained 29 people for a sit down Christmas Eve dinner. All in this pit! Not so bad after all right?

6. God reminded me of that he is sovereign (above all else). If I continued to despise the place where I live then I am despising the God who brought me here.

7. God gave me another chance to worship Him. In the shower I began to give thanks and praise for all I had received in the pit. No harm had come to me. Major appliances were working. My family is closer because we have survived some hard times. We are all growing in Christ Jesus.

Today I can see clearly the blessings I received while in a pit and I am standing still to see the salvation of the Lord… Because I know that Joseph went from his pit to the palace…. Palace here I come!!!!

Are you in a pit of yoru own? 
Where have you seen God's hand?

If would like to share your thoughts and do not have a blog click on comments and choose anonymous from the drop down menu .  You may leave your name in your comment if you'd like. 

I love to hear your thoughts. 
Lisa

Write It All Down

Today is a great for me because I can praise God for his promises! I suppose I should feel that way every day, but many days I praise because God is worthy… not because I feel like it. Today is different. It is different because of what I read.

Last night I read my journal entries and sermon notes from the entire year. I read my life’s story until I found myself reading the New Year’s Eve sermon notes from 2007 http://www.fbcglenarden.org/ . That is when I began a new journey with the Lord.

I cannot begin to tell you all that has happened in me, my family and my life since 2007. That really does not matter. What does matter is that I share with you how it gave me the praise I have today. You see God gave me a word in 2007. The verses preached and my journal entries spoke to my heart and I wrote them down. I lived through 2007 and 2008 listening to God and writing the messages down. I have recorded prayers, devotions, and promises. God made me some promises.

A few weeks ago, I decided to list all of the recent promises God made to me. I wrote 3 pages in my journal! Last night, I read them too and my heart pounded fast and I got so excited. My insides were tingling as I realized that God was doing some great things FOR ME!!!! He had promised!

I could not have read these things last night if I had not written it all down. (Three years of living in three notebooks). My mind gets bogged down with living day to day. My body gets tired and my emotions make me weary. I must write in order to hear the Word clearly, gain understanding, and renew my hope. I believe in a journal.

Today I can rejoice and sing a new song because of what I wrote.
Today I can go to God and pray his word back to him.
Today I can stand and believe him for what he told me.
Today I can praise him for his promises!!!

Even if you are not a journal writer, please consider finding a way to write your story. Any kind of book will do. Just get in a quite place and write what you hear from God. Allow Him time with you. Give him a chance to speak to you. Write what he says and don’t forget the promises.

It will give you praise like never before. Don’t take my word for it…
Jeremiah 30:2 says Thus says the Lord God of Israel, write in a book for your self all the words that I have spoken to you (NKJV).

Praise God today for what he is doing in your life and in your marriage. He is worthy!

Lisa

When God Answers Your Prayers

As I live and pray and work for the Lord, I also struggle. I talk to God all day long about what he wants from me and what he wants to do through me. I ask him what’s next. I watch for him to show up all over the place and make every effort to welcome him into the most private places of my heart. I desire to live for Jesus but to successfully do so… I need prayer.

When I wake up in the morning to late to have devotions, I need prayer.
When I stay up all night with a sick child, I need prayer.
When I drift into the car ahead of me, I need prayer.
When my prayer partner goes on vacation and I think I cannot pray without her, I need prayer.
When I must treat an enemy like a friend, I need prayer.
When my house begins to literally fall down, I need prayer.
When I cannot utter my own prayer, I need prayer…..

Have you ever felt like this? I tell you this has been my life lately BUT…. when women pray God shows up! I have been the beneficiary of God’ presence because you have prayed….

In the last few days…

• God spent time with me at night because I was up late. He spoke when I read my Bible at 11:00 p.m. instead of 5:30 a.m.
• He healed my son of the fever, vomiting, and diarrhea in a few days instead of weeks.
• The car I drifted into was driven by a woman I know. Neither vehicle was damaged. She even asked if I was OK.
• While my prayer partner is on vacation and I have been able to pray for her trip, her family, and her blessings.
• God has made even my enemy bless me by sending a kind email
• He has also given me the promise of a new house
• A friend called just to let me know she was thinking of me
• Another friend sent an email that she had just finished praying for me

And just when I thought I was drained dry… I got on the Wives On Purpose conference call for marriage and those women prayed for my strength and renewal! God really does answer prayer. He has answered your prayers for me and I am grateful…

Our husbands need prayer too. What would happen in our marriages if we prayed for our husbands the same way? How often would we see God’s changing hand on their lives if we prayed for them every day? It sounds silly but we should try and remember our husbands in our daily prayers…The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17). We will see God answer…. Our husbands will be thankful just like me!

Lisa

One Crazy Morning

Some days it seems like life is crazy and I am going crazy too. Some days like today, I wonder how to hold on when everything and everyone has turned to chaos. Have you ever been there?

Yesterday, my daughter, Hailey, was out of school. We spent the entire day together. It was good bonding time only last night she wanted to sleep in my bed. After much debate and some tears, I got her to sleep in her own bed… BUT, I sat with her until she fell asleep. Yesterday, my son, Gavin, came home from preschool. He whined and fussed all evening. He was tired and worn out. Yesterday, my biggest girl, Rachel came home sad. The work load in 10th grade is getting the best of her and she is struggling to keep an “A” in all of her classes. Yesterday, all of my children needed MOMMY….

Last night, I settled them down. Hailey went to sleep at 9:30pm. Gavin fell asleep at 11:00p.m. Rachel was still awake doing homework when I fell asleep at 11:30 p.m. What a late night for us all. That was my yesterday.

The emotional pull from my children yesterday and the lack of sleep last night was draining on me. I needed time with God to be ready for today. Somebody please tell me why I was looking at both Hailey and Gavin at 5:00 a.m. They were climbing into my bed! They were trying to get to MOMMY….and Mommy was trying to get to God!

It was pure chaos getting ready for school this morning. Gone was my quiet time. Gone was my time of peace and gone was Daddy’s patience with us all.

After dropping the kids at school, I stopped the van and sat for a while. God is not a god of chaos! I tried to pray… that was full of chaos too… Have you ever felt that way?

I looked up at the sky. The clouds were puffy and white but the sky seemed gray. That is how I felt. I wanted to quote every scripture I knew. I wanted to praise God with a song. I wanted to be righteous. I look to hills where my help comes from. That was all that came out. Tears began to fall down my cheeks. Jesus help me!

Jesus, help me! Jesus, give me patience! Jesus, help me make it today! Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!

The tears fell as I started the van and headed for home. I drove and some verses came to mind. I began to sing “The Promise” by Y’anna Crawley. If you have never heard it, google her and listen. Her song will bless you.
I arrived home and sat some more. Jesus, help me today. My life seems crazy. I have so many things on my mind, but I am depending on you to be my help. Please be my peace. You are my God and there is none like you. I love you Lord and I trust you. Help me! I am counting on you and I believe you are able to do more than I can ask or think. Help me. I love you Lord in the midst of what seems like chaos. You are in control… I began to pray and praise my God.

My prayer seemed as jumbled then as it sounds now BUT… when life seems crazy and I feel crazy. I know my God still hears me. He hears you too…

If you have ever been here, share how you made it over. I would love to hear how God met you in a crazy moment.

Lisa

A Matter of Trust

I wrote this to share with the women at New Song Bible Fellowship Church http://www.newsongbiblefellowship.org/ .  I thought you might enjoy it too.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. Isn’t that what the writer of Proverbs said? (Proverbs 3:5). This verse is one of my favorites and I read it often. Why does it mean so much to me? I am glad you are curious enough to ask.

My husband’s grandfather, John C McLaughlin, was a wise man of God. He lived his life according to the scriptures because he spent his time getting to know Jesus. He was a remarkable man and I loved him. I called him “Daddy Mac”.

I spent many hours visiting with Daddy Mac and most of our conversations were dominated by talk about the Lord and reading the Bible. One day I asked Daddy Mac if I should return to college and finish my degree. He quoted this verse instead of offering his own opinion. It sounded like this “Lisa, just trust in the Lord. Don’t lean on your own understanding”. The next verse reads; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs. 3:6)

Is it really that simple? I wish I could say it was for me. The truth is often I don’t trust the Lord. When faced with a big decision or bad situation, I lean unto my own understanding. I waste time and energy trying to work it out. While I’m busy making plans, arrangements, and a big mess of my life, God is waiting to make my path straight.

After leaving Daddy Mac, I thought long and hard about the verse. (Some call it meditating on the word). Do I trust God enough to take me back to college? It had been a few years since I was a student. Could God work out paying for classes? How would I get the money and time off from work? There I was leaning unto my own understanding. I read the verse again and started to acknowledge Him. The God who made heaven and earth was telling me to return to school. The God who has all power in his hands would write my work schedule. The God who had provided all of my needs would pay for classes. He did not leave me nor forsake me and I graduated with honors.

My trust grew as I read and memorized the scripture. Now I trust Him with all my heart. I finally stopped leaning on my own understanding. I fully acknowledged Him in all of my ways and He really does direct my paths.

What about you? Is there any special verse directing your path right now?

I would love to hear about it.  Share your comments and your verse below. 
Many may be blessed by your story.

Lisa