Tag Archives: Fear

What Are You Going To Do About It?

12 Jul

Well, Did You?

Revisited 7-12-2021

So, I am going to share a little of my point of view. Folks are sharing posts saying that they believe the Rapture is almost here – I disagree. I firmly believe Genesis 50:20 –

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

Yes, these times have been hard and even a bit unfair – but God!!

  • How many times in years past have you said that you wished your family was all together for meals? Able to spend time together playing games and just talking? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?
  • How many times have you prayed to God for more time to pray, seek, read the Bible and study? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?
  • How many times did you say that you wished you had time to try new recipes or start canning or make a bunch of different sorts of desserts? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?
  • How many times have you said (or thought) that you wish you had more time to connect with distant family and friends – send a card, send a letter, start a texting conversation? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?
  • How many times did you wish that you had time to start a backyard garden or re-pot house plants or start a new hobby that you have always wanted to start? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

I understand the oppression and depression that has come with this time of our lives, I really do – I fell right in with everyone else. I had to stop watching the news on TV. I had to block pages on my FB that was FB spamming all sorts of negative things. I had to tell myself to get out of bed and make a difference in this chaos!

What can YOU do? Get out a piece of paper. Make a list of all of the things that you wished you could have done in the past, but never had the time to do.

  • If you don’t have the supplies for some of the, post a note on FB or the Online Yard Sales for supplies for – for instance – painting. Make a note that you needs inexpensive supplies – I bet folks will send them to you for free or for very little. You would be surprised at the number of people who will step up along side you – because – well – they are in the same pandemic as you !! Also, the dollar stores always have a small section of crafting supplies for really cheap – then as you get better you won’t mind spending a little extra on good supplies.
  • Send an encouraging email – or MEME on FB – or a text message to someone every day! Doesn’t have to be the same person, just pray and see who God puts on your heart.
  • Read a new book – lots of your friends will give you suggestions of great books to read, I have seen it over and over again lately.
  • Bake that dessert!! YUM.
  • Google a recipe for something you have always wanted to try – you will get a dozen hits! Read through to the ones that find your fancy and give it a shot.
  • Build that tent fort in the living room and gather the family for story time or desserts or old fashioned kids songs or ??? Well, just take a nap!!
  • Get that Bible out and a good Bible Study (hundreds are online) and a good “read the Bible in an year plan” – And Get Started!!
  • Your Turn: Put suggestions in the comments below – be “G rated” please.

What are you waiting for? What if you find out that there are actually wonderful things you can do while locked in at home. Yes, it is scary at times. Yes, financial burdens can be overwhelming. Yes, it isn’t always fun being alone.

SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?!?!?!?!

I am praying blessing over you. I am praying an enhanced imagination over you. I am praying peace over you. I am saying “Seize the time!” Refuse to live in fear. Refuse to live in depression. Refuse to live in oppression. Make every day count.

—–

Original Written 7-12-2020

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STAND BACK

16 Sep

“And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord‘s, and he will give you into our hands.”  1 Samuel 17:47 KJV

✝

I say stand back, stand back in the Lord.

I say stand back, stand back in the Lord.

✝

Egypt’s Red Sea seemed a mighty foe.

With Pharaoh close there seemed no place to go.

The people stood and cried aloud with fear.

Forgetting all along their Lord was there.

✝

I say stand back, stand back in the Lord.

✝

His mighty hand can move the sea from shore to shore.

✝

I say stand back, stand back in the Lord.

✝

Shielded by Armor of Faith we’ll stand.

Jericho was girded all around,

A mighty fortress set on solid ground.

If rushed the army within would abound,

By marching feet and trumpets it went down.

✝

I say stand back, stand back in the Lord.

✝

Gideon was sent to take the land,

With only three hundred men he had to stand.

With pitchers, lanterns, horns, he did God’s will,

Though all the enemy died, he did not kill.

✝

I say stand back, stand back in the Lord.

✝

Deborah sent her army off to war,

The army would not go without her near,

The chariots of iron saved not the foe,

For God provided the rain, they moved no more.

✝

I say stand back, stand back in the Lord.

✝

Joshua was sent to take Ai,

To win this one he must be very sly.

Place armies front and back, came God’s reply,

And hold your spear up high, high in the sky.

✝

I say stand back, stand back in the Lord.

✝

Do you have an enemy today,

Take your troubles to God, get down and pray,

There is nothing He can’t rise above,

He’s there to raise you up in perfect love.

✝

I say stand back, stand back in the Lord.

 

 

 

✝ Written in 1992 as a song

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MAJESTY

12 Apr

…

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.   Psalm 91:1-4

…

In the shadows of your wings,

We humbly come before Your throne.

Letting praise and worship ring,

Our words of love to You alone.

…

Majesty, Majesty.

…

Gentle whispers draw our prayers,

In loving arms He holds us near.

Precious moments linger there,

A refuge, safe, above all fear.

…

Majesty, Majesty.

…

As the gentle spirit flows,

He pulls away the tempered walls.

The new tender heart He shows,

The world in splendor as He calls.

…

Majesty, Majesty.

..

Written 1992 as a song

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LITTLE CHILD

12 Apr

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18-19

…

Huddled mass, skin and bone,

Family gone, not a home.

Alcohol, to soothe the pain,

Curb the heat, repel the rain.

…

The future looks very bleak,

Live day by day, week by week.

Need to change, don’t know how,

Need it bad, need it now.

…

Little child, deep inside,

I am here, I am light,

Come to Me,

You’ll be free.

I am Jesus.

…

Every night, fight and steal,

Need the drugs, need to deal.

Seated deep, anger hides,

Worthlessness, fear inside.

…

Drugs help forget, take you high,

Just for today, it’s gone tonight.

Have to stop, too much strife,

I want to love, I want a life.

…

Little child, deep inside,

I am here, I am light,

Come to Me,

You’ll be free.

I am Jesus.

…

Daytime I sleep, nights work the street,

Sometimes it’s okay, sometimes I’m beat.

Don’t matter to no one, no one to care,

I can’t run away, I wouldn’t dare.

…

I still have a family, ran away from that mess,

Afraid to go back, they hate me, I guess.

I want to be wanted, want someone to care,

I need arms to hold me, someone to be there.

…

Little child, deep inside,

I am here, I am light,

Come to Me,

You’ll be free.

I am Jesus

…

Work all day, sometimes nights,

Work is tough, at home we fight.

Plagued by bills, how can we pay,

Sometimes I want to run away.

…

A wife and kids, they need to be fed,

Would they do better with me dead.

I can’t hardly cope with the pressure today,

There must be something, there must be a way.

…

Little child, deep inside,

I am here, I am light,

Come to Me,

You’ll be free.

I am Jesus.

…

Home all day, kids to tend,

House to clean, clothes to mend.

Screaming and fussing, night and day,

I want out, but there’s no way.

…

Husband’s late, if he comes home at all.

Drinking and fighting, never does call.

Don’t want today, don’t want tomorrow,

There must be some way to end this sorrow.

…

Little child, deep inside,

I am here, I am light,

Come to Me,

You’ll be free.

I am Jesus.

…

When it all seems to hard,

When there seems no way out,

When it all seems so hopeless,

Lives of anger and doubt.

…

There’s one who can help you,

He’s faithful and strong.

He’s waiting to greet you,

Whatever your wrongs.

…

He is Jesus.

Written 3/17/95

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HOLD US CLOSE

12 Apr

“And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?”  Luke 24:32

…

 

We come to you, Oh, Lord,

Our hearts we open wide,

Sweet angels guide us home,

Through prayer we’re safe inside.

…

Keep hunger in our souls,

Sweet fillings every day,

We’ll gently teach your Word,

And live you ways.

…

Please hold us close, Oh, Lord,

The way is dark and steep,

We comfort in Your love,

With joy we weep.

…

Please walk with us, Oh Lord,

You’ve sent us to the world;

Their lives are dark and lost,

We’re here to stop their hurt.

…

Put mercy in our souls,

Your perfect love we seek;

For danger stands nearby,

Each time we speak.

…

We represent Your truths,

Our Joy must never dim;

That all may want to know,

The peace within.

…

 

We drink Your word, Oh Lord,

Our hearts and souls are filled.

Your teachings guide our steps,

Our fears and hurts are stilled.

…

We come in daily prayer,

Our vigils never cease.

We gladly intercede,

To bring our brothers peace.

…

Please guide each step, Oh Lord,

To keep our witness true,

Your Spirit lights our path,

Each faithful step renews.

 

 

Written 9-3-91 as a song

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RUNNING AWAY

27 Oct

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

I have been most blessed. God has given me three wonderful boys to love, encourage, and enjoy. Each of them has a strong call of God upon their lives, all in different capacities. We call each one by the name God has placed upon our heart – Pastor Jon, Deacon Eli and Chaplain Paul. In the body of Christ, all positions are of equal importance (1 Cor 12:12), this we have shown them so that neither feels of less importance than the other.

Having children called to the ministry is a tremendous challenge. The challenge isn’t in Bible study or scripture memorization, they strive to meet those desires themselves. The challenge is in recognizing the Spiritual Warfare and the schemes of the enemy that tempt them away from the call God has upon them.

Although there are many stories of miracles and answered prayer for each of them, our greatest challenge has been with our oldest son. He is currently a teenager (written in 2000), raised most of his life in Christian education, but placed into the public school system during the 8th grade, when the Christian school he had been attending closed. Placed in an environment he had never been subjected to, the enemy tempted and attacked, stole and taunted. However difficult these trials were, they couldn’t compare to the luring and wooing that called his name.

With peer pressure and Satan’s enticing whispers, he was drawn into a life we never expected. Although the rejection of family values was difficult for us, it was the running away that tormented our family. Where was he? Was he eating? Did he have a safe place to sleep? Who is he with? Why has he left us? Doesn’t he love us anymore?

Doesn’t he love us anymore? Rejection by your own child. Harsh words and accusations fly about. Why didn’t we see this coming? Only prayer brings us peace, difficult travailing prayer. I can’t begin to explain the depth of emotions a parent goes through in circumstances such as these. Love, hope, anger, hopelessness. Faith, doubt, pain, faith. Sorrow, prayer, memories, trust.

As I prayed one night, I asked God if He could understand the special relationship that grows as you hold that baby, child, young man in your arms and protect him from every possible danger that could come against him – God showed me Jesus, sent to earth to be born in a lowly manger, vulnerable to man, protected by the angels; the same angels that he has sent to watch over my son. I asked God if He could ever understand the pain and the rejection of a child not wanting to be near you, after you’ve been his best friend for most of his life – God showed me Jesus, standing before the crowd, as they chose Barabas to live and Jesus to die. I asked God if He knew what it felt like to sit in your child’s room, empty, hollow, except for the memories that line the walls and shelves – God showed me Golgatha, and Jesus’ lifeless body on the cross. I asked God if He could understand the pain of searching every street, every car, looking closely at every child the same age and build, in hopes of seeing your child, even at a distance – God showed me the people at the cross, dividing Jesus’ clothes, cutting into His lifeless body with a spear, laughing at all He was, void of any righteousness or desire of God. I asked God if He knew what it was like, waiting for the phone to ring or the front door to open, just to hear your child’s voice calling again, waiting , praying – God opened my ears to hear Jesus’ last cry, “Why hast thou forsaken me?”

Yes, He knows. He gave His son willingly, to walk in places of evil that all may be saved, even my son. He gave His son to bring hope, life and peace, knowing the pain and agony His son had to feel before it could be done. He watched as everything His son did was rejected and scorned, even as He lay lifeless. Yes, He knows.

Then God reminded me of the many times I have turned from Him. How many times have I turned my back on the family He has placed me in? How many times have I rejected the values and desires He has placed inside me? How many times have I spoken harsh and hurting words to Him, as I ran away to a world of selfish pleasure? How many times have I simply chosen to be somewhere else instead of in the sweet relationship with my Father? How many times have I put other things, people, places before Him? How many others have done the same?

Forgive us Lord, with your unlimited mercy, for all the times we fell to temptation and disappointed You. Forgive me, Lord, for thinking that You could never understand the pain of a Mother. Remind me that you are in control of all things. Help me to trust You and run back to You all of my days.

 

—

Written 7-14-2000

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WHAT EVIL THIS?

15 Sep

” . . . Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”     Revelation 12:12 (KJV)

Did you ever notice how an act of kindness is noticed, smiled upon, and quickly dismissed as we walk into the familiarity of our daily lives? The news programs rarely give more than a 60 second blurb on the event, and it never receives a second glance. Yet, when evil visits, it permeates our body and soul, rendering us shattered and helpless.

As I left work yesterday I chose to drive through Arizona State University on my way to my room. I do this now and again because I enjoy the old buildings along University Drive, and seeing the new buildings that pop up between. As usual, the road was under construction (for years it seems) and I was able to spend a goodly time contemplating the events of the week. Only the day before was the Virginia Tech massacre where 33 precious lives were lost to a student gunman.

Before I even reached the campus heavy dark smoke began billowing up – 3 fire trucks, with sirens blaring, were trying to maneuver between the creeping traffic – all headed toward campus. Along the sidewalk students laughed, teased and walked toward their dorms – dressed in various expressions of who they wanted us to believe they were – dodging the occasional skateboard Romeo. I wondered if that was what it was like just before the gunfire started in Virginia.

The fire ended up being about a block north of campus; couldn’t tell if it was a building or a car – but wondered what went through the minds of the firemen when the alarm went off for an emergency near the university.

The people in the cars near by seemed more frustrated at the delays than contemplative or concerned. Was Virginia too far away for them to feel the pain of mourning students and family? Aren’t they aware that evil passes from the soul of one man to yet another without hindrance of time or distance? My God, please forgive us.

Overhead I saw a passenger plane preparing to descend and I remembered the days when the airport was closed and no planes were allowed in the air because of the evil that descended on New York. The pain of that evil rose up and met the pain of the evil from Virginia; the pain grew as the sirens whaled, searching for the nearby fire – red and blue lights flashing.

In a week the news stations will drop the story of Virginia Tech and will go on to the local stories of death and torture. Affected families will search for comfort and answers – some will blame God for man’s free will choice. Some will pray. I believe that is where I will be.

God, please let us never forget that the only way to dispel evil is to fill man with your precious Spirit. Bring us the opportunity to love on your unloved, that they might find You – before evil plants his feet in the soul of the shattered.

 

Written 4-18-07

 

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A Moment In Time

19 Aug 



“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32


Satan takes a moment in time,

and creates a most horrible incident,

that scars and fractures,

our views and beliefs,

for the rest of our lives.


He strategically places in our path,

demonized souls – the mentally ill,

some that say that they come

in the name of the Lord,

to steal our innocence,

fill us with fear,

and distort the way we view

every person, every sound,

every surrounding, every shape,

every race, every fragrance,

from that day forward.


We cower consciously for months or years,

subconsciously for decades,

trying to walk past the anxieties

we may not understand.


We displace the anger and hurt onto the innocent,

often onto those people we love the most,

justifying our behavior with false truths,

and attempting Biblical justification,

but knowing deep inside,

our actions were wrong,

yet not knowing how to stop,

and feeling deeper and deeper guilt,

because of it.


We blame God for not being there,

we run from the very presence

that can bring us healing.


We run from others,

we run from ourselves,

we run from every possible circumstance,

that could possibly bring us pain.

We run and run and run,

until we are unable to take,

another step.


It’s at that moment,

when we can run no farther,

when we cry out to others for answers,

when we cry out to God for help,

that Jesus can draw close.


It’s in that time that we can see,

that He was with us,

all the time,

crying with our pain,

holding us as we wept in the night,

waiting for us to call upon Him,

to heal the brokenness

we can no longer endure.


In that breaking moment,

when Satan’s shackles are broken away,

when our mind is refreshed,

and our vision restored,

that healing comes,

wave by wave,

washing, cleansing, renewing.


Prejudice is lost,

fear is captured,

hatred is banished,

anger subdued,

life restored.


Come Lord Jesus.



Written - 9-29-2000

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Stolen Peace

14 Jul

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.  Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)

Not long ago an event shook our quiet little town.  It was an event that made national news and turned a happy community into a place of fear.

My husband and I were visiting our oldest son in a town 8 hours away, and for the first time, left our 18 and 20 year old boys at home by themselves.  The next evening my cell phone didn’t stop ringing and texting; a motorcycle gang war had broken out and my property was involved in the melee.  

My youngest son and his friend had just stepped into the front yard when the shooting started and they saw 2 people shot in front of them.  They ran back into the house and saw a vehicle park in our driveway with 4 men inside, assault rifles exposed when they opened all the doors.  They saw one man in our backyard. The police dispatcher told him to sit on the floor of a room with no windows, put a shotgun across his legs and if they come in . . . shoot!  My son was terrified, I was terrified; we were both helpless.

After the shooting stopped the police arrived and the kids were told to lock up and leave the area.  Helicopters and dozens of police vehicles were all through the area. Calls came from friends who knew where we lived and offered to take in the boys.  

By the time we arrived home we were permitted to go into our house.  Police cars and command posts remained for days. We called the police to come to the house when we found a bullet lodged in a lamp on our porch.  The police took pictures and told us to be prepared . . . the war wasn’t over.

The feeling of physical helplessness flowed into my emotional and spiritual life.  What if it happened again and I wasn’t home to protect my kids. What if no one was there and our animals were shot.  What if . . . 

Driving around town I noticed something that I’d never noticed before; guns.  An elderly man was raking the rocks in his driveway with a gun on his hip. A white haired elderly woman stood in the grocery check-out line with a gun on her waist.  Every motorcycle rider I saw had a gun strapped on. Someone came to our home to pick up a refrigerator, with a gun on his belt. We had a yard sale and those who came had guns strapped on.  Fear had permeated Chino Valley.

I couldn’t sleep; thrashing all night.  Every time I left the house I locked every door and was uneasy until I returned.  My prayers seemed hollow. Our home had been on the market and we were told to take it off because no one would consider buying in our area for years.  Helpless. Overwhelmed. Fearful.

As I prayed one evening I told God that my whole life seemed out of control.  I asked what was wrong, what could I do. He spoke to me and quietly said that I’d let the war steal my peace.

I thought about all that had happened.  50 shell casings were found, but not one innocent person had been harmed.  Not one animal in the neighboring homes had been harmed. 60 people had been arrested.  Gang homes were ordered sold by the court. Gang awareness was clear in the community and people were prepared to fight back.  God had His hand on Chino Valley and everything surrounding it.

God forgive me for forgetting that even when it seems like chaos all around, You are there.  When nothing seems to make sense You reveal the big picture and Your perfect will. Thank You for not giving up on this worrier, but bringing perfect peace and rest.

 

Written 10-25-2010

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LADY IN WAITING

14 Jul 


I’m resting, Lord,

here in Your shadow.

Wars wage at my right,

and along my left.

Famine and failure,

torture, 

even the most strong fear,

but I’m safe here,

beneath Your wing.



I know the paths around me,

are tainted with sin,

that dangers lurk,

at every turn,

but I fear not.



You, Lord, have sent angels,

to guide my path,

to set my feet, 

one in front of the other,

straight ahead,

not to the right,

not to the left.



I have placed my feet, 

in faith,

knowing You have set,

a safe path,

before me.



I have listened carefully,

for Your call,

I have trimmed the wicks,

and replenished the oil,

for the night watch.

For the time when,

My Beloved may call.



I practice my stitching,

in purple and red,

as I wait.

Keeping my mind flooded,

with the constant blessing,

my Lord has bestowed,

upon me.



Delicate, sure, stitches,

adorn the robe,

my Lord will wear,

when the day is come.

Each placed with a prayer,

each outlining a blessing,

each anointed,

with the tongues of angels.



I wait at Your feet,

precious one,

as the night passes once again.

Catching a glimpse of You,

a glancing touch,

bringing such peace,

strengthening my desire.



I wait, with the gifts of my hand,

gifts of my heart,

gifts of my tongue.

I wait, for the day You will call,

and draw me to Your chamber,

to share in the riches,

kept deep inside.



The wait seems long,

but holds no burden,

only the treasure,

of promises seen,

and promises known,

and truths only realized,

by lovers.



I wait for the day,

You will come to my chamber,

and raise my hand,

to a delicate kiss.

There will we dance,

for the joy, 

and the treasure,

held in intimate bonds,

of true love.



Until that day,

My Beloved,

My Lord,

I will wait,

and prepare,

and rest,

that I might not miss,

one moment with You.


Written 4-22-99

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