Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Freedom

Last Friday night I shared my story for the first time publicly at our women's event called "Unveiled."  God enabled this girl to share and give Him all the glory for what He has done.   Amazing how freeing it is to admit our weakness knowing His grace is sufficient.   Honestly my heart's desire is to see more women find freedom in Christ.   That women will be challenged to lay down their imperfect lives and let Him have His way.
Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so....

My mask is off and it feels good.  To God be the glory, great things He has done.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Psalms 31

All this week I have had my bible laid open to these precious words.  God is so wonderfully good.  It is good to wait on Him and cry out to Him, expecting Him to meet our needs.  He is so ready to love on us and be all that we need him to be.  Truly, He gives us rest as we learn to abide in Him.

Psalms 31 (various verses)
Redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth.

I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the Lord.  I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.  You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.

I trust in you, O Lord;  I say, "You are my God."  My times are in your hands.....

How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.......in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.

Praise be to the Lord, for he showed his wonderful love to me....

Love the Lord, all his saints!  The Lord perserves the faithful......Be strong and take heart all you who hope in the Lord.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Letting Go

I am almost 40 years old and have been in love with Jesus for 20 years, yet it seems I am just now learning to "let go".   Relationships can be tricky.  One thing is for sure, relationships are hard, at times.  I have hung on for way too long with some relationships, hoping they could be more.  God has never given me freedom to give up, but now He has brought me to a place of just letting go.  Letting go of expectations.  Letting go of emotional turmoil.  Finally, I am free.

The enemy  knows our weaknesses and he is ruthless in attacking us.  One of the deepest hurts I have received from a relationship that should have been one of trust and security, is deception.  I have been deceived over and over, as this person tells you only what they want to you know.   Often, it has been crushing, as I should have been able to trust this person most in this world.  The enemy has been mean and has even used friendships to attack me in this area, because  he knows I have been damaged by deception and lack of trust.

Friends will disappoint and that is ok.  We are human. We will fail.  But deception in a relationship is harmful.   I  believe, based on God's word, that a true friend will not deceive  you.   I have to trust this and freely  let go when I learn deception is involved.  This is from the enemy, intended to harm and is not of God.

 I know that God will give me what I need!  The enemy has come to steal, kill and destroy.  He uses our weaknesses to try to bring us down.  I will NOT lay down!

Praise God that I can recognize the enemy for what he is....and I will not believe his lies.  I will pray for wisdom and discernment in relationships.  God is so faithful to warn us, as he had warned me....but I must learn to listen and trust His voice in these things.

"My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus"  Phillipians 4:19

He cares for me! I will follow Him with reckless abandon.  He is ENOUGH.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Turner Sings

Reflecting on the Blessing of Children



Our oldest child turned 12 years old this week (in the midst of remodeling).  I prayed over him on his birthday. I prayed that God would bless this 12th year and that God's Holy Spirit would draw him to know and love God more.  That is my heart's desire for all three of my boys.  That they will know and love God.  I think they are learning about His grace, because daily they see how much their Mom is in need of it!  In spite of me,  the Holy Spirit works in their lives and He is the one who will make them into what God has created them to be.  It's not up to me,  I am just to be obedient and faithful to what God has called me to do.  Love, teach, train........the rest is in God's hands.





What a blessing it is to be trusted with the life of a child.  Thank  you God for how you have shaped me through these children.  They have been a tool you have used to teach, refine and prune me.  I understand so  much more about Your love for me as result of being a mom.  Help me Lord, to be faithful and not grow weary, compromising the convictions and passions You have placed in my heart for these children.  Most of all thank you for the Grace you daily show me as I stumble along this path of motherhood.




Okay, now update on the house!  God has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams.  Everything we have is HIS to be used for His glory.  He has been in the details of this project.  How cool....when you are doing what He wants, He is there!  In the beginning I prayed for His help and guidance because I had not idea what to do.....and He reminded me of His expertise in designing things.  Well, what can you say to that but Thank You, Lord!
Here's where we are....and yes, we are getting tired.  Thankfully, though we are now in the kitchen as we work.  As of Monday night we should be up and running, as far as, having running water and a stove.  You really appreciate running water in the kitchen when you have not had any for a few weeks.






Tuesday, March 1, 2011

A Grateful Heart

I am so grateful for all that God has given me.  Salvation, forgiveness, grace, mercy, a wonderful husband, three fantastic boys, a home, friends.......everything I have is from His hand!  I am thankful.  To God be the glory, great things He has done.  Everything is His......for His glory!

Father God, help me do what matters MOST today and let everything else go!  Plant your purposes and plans in my heart where I want only what you want! Enable me to teach, train and love my children beyond what I can do humanly! Help me to love and encourage my husband today, showing him unconditional love that comes only from YOU.  Direct my steps and teach me YOUR ways, O Lord! This is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad!