Refuge for a Single Mom

Well then. After all that venting, I feel the need to slow down a little bit and clarify some things. *smile*

There is a lot of `junk` in this world that can put us in the wrong mindset. In turn, the wrong mindset can keep you from the will of God and from all of the blessings that He has in store for you!

The thing here is, I`m not discussing the typical `junk`. A lot of things will keep you from being right with God. ie) Adultery, Blasphemy, Cursing, Etc.) We all know what most of these are ~ they`re in the 10 Commandments! Right?

There is so much `junk` in this world that the enemy disguises as typical human behavior that we fail, or forget to notice the damage it inflicts. We are just bombarded by it. Your neighbors, your parents, your ex-husband (your husband), your kids, your friends, the enemy can use any one of these people as tools to inflict this aggravation on you! (Does this make them bad? Absolutely not!) But what do you think causes your toddler to throw a temper tantrum in the line at the post office for no apparent reason? I could mention example after example where the enemy will use whatever means and whoever he can to work you over! Road Rage? Telemarketers? Collection Agencies?

When people put you down, or talk badly about you, manipulate you, verbally abuse you, discourage you, belittle you, they are sinning against you. (I`m not talking constructive criticism here!) Often times, this can be disguised as concern, neighborly assistance, or as we discussed yesterday, even a message from God.

NOTE: I do truly believe that some individuals have a direct pipeline to the Lord. I know that when serious circumstances arise, those are the people you request prayer from. They completely and totally believe in the salvation of Jesus Christ and they are truly anointed! But I also think that this is a special gift reserved for these folks! The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant. Psalm 25:14

In my life, I`ve heard a lot of things. I`ve been told a lot of things. And, unfortunately, I`ve believed a lot of things.

Here`s one: Have you ever had someone do something for you, and remind you of it years after? `. . . but remember that time in 1996 when I . . . ?` THAT my dears is a guilt trip. It is an attempt to guilt you or manipulate you into doing whatever follows. Sometimes it might be as simple as being their friend, which you`ve already concluded drains the life right out of you! These will be the people that are always borrowing, always needing, always, always, always. And surely, the one time they were able to help you out . . . you will be reminded of it for eternity. So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. Matthew 6:2 (Isn`t it awesome that Jesus isn`t like this? Could you imagine every time you made a mistake, hearing ` . . . but I died for you . . . ` So, therefore, I challenge this, if our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ does not remind us of the greatest gift of all, where in the world does ANYONE get off reminding you how they fixed your flat tire, or jump started your car?

Human beings driven by the flesh will pretty much say and do whatever it takes to get what they want out of you and out of life. It they hurt you, betray you or even destroy you, it is of no consequence to them. Thus they have repaid me evil for good And hatred for my love. Psalm 109:5

That may sound a little hopeless, but that really is the state of the world we live in.

You might ask, ` . . . then what in the world can I do about it?` Simple. Go to God! Run like your shoes are on fire! He is the truth, the light and the ONLY way! His promises are like money in the bank! He will not waver, He will not betray! The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. II Timothy 4:18

A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26 You have to be cautious, if necessary, build a few walls through the Word of God and arm yourself in knowledge. Yes, we need to be helpful, giving, loving, etc., however, we DO NOT have or need to be a door mat for anyone! They have landfills for garbage ladies! It doesn`t need dumped in your lap or worse yet ~ your mind!

Labels: Control, Deceit, Guilt, Manipulation

Let`s discuss some more `junk`, shall we?

First of all, I would like to point out a few things. 1) This is not directed at anyone in particular. 2) If you DO take offense ~ talk it over with God. (For real this time!) 3) I do not declare to `hear` the Lord speak. (There are two occasions in my life where I KNOW He spoke to my spirit and I felt it from my head to my toes. Only 2!)

There are times when I plunge in to something (as I often do) and I can feel in my heart and soul that it is blessed. That the love of God and the anointing of the Holy Spirit is on it! There have been other times when I knew that I was fighting God`s will every step of the way.

Now, some might view all of this as me not being blessed or not being in tune with or being close to God. That`s alright. I know better. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. I Corinthians 1:26 I speak with God every day, several times throughout the day. I include Him in my daily chores and tasks, while driving (especially) when resting, bathing – where ever! He loves us and wants to be a part of every single day. From the smallest moment to the longest.

So on to my point. How many times have you heard someone say “God told me _____”? For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matthew 24:24

Personally, I find it very convenient that God is pushed out of our daily, mundane tasks and works, but He is made to blame for pretty much anything and everything we don`t want to take responsibility for. So many times we hide behind this façade, rather than be upfront, honest or just roll with it! We have to throw that, “God told me _____ ”, “God sent you to me”, “God put this on my heart”. Is that a guilt trip or what? So automatically, if you disagree with whatever follows, you feel like you are disagreeing with God. And none of us want to do that! Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Matthew 5:11

You know, from the get-go this is a lie. Plain and simple! A LIE! Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron. II Timothy 4:1-2 I mean, does it automatically condone our actions if we blame it all on God?

(This could also be considered a form of MANIPULATION! But we will deal with that another time as I`m sure most of us have been exposed to more than our share of it!)

They all paid earnest attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is that exhibition of the power of God which is called great (intense). And they were attentive and made much of him, because for a long time he had amazed and bewildered and dazzled them with his skill in magic arts. Acts 8:10-11 All in all, my advice is, simply, `Proceed With Caution` in all things, even those seemingly of God. The fact of the matter is that we are all still human and we all still sin. ALL OF US! Even people of God can fall prey to the enemy and his temptation. Am I condemning them or judging them? No! It`s just a simple fact of nature.

Labels: Hypocrisy, Lies, Manipulation

There are some things working on me already this week and I feel compelled to pick them apart and analyze them. I`m going to seek understanding through the Word and then try to let these things go.

The coolest part is, I`m not really going off topic. Yesterday, we talked about removing some of the junk out of your life and filling your head with positive, Godly thoughts and what I`m dealing with is certainly `junk`! *smile*

In fact, we might spend all week talking about `junk`. There is so much of this in the world we live in! How can we fight it and get rid of it if we don`t know what it all is? And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Well, I`m just so upset! First of all, after church Sunday, I took my kids to get some fast food (a real treat in their eyes) and while `driving through` we realized that the little girl at the window was the daughter of an old friend. And I hate to say it, but I am using the term friend, very lightly. During one of the hardest times in my life she abandoned me!

Well, I had two choices, 1) Take my disappointment out on her daughter or 2) Be God-like, let bygones be bygones and just be nice. I chose to be nice and polite and get over myself! I used my credit card, so she obviously knew who I was when she handed the card out the window and said very impolitely `HERE!` Holy Cow! Complete and utter strangers treat me better than this! (And she`s getting paid to behave this way! *wink*)

So it is at this time, my oldest son proceeds to inform me that another woman from our past, who spread some very serious lies about me and made my life very uncomfortable, is choosing to ignore and be rude to him in passing. Her CHILDREN are being rude and nasty to him at school. WHAT? Are you kidding me?

These women hurt me, they hurt my family, and they betrayed me and lied about me. Now, they and their children have the audacity to treat me and my children poorly?

Well, I could go on and on about this! I`m more upset than I can put in to words! This is outrageous behavior!

The fact of the matter, is, they aren`t my problem! *big smile* Woe to you, O destroyer, you who were not yourself destroyed, who deal treacherously though they [your victims] did not deal treacherously with you! When you have ceased to destroy, you will be destroyed; and when you have stopped dealing treacherously, they will deal treacherously with you. Isaiah 33:1

I am bigger than this and I am a daughter of God! All I can possibly do is return their rude, hateful, nasty, atrocious, thoughtless, hurtful behavior with love and kindness. (Even if it kills me!) Nevertheless, My loving-kind-ness will I not break off from him, nor allow My faithfulness to fail [to lie and be false to him]. Psalm89:33

In everything I do, I need to show the love of God. Especially to people who do not show it to me! Some of you might be thinking, “No you don`t!” or “Why?” Well, because there is more to it than them, their wrong doing, payback, revenge or anything else of this world. There is God`s promise that no matter what I face here, I will have great reward in Heaven. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5

And, most important of all ladies, is our children. If we teach them vengeance, they will learn vengeance and they will practice vengeance. Ultimately keeping them from the gates of Heaven. You may be willing to play Russian Roulette with your soul, but are you really prepared to play with the souls of your children? For we know Him Who said, Vengeance is Mine [retribution and the meting out of full justice rest with Me]: I will repay [I will exact the compensation], says the Lord. And again, The Lord will judge and determine and solve and settle the cause and the cases of His people. Hebrews 10:30

Labels: Betrayal, Lies

Good Sunday Morning Sisters! Today, I thought we`d talk about something uplifting and encouraging! (A great start to the week!) In fact, all week, we`ll talk about our thoughts and visions! They can make things happen or they can defeat us! "It shall be done to you according to your faith." Matthew 9:29

It is vital that you focus on good things full of the Lord, full of promise and hope. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.Colossians 3:2

One suggestion I have in particular, replace your music listening with Godly music. (The introduction of Contemporary Christian music is wonderful. There are scattered hymns and gospel music that I listen to. However, I invested in a CD `set` with many, many wonderful songs and artists. Even my 14-year old son will listen to this with me.) I have also switched radio stations in the car; we listen to a local Christian music station. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. I Chronicles 16:9

I believe that it is essential that you aim to replace other media such as TV, reading, etc. with that of good, Christian based media. Now, I won`t kid you to think that I`m a `fanatic` about this, but this is MY goal, based on what I`ve been taught and what I`ve read in the Bible. It really is essential that we do not fill our heads with `junk`! Example ~ I am totally hooked on Crime Drama! I have several favorites, and of those a couple that I try very hard to watch. At one point, I was so convinced that everyone in the world was out to get my family and me, or that tragedy struck at every intersection, that I attempted to keep my family from leaving the house. When a member of our family would go on road trips or be gone longer than expected, I was near breakdown! (I know, looking back it sounds crazy to me too!) But I was consumed! By junk!

Now, on the other hand, even those who love God, still fall prey to accidents, tragedy and such, but instead of consuming myself with worry and fear, I pray. The more I get scared, the more worry and doubt that the enemy places in my pea brain, the more I pray! And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 One of two things always happens, I eventually turn it over to God and have peace with `the possibilities` or my loved one is home!

The enemy uses our thoughts to manipulate us. But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity [of devotion] to Christ. II Corinthians 11:3

(Somewhere last week I told you how any harmful thoughts ARE NOT of the Lord!) This is so true. He does not want us worrisome and afraid of our own shadows! He wants us to be full of peace, joy, happiness, success and prosperity. All Godly, wonderful characteristics that are to be envied, not pitied! This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Joshua 1:8 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD. Psalms 104:34

Oh girls, there really is ‘sweetness’ in the victory of the Lord! Perhaps to some, that too sounds cliché. But to anyone who has already found God and the power of His Word, you know what I mean. I never used to be positive, I was low, downtrodden, defeated, hopeless, I was a MESS! But today, I am a work in progress. I am on my way to victory! I am continually growing and moving forward. I have a high spirit, I’m uplifted, overcoming, full of hope and dreams and possibilities! I am so excited about every single day! I look forward to spending time with my children and family, my friends, working on my business ventures and becoming more involved with my church and community! Praise God!

Labels: Encouragement, Positive Thinking, Way of Thinking

So, we`ve talked about forgiving and being loyal, passing tests and surviving trials. Those are conscious choices we make. Tough ones too!

When adversity rears its ugly head, what do we do? Well, personally, I used to go back to bed! *smile* Seriously! Things were so bad at one time, that after I got my son to school, I crawled my behind right back into bed and stayed there until he got home at 4:00! A strenuous day included watching `Judging Amy` and `Law and Order` back-to-back-to-back!

Conquering adversity is a conscious decision we make to push on! He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity. Psalm 10:16

It says NEVER girls! Never be IN adversity! It may come! It may be nasty! But you don`t have to stay there! You can consciously and willfully choose to overcome it!

What conscious decisions are you making? Well, thank God, I now get up at 6:00 am and I`m awake AND working until Midnight! -The same day! I barely watch any TV, unless it`s `Blue`s Clues`, `Backyardigans` or `Spongebob Squarepants`! I now chase after a 3 1/2 year old pre-schooler, run my own home business and run my household!

I decided, chose, willed, and PRAYED A LOT to persevere! I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities Psalm 31:7

Our Savior knows our hearts and souls! He knows our pain and suffering and mostly, He feels it! He wants nothing more than to comfort us and bring us through whatever it is that we face! Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.II Corinthians 1:4

Trust in Him! He is the only one that is there for us ALL the time and EVERY time! If you don`t believe me, say a prayer around 2:00 am! He`s listening! *wink*

Love, Hugs and Prayers to my Sisters! Have a Great Weekend!

Labels: Adversity, Choices, Comfort, Decisions

Along the same lines as tests are trials. (A fine line indeed.) We learn and grow from our trials too. Strength, Patience and Faith all grow from the trials we face. (As long as we trust in the Lord and seek guidance from Him.) But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

What is the difference? Well, in my `humble` opinion, a test is something initiated more by God. Something that is intended as a lesson.

A trial, on the other hand, is initiated by the enemy; it`s a result of the world we live in, an attempt to break us down. It is more relentless and merciless. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

For born again Christians, this isn`t bad news. Consider it a `challenge`. A challenge to rise to victory and prove that you are a conqueror. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. I John 5:4

I mean, are you really going to let any device of the enemy have power over you? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35

Or are you going to have firm roots planted in the Word of God? Those on the rocky [soil are] those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no [firm] root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. Luke 8:13

Don`t get me wrong. All adversity, tests and trials are uncomfortable. The Lord does not promise us that there will not be discomfort. What he does promise is that the rewards will far outweigh the sacrifices. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have [its] perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which [the Lord] has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12

WOW! `Perfect and Complete` and `Lacking in Nothing` – I`d say that`s a worthwhile result. What about `Crown of Life`? Yeah? Me too! I want nothing more than to spend eternity with my Heavenly Father!

The world we live is full of sin and trials, girls. Most of us, single, married, widowed - we`ve seen a lot. (Many of us more than we`d like too.) Some days it simply amazes me at the sin and filth that lies in wait to overtake me, my children, my family, friends, etc.

How awesome is it to know that there is a better place? We do have refuge in our Savior! We have hope and promise. We can dream and aspire to be great women that make a difference! In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, [being] more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:6-7

Ladies, no matter where you are in life, no matter your position. You are someone to God! With Him you can be a perfect woman, a fantastic Mom, clever businesswoman, invaluable employee, reliable daughter, thoughtful sister, loyal friend – the list is endless. And don`t for one minute think that what you do is lacking by any means. Being a Mom is a huge responsibility! Minister to your children! Be a wonderful example for them! Right now that is where God has you. I`m sure it`s for a reason!

All My Love

Labels: Adversity, Conqueror, Discomfort, Distress, Trials, Victory

Yesterday, we ended with this verse: In the day of prosperity be happy, But in the day of adversity consider-- God has made the one as well as the other. So that man will not discover anything [that will be] after him. Ecclesiastes 7:14

Ouch! God created adversity? Looks that way! Well, why might He do that? I mean, what good could come out of adversity?

I said to him, "My lord, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 7:14 If you look back over your life, and consider the times most adverse, did you learn something? Did you grow? Did you run to God? Did you wash your robes?

So that the proof of your faith, [being] more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ I Peter 1:7 Chances are you sought the relief of Jesus Christ. You probably prayed, asked your church and friends to pray! You exercised great faith and belief!

I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:9-10

It all boils down to this, you will face a series of `Life Tests`. You certainly can`t bumble around in life ignorant and naïve as the day you were born! The Lord wishes for us to grow strong in mind, body and spirit! He wants us to become more like Him. In His image! Now the truth of the matter is that we will NEVER be as good as God! NEVER! And anyone that attempts to tell you otherwise is way off! We are human, we are sinners and we are continually trying to grow closer to God. To become more God-like! Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

With each test you `pass`, you move to a higher `level`. For example, I tried and tried to overcome `cussing`. I thought it was so awful that I cussed; I knew it was a sin and I didn`t think I`d ever beat it! No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. I Corinthians 10:13

I used to backslide a few times a day. I gauged myself on how many times I said a bad word per day. Eventually, with much willpower and the grace of God, it slacked off to days per week and now I only cuss once in a blue moon! Don`t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Now that I`ve `graduated` past this sin/addiction the Lord is dealing with me regarding gossip. (Gossip in and of itself is a whole other can of worms! So for now we`ll just deal with the sin/addiction in general!) Regardless of the level I am at or the amount of this I do, it is a sin! My point here is, I never realized I had a problem with gossip, I was focused on overcoming the cussing.

As we proceed further and further along, the Lord fine tunes us more and more. First it is the more `huge` and obvious sins and as we grow, He reveals the innermost workings of our minds and souls!

For to this end also I wrote, so that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. II Corinthians 2:9 Ultimately, we show faith and obedience by listening to God and making the necessary changes to become the best Christian we (each one of us in our own capacity) can possibly be!

Labels: Adversity, Growth, Learning, Tests, Tribulation

Sometimes, we pray and pray, yet nothing happens. Why is that?

Yesterday, I told you that God hears our prayers. He should answer them too! Right?

Well He does HEAR all of our prayers! Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Sometimes, however, He does NOT answer them and praise God for that! Why? You ask. Oh please, DO let me tell you!

After my divorce, I was involved with `the love of my life`! Or so I thought! I thought he was the perfect man. I thought he loved me! I was a FOOL! I prayed and prayed for this relationship to work out and things never did. Eventually this man was so deceitful and hurtful that I had no choice but to end the relationship!

Although, I do NOT believe that the Lord allowed my awful circumstances to take place, I allowed them to exist quite well on my own, I DO believe that He did not answer the prayers or bless the relationship for a reason. He knew this man`s heart and intentions and He also knew that this was NOT the relationship for me! Therefore, He surely did nothing to help it along! Looking back, I praise God and thank Him every day that He DID NOT answer these prayers!

This was also a time in my life when I was not right with the Lord. I knew God, I knew about Him, I knew what was right and wrong. BUT I was choosing to live sinfully. I went out `clubbing` with friends and drank often. The Lord was NOT going to answer my prayers then! Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) is the man who reverently and worshipfully fears [the Lord] at all time [regardless of circumstances] but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.Proverbs 28:14 Basically speaking, without Him we are nothing. If we are seeking satisfaction from the people and the things of this world, we don`t stand a chance.

There is nothing in this world that will satisfy like the love of Jesus Christ! When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; For the LORD your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them.Deuteronomy 4:30-31

We are to choose God, first and foremost. He needs to be our most important priority! In the day of prosperity be happy, But in the day of adversity consider-- God has made the one as well as the other. So that man will not discover anything [that will be] after him. Ecclesiastes 7:14

With Him we are blessed! With Him all things are possible. And looking at [them] Jesus said to them, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26

Have faith and pray! If things seem `off` – it just may not be the right situation for you!

Labels: Adversity, Calamity, Prayer

Have you heard this phrase? (A little over-used in my opinion.) To an extent it`s true, nonetheless. It`s used mostly when someone dies or tragedy strikes. For our purposes today, we`ll consider any bad occurrence, thought or feeling a `bad thing`.

So, why DO bad things happen to good people?

If you truly are a good person, if you are following the path of the Lord, if you are growing in the Word you are glorifying God. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not [in] vain in the Lord. I Corinthians 15:57-58

This makes the enemy furious! That is the LAST thing he wants. He wants us to be miserable, hopeless and desperate. He wants a vulnerable, empty human being to manipulate and have control over! Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. II Corinthians 2:11

But You, O LORD, be gracious to me and raise me up, That I may repay them. By this I know that You are pleased with me, Because my enemy does not shout in triumph over me. As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, And You set me in Your presence forever. Psalm 41:10-12

Recently, I shared with you that we were looking for a house. Well, we have indeed found a house and although there is a lot to get in order, it appears that we will soon be moving! Yippee! Right? Yeah, I guess. I mean, I`m feeling a lot of anxiety and I`m very stressed out!

Because it`s a bad decision? No, I really don`t think so. There are several reasons we need to move and this house meets the majority of our needs. We will be using the proceeds from another real estate sale to buy the house outright and won`t even have a mortgage payment! It`s in the same town, so my children won`t have to change school districts. Commuting distances are the same. Very little change overall!

Why then? Well, personally, I believe it`s the enemy. Yeah, it could be a convenient excuse, but you see even when the Lord IS trying to make a point, He isn`t going to make us feel sadness, guilt, fear or anything that would bring us distress! For out of much tribulation and distress of heart I wrote to you, with many tears; not that ye may be grieved, but that ye may know the love which I have very abundantly towards you. 2 Corinthians 2:4

Girls, I have to tell you, I am touchy, short, nauseous, I`ve got a headache, etc. This isn`t the Lord`s way. It`s the enemy`s way! He is filling my head and my heart with so much doubt! He will persecute you any way possible in order to keep you from God`s blessings.

It is at these times as much as ever, that we need to go to our Lord and Savior in prayer. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. I Peter 5:7

Continue to pray over the situation and seek clarity and discernment! O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1

He DOES hear your prayers! Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:31

Why do YOU doubt? Have faith Sisters! Seek out the blessings and the favor that our Savior has for you!

Labels: Adversity, Anxiety, Distress, Triumph

According to Wiktionary, `Adversity` is defined as:

Adversity

1. (Parody): A bottomless lake, surrounded by near-sighted friends. - 1904, The Foolish Dictionary
2. state of adverse conditions; state of misfortune or calamity
3. event that is adverse; calamity

It can be translated to mean: `A bottomless lake`

WOW! `A bottomless lake`? Pit of despair? Hopelessness?

Have you ever had one of `those days`? That`s a loaded question, isn`t it? How about one of those weeks or even months? Nothing seems to go your way or everything seems to go wrong?

When you are in distress and all these things have come upon you, in the latter days you will return to the LORD your God and listen to His voice. Deuteronomy 4:30

You make your minimum credit card payment, only to realize that they/you didn`t figure in interest and now you`re over the limit? Or you didn`t realize that your payment date fell on Sunday and if you don`t pay the extra $12.95 you`re going to be late? The neighbors that come and go 50 times a day (mostly during your toddler`s naptime or bedtime) have lost their muffler! You get in the car to run your child to school because he missed the bus and you`re out of gas or have a flat tire? The neighbors in your apartment building are loud and obnoxious – but they have the nerve to turn you in for parking in `their` spot? Friends, mentors, people you trust lie to you?

What do you do? How do you handle it? The Bible tells us: Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer Romans 12:12 Another translation puts it this way: Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer.

We`ve all been there and the list of terrible situations we face goes on and on. (Some even tragic!) It never ceases to amaze me how bad things can get, and all at the same time! If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. Proverbs 24:10

The enemy is constantly whittling at us, at our faith and devotion. He wants nothing more than to break us and drive us away from our Heavenly Father! Away from Salvation! He will use whatever means possible, our families, our finances, our health, our friends...

There is so much to say on this topic, I think we`ll discuss it all week. We`ll approach different views each day. Please stop by often and leave comments! I look forward to hearing from you gals!

All my love and prayers for a great week!

Labels: Adversity, Distress, Tribulation

How many single Moms get to rest ANY day of the week? How many `Moms` in general get to rest any day of the week? *wink*

Boy, let me tell you, on top of it all, I`m sick! Feels like a watered down version of the flu! -Just enough to make me miserable! Especially when the kids still need you, dishes still need washed, laundry has taken on a life of its own; toys are strewn throughout the house! Holy Cow! Calgon take me away!

But enough of that! I could whine and complain for a week! (It wouldn`t do me too much good either! -I`ve tried it! *wink*)

What I`d like to talk a little bit about today is loyalty and forgiveness. A favorite pastor of mine, `Joel`, talked about loyalty today and it really hit home. In fact, I`ve been dealing with a lot of this myself this week.

In particular, someone I considered a good friend and Sister in Christ, has done some questionable things. I won`t go in to the details, because that isn`t relevant or appropriate! But let me tell you, it is hard to find forgiveness! It`s very difficult to be loyal! I`m angry, betrayed, and I never want to speak to her again! Cut your losses and run. Right?

Well, `Joel` spoke about how we all make mistakes and deserve forgiveness, loyalty, grace and mercy. I mean, let`s face it; the Bible says: In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

Boy this is a tough challenge!

How odd should it be that `Joel` spoke on this today? Faithful, Trustworthy, Devoted, Reliable, Dependable, Steadfast, Dedicated, Constant. These are all synonyms of `Loyal`! Can we all claim to be these things? When your gal pal messes you over, do you run to someone else and complain about her? Or do you love her in spite of her faults and mistakes? Hard question? Yeah, me too! So I set out for some guidance on this!

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Luke 6:37

So that on the contrary you should rather forgive and comfort [him], otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. II Corinthians 2:7

Pretty powerful stuff. Isn`t it? It`s very hard to reprogram ourselves to do these things, even when we know they are right and of God`s will! It`s much easier to give in to the flesh and hold grudges and gossip! Well Sisters, I challenge you today to take each insult, each betrayal, as an opportunity to forgive and show God`s love!

This brings me to another tough nut - overcoming tests and trials. I am a firm believer that we will not be dealt more than we can handle and that with adversity, we become better people and grow closer to God and all of the blessings that He has in store! - We`ll talk about that tomorrow!

Labels: Forgiveness, Loyalty

Are you wondering where I was Thursday? Well, let me tell you! *wink* It was a very busy and exciting day for us. We had an appointment to view a house. -Just across town!

We have been looking for a house for about 3 years now. We have a nice-sized piece of land in the next county - but my teen would have to change school districts. SO - it has been a rough and wobbly road!

This house was completely and totally beautiful. There is a large, level lot, 3-car garage, full, finished basement, oak wood-work; the list just goes on and on. The house has been loved and it shows. It is a bedroom short; however, I will have plenty of room for an office and inventory storage. Therefore, I've decided to go a bit longer without a bedroom of my very own and pray that the Lord provides a way for expansion on this particular house.

You know, I wanted to choose a related Bible verse today. Someone sent this to me for encouragement once:

Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates. - Proverbs 31:31

God will provide for us gals! The truth is that He loves us very much and He keeps His promises. We all have different circumstances. Some, by no fault of our own. Regardless, our Heavenly Father loves us very much and He will reward us! Praise God!

Labels: Encouragement

Well...what an interesting week it has been.

On Wednesday, while setting out to create our refuge, I was informed by a neighbor that there was a bomb threat at my teenage son's school. In this day and age, this was horrifying news! The school was not notifying parents, however, the roads were being shut down and authorities were everywhere!

My aunt called to let me know that one of her co-workers has a daughter in the school and they had been evacuated! Well, thank the Lord!

I have to tell you, I just didn't know what to do! I couldn't very well drag my toddler off in search of my teen! (It's not like I could call my 'husband' for assistance!) Has anyone else been here?

Well, I prayed. I just prayed and prayed and begged God to bring my son home safe. I screamed at the devil and told him that he just could NOT have my son!

So although there was no husband to call or seek reassurance or comfort from, there was God! (There's ALWAYS God!) And, thankfully, as 'usual' my eldest strolled in around 3pm. In fact, he had had a 'great' day - 'one of the best' he's ever had! *big smile*

My name is Christina. I am a single, Christian, work-at-home Mom to the two most beautiful, precious boys I have ever laid eyes on! They are my inspiration and motivation for everything that I do - second only to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Although I have known God my entire life, I never really 'knew' Him. In the Winter of 2002, when I realized that I would be having another child, I began to get my act together. I had been attending church regularly, but was still enjoying a sinful life of the flesh...

Well, you will learn more about me and my journey in time. Please stop by often, I have big plans for us! I hope that my experiences and wisdom can help others realize that true peace, joy, hope & happiness - REFUGE is only possible through Jesus Christ!