My Deliverer - Praying for a miracle for Jessica Sikes!

Thank you for stopping by. As, I said yesterday, I am committing this week to prayer for our daughter's healing. I am also starting my new full time job as university faculty and beginning a new children's Bible class at our church. Life is full! I do not plan to blog again until Sunday. In the meantime, please read my yesterday post and gather people together to pray for our daughter and our family. GIGATTAATTGIG!
.
There is already much on this blog that you can return to each day and access. Thank you for loving the LORD!

MY DELIVERER

SUNDAY IN THE SON

.

You, Jesus The Son, are my Redeemer and I beg You to be my daughter Jessica's DELIVERER! Today, she turns 26 years old and 1/2 of those years she has had major headaches 24/7. Jesus, has she not suffered enough? I am asking my blogger friends to talk to You, too. God, Your Son, who is willing to bear our sins could surely bear Jessica's pain and let her live this life pain free! Please God, I'm praying for a miracle! Yet, I know - Your timing for Your glory!

.

I've read about a deliverer in Your Word:

.

Judges 3:9 " But when they cried out to the LORD, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, who saved them."

.

2 Samuel 22:1-4 "David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. 2 He said:
"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior- from violent men you save me. 4 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies."

.

2 Kings 13:4-5 "Then Jehoahaz sought the LORD's favor, and the LORD listened to him, for he saw how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel. 5 The LORD provided a deliverer for Israel..."

.

Psalms 18:2-3 "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,and I am saved from my enemies."

.

Psalms 40:17 "Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay."

.

Psalms 70:5 "Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay."

.

Psalms 140:7 "O Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, who shields my head in the day of battle — "

.

Psalms 144:2-5 "He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.
3 O LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? 4 Man is like a breath;his days are like a fleeting shadow. 5 Part your heavens, O LORD, and come down..."

.

I've been able to focus on NOT much of anything this week for very long. We're weary in our home. Weary of years of seeing our daughter suffer... She's weary... but does not complain. LORD HAVE MERCY! CHRIST HAVE MERCY! We believe! Help our unbelief!

.

I often ask Jessica, "How do you do it... day in and day out... without getting depressed...?" Oh, I ask her that question often but this week she told me something. She said that when she was 14, she saw a documentary on children suffering in Africa. She resolved then that she had nothing to complain about. If they had so much suffering with no shelter, food, and family... how could she complain when she had all three?

.

Speaking of "the children in Africa", here are the words to the Rich Mullins song that I must sing everyday this week as I plead and petition for God's kind hand to be upon Jessica. Please reset the song on your playlist to follow along and join me in fervent prayer.

.

My Deliverer

lyrics by Rich Mullins and Mitch McVicker

.

Joseph took his wife and her child

and they went to Africa

To escape the rage of a deadly king

There along the banks of the Nile,

Jesus listened to the song

That the captive children used to sing

They were singin'

My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by

My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by

.

Through a dry and thirsty land,

water from the Kenyon heights

Pours itself out of Lake Sangra's broken heart (its broken heart)

There in the Sahara winds Jesus heard the whole world cry

For the healing that would flow from His own scars

.

The whole world is singing
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by

.

He will never break His promise - He has written it upon the sky

My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by

My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by

My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by

.

I will never doubt His promise though

I doubt my heart, I doubt my eyes

My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by

My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by

My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by

.

He will never break His promise though

the stars should break faith withthe sky

My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by

My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by

My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by

My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by

My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by

My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by

My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by

...My Deliverer is coming

.

To read what I wrote on Jessica's 25th birthday, click here:

http://momstransformed.blogspot.com/2008/08/jessicas-25th-birthdaygods-timing.html

LEGACY...SING IT...

KETCHUP AND MUSTARD

SATURDAY

Catch Up and Must Do


.
.

Here's a little music to listen to as you eat your burger or hot dog today AND ponder your LEGACY! These are the words to the first 6 songs that will play today on this blog's playlist. They are all Nicole Nordeman songs.
.

LEGACY
.
I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much
.
I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world
.
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed
Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
.
I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy
.
Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...
.
.
BRAVE
.
The gate is wide
The road is paved in moderation
The crowd is kind and quick to pull you in
Welcome to the middle ground
You're safe and sound and
Until now it's where I've been
'Cause it's been fear that ties me down to everything
But it's been love, Your love, that cuts the strings
So long status quo
I think I just let go
You make me want to be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be brave
Brave, brave
I am small
And I speak when I'm spoken to
But I am willing to risk it all
I say Your name
Just Your name a
nd I'm ready to jump
Even ready to fall...
Why did I take this vow of compromise?
Why did I try to keep it all inside?
So long status quo
I think I just let go
You make me want to be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be brave
Brave, brave
I've never known a fire that didn't begin with a flame
Every storm will start with just a drop of rain
But if you believe in me
That changes everything
So long, I'm gone
So long status quo
I think I just let go
You make me want to be brave
I wanna be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be brave
Brave, brave
.
.
HOLY
.
How many roads did I travel
Before I walked down one that led me to You?
How many dream did unravel
Before I believed in a hope that was true?
How long? How far?
What was meant to fulfill only emptied me still
And all You ever wanted…
.
Only me on my knees
Singing holy, holy
And somehow
All that matters now is You are holy, holy
.
How many deaths did I die
Before I was awakened to new life again?
How many half truths did bear witness to
‘Til the proof was disproved in the end?
How long? How far?
What was meant to illuminate shadowed me still
And all You ever wanted…
.
Only me on my knees
Singing holy, holy
And somehow
All that matters now is You are holy, holy
.
All I have is gratitude to offer You...
.
.
HOLD ON
.
It will find you at the bottom of a bottle
It will find you at the needle's end
It will find you when you beg and steal and borrow
It will follow you into a stranger's bed
It will find you when they serve you with the papers
It will find you when the locks have changed again
It will find you when you've called in all your favors
It will meet you at the bridge's highest ledge
So baby don't look down, it's a long way
The sun will come around to a new day
.
So hold on
Love will find you
Hold on
He's right behind you now
Just turn around
And love will find you
It will find you when the doctor's head is shaking
It will find you in a boardroom, mostly dead
It will crawl into the foxhole where you're praying
It will curl up in your halfway empty bed
So baby don't believe that it's over
Maybe you can't see 'round the corner?
To hang between two thieves in the darkness
Love must believe you are worth it...
.
.
RIVER GOD
.
Rolling River God
Little Stones are smooth
Only once the water passes through
So I am a stone rough and grainy still
Trying to reconcile this river's chill
.
CHORUS:
But when I close my eyes and feel you rushing by
I know that time brings change and change takes time
And when the sunset comes my prayer would be just this one
that you might pick me up and notice that
I am just a little smoother in your hand
.
Sometimes raging wild sometimes swollen high
never have I known this river dry
The deepest part of You is where I want to stay
and feel the sharpest edges wash away
.
CHORUS
.
.
GRATITUDE
.
Send some rain, would You send some rain?
'Cause the earth is dry and needs to drink again
And the sun is high and we are sinking in the shade
Would You send a cloud, thunder long and loud?
Let the sky grow black and send some mercy down
Surely You can see that we are thirsty and afraid
But maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case . . .
.
(Chorus)
We'll give thanks to YouWith gratitude
For lessons learned in how to thirst for You
How to bless the very sun that warms our face
If You never send us rain
.
Daily bread, give us daily bread
Bless our bodies, keep our children fed
Fill our cups, then fill them up again tonight
Wrap us up and warm us through
Tucked away beneath our sturdy roofs
Let us slumber safe from danger's view this time
Or maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case . . .
.
(Chorus)
We'll give thanks to You With gratitude
A lesson learned to hunger after You
That a starry sky offers a better view if no roof is overhead
And if we never taste that bread
.
Oh, the differences that often are between
What we want and what we really need
So grant us peace, Jesus, grant us peace
Move our hearts to hear a single beat
Between alibis and enemies tonight
Or maybe not, not today
Peace might be another world away
And if that's the case . . .
.
(Chorus)
We'll give thanks to You With gratitude
For lessons learned in how to trust in You
That we are blessed beyond what we could ever dream
In abundance or in need
And if You never grant us peace
But Jesus, would You please . . .
.

LEGACY...GIGATTAATTGIG...

Building a LEGACY in Christ is happening all around me! People growing more and more in their understanding and knowledge of the Christ and wanting to share that with others. Daddies, mommies, and children are learning that no matter what the circumstances: GIGATTAATTGIG. I have some pictures that I'd like to share with you of some of the "legacies" that I've been a part of in the last few weeks - both in person or via technology. For those of you who have joined us for this summer's study - let's remember that it is the Virtuous Woman who fears the LORD that leaves His legacy - GIGATTAATTGIG.
.

Psalms 103:17 says,

"But from everlasting to everlasting

the LORD's love is with those who fear Him,

and His righteousness with their children's children."

.

Proverbs 17:6
"Children's children are a crown to the aged,

and parents are the pride of their children."

.
.
Her name is Chloe! She is our grandaughter... and many have and are leaving her a legacy in the LORD - GIGATTAATTGIG!

.

Proverbs 14:26
"He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress,

and for his children it will be a refuge. "

.

.

Her name is Vanessa. She is my niece! She is passing on a legacy in the LORD to her young family - through her joy... her love.... both in Virginia where they have been living and now in Colorado where they are moving. She has been a huge support to her husband who recently received one of the Pentagon's highest honors for an employee. They have family memory verses, Bible stories, and songs. GIGATTAATTGIG!

.

His name is Sean. He's a friend of our family! Sean has committed to losing a lot of weight down from his 444 lbs. He wants to be around a long time for his wife and kids. He wants to leave a legacy of power, love, and self-discipline. You can watch this brother in Christ on the show, The Biggest Loser, beginning in September. You can see him in the current TV guide or on commercials advertising the fall season. GIGATTAATTGIG!

.

.

Her name is Crystal. She is our youngest daughter! I was on the road last week with her as we headed back for her next semester at college in Michigan. When we got to Detroit, we stayed with Steve's sister and family. They have such a ministry through their home on a lake. When we arrived, the house was full of teens. Their home is a safe place for their kids friends to come and hang out. They are leaving a legacy! GIGATTAATTGIG!

.

Their names are Brian and Shawna and they even took me out on the lake! Oh, it may not be what it seems. Life is tough! They live in the Detroit area where there is no morning rush hour anymore because of the lose of jobs. Yet, they are quite aware that GIGATTAATTGIG!

.

Later we headed for their "new Sonic" where our daughters sat on their "cousin Beetles". Crystal and Brianna celebrate a rich heritage that includes dozens and dozens of cousins who join them in loving the LORD as they experience that GIGATTAATTGIG!

.

,

.
After flying back to Jersey from Michigan, I joined Steve on a date.

.

Here are Christopher and Sharnice! They're a brother and sister from church who starred in a South Jersey summer musical together: Seussical! Here is Christopher as the boy with the "Cat in the Hat" and his sister, Sharnice, dressed in green. Their mom is instilling in them music and confidence as she points them toward Jesus. because GIGATTAATTGIG!

.

.

.

Here are the Wilson's, on Sunday, hosting their daughter's wedding as they celebrated together with our church family... a legacy of love... GIGATTAATTGIG!

.
Here is Cathy and Doc. Cathy showed up at the wedding in spite of her pain! God is leaving a very convicting legacy through Cathy and her years of battling health problems. She has such a positive attitude and desire to minister to others alongside her husband "Doc" - an amazingly servant hearted man. They both believe that GIGATTAATTGIG!

.

Here are "The 3 Musketeers"... and on Tuesday morning when the moms arrived for our Bible class and the kids were headed off to "Alpha / Omega Kids", these 3 precious girls realized that there moms had been to the same sale at Target. Their mommies didn't have to be "virtuous" and sew their clothes... they just got amazing deals... Their mommies are modeling and teaching them that no matter what... GIGATTAATTGIG...

.

.

Her name is Lauren! The amazing story of the week, is a daddy and mommy who have chosen to live by faith and not by sight! Yesterday, Lauren Schwamb was released from the hospital exactly one day less than one month from her heart transplant. I have learned a lot this year from this family about waiting on the goodness of the LORD even when it is not seen. They have continually modeled for us that GIGATTAATTGIG.

.

Lauren's daddy, Tim, shared something amazing on Facebook yesterday... then others followed with some thought provoking comments:

.

"Lauren was discharged after 33 weeks and 3 days

Cristi delivered Lauren after being pregnant for 33 weeks and 3 days."
.

Others said,

"Jesus lived on this earth for 33 years and

was in the tomb for 3 days."

.

"The number 3 is a complete number...

it stands for the 3 in ONE of the TRINITY."

You can connect with the

"heart transplant"

stories and follow-ups

on her parents blogs by linking up

over on the right sidebar.




Proverbs 31:28

"Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also,

and he praises her:"

.

GIGATTAATTGIG!

LEGACY...TRANSFORMING LOVE...P.K. ...

When you look at the pictures above, what do you think of?

.

My immediate thought is "work". Yet, as I spend more time "setting my mind on things above" and making some spiritual analogies, I am drawn to the following scriptures:

.

Jeremiah 9:7-8

"Therefore this is what the LORD Almighty says:
"See, I will refine and test them,

for what else can I do because of the sin of my people?

Their tongue is a deadly arrow..."

.

Zechariah 13:9

"I will refine them like silver and test them like gold.

They will call on my name and I will answer them;

I will say, 'They are my people,'

and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.'"

.

Proverbs 27:17
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

.

.

What is it that God uses to refine us?

What is it that God uses to sharpen us?

What is His purpose in all this?

Answers to those questions start in the scriptures above!!!

.

This week, I am attending new faculty orientation, reading university textbooks, becoming proficient on new computer technology, and getting syllabus ready for the new school year that begins next week. The stress is high!

.

Oh... did I mention that our daughter(who is already chronially ill) has been extremely ill with what she thinks is food poisoning and my husband has reinjured his back this week?

.

Then, again, my house is still recovering from the summer and there has been no time to just do a daily cleaning routine...

.

There are also all the FAFSA / tax forms that were due this week for our other daughter that I stayed up all night one night to complete...

.

Some of you are experiencing worse... you know who you are: your husband had a heart attack... your child's special formula was denied by government assistance... your extended family has moved in with you... you and your husband's relationship is not doing well... you feel totally alienated from friends and family...

.

That leads me to another stress: observing and/or being part of the imperfect interactions of imperfect human beings... I have observed them in christians and non-christians alike this week. Some of it has been quite disturbing. I even listened to some major people bashing from outside my office door...

.

Yet, what God wants, from you and me, is that no matter the difficult circumstances we are going through, we need to come out on the other side...

.

"...better, not bitter!"

.

If you've read my posts from Tuesday and yesterday, you know that building a LEGACY is not always easy. Over the last few weeks, we've talked about how each new day we must "set our minds on things above". We must get God's perspective!

.

I have pondered the above scriptures this week as I pray, "God, please help me to understand the concepts of the 'refiner's fire' and 'iron sharpening iron'. Help our difficult circumstances to make us all better and not bitter."

.

How does that happen???????????????????

.

Remember Colossians 3:14? "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Over all what things? Colossians says that love binds together all other virtues!

.

TRANSFORMING LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Agape love!!!!

.

P.K.!!!!

.

Love is patient... love is kind... (and sometimes love is tough - iron sharpening iron...)...

.

Check out yesterday's post and begin your journey of TRANSFORMING LOVE!!!! It takes work!

LEGACY...OF LOVE...

WOMEN IN THE WORD WEDNESDAY

.

1 Peter 4:7-8

.

"The end of all things is near.

Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled

so that you can pray.

Above all, love each other deeply,

because love covers over a multitude of sins."

.

.

James 4:17

.

"Anyone, then,

who knows the good he ought to do

and doesn't do it, sins."

.

.

Fill in the blank with the name of the person you are having trouble loving. A virtuous woman loves even her enemies and knows that love covers a multitude of sins!

.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 paraphrased

.
My love for ________is patient,

my love for _________is kind.

My love for ________does not envy,

my love for ________does not boast,

my love for ________it is not proud.

My love for _________is not rude,

my love for __________is not self-seeking,

my love for _________ is not easily angered,

my love for _________keeps no record of wrongs.

My love for _________does not delight in evil

but rejoices with the truth.

My love for _________always protects,

my love for __________always trusts,

my love for __________always hopes,

my love for __________ always perseveres.

My love for __________ never fails."

NOTE: My love for ___________ is agape love...

which is the love that is of God!

.

LEGACY... THEY'RE ALREADY LIVING IT...

I am so thankful for my sisters in Christ who have met together for two months this summer to study THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN - from a spiritual perspective. We've been open... real... We've talked about shattering the myths that many have hooked with Proverbs 31 to make this woman look like a perfectionistic superwoman. Somewhere along the line many have taken the "heart" out of this chapter and just looked at the "works". We've attempted to take the "heart" back!

.

As we meet together on this topic for the last time today, we will look at THE LEGACY that each one of us are already leaving.... and THE LEGACY we desire to leave.

.

Many of my sisters could use this poster as their mantra:

Many of my sisters can testify to this:

Today, I am grateful for all of my Tuesday morning sistas! Here is an ABC list / glimpse into the lives of some of them and the deep respect that I have for how they live their priorities in spite of the challenges.

.

• A - who recently connected with her "long lost brother" and is now preparing for a new school year of homeschooling her two elementary children...


• A - who lost her second child to miscarriage last week and lives across the ocean from her extended family...


• B - who steadfastly works through "step-family" challenges as she supports her husband in his self-employed business and raises several children, including a child with special needs


• B - who has landed with her family this week on the island of Okinawa to begin her life away from her Pitman sisters in a foreign land :0(


• B - who rises to each new day to love and care for two wonderful children with special needs while still serving many people in our congregation


• C - who has welcomed into her home, her in-laws (from another country/culture) to love and support while managing raising 3 pre-schoolers and encouraging her husband who must work 2 jobs


• C - is a cycle breaker who deeply loves her two little ones and her husband who has his office in their home where he works daily...


• C - who due to the economy, now has her parents and sister living with her, her husband, and two sons....


• D - who has shared her battle with perfectionism and her challenges of homeschooling one child out of necessity while two others go off to school...


• D - who works round the clock being there for her mother who is in assisted living, her husband who has some major health challenges, a young adult son with special needs who has lost his job, and a myriad of others that she serves....


• D - who as a single mom at home right now lives with excruciating back pain...


• E - who embraces the challenge of being a single mom with young adult children living at home...


• H - who moved to a new apartment a few weeks ago and has several children / grandchildren with many health challenges... she returns to work at a difficult job...


• J -works in their "home office" to help her husband as his construction company prepares to build our new church building...


• K - still grieving the death of her young brother-in-law, lovingly cares for her family, including her mother who has major special needs....


• K - who has raised many children and is now living with the adjustment of the day, recently, when the last one left the nest and her husband retired to be home :O)


• L - who became a born -again christian a week ago has been diligently reading / seeking to become a Christlike woman...


• L - who in a little over a month's time will pack up a lifetime of memories to move into a condo... go to help with a grandbaby being born for two weeks... return to move into her new place... leave immediately on a trip with her husband... come home to begin teaching our "school year" Tuesday morning ladies class...


• M - who is still grieving the loss of her mother, has needed to return to full-time work and desperately wants to have a second child...


• M - who continues to recover from her house burning... basks in the joy of reuniting with half sisters she had never met, and daily lives to protect her young son who cannot eat protein...


• M - who works during the school year and immerses herself in serving and befriending her family and our church's teen group year round...


• M - who has had life challenges that have pushed her deep into God's word and prayer this summer... she prepares to teach our Tuesday class for the month of September... 30 Days to Taming the Tongue...


• R - who plays the role of single mom since her husband is on the road most weeks... there have been multiple family injuries the last few months requiring many doctor visits, ER, etc.


• S - who has had major health problems that have required surgeries, being out of work... and then returning to work only to be transferred to a new position...
  
  .

I love these women! They are transparent, humble, and sowing a legacy of love!

.

AND, before you sign off... I just want to share with you who benefits when we leave a legacy... CHILDREN!!!! GRANDCHILDREN!!!! Here is our new grandaughter Chloe this last weekend as she hung out with "the other grandparents"! What a rich heritage in Christ Chloe already has! Click on picture to link to more gorgeous pictures!

.

NOTE: Tuesday morning after posting this, I got word that one of the women listed above is at the hospital with her husband who had a heart attack last night (they have two elementary school age children). Please pray for "J" and family.

.

LEGACY...PONDERED...

.

MEDITATION MONDAY

.

As we end our study of the Virtuous Woman this week, I must admit it's not like any other study of Proverbs 31 that I have ever experienced. Instead of focusing on the "work ethic" of this woman, we have followed Vicki Courtney's guide in looking at her foundational spiritual nature. Let's embrace this portrait painted by spending some time pondering the words of yesterday's post. Think about the legacy that a virtuous woman would leave who is indeed "the light of the world."

.

LEGACY

SUNDAY IN THE SON

What a legacy Jesus Christ left us with only 33 years lived on this planet! He was THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. He said that He wanted His followers to be THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. How? Certainly, His Be-attitudes tell us how! If you look at our study of the Virtuous Woman over the last month or so, you will see a connection...
.

• A VIRTUOUS WOMAN.... fears THE LORD.
• THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD IS... poor in spirit - knowing "it's not about her"... she submits to the God Who is in control; she weeps over her sins and the sins of the world that have alienated her from this Holy GOD...

.

• A VIRTUOUS WOMAN IS... a WOMAN OF WORTH.
• THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD... meekly gives the reins of her life over to her LORD because she knows He loves her enough for her to put her full trust in Him to lead and guide her...
  
  .
• A VIRTUOUS WOMAN IS.... a WOMAN OF WISDOM.
• THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD IS....hungry and thirsty for righteousness; she craves the wisdom from above that only comes from her LORD...

.

• A VIRTUOUS WOMAN IS...a WOMAN OF PURPOSE...
• THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD IS... led to be merciful... pure in heart... a peacemaker...

.

• A VIRTUOUS WOMAN IS...a WOMAN WHO SURPASSES THEM ALL...
• THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD IS... willing to go so far as to be persecuted for righteousness sake... to be made fun of... to be lied about... she turns the other cheek... she loves even her enemies... she is a peculiar person... she leaves an amazing LEGACY...

.

This week's theme song is LEGACY by Nicole Nordemann. Other songs by Nicole Nordeman follow on the playlist. After following these words with the first playlist song, feel free to pause it and watch the video.

.

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me

And I enjoy an accolade like the rest

You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery

Of all who's who and so-n-so's

that used to be the best At such'n'such ...

it wouldn't matter much

.
I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights

We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'

But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides

The temporary trappings of this world

.
I want to leave a legacy

How will they remember me?

Did I choose to love?

Did I point to You enough To make a mark on things?

I want to leave an offering

A child of mercy and grace

who blessed Your name unapologetically

And leave that kind of legacy
.

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile

To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy

It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile

Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

.
Not well traveled, not well read,

not well-to-do or well bred

Just want to hear instead,

"Well Done" good and faithful one...

LORD... MOVE... I SEE THAT THIS IS HOW YOU DO...

...THROUGH THE CHOICES YOU GIVE ME ABOUT MY...
.

• MONEY
• BODY
• MIND
• IDOLS
• RELATIONSHIPS
• SELF WORTH
• YOU, GOD!
  
  
  .

It's been six years ago today that my Granny went home to be with the LORD at the age of 95. She was such a "where the rubber meets the road" kind of a person. Many parts of her story are amazing to me. What stands out the most are some choices that she made along the journey:

• GOD WAS #1
• SHE AND HER CHILDREN WOULD WORSHIP AND HONOR GOD EVEN THOUGH HER ALCOHOLIC HUSBAND CHOSE NOT TO
• SHE WOULD BE THE PROVERBS 31 VIRTUOUS WOMAN IN SPITE OF HER HUSBAND BEING A NON-CHRISTIAN

.

When I was in elementary school, I snuggled up on my Grandpa's lap and said, "I'm sorry that we won't be in heaven together!" It was after that statement that he began to read and study... became a christian... eventually became an elder...

.

I wish I could interview both of them today. I'd ask them what their regrets are and what they would do differently. Yet, again, I think they're both enjoying heaven too much to take time to think about it.

• God, I'm ready to not live with anymore regrets... I'm ready for You to move in me and through me...
  
  
  
  

God, I'm ready to not live with anymore regrets... I'm ready for You to move in me and through me...

LORD... MOVE ME FROM "I CAN'T" TO "I CAN..."

God's movement in your life and mine may have a direct link to our attitude. Today, I share two of my favorite videos that help get me started thinking of all the possibilities of God working in and through me. These are certainly videos to share with your family!

LORD...MOVE...IN YOUR PERFECT TIMING...

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

.

In my lifetime, I have found that sometimes God does move quickly and allows me to move quickly but most of the time the journey has been about waiting... learning patience... being kind in the process...God's timing...
.
Here are 3 short videos of the metamorphasis of a butterfly. The first one is a short documentary that explains some things. The second is the process with some animation that gives you more food for thought. The last one, has been speeded up to let you see the process quickly from start to finish.
.
Several years ago, when visiting The Butterfly Palace in Branson, Missouri, I was struck by one comment made by a guide, "The faster the process, the less beautiful the butterfly... "
.
As I watched these three videos, I couldn't help but think of different words/concepts that translate to the ongoing transformation that occurs in the spiritual life. I'm thinking of the way God moves or how much I allow Him to move in my daily transformation. Here are some of my words and the videos:

• hungry
• seek / search
• eat / feed
• stages
• rest
• wait
• submit
• wriggle / stretch
• pain
• develop inside
• unknown / mystery
• one another (compassion; burden bearing)
• safety belt / protection
• soft / hard
• split apart
• pulls self out
• emerges
• sun (Son) does it's (His) work

.

LORD MOVE...I WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU...

WOMEN IN THE WORD WEDNESDAY

.

Who is moving in your life? Is God moving? Have you moved away from walking with Him minute by minute? Have you ever known the confidence of moving in step with Him?

.

These two scriptures...

• Colossians 1:17 - "...all things were created by Him and for Him. 17He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
• Hebrews 4:16 - "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

.
... are a response to the first words of this week's theme song:

I can't find the words to pray
I'm a little down today
Can you help me?
Can you hold me?
I feel like a million miles away
And I don't know what to say
Can you hear me anyway?
What I need is for you to reach out your hand
You have taught me
No matter what
you'd understand...
.




.

All of creation shows us that He cares and understands much more than we can comprehend...

.
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace,
so that we may receive mercy
and find grace to help in time of need...

IN HIM ALL THINGS HOLD TOGETHER!!!!

.

LORD...MOVE...MY HEART TO GRATITUDE...

GRATITUESDAY
.

Today, I choose to be thankful in all circumstances. How hard is that? Very! Yet, I know that JOY springs from a thankful heart!

LORD.... MOVE... HELP ME NOT TO QUIT...

MEDITATION MONDAY

LORD... MOVE...

SUNDAY IN THE SON
.

I have friends and family who are going through very difficult and stressful times. Just in the last week, I've personally talked to or corresponded with one or more who:
.

• do not have a job
• are having a really hard time seeing where the money is going to come from
• have a very sick child or family member
• have lost a child by miscarriage this week
• are extremely sick or in pain themselves
• have been deceived or disappointed by their spouses
• have had a restraining order put on their spouses
• are considering divorce
• are "in a funk" or battling depression/anxiety
• have choices to make about their future and are struggling with the decision making process
• have been extremely hurt by the words of another
• feel stabbed in the back

.

No need to go on! You get the picture! LIFE IS HARD.... yet, God is sooooo good! This week's song was suggested to me by a sister who has been going through very difficult circumstances for quite some time. I've thought about it and decided that this week, is INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO week on Transformed Moms. The LORD willing, each day I will attempt to post an inspirational video to encourage you on the journey of a Virtuous Woman. May the LORD continue to move in and through each one of us as we put one foot of faith in front of the other...

.

Song by FFH:

LORD MOVE OR MOVE ME

.

I can't find the words to pray,

I'm a little down today

Can You help me,

Can You hold me?

I feel a million miles away,

And I don't know what to say

Can You hear me anyway?

What I need is for You to reach out Your hand

You have taught me no matter what You'd understand

.

CHORUS:

Lord move in the way,

that I've never seen before

Cause there's a mountain in the way

and a lock on the door

I'm drifting away,

waves are crashing on the shore

So Lord move (move), or move me.

.

I've looked every where to find a simple peace of mind

But, I can't find nothing on my own

So I gotta leave myself behind,

take up this cross of mine

Give away everything I hold onto Lord

I know the only way is through this

But Lord, I know I need You to help me do this

.

CHORUS

Lord move in the way,

that I've never seen before

Cause there's a mountain in the way

and a lock on the door

I'm drifting away,

waves are crashing on the shore

So Lord move (move), or move me.

Out of this place of complacency

To a place of fellowship with Thee

'Cause I am weak,

but Lord, You are so strong

And You know it's been way too long

It's been way too long

CHORUS:

Lord move in the way,

that I've never seen before

Cause there's a mountain in the way

and a lock on the door

I'm drifting away,

waves are crashing on the shore

So Lord move (move)...,

.

And be sure to also hook here for other stories of faith,

encouragement and inspiration:

http://GIGATTAATTGIG.blogspot.com

.

HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH... FAILURE IS PART OF THE FAITH JOURNEY... SO WHY ARE WE SO AFRAID????

KETCHUP AND MUSTARD SATURDAY

Catch Up and Must Do
.

Today's sandwich may not taste as good as past Saturdays! Join me anyway! Do you want ketchup or mustard on yours?

.

Okay! Let's talk and eat at the same time! When you step out and dedicate your family as a "HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH" there will be many unknowns along the journey. Why? Because FAITH is "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Therefore, we have to TRUST... not be anxious and not worry... even if we don't know where the next meal or money is coming from. Our faith must be strong as Satan tries to pull us in many directions. Satan will tempt us to be sharp with our tongues, short tempered, and he'll even throw in a few panic attacks to make sure that we take our eyes off of Jesus.

.

As you walk your journey of faith, in the coming days, join my friends Debbie and Annette who often say, "I choose joy!" Join me in saying, "Life is hard, but God is good!" Join Jesus and Peter in what they said long ago:

.

In Luke 22:31-32,

Jesus said to Peter,
"Simon, Simon,

Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.

But I have prayed for you, Simon,

that your faith may not fail.

And when you have turned back,

strengthen your brothers."

.

Later in his life,

Peter had this to say in 1 Peter 5:8-11

after he had learned a thing or two :0)

"Be self-controlled and alert.

Your enemy the devil prowls around

like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Resist him,

standing firm in the faith,

because you know that your brothers

throughout the world

are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace,

who called you to his eternal glory in Christ,

after you have suffered a little while,

will himself restore you and make you strong,

firm and steadfast.

To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. "

.

If you've ever watched / read Chronicles of Narnia or the Star Wars series or any Western you are made aware of the extreme battle between good and evil. Yes, just as Peter learned, there is a battle going on! It looks like Peter eventually realized how it important that it was to be self-controlled... alert... to resist... and choose faith...

.

I have always been encouraged by people who overcame in spite of their circumstances and in the midst of adversity. I love this video! Although each person in it may not have had their faith placed in God, the video still encourages me to keep remembering to NOT BE AFRAID... TO PERSEVERE... TO KEEP MY EYES ON JESUS... This journey is an itsy bitsy part of the amazing future for those who KEEP THE FAITH... KEEP BELIEVING...

.

.