Ready for a Nap?

Our Guest Barista today is Melissa Phillips!

Do you like to take a summer afternoon nap?

After lunch I always find myself getting sleepy and want to curl up with a book on my bed, read just a little and drift off in silence. I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go. It is nice and I am thankful I can do this every once in a while.

Have you ever called and called someone and even left messages and they never return your call?

Have you ever made an appointment and when you go, you sit there for a lengthy time before you even get to see the person?

It can be very frustrating when you need or want something from someone and they are barely accessible. If you are like me, patience is not always easy but has I get older it is a must. The point that I am trying to make is that when you need something, Jesus is always willing, He is there and He desires to give us what we need and even want. He desires most of all to give us rest. We don’t have to wait or make an appointment to see or talk to Him. He is accessible and is always easily reached and available.

There are some at a point in life when the constant stimulation and demands are fast driving to the “burn out” point. If you as a believer in Christ are suffering the symptoms of overload and unrest, then I hope you will take time to examine your own life in desiring the type of rest we all can obtain. To all of us Christ’s invitation is the same. It is not a commandment but an invitation for your benefit.


Jesus tells us to come to Him. He is willing to let you come and gain access into His rest and His glory. He has a gracious invitation, speaks directly to us and not someone else. Plus the invitation is to all those who are worn out, tired and frustrated from this world we live in. Millions in all ages since can bear witness that this promise is sure, He will give you rest.

The people who feel self sufficient in their lives have no need for God. The call of God is addressed to the weary, overburdened, long for deliverance and long for the help of God. God calls them and they respond. Only those who are willing to surrender everything to God, and depend on God for everything can hear God’s call and respond. “Come unto me, all who are weary and burdened, I will give you rest.”

Rest. What is this rest?

Is it like when I take a nap and wake up feeling refreshed but upon getting us you start the daily grind all over again? Yes on the refreshing state but more of peace of soul too. This rest is, a rest of grace, and comfort, and holiness. It is a rest in glory, where the people of God shall enjoy their faith, and the object of all their desires. It is a spiritual rest, in ways we don’t feel like we have to fight the battle because we know He fights for us. It is raising above all circumstances and learning to walk in the Spirit. It is walking in His shoes, the shoes of Jesus.

How come some people find it hard to obtain this type of rest?

We may be too busy in working for the Lord instead of relationship with the Lord. We tend to look at the negative in others instead of the good, showing mercy and forgiveness. Our priorities could be out of order or our minds filled with ungodly thoughts or have other discipline issues. We don’t take our cares or burdens and lay them at Jesus’ feet; instead we try to carry them to our breaking point. We may spend time in worry about the future or daily tasks, bills, or relationships instead of depending upon faith or divine intervention or the leading of the Holy Spirit.

There are more reasons why we don’t find rest than finding it. Rest is obtainable and an open door to all however we must go to Him to receive it.

God has always declared man’s rest to be in him, and his love to be the only real happiness of the soul along with faith in his promises, through Jesus Christ, to be the only way of entering that rest. When Jesus says, “I will give you rest,” he means, “I will refresh you”.

Jesus calls all those who are weary and over burdened so that they may be strengthened and refreshed for our tasks in the world. The ‘rest’ will not be idleness or inactivity but strengthening for our responsibilities. It also means that we will be relieved of our anxiety, as we trust Him.
In Jesus Christ the kingdom of God has come.

He is calling us who are overburdened with sin and sorrow, burdened with struggles of this life and who are anxious about life. He is calling us to himself so that he may relieve us of our anxiety and refresh and strengthen us for our responsibilities in this world. Will we respond to this call and invitation? If you find yourself needing rest today and want to lie in the Saviors arms, He is calling with an open request. This promise is not only refreshing but also what you may have needed for a long time.

Are you ready for a nap?

Lord, help me rest in your arms today. Lead me beside the still water, cover me with peace and your grace. I give you all my concerns today in faith so that I may rest.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you that labor, and are burdened, and I will refresh you, and give you rest. Douay-Rheims Bible Translation


In Him,
Melissa Phillips

www.melissaphillipsministries.com
melissaphillipsministries@yahoo.com

Melissa Phillips is a native to a small town in McLean County Kentucky. Melissa is a country girl at heart with creative contemporary ideas. Blessed artistically, she expresses her talent through various venues. Her paintings, photography, writings, and theatrical dramas are an inspiration to all.
Melissa is the wife of Pastor Jeff Phillips. The couple shares in ministry responsibilities at PromiseLand Church located in Calhoun KY where they have been pasturing for over ten years. They have four boys, Lyle Benjamin, Bryson Roth, Jordan Heath, and Spencer Edward.

Currently Melissa is enhancing her ministry skills by obtaining a diploma from PromiseLand School of Ministry and Associates Degree from the International School of Ministry. She is recognized as an ordained minister for Destiny Ministries. Melissa is a member of AACC and has completed her studies as a Board Certified Biblical Counselor recognized by the American Association of Christian Counselors. She also is the Discipleship Education Instructor for PromiseLand Ministries.

Melissa’s photography is award winning and is in circulation. Her work is seen across the world by her photocompositions of brochures, books, advertisements, PSAs, as well as in the entertainment and music industry. She writes a daily blog of inspiration and encouragement.

Spinning Plates

Recently, I was going through the pile of papers on my desk, no I mean my dining room table that has turned into a desk :) I came across my sister's Christmas letter and I called her and asked her if I could share a paragraph from her letter. I remember when I read it originally that I was struck by what she said. Below is an excerpt of her letter.

"My heart is so full of love and joy! I love being a wife and a mom. It is a challenge to get everything done. As evidenced by this late Christmas card/letter, I dropped a plate. I have heard it said before that you can not do everything. It is like a clown at the circus spinning plates on sticks. He does OK at first. All plates are spinning. Then, watch out the first plate starts to wobble, so, he quickly spins it again. It is a constant spinning of plates. I gladly let go. I am learning to give myself and others grace. The world will not end because I did not hand make my Christmas cards or get them out prior to Christmas. God is teaching me so much."

(My sister told me that the “Spinning Plates” story came from a story in one of Shelia Walsh’s books)

After reading the Christmas letter, I called my sister to tell her how much I enjoyed her letter, and that her “Spinning Plates” scenario was really meaningful. My sister has always loved the Lord since she became one of His children, but because of our close relationship I have first hand knowledge of the things she struggles with, as she does with me and the things I struggle with in life. It has been so wonderful to watch the Lord work in my sister’s life and see the changes He is making in her. I hope she could say the same thing about me. My sister’s last Christmas letter is just more evidence of how the Lord is working in her life to make her look more like Him. YOU DO SIS!!!

So today I ask you a couple of questions inspired by my sister’s Christmas letter.

Do you feel like that clown spinning plates?

What do you think will happen if you just let one plate fall to the ground?

Why don't you pray to God today and ask him what plate you can just let go of today. I think there might be a little freedom waiting on the other side of that broken plate :)

Be encouraged today!

Blessings,
Kim

Feel free to stop by and check out her blog “To Know Him”, and know that you will always be welcomed.

A Bug's Life

Four things on the earth are small; nevertheless, they are very wise -the ants, a species not strong, yet they store up their food in the summer;the coneys, a species with little power, yet they make their home in the rocks;the locusts, who have no king, yet they all march out in ranks;and the spiders, which you can catch in your hand, yet they are in the king's palace. 

~ Proverbs 30:24-28

What immeasurably rich insight there is in the Word of God.  Contained within these few verses lies a deep and a practical wisdom as recorded by Agur.  

How can our daily lives benefit from the practices of these four small creatures? 

Let’s see... 

the ants, a species not strong, yet they store up their food in the summer:

1. Diligent Preparation - God’s order of diligently preparing for today and tomorrow! 

...the coneys, a species with little power, yet they make their home in the rocks:

2. Solid Foundation - God’s order of building and abiding on the Solid Foundation He has already laid!  

...the locusts, who have no king, yet they all march out in ranks: 

3. Joyful Cooperation - God’s order of working together effectively for the (common) Kingdom good! 

 ...and the spiders, which you can catch in your hand, yet they are in the king's palace:

4. Future Exaltation - God’s order of setting the lowly in high places!

The plans of all the above creatures achieved great success!  

They each are in the habit of beautifully fulfilling the purposeful works that their Creator designed for them (Ephesians 2:10). 

They do not quarrel with God that their plans are superior to His.  

They do not hold private assemblies to come up with alternative ways to achieve their goals. 

No.  They simply walk and be, trusting in the plans He has given them.  

Think about this: 

The Ant doesn’t complain about the work to be done...The Coney doesn’t bother with unstable foundations...The Locust doesn’t covet J-Locust’s position ahead of her (sorry, couldn’t resist!)...and the Spider doesn’t scheme to gain an honorable position by exalting himself.  God places him there.

Each of these creatures have a beautiful dependency upon the LORD, their Creator.  They also possess an even more beautiful submission.

Now, if we, His Chosen, could learn the ways of these small creatures (which undeniably, we are), our plans would achieve great success, too!  

Proverbs 16:3 says 

“If you entrust all you do to ADONAI, your plans will achieve success.”

  

Are you operating in God’s ORDER for you?  

Are you attune to the will of God in order to ensure your plans achieve the great success He has prepared for you?  

Father God, may You give us wisdom, conviction, clarity and courage to entrust to You what is already Yours, all of me and all of Your blessings.  We willingly commit these works to You today.  In Jesus Christ’s Name, my Solid Foundation, Amen!

Because He Lives!

Please visit Carmen's blog...

When in doubt...pray

"I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth."
1 Timothy 2:1-4.

The campaigns are over, the ads on television have been silenced, your phone has stopped ringing, no one is knocking on your door to hand you campaign material and the election is over.

In a few short weeks, we will have a new President of the United States of America. Whether you are satisfied or unsatisfied with the results, it is clear where the Lord stands on how we are to treat our new Commander in Chief. Whether our new President and his Cabinet believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior or not, we are to continuously pray for their wisdom, strength, safety and ability to bring our nation together.

Our new President will have a big weight on his shoulders, as we all know, and we do not know if he is bearing it alone, or with the support, guidance and wisdom given to him by his belief in Jesus Christ. We simply do not know his heart because none of us (at least none that I know of) know him personally. Therefore, as scripture commands us to do, we must pray.

Our nation is standing at a crossroad of success or failure - and we are all staring at our new President to lead us in the right direction. But all we can do when we doubt or question the leader of a situation is to pray for them that God will guide them to His perfect will.

Have you ever been in situations where you didn't know what do to? Which direction to choose or which choice was really God's choice? I know I have. I doubt my choices all the time. I doubt my judgment, I doubt my own intelligence, and I doubt the people around me. Why? Because we are flawed humans and in our flawed nature we make mistakes. However, in our hearts, we want to be making choices that God wants us to make so that we can be in tune with His perfect will.

Knowing the will of the Lord isn't something that typically comes naturally to us or is revealed to us all at once. We may see flickers of His game plan for our lives, or we may go on for years and years feeling like we are roaming in the wilderness with no star to guide us.

When we are in doubt; of ourselves, of the future of our nation, of situation, of choices, of others - we need to remember to P.U.S.H - "Pray. Until. Something. Happens."

God's word tells us that He is faithful to answer the prayers of the humble and of those who would seek His perfect will for their lives. So, in this time of doubt, I urge you not to see prayer as a last resort in this battle - but as your primary defense and offense. Take a good, hard look at your prayer life and see what you can do to draw closer to Him through prayer and prayerful worship.

Just like any relationship, it's a two way street and He's waiting to hear from you, for all things...for wants and needs, but also for praise, worship and thanksgiving. He is not fighting for us in the barracks, He is fighting for us on the front line, in full view, ready to take a bullet for us. And He did, at the cross...

So give thanks to the Lord and offer up prayer of thanksgiving. Submit to Him your petitions and praise. And also, remember to pray for our new President and our newly elected leaders. This is not a time to separate ourselves into different camps and point fingers at who got us to where we are. It is a time to unite, to pray, to fast and most importantly, pray for the salvation of our nation through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ - because behold...He is coming quickly!

Lord Jesus,

I thank You have given us the right to come to You with our petitions and praise. That by Your blood You made us joint heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven so that we may approach the throne of God in humility and boldness. Lord we ask that You speak to our nation's leaders during this very difficult time in our nation. Draw those to You who do not know You so that they, too, can experience the wisdom, knowledge and most importantly, eternal life that You are ready to provide them with.

Comfort us now, Lord, in our hour of need...reveal Yourself to us and show us Your perfect will for our lives...and help us to unite as brothers and sisters in Christ and as Americans, so that all may see Your glory through our lives and come to know You as we know You.

Bless our nation Lord, and bless our new President and his Cabinet. Make them wise and grant them the eyes to see Your truths so that our nation may come to be fully surrendered to You. Come quickly Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Until next time...God bless you & keep you close to His heart!

Election Day

Today is Election Day. This has a been a hard election. There has been such a divide in the country. Angry words have flown back and forth. Americans on both sides, passionate about their beliefs have fought hard. Did you remember to vote today?

If you are like me, no matter what the outcome is today, you are probably relieved that it is almost over! And, just writing this post about the election, with still a week to go, the anxious knot in my stomach is returning.

I am so glad that I do not have to worry. I do not have to fear. God already knows the outcome. He is not anxious. He is not worried. He is "working all things together for good."

"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them."
Daniel 2:20-21

God lifts up rulers and removes rulers. Our hope is not in the king or the next president, but our hope is in God, the maker of Heaven and Earth!

As my good friend, Michelle reminded me, "He is Sovereign. He reigns."

AMEN!

But, what SHOULD I do?

Voting, like every other aspect of our Christian lives should be submitted under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We should ask Him, "Lord, how would You have me vote?"

Not on the economy.

Not on the programs.

Not on speeches.

Lord, how would YOU have ME vote?

And, we NEED to pray!

We need to pray for our leaders.

Pray for the current President.

Pray for the next President.

Pray for the Congress.

Pray for the Supreme Court.

Pray for State Representatives.

Pray for local Representatives.

Pray that God would lead them and guide them and pour out HIS wisdom on them.

Pray for the election.

Pray NOT that God would elect who WE want, but that WE would elect who God wants. Pray that we would be sensitive the leading of the Holy Spirit when we make the choice. Pray that God's will be done in this United States of America. If you do not live in America, please pray for our country as we elect our next leaders.

"If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14

Father, we cry out to You! Thank You God that You love us and hear us and forgive us. Heal our country, Lord. We lift up our leaders to You, asking for Your wisdom and guidance. We lift up this election to You, Lord, knowing that You are over it all. You will raise up the leaders according to Your plan and purpose. Thank You, Lord, that we rest in You. You are Sovereign. You do reign. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.








Please visit me at my personal blog.

FROG

Kicking and screaming–that’s how I would describe myself on the brink of obedience.

Oh, sure. I want to obey. I encourage others to do that very thing. But when an action is required on my part for something I feel so UNQUALIFIED for...I start balking. Backing up. Not on God’s word though. In myself.

Haven’t I already told many—He will equip you when He calls you?

Did I tell you that? How many of my own words do I need to eat? " But—Lord— You KNOW ME! I can’t do that!" I am whining. I know it and He knows it. Can’t seem to stop myself though. He leans over and whispers... "I’m not asking YOU to do it. I will do it. All I want from you is an open heart and mouth."

I am humbled. Tears swell and fall. "Okay Lord." I should have known.

See, the thing is—I love LOVE writing. I told Him I’d do it everyday—all the time—spreading His life and love through the tap-tapping of my keyboard...through the scratching of my pen on cards and letters. And that may very well be where He keeps me...but I think, every now and again, He may pull me out of my comfort zone, the place where I think to myself—"hey I can do this"...almost in a fashion of not needing Him...but, you know as well as I do—I can’t put two words together to make a sentence without His guidance. But when He takes me OUT of the "zone of comfort"–the security of my abilities come to a screeching halt...and I rely solely on HIM.

Total insecurity in me...and fully relying on Him.

Isn’t that where He wants us all to be? Fully—Relying—On—God. F.R.O.G.

I think of that every time I see a frog. Can’t help myself. I feel like a hopping toad at times. He causes me to realize where all my strength lies. At the foot of the cross. Without the cross...I wouldn’t be here today.

What are you balking at today where He wants you to submit?

Are you backing up a bit–thinking you can’t? When He says, through Me, You can do all things.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13

Listen for His voice in the quiet. Listen in the noise of life. He speaks continually.




I'd love a visit from you to my personal blogs: Knightly News and/or Sisters of Faith!

Happily Ever After - THE END

Predictable happy endings, walking off into the sunset, happily ever after etc., etc. That's what I like. Not so much the mushy emotional stuff (I'm a little left-brained) just the predictable, every-situation-gets-solved, no loose ends, explanations-all-around kind of scenario - ta da! THE END.

When I was introduced to Jesus and the "Christian Walk", I naturally believed that, "This, now, finally, will be the beginning of eternal bliss, predictability, no problems, sunsets, and happily ever afters - batteries included!" (Who knows that I needed just a little discipling?)
Yes, into every new believer's life some rain must fall, and all of the silver linings come equipped with dark clouds, and (quoting my friend Jeff,) "What don't kill ya, makes ya stronger!"

I remember, after trying to walk with Christ for a few months, I kind of started wishing I'd never heard about Him, salvation OR eternity. It was just hard. All these "trials" (as they were now called) popping up everywhere. . . "letting go and letting God" . . . trusting someone you can't see . . . putting your life in the hands of another. Giving up control of your life is NOT easy - especially if you're not yet certain about the motives of the Person to whom you are relinquishing control. And then, the icing on the cake - learn to be happy about the "trials!"

Consider it all joy my brethren, when you encounter various trials. (James 1:2)

Joy. Really.

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials. (1 Peter 1:6)

If necessary?

The sufferings of this present time. . . (Romans 8:18)

OK, OK, I get it! Suffering, trials, loose ends, and sometimes, not-so-happy endings with no explanations. Got it.


But, as with all things concerning our Creator, it is all for a purpose, as I finally discovered. Nothing is done without perfect wisdom, absolute justice, and unconditional love on His part. Not one situation, large or small, escapes Him. Every bit of the 'heat' He allows in our lives is for a purpose, and as His children, we're wise to learn to trust that. And though no ONE explanation can adequately "explain" the ways of the Lord of the Universe, today I read something that I think comes close. It's from the book, The Fire of God by Joy Dawson - she quotes an anonymous poet:

He sits by a furnace of sevenfold heat
As He watches by the precious ore.
Closer He bends with a searching gaze
As He heats it more and more.
For He knows He has ore that can stand the test
To mold as a crown for the King to wear
So He lays our gold in the burning fire,
Tho' we fain would say to Him "Nay"
And He watches the dross that we could not see,
As it melts and passes away.
The gold grows brighter and brighter it grows,
And our eyes grow dim with tears,
We see but the fire . . . not the Master's hand,
And question with anxious fears.
Yet our gold shines out with a richer glow
As it mirrors a form from above
That bends over the fire tho' unseen by us,
With a look of ineffable love.
Can we think it pleases His loving heart
To cause us a moment's pain?
Ah, no! but He sees through the present cross
The bliss of eternal gain.
So He waits there with a watchful eye,
With a love that is strong and sure,
And His gold did not suffer a bit more heat
Than was needed to make it pure.

Yep, we can be quite whiny and complaining until we 'get it'. We can become completely absorbed in our own little world - trials AND treasures - until we grasp the fact that the God of all eternity has His ever watchful eye on us - always - and that " God (actually) causes ALL things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28) Everything He allows, every bit of heat, is meant to purify us, to cleanse us from what we cannot see, to prepare us for an eternity that we can scarcely comprehend, to form us into the image of His Son, Jesus.

Everything.

And then He gives the best promise of all:

"The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us!" (Romans 8:18)

Incredible! When the time comes, the sunset will never dim, every loose-end will be tied, every explanation given and every tear will be wiped away. Now that is a "happily ever after!"

THE END BEGINNING

Father, Your ways are high above our ways, and Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. I ask you Lord to pour out Your grace and wisdom. Teach us to trust Your ways, Your timing, Your justice. Keep watch at the door of our lips and fill our mouths with Your praise. Give us strength to worship when we are afraid, and courage to trust You in all things. Above all else, fill our hearts with the reality of eternity in Your presence.

In Him,

Visit Darnelle at her personal blog:

All Things Work Together

The Car

I smile even now as I remember her face as I opened the door and the new red car shone like a bright polished apple behind her. You could have lit an entire city from the brilliance of her eyes and smile! I looked in amazement. “Who’s car Wanda?”

“It’s mine!” came the thrilled reply.

I really hope that my amazement…and confusion didn’t register on my face. I have the unfortunate disease called “talking face syndrome”. My face usually tells it like it is, whether my mouth does or not. So when she said that, my mind instantly thought, “But you don’t have a driver’s license.”

However, the mouth said “Wow! It is beautiful!”

Wanda had been practicing and I knew this, but I had no idea she was “ownership ready” yet. She had always been nervous about driving. I never knew exactly “why” she didn’t pursue the license issue when we were younger, but as time went by, I didn’t really think about it much. I rationalized that if I didn’t ---then she didn’t either.

But the fact was she did.

She longed for a bit of normalcy in her life, such as driving her daughter to school, just like the other mommies. She drove a bit with our pastor’s wife, Kathy, and a few times with a dear woman from our church, Ms. Shirley. I think she may have even taken our sister, Aimee for a spin….did I say spin? She “talked” about driving to me---but I never was able to go with her anywhere. I regret that.

Sometime after my sister Wanda passed away, her husband, Mark, felt that he needed to sell her car. After all, he could only drive one. A co-worker of mine had expressed an interest a few times and when the time came, I relayed the interest to Mark. They made contact with one another about the information, price, car details, etc., and Mark told her that I would drive it to work on Tuesday for her and her husband to test drive it.

I knew would be hard.

I tried to put “hard things” out of my mind. My mentality was, “if I don’t think about it, I won’t have to deal with it, therefore, it won’t be hard.”

All lies of course. Whether dealt with or not…the hard things of life will not go away. It does not sleep---rather it will stir your heart and mind and keep you from sleep.

So the morning of the drive in the little red car came and I had this sort of nervous feeling of “What will I feel when I sit down? When I crank it up?” Mark had told me the night before that Wanda had a little “CD” case inside the armrest compartment. Interested and wanting some music to flood my soul, as I started down the highway, I opened the compartment and pulled out this cute little light blue case with the words “Women of Faith” stamped into it.

Just as I was wondering what music would soon be filling my heart, a message in music (one that I could almost hear Wanda herself saying to me) came from the speakers.

“Lord, I’m glad You didn’t let me look ahead
to see the trials that I would have to face.
I would have lived my life caught up in fear and dread
and missed a lot of joys along the way”…

Since this was a devotional CD with music in the mix, the song faded away with the first verse. I was a puddle of emotion and tears. My eyes so filled with tears, I began to wipe at my eyes and face to see the road in front of me. Why I didn’t wear waterproof mascara was beyond me!

I could hear those very words coming from Wanda’s mouth. I searched for the handkerchief I had stuffed in my bag that morning. Smearing black around my eyes I knew I should have just left off any makeup at this point.

After the scripture verses were read, more of the song came through;

"On this journey I have had my share of tears,
Lonely days when I could not understand,
But then I’d hear You whisper gently,
Child, I’m here
And I knew that You were holding to my hand,
Every step has brought me closer Lord, to You

Every step that I have taken, every valley I’ve walked thru,
I have seen that your grace cannot be shaken,
Every step brought me closer Lord, to You".

I can’t tell you much about that drive to work that morning. What I can tell you is the Lord was more near than I had felt Him in days. (My fault---not His.)

Tucked neatly in the armrest compartment with the CD case, was a 4x6-index card in Wanda's neat printing that read, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13". Her verse for driving. His words for His dear child---to comfort and strengthen her in the tests of life.

The driving test is not unlike many tests we face on a daily basis.

Surrounded by others going to and from their stations in life, not knowing if they will keep to their lane, but trusting Him to carry us on to the destination He plans for each one of us.

On that particular morning, driving that particular car, my heart ached for a talk with Wanda. For just a few minutes to spend at her table. She would have definitely told me,

“Sister, please slow down. Life is short. For some, shorter than others. Take each moment and relish it to the fullest. Love God. Love others. Love life".

That is my message to each of you darling sisters today.

Slow down.

Life is short.

Eat cake.

Share a cup of coffee and listen to a friend.

You may be the only one she has to talk to.

We build sweet relationships with friends in the internet world and sometimes, neglect the very friends the Lord has blessed our lives with. Lend a shoulder and lend a hand.

It's nearing Fall, a time when I love to clear out the house of things that I don't need. Suggest a shared cleaning with a friend. By that I mean, you go to her house and help her and then she in turn will come to your house! Fellowship and clean houses! What can be better?

Father, You alone know our days length. Fulfill Your divine purpose in each of our lives. Help us to be an encouragement and load lifter for our sisters in need. There are many. You love us all the same. I love You Lord! Use me. I'm Yours. In the name of Jesus Christ~Amen

God bless you all!

I'd love your visit at Knightly News!

Song: Every Step by Rebecca J. Peck
Thomas Peck Music (BMI)
Peck’s Corner Publishing (ASCAP)
Peck Publishing House (SESAC)

Esther's Choice

My sister and I were about fifteen the summer we drove to a North Carolina beach with my mom, younger sister, aunt, and cousin. We passed the mornings at the beach, returning about 1:00 to the rented condo for lunch, and cycling back to the beach in the late afternoon.

One late afternoon when we returned we found that the tide had come in and filled in a lower almost gully type area. Thinking that it would be shallow, we started to wade through. It quickly came up to our waists and everyone decided to walk to the far end and cross on the sand. I remember watching a man wind surf in this gully. (Will some beach savvy person tell me what the correct term for something so deep is? Tide pool doesn't seem to cut it!)

After a couple hours we started to make our way back to the path. One of my sisters and I stopped at the shallow end of this strange gully to rinse the floats one last time. Two very small children scampered by and into the water. My thought was, "Tell them how deep it gets." I dismissed it thinking that their parents would be keeping an eye on them. The thought came more insistent, "Warn them." But it wasn't my responsibility, so I kept quiet.

I dunked the raft one last time and moved to follow my family. And as clear as a bell, I heard, "AMY!!!" from behind me. I turned in confusion because no one I knew was back there. In that instant, I saw the little girl bobbing and gasping and her brother going and staying under. We could barely touch the shifty, sandy bottom but we managed to pull them out.

The little girl was gasping and crying and the boy spewed saltwater onto the sand. He looked so gray I yelled at his distraught sister, "YOU HAVE TO GET YOUR PARENTS!" Away she flew. They scooped him up without a word to us and whisked the children away. A couple days later we would walk by a resort pool and glimpse them all in the shallow end.

It is one of the few times that I believe God audibly called my name.

There were lots of choice points in this story. God made two attempts to impress upon me the need for action. I dismissed those children, that situation, as "not my responsibility." I didn't respond until there was a crisis.

Sadly, my mom and my aunt didn't respond at all. My aunt was trained in first aid and CPR as a routine part of her job. She didn't come to check how things were but stayed on the opposite side of that gully. She simply said later, "He was coughing it up. That was good enough."

It reminds me of the Esther. She was a young Jewish woman who through a series of events hid her identity as a Jewess and became a queen. At one point, a man named Haman -- seeking revenge on Esther's uncle Mordecai -- plots to annihilate the Jewish population. Mordecai learns of the plot and goes to Esther and beseeches her to intervene with the king. The catch is that no one can enter the king's presence without being bidden to do so. If the king is in a bad mood, it could mean death. If he looks kindly upon someone, he might extend the royal scepter and they will be spared.

So, Esther is in a predicament. To intervene would risk her life. She hesitates, but Mordecai is insistent. In Esther 4:12 - 14 (NIV) says, "

"Do not think because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relieve and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

Could Esther argue it wasn't her place? Yes. Could she say that it wasn't her responsibility? Yes. Could she say the risk was too great? Definitely.

Esther does act with much prayer and thought and exhortation. God miraculously turns Haman's plot on it's head. But what would the cost have been if she had chosen not to act? Thousands might have lost their lives.

Yes, the story on the beach is dramatic but true. At times I wonder what might have happened if I continued my belief that "it wasn't my responsibility" so I could not act? The results may have been horrific.

Though they may not be so dramatic, how often do I dismiss "smaller" things in life because I believe they are not my responsibility. No, I cannot do everything. But anything on God's heart warrants a response on my part -- a prayer, a kind word, a gift, an action. I just need to trust Him to prompt me how and when to respond and obey the first time rather than the third.

What small or large "Esther's Choice" is God asking of you? Could it be that you were placed right where you are, working, caring for children, or even in the line at Walmart for such a time as this?

Sometimes I wonder about that now thirty~ish brother and sister pair and what God might be doing in their lives because two teens chose to respond (somewhat belatedly) to a commanding voice in the midst of the sand and the sea.

God's Work In Progress,

This year I'm focusing on hope. I'd love for you to visit my personal blog:

Prone to Fidget

So, I’ve got a problem - maybe you can identify with me. I’m struggling with this odd sensation that millions crave, but I inherently detest. You may have heard something about it. It’s called ‘being still’.

Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines the word ‘still’ as “devoid of or abstaining from motion”. Those of you with small children or teenagers know – being still is not something I, even as a young woman, excel at. I’m rather fidgety, to be completely honest.

As a small child, Sunday would come and my mother would march us into church, armed with a canvas bag filled with a 64-pack of Crayola's, a vast assortment of coloring books & my favorite: stickers. She knew us well enough to know that we would struggle through the painfully long sermon, and thus she came prepared. Today, 15 or so years later, I still fidget in church, but this time I’m paying attention. Now my struggle with stillness comes in the form of ridiculously detailed note taking. You should see my church bulletins. This miniscule handwriting combined with diagrams, all neatly laid out in a rigid outline. I am 19 years old and I am basically incapable of sitting still. Is there any hope?

I remember a skit performed at the church I grew up in – I couldn’t have been older than 8. There were a few adults, and they were busy – one man in traffic, another at work, a woman grocery shopping – and they were speaking aloud to God.

“What do I do with this deadline, God? I can’t possibly meet it.”

“God, I have too much on my plate. How can I cook dinner & help the kids with their homework and still have time for me?”

Something like that.

Then a voice (apparently, the voice of God, for it was a warm, disembodied baritone) echoed throughout the sanctuary – speaking to each of them, saying simply: “Be still – and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

That was the first time I heard that truth, and I haven’t ever forgotten it. It’s simple, but so very important to remember. We get so wrapped up in our daily lives, some of it at such a manic pace, that we forget. Regardless of how crazy the daily routine might get, we need to take time to be still & remember that God is who He is – and He’ll provide for all of our needs. God commands us to be still, right at the moment when we’ve reached our limit to remind us that He is limitless.

So the next time your world begins to crumble – when the soft drink machine is out of Diet Coke, when your blush compact falls out of your purse and disintegrates as it hits the floor, when that first premature gray hair makes its presence known… be still, take a time out, and know that He is God.

It's ALL in the DETAILS

Long, long ago . . . in a galaxy far, far away . . . when gas cost about 68 cents/gallon . . . as I was driving home from work, I noticed that the gas gauge in my car was desperately trying to inform me that I was seriously way past "empty" - so empty, in fact, that I wasn't even sure I'd make it home. Thankfully, I was approaching a gas station and pulled right in. A quick 'purse dive' later, and I had gathered a whopping $6.00! Definitely not enough to 'fill 'er up' but it would get me home.

A few minutes later, I was pumping the gas and glancing around at all of the folks milling in and out of the gas station/convenience store. Immediately, a certain gentleman caught my attention. He was a giant, slightly angry-looking man about 6.5 feet tall. He was carrying the biggest bottle of whiskey I'd ever seen - in his bare hands (no bag) and a stack of adult magazines.

I had a sudden urge to pray.

I asked God to intervene in his life - quickly. I prayed for any woman or children he might be going home to. I prayed for God to shed light on his twisted, distorted view of life and break any spiritual bondage. I asked God to begin healing his deep wounds and to undo what the devil had begun. I prayed for this man to receive a life-changing visitation from his Maker. I prayed for the whiskey to spill all over the magazines. ('Cause I'm deep like that.) I prayed for him to meet Jesus in a powerful way. And, before I could pray one more thing, I heard the sound of the gas pump shut off. (Ahhhhhhhhhhh!)

I had been so absorbed in praying for the scary man, I completely forgot that I was putting gas in my car! Before I could force myself look at the price on the pump, I began to try to figure out how in the world I was going to be able to leave that gas station without paying for all of my gas. Scary man was on his own.

Eventually, of course, I looked at the pump. Much to my complete shock, the price was only $6.37. Hope was alive! Surely, the attendant wouldn't hold me there and call the police for 37 cents! I quickly grabbed my purse to find the $6.00 cash and as I did, I heard coins clanking around somewhere in the unknown recesses of my bag. You can probably guess that there was exactly 37 cents in loose change waiting for me there. Hallelujah! No big-house for me!

That little incident happened over 20 years ago, but God reminds me of it from time to time. It helps me remember that His eyes are always on me. His eyes are always on my details.

On that particular day, my 'job' was to intercede for someone who probably would not pray for himself. I have no way of knowing what went on before or after that day in that man's life. What I do know, is that when I submitted to what God placed before me - intercession - without concern for my own situation (more accurately - I zoned out for a minute), God covered me. I didn't know that there was 37 cents in the bottom of my purse, but God did. In my fervor, I stopped paying attention to the gas pump for a few moments, but God didn't. I did not know the circumstances surrounding the scary man's life. God did. And when I stepped out to do the only thing I knew to do, He moved in and handled my details.

God didn't have to stop the gas pump for me. He didn't have to. He chose to. Most people (myself included) might call that a 'small thing'. Yet I'm forced to realize that the God who chose to create the universe, dry up the Red Sea, deliver millions of Hebrew slaves, raise the dead, and give His life for a people so very undeserving - that same God - chose to stop a gas pump exactly where I needed it. He stepped out of the endless vastness of eternity, into time, to do a 'small thing'. A detail.

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.(Luke 12:6-7)

The God Who has numbered the hairs on our heads and Who knows the whereabouts of every sparrow - that God - knows our details. Our details: the fear, the uncertainty, the loss, the tears, the "what-ifs", . . . He KNOWS ! And, despite what we secretly believe in the back of our minds, He is Oh so willing to get involved in our details - our 'small things'.

Let's shake off the idea that we shouldn't "bother" God unless we've got a mountain to move. He's not kidding about knowing the number of hairs on your head! Doesn't that sound like Someone Who might possibly be interested your details today?

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Questions for Reflection:
~ What are some reasons that we don't go to God with our daily details?

~ Name a specific "detail" in which you'd like for Him to intervene.

~ Give one good reason why you can't tell Him now ;)

In Him . . .

Visit Darnelle at her personal blog: All Things Work Together. . .

My Time With Martha

My time with Martha

I headed down the dusty path. I'd waited a long time to visit her. She greeted me as I expected, in an ankle length tunic with worn leather sandals. She opened her arms and hugged me as if we'd know each other a lifetime.
"Come on in dear. I'm so glad that you found your way here. You mentioned in your note that you wanted to talk to me." She gently led me inside to an open air courtyard and offered me a drink sweetened with honey and a pita-like flat cake.

"How did you do it?" I quietly asked.
"Do what?" she lifted her head from the jug that she was pouring out of.
"Change your spirit," I asked.
She giggled, and looked almost embarrassed by the question. "I had a feeling that you weren't here for my fig cake recipe."

"Well dear, I had some help." A look came over her, the kind of look one gets when they are recalling a fond memory.
She continued, "You see honey, I remember that day clearly. We were sent word that HE was coming and I did what I'd always done. You know, I did what I was born to do. I swept out the courtyard, I fetched water, I pitted olives, I pressed olives, I rinsed the stone dish, I prepared the honey and figs and if I had one of those fancy things that you call a "tub" I'd have scrubbed it too. I was prepared for this visit. I enjoyed it when HE visited, it was an honor to be in his company. HE could have chosen many homes to come and sup at, but HE chose to come and be with us, and I simply wanted it to be perfect."

She glanced over into my eyes and we exchanged a look that said, "I understand."

She went on. "I have to admit that by the time he walked up the path, I was READY, well my home was ready to receive HIM, but dear, my spirit wasn't. I don't even remember greeting HIM that day. I know I did, but I wanted it to be perfect, so back to work I went. I did everything as I'd always done, bringing out some fruit and water for HIM. I was still working and SHE just sat. I made it clear, as sisters will, just WHO had done all of this!"

"Do you know what I mean dear?"

I replied with a smile, "Oh yes I do and it's exactly the reason I wanted to talk with you Martha. You see, I have a spirit like you. I too am a first born 'do-er' myself. I'm afraid that sometimes I hear your voice amidst mine. I came here to find the balance that you have found." She smiled back at me.

"Honey, I had many visits with HIM, but that one stands out. Not just for me, but for everyone that read about that day. I was a bit bothered by that for awhile. All those people reading about what I had done. But I learned so much that day and I'm pleased that HE chose to use me in that way." Martha moved closer to me as if she were going to reveal her heart. "We have been commanded to be hospitable, welcoming to all, to friends and strangers alike and full of grace. What I often forgot was how to stop. Does that make any sense to you.?"

I was tempted to stand on my stone and shout, "girlfriend, you have NO idea." I refrained and simply nodded.

"That day HE spoke to me the way only a true friend can. You know the kind of friend who can tell you that you have been a real "whiner" and say it in such a way that you "hear" what they are saying. That is what HE did that day."

She recalled HIS words clearly.

“Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her”.’ (Read Luke 10:38-42)

Martha continued on, "I have to admit, I was taken aback for a moment, but it was the way that he said it, not as a scolding parent but as a loving friend and teacher. I had been missing precious moments. I'm not sure that any of this makes sense to you."

"Oh, YES Martha it does. What did you do?"

"That night, what you don't get to read is that we sat and talked long into the night. He told me how much HE loved me and how much the FATHER loved me, and that because of this love they wanted my heart.

HE told me how he NEEDED me to sit and listen at his feet~
HE needed me to listen because HE needed me to hear~
HE needed me to hear because HE needed me to share~
Share what I'd heard at his feet.

That is what HE wants you to know too. HE wants me to remind you to not STOP being you. I have to tell you I still prepare for His visits, but not just with the chores that have to be done, but with my heart as well."

As I listened, I understood. She spoke in a way I understood. She spoke in a "kindred spirit" kind of way.

"Honey, I want to tell you one last thing. Hospitality, service to others and graciousness are gifts that come from the Father. Don't confuse what I'm telling you. HE wasn't telling me to change EVERYTHING that day, HE was just lovingly reminding me what was most important. Between you and I, nobody can make fig cakes like mine. I've simply learned how not to let the demands and distractions interfere with my spirit."

As I rose, we hugged. I knew I'd love her. I knew I'd love her spirit, her spirit to "hear." She saw where she needed to make changes, heart changes, spirit changes, not abandoning who she was, just adjusting her spirit. It was a lovely afternoon and I felt peace.

As I walked down the path, I turned around to take one last glance at my kindred spirit, and just as I suspected, she was back to pressing olives. There was work to be done. I smiled, knowing that she was preparing in more ways than one for her next visit with HIM. Martha revealed such wisdom that day. She helped me understand the Martha in me and what a special gift that is. As I walked I felt something in my pocket, I reached in....Martha's Fig Cake recipe! I gripped that recipe tightly and smiled!

As I walked alone, I prayed...

Father, thank you for teaching me through those who have walked before me. Those who struggled in ways that I know. Thank you for gently revealing to me how I can change my spirit to be more like your Son, Jesus. Thank you for speaking always to me, for kindly guiding me on my journey.

Questions for reflection:

Would you and Martha have anything in common?

What would you ask her if you had the opportunity to sit and visit with her?

You'll find Lori most days over here...learning how to live as a "Martha."