God Is So Good!!!!!

I just love it when I can feel God working all around me! It is exciting, refreshing and keeps me full of anticipation! Makes me look forward to waking up in the mornings to see what He is gonna do next!!

How about you? Do you feel Him working in your life today? I certainly hope you do. I do know, though that there are scores of people who wonder where God is right now because they definitely don't feel Him working in their lives at this moment in time.

I have experienced times like that too. We all have. Last year at this time, I had just endured the loss of my precious Daddy after a battle with cancer. I did NOT exactly feel God working right then, but I knew He was. I had seen miracles and blessings all around me, but I was too numb to actually feel them. Looking back, I can see even more blessings than I did at the time, but the pain still stings my soul. It always will. But God, in His awesomeness has used That pain for His Glory and my healing! The thing I want to get across to you today, friend, is that GOD IS ALWAYS at work behind the scenes, even when you don't FEEL Him.

Have you ever read Exodus 33:18-23? It goes like this. Moses was on the side of the mountain and he so badly wanted to see the Glory of God. He was actually having a conversation with God Himself and asked ever so humbly to see Him face to face. God replied by telling Moses that His Glory was so powerful and incomprehensible that no person could see Him face to face and live. But, God loved Moses so much He made a way to honor his request. Here is what He did; He allowed Moses to stand behside Him on a rock and God covered Moses with His mighty hand while He passed right by him. Then the coolest thing ever happened, God removed the covering of His hand from Moses and allowed Moses to see His back after He had passed!

You see, friends, God is there beside you. You may not see Him or even feel His presence right now, but know that He has got you covered!! And, one thing is for certain...you might not see His face, but you will sure know when He has been there!!

Lay your pains, fears and concerns at His feet and let Him work on your behalf. He loves you just as much as He loved Moses and wants to honor your requests for experiencing His Glory. Close your eyes, imagine Him covering you with His hand and be ready to see the results He leaves behind!! May God Bless You Today!

*ABL-Women*Abundant and Balanced Living!

*ABL-Women*Abundant and Balanced Living!

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Lord Of The Rain: Embracing The Rainbows In The Midst Of The Storm

You need to take the time to read this wonderfully encouraging book By Starr LaPradd if you have ever found yourself facing a storm. Maybe you are riding one out right now. It could be cancer, financial issues, job loss, or even panic attacks. No matter what your situation, this family's story will show you how to enjoy the rainbows, even when things get rough and life throws you thunder and lightening. Learn how to focus on the big picture in the midst of your downpour and remember God is carrying you all the way. No matter how overwhelmed you may feel, God is majestically good and wants the best for His children. The sun always appears more brilliant after the rains come, so grab your sunglasses and get ready for the journey! 138 pages. Book includes a dvd.


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Encouraging Words

I am almost finished with a book I have been writing for months. Because of that, I have been away from my bloggy friends here for entirely too long and I have missed you. Even though I haven't posted for so long, I have continued to receive many touching comments from new and regular readers. It's nice to know I am still loved and serving others even in my absence.

In the weekly Bible Study I teach, we have been taking time each day to encourage and pray for each other. That is something we all tend to neglect in our all-too-busy lives. But, God has always known just how inportant it is to encourage and be an encourager. He tells us in Hebrews 10:24-25:

"And let us consider how we may spur each other on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the day approaching."

I am blessed in that I have many people who love and encourage me on a regular basis. I hope you do too. But even if you don't you have a Father in heaven who adores you so much that He gave His only Son that you may have eternal life as well as have an abundant life here on this earth to enjoy and savor. I pray that you will seek a closer relationship with Him today.

Remember, God inhabits the praises of His people! When we praise Him, He graces us with his presence. When we praise and encourage others, we ourselves become more aware of Him and the effects of his loving-kindness.

Go find someone to lift up right now. We all need a boost every now and then. And, much thanks to my special friends who encourage me every time they see me. You know who you are and I appreciate the "boost".

Sometimes Saying Nothing Makes The Best Statement

This morning I felt like a very ineffective mom.

My seven year old son loves to pick fights with me, and today was no different. When he does not get his own way, he blows up. I can understand that is a symptom of his ADHD, but understanding does not make it any easier. At least not for me.

He has such a good spirit about him. He cares about people and loves with his whole heart. It's just hard for him to follow the rules, which can make a momma look bad to onlookers.

After his home school co-op classes today, he wanted to stay and play with his buddies. That is all good, except for the fact that after class is not the time or the place for running around and playing in the building while other classes are still in session.

Of course, when I summoned him to get his backpack and leave with me, World War Three began. As usual after calling his name, chasing him around and giving him "the look", I told him goodbye and headed for the door. Finally he followed, as he usually does, but he was filled to the brim with hatred for me, the one who had destroyed his fun.

On the short ride home, he said many not-so-nice words to me. I announced in a calm voice that there would be no privileges for him for the rest of the day; No video games, no television, and no skateboarding or bike riding.

That only fueled the fire of his anger and the hurtful words began to spew from his little dimpled mouth even louder. Instead of more rules and whys and why-nots, I decided to keep silent.

We pulled into our driveway and I unlocked the front door, giving him no response whatsoever. I just pointed to his room and he quietly went in.

For once, he didn't know what to think. He wasn't getting a reaction from me. What did that mean? He was stunned by my silence. The Holy Spirit prompted me to remain quiet. I was struggling to obey with every fiber of my being, but inside, my heart raced with guilt, frustration and anger at his harsh words.

Awhile later, the silence emitting from his room was deafening, so I went in to see what he was up to. There he sat, in his bean bag, holding his open Bible and a family picture album on his lap.

He looked at me with repentant love in his eyes. My heart melted as I stood there and watched him write down something on a piece of paper. In his own seven-year-old-boy-script, he had written the words "I 'poligize, Mom. Do you forgiv me?"

Never speaking a word, I gave him a hug and he squeezed me back with all his might.

The silence was hard for both of us, but after the negative words that had been aired earlier, the silence felt good; So did the unspoken knowledge of forgiveness and love between us. God's presence was definitely with us both.

Maybe today is your day to keep silent. Those raging thoughts you have do not necessarily need to be spoken. Hold your tongue just for today and see what happens. It may be the most effective comment you have ever made.

"Therefore He who is prudent will keep silence in such a time, for it is an evil time. Seek (inquire for and require) good and not evil that you may live, and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you have said." (Amos 5:13-14 AMP)

"By a long forbearance and calmness of spirit a judge or ruler is persuaded, and soft speech breaks down the most bonelike resistance." (Proverbs 25:15 AMP)

No Condemnation

Sometimes I feel guilty.

Do You?

I mean when things are hard,like the current economic situation most of us are in, being a stay-at-home mom feels kinda weird.

I have worked since I was 15 years old until this past year. God revealed to me that my responsibility was to be a mom to my child.

That's it.

God wants me to teach Austin the ways of righteousness and be available to him with my undivided attention. Believe it or not, this is the hardest job I have ever had. It is, however, the only job I have ever desired. That is, since becoming a mother. It just never seemed possible.

When resources are scarce, it takes a lot of faith to stay at home day after day knowing that if I went out and got a job, relief would be in sight. But, when I even so much as entertain the thought, my peace begins to drift away.

Letting peace be my umpire...you know...allowing the presence of peace to call the shots, has been the guiding light for me. It has never led me wrong so far. No peace equals no moving on my part.

Really, it has been rather enlightening to trust God utterly and completely for every single need our family has. My husband works hard daily to provide for us, but we have learned that God alone is our provider and He will NEVER fall short!

Sometimes we are just to stay where God has put us until we receive different directions. Even when it gets trying. Even when we get tempted to take things into our own hands and solve the problems. Even when we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Where has God placed you? Has He called you to be in a specific place right now that you are unsure of? Are you having to rely on Him for everything?

If that is where you are, then you are in the right place.

That's where He wants us; totally dependent on Him and Him only.

It's truly a good place to be. Excitement comes when we wake up every morning and expectantly wait to see what He has in store for us today! It is amazing to see what He does when we give it all to Him. When we loosen our grip on life and He holds the reigns, wonderful blessings are showered on us!

On those days when I get overwhelmed and discouraged, just one look into my child's eyes confirms to me that I am surely in the right place at the appointed time. All the "I love you, mom" and "You're the best" statements from that little dimpled smile say it all.

Guilt is not something that God sends our way. Conviction is. I was convicted of being a too-busy parent. I obeyed. God has provided. No guilt necessary!

Today, bloom where He has planted you. Trust Him with the details. He NEVER fails.

Being A Survivor

Today I walked in the rain. It wasn't wet when we started out, but it was before we finished. I walk with a group of wonderful gals every week for a time of fellowship and encouragement. It helps us get through the week a little easier.

I decided to put on my daddy's shirt this morning. It is the one he got at the Relay For Life Cancer Walk earlier this year. It says "SURVIVOR" in big letters all across the back. I wear that shirt a lot.

You see, I was with him on that walk. He was fighting the battle of his life at that particular time. We all were. When someone you love has cancer, the whole family gets it in a sense. It's what you live, breath, and ingest for as long as the disease endures. It's a walk that no one chooses to take, but once you get on the path, you can't just step off. You gotta keep walking.

Today I wore that shirt proudly. I always do. Maybe some folks see it and think I am the survivor. Maybe in some sense, I am. My daddy went on in early July to make his new home in heaven. He went out smiling and full of joy. He most assuredly survived!! He is living in eternity with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!!

On the other hand, I am left here to continue to fight the battles of every day life. His purple SURVIVOR shirt reminds me to keep on keepin' on. It reminds me that no matter how hard the walk gets, I can make it. How do I know that for sure?

Because I have a Savior that walks with me. He walks on each side to protect me. He walks before me to prepare the way. He walks behind me to cover my back. He holds me up with His Righteous Right Hand of Love. That's encouraging, people! That increases my determination to make it through all the trials that come my way. That gives me the security I need when doubts try to creep in.

Where is your walk leading you? Are you a survivor? Know you are not trudging along by yourself. Other people have been just where you are right now. God WILL get you through, no matter what the outcome is. Trust me, I know. Just because you get wet along the way, doesn't mean you won't finish your walk.

He has brought me and my family through. He escorted my daddy to his new home. He is on the sidelines waiting to escort you to your next season of life.

Walk on, my friend. Wear your SURVIVOR shirt! Live like a survivor! Expect to be a SURVIVOR!! You are!! We all are if we believe God's got us covered. And, I am willing to bet you all I have and all I am that He does.

Unity

It's funny how, if you give in, and let everyone be who they are, life is so much easier. I have tried so hard to manage my homeschool day in such a way that we are schedule oriented. I decided that was the best possible scenario for an ADHD child. But, ya know what? I have found that is NOT the best thing for MY child or ME.

One of the best perks of homeschooling in the first place is letting your child be who God created them to be. I should know that after 14 years of homeschooling, but I guess I have to be reminded every once in a while.

How many times have you caught yourself trying to re-invent someone close to you just so they would fit in with your own ideas of perfection? I admit I have done it quite often. Not really intentionally, but nevertheless, I have done it.

My youngest son is the total opposite personality from me. We are night and day; Oil and water. But, there is one thing we share; love and lots of it. That is enough common ground to work together.

In reality, my way is NOT always the best way. Even when it comes to my children. It is hard to admit to your child when you have messed up. But, they always accept your honesty with love and forgiveness. Mine do anyway. Try it. Yours probably will too.

These past few days have been a 180 degree turn from where we were a couple of weeks ago. All because I have stopped being so set in my ways and I have allowed my child to learn in a way that is comfortable to him. He has retained so much more information this way. It has been an enlightening experience for us both.

This approach works for every relationship in your life, not just homeschooling. Let your husband be himself. Let your parents be themselves. Let your best friend be herself. And, the best part of all, do NOT be afraid to be who YOU are. So much more can be accomplished when we all work together accepting each other's flaws and imperfections. As long as we have the same goal, we can co-exist cheerfully. We may just have different ways of getting there.

God places certain people in your life to compliment who you are. Let them do it. As Christians, we most likely have many common goals. We are here to support each other. To encourage each other. If you are having relationship woes, maybe you are falling short in one of those areas. Maybe your communication is lacking in openness and sincerity.

"But, I urge you and entreat you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in perfect harmony and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no dissensions or factions or divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgements."
(1 Corinthians 1:10 AMP)

"There is no room for and there can be neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, nor slave or free man; but Christ is all and is in all. Clothe yourselves therefore, as God's own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), who are purified and holy and well-loved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways and patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]. " (Colossians 3:11-12 AMP)

Is your temper even? Has it flared lately? Do you have mercy on others, or are you quick to expect much and judge often?

God made each of us individually, just the way He desired. We are hand-sculpted by the Master Artist. Enjoy the creativity of the Father. Look at those around you as works of art and accept them as they are. Unity is wonderful and peace swiftly follows. Experience both today with those you love, as well as those who rub you the wrong way. That's God's will for His children!