Well Mischief

God is full of mischief. Several weeks ago, our church secretary and I met our pastor as she entered the door. She hates to have people meet her when she enters the door. She wants to get her coat off and get settled. We told her we needed to pray about the wells. She looked at our faces and said, is something wrong. I said yes, we are in a recession and only $2,400 came into the wells last Sunday. She thought that was good. In cooperation she proceeded into a fairly long prayer as we both bowed our heads and listened. Then I added, thank you God for the $2,400 in the wells but bless you for the $8,000 in the collection plate. You now have $17,700 for the wells. She looked up, she looked so startled and just couldn't believe it.
That was a Tuesday.

Thursday.....I received an email from Mary, asking if I would meet her fifteen minutes early on Saturday. She needed to ask me a question, get a response but it was not serious. For two days, I thought oh my what have I done now. I met her and we walked into Walgreens. She said there had been two letters that came to the office. She said not everyone was in support of the wells. One letter was for her and the other for me. I probably should read the letter before tomorrow as I might meet the person at church. Oh my....we have a few people from the community that felt we should support local agencies not international ones. So I told her that not everyone would go along with this and that was ok. I was given the letter, I read the letter and said, well that is ok, then I read it again. It said ask your pastor about how much money came in as she is standing right next to you. She held up a sign of $28,080. Almost 3 wells. I just screamed. Not only had we earned the well money but she had really gotten me back, right in a public place. Since that day God keeps providing and enough money for four wells has been accumulated.

I had a prayer followed by a vision.............I was in a body and looking out. I couldn't tell if the body was mine but there were Uganda people all around the body. Nothing more. About a week later, I asked God if we should send someone to Uganda and please show me the face. I was wide awake. I climbed into bed and immediately I had a vision. The face of Jesus showed up bright and clear. Yes we would be sending Jesus. Whoever goes will have Jesus inside of him so much the Ugandan's will know that and if no one goes Jesus will be so present they will fill him.

Money is pouring forth. God has his own plan and he is managing the project. Two and a half weeks into the water well project God had provided enough money for three wells, a half a week later, he had provided money for three and a half wells, AELC has just received enough money for four wells. This God stuff is amazing.

Deep Water Wells.............God's Gift

I am so in awe of what God is accomplishing. It is now the end of November and our church has just started the campaign to raise money for the two deep water wells for Uganda. Within one week he has helped inspire many people to make donations. Within one week $7,200 has been contributed to the fund making one well 2/3 of the way built.

Last week the Courier came over to the church to cover the article. The article appeared on the front page of the newspaper on Sunday. What a gift. The following day there were several critical responses from the community asking why the church did not help the local people. WE DO! But God had asked for this gift. The day after a large number of positive articles appeared again.

It is Thanksgiving weekend, I pray God will finish off the first wells funds. I have handed the project over to him. I will help.

God Bless You, CLC

Walk To Emmaus

Walk to Emmaus.............Heaven.............Cherished.............Loved........... Forgiven..............Blessed............Made New..............Created...........
Sacrificed................Born Again.................


There is so much I would love to share about my walk.......I cannot do that, the specialness would be taken away from anyone that might attend that has not gone.

It is a one time experience of a walk with Jesus.........far beyond any thing a person could imagine.

Five Little Shepards

The end of October, the Craig's headed to Missouri to visit our darling grandchildren.During this week, we met two beautiful horses and Grandma actually got over her fear and jumped on the back of one of them. The fear of horses had taken her 51 years to get over. Four grandkids took time to spend a night at the condo in Branson with Gma and Gpa. Tally was the only one who had the nerve to ask about the writing on Gma's wrist. Our darling grandchildren participated in a homeschool science fair at the Library and Gma and Gpa were judges. That was extremely difficult. The projects were extremely well prepared. A movie and then a tour of a battlesite were all in the activities planned.

My grandkids are darling, they are so special and so very sweet. I miss them so much as they grow into beautiful human beings. I am so thankful to Teri and Brian for the time and dedication that they show their children. I love you all.

I Went to the Cross

I went to the cross but I could not stay....someone said God wasn't there that day.
I went to the cross every day, every hour...my heart was growing weary and sour.
I finally pushed my self away and then I knelt down and prepared to pray
Lord God bless this wretched servant of your tender care
For eighteen years I was simply not there.
Accept the pleas of my tender heart, I pray that we shall never part.

Dear God,
I wrote you a poem that tells you how I feel at having lost you and then discovering you. My entire world is yours. Please take me and use me as you can. You are telling me that I can spread your word, that I can be a missionary but I don't see the workings. Please show me what I should do. Make me yours.

The Deacon's Outburst--His Outrageous Message

Last Sunday my cousin was attending membership classes for her church. Each week a different person teaches the class. A deacon was teaching this class. He gave the members his phone number in case they had questions.

Pam had a question about prayer. People in her workplace are coming up to her even though she doesn't know them and asking her to pray with them. She had asked God for one gift, the gift of compassion.

The deacon's response: Satan has taken you over, get down on your knees and pray that he will not leave. You do not have the right to pray with others, it is putting you in a position that you should not be in.

OH MY GOSH!! I don't think that is a message that God would ever preach. She has never pretended to be anything but a compassionate person that prays with someone when they ask. She is very careful how she prays. She has been very careful not to seek people out.

The prayer minister had told Pam that she had been given a gift and to use it. Pam has never sought attention with her gift. God gave her a gift and she is spreading his message with just her caring.

Celebration for Jesus

As I attended the "A Grand New Day" conference in Phoenix, I was absolutely inspired by the testimonies of the speakers. I have been to many National Conferences and heard many National speakers BUT this was different. The speakers spoke from their hearts. It was obvious that the Holy Spirit was in each one of them. They did not speak to the audience, they shared their story, sometimes off in a world of their own. The testimonies were inspiring, heart wrenching and exhilarating. Normally I gain more when I am at the celebration because of the other people in attendance. This time I have gained so much more as I sit in my house and really spend time going over what they said. The Christian music was from the mouths of angels. Every song spoke of the passion that the attendees had for our Lord. They were not songs, they were dedications. I thank you Lord for the opportunity to attend. I will cherish it forever.

Inadequacy

No story to tell, no addictions to handle, no divorces to share. God has blessed me and I am so inadequate. God has provided for me many times over and I never thanked him. I bless him now every day for the beautiful non-challenging life. I am about as boring as vanilla ice cream. My travel experiences are over, my sharing with many groups from around the country are over. My days of giving my time to many teens is gone. My absolute passion of building two wells for Uganda is still in tact. The water wells are for God. The wells are so that a small African village may live. I have sold my precious jewelry to donate to the wells. They are just stones. I should have received much more for them but I will donate what God has given me. The gems mean nothing but the funds that they generated are so very precious to me. Dear God, Here I am, use me. Let me testify to the pre-believers, let me mission in your field. I praise you for the opportunity to travel to Israel. I praise you for the opportunity to learn your word. I praise you for my Christian friends. Dear God, take this inadequate person and make me shine for you. Create me to be more and more like Jesus. Thank you for giving me the wonderful example of two very very special Christian friends who are always there for me. Please keep them safe and always be with them. Thank you for my beautiful daughter who has kept me in her prayers.

God's talkin

God's talkin to me..........For some reason, God has me workin for him. For some reason, I am helping build 2 wells in Uganda. I am so passionate about this assignment that I have collected $550 from my family and friends. God is amazing, as I stood in the tellers line the other day, I shared with a new friend, my teller that I was building a well. She offered to help and then a stranger in line right behind me handed me $20. His aunt had worked in Africa.

After my presentation to the Deacons at the church, I was told the next day from a friend, she was so sorry I was so scared, another person I talked with said I was not that creditable since tears came to my eyes. I worried about that all weekend. When I returned on Tuesday, both of them spoke to me without any message on my part. They both apologized for their comments as the HOLY SPIRIT was there.

A day later the Lord presented me with a letter saying I had been accepted to Walk Through Emmaus. I sent my application in on Friday. They had accepted me by Wednesday but there was a waiting list if I did not accept. Amazing. That is only 3weeks away. God you are filling me with so many blessings. I am thrilled to attend.

I don't understand all this, all I know is that I am so thankful and pray that God will always be present and I will listen to him.

GOD IS ALIVE AND CREATING MIRACLES

God has given me the opportunity to be part of a beautiful miracle. Last spring I was introduced to a young lady in my WOW class named Dina. This 39 year old woman had just been confirmed with stage four cancer in many parts of her body. She was the last one added to our already full class. God put her there. Dina was a wife and a mother of a one and three year old little girls. Although Dina was a participant in another church, God instructed through a prayer one of our ladies to seek out T shirts, all pink, with the title GAME ON. The shirts were sold to hundreds of people with the money going to her medical expenses. During this time a prayer group was also established to meet with her once a week and to pray over her with our Pastor joining the group. Several people from her church also attended.

I asked if I could be part of the group. Any one was able to be part of the group. Normally we had about 7 people. Dina touched my heart, a young mother, wife, 2 small girls? She needed to be cured. She needed to raise her family. I knew from the start, God would save her. I knew he would cure her. But as a new member of the church, I couldn't express that, I could only thank him every day for healing her.

AUGUST 31TH MONDAY........After much chemotherapy, after weekly hands on prayers, after cancer in her femur, liver and breasts....she received her scan report. Her doctor called her from a ship in Alaska and said there were no hot spots. The cancer appeared gone. "Your prayers must have worked." Dina had received God's miracle. What a wonderful blessing.

A Water Well for Uganda

God has laid something very heavy on my heart. For ten months I have asked him to help me find something of purpose to him. For ten months I have heard nothing. My emotions encompassed anger, frustration, fear and sadness. In August he answered me. BUILD A WATER WELL. BUILD IT IN UGANDA. Whoa! I had asked for something big but had no idea this would be it.

SO..............I am starting with asking 200 people to send me at least $5.00. That will be the $1,000 I have promised to help raise. The well actually costs $10,000 and I am passionate about raising a minimum of $1,000.

Approximately one person dies every 15 seconds. That is NOT acceptable. The water is contaminated and all it takes is a well dug 175-300 feet deep. One well will provide clean water for a village of 3,000-11,000 people. The well will be on public property and fenced. An expert will help build the well through Kids4Hope. I would dream that God would allow us to earn enough to send someone to mission and dedicate the well.

NOW....I have never given to something so far away. We have so many needs here. Well God told me to build a water well in Uganda and I will not say no. We have many people helping here. This is my calling. I have prayed, I have researched, and now I will do it.

If you read this and if you pray and God touches your heart, would you please be one of the 200 to send at least $5.00. Email joygerm@cableone.net and I will tell you where to send your money.

In Christs name, CLC

They Are In Love

On Monday night, August 17th my son Sean asked Alisha to marry him. They have been dating for three years and he finally made his commitment to her. They are very much in love and mother had to confirm all the right questions. "Marriage in a commitment, if you ask someone to marry you then you are dedicated to them. You do not even think about divorce." "Do you both believe and have you asked Jesus into your heart to make sure that your marriage with be totally dedicated to him" "Do you desperately love each other" "Marriage is forever." They said yes on everything however are not dedicated to church right now.

Her engagement ring was beautiful. She chose a perido (both of their birthstones) which was surrounded by 6 mini diamonds. Right now they are considering June as the date for the wedding. This is a major commitment for both of them. Sean was not ready to make it until he was very secure in his decision. I love them both and will welcome Alisha into our family. Alisha's mother and stepfather are very dedicated Christians. God Bless these children and bless their marriage.

Saying Goodbye

This past week was a difficult week. I had to say goodbye to a beautiful woman. My sister in law fell while crossing the street. She hit her head and cracked it open.
She was in a COMA and on LIFE SUPPORT. I don't understand why. I would have tried to figure out how to get there in a moment. My husband did not feel he had the money since he had just completed his eye surgery. I loved Sallye. She was the older sister by nine years and always called to visit. Although Sallye had lots of problems, she was still our sister. I spent many hours talking to her daughter on the phone while she had to handle all the arrangements by herself. The two ladies never got along. Sallye was a Unitarian and Kim was a Christian. My stomach churns with the discontent that was between mother and daughter. My heart is so full of sadness.

Thank You for My Down

I feel so blessed. Last week God allowed me to see the other side of my blessings. I was challenged every way I could possibly be challenged. When I finally handed my life over to God and said do what you need to do, it all changed.

I accomplished my church challenge. I was to ask someone to meet me on a moments notice with no instruction and then to discuss that when Jesus comes again we should be that ready. At 4:30pm I called someone that had just gotten home from work, they were getting ready to start dinner but at 4:45pm they met me at Starbucks with no notice, no instructions and we discussed the return of Jesus for about one hour.

Next God was with my husband as he had eye surgery,his surgery came out beautiful. Bob can see! He is noticing things he hasn't seen for years. He is so blessed.

My friend's son just got engaged and I received beautiful pictures on the internet of him and his fiance. What a blessing. God is so full of surprises.

Tomorrow I have been accepted into a two day leadership class. God has been with me every inch of the way. Thank you!

The Big Crash

My life has been on such a high for over ten months and last week I crashed. I crashed big time. Satan had sent a horrid dream. Although I physically had things to do during the week, I was feeling nothing and yet I was feeling so much. So much pain. I had isolated myself from normal activity in life and yet hurt so much when my friends brother was listed as critical. For the first time, my homework assignment didn't get done. I spent a long time in the shower just talking to God and overflowed the shower. There was no day. I went shopping and felt nothing. I helped with an event and felt nothing. I helped in the office and felt nothing. I became a robot.

Well, I am really glad that week is gone. After not being really challenged other than by a teacher, I was challenged all week long. I attended two church services, spent four hours visiting with my cousin as she helped me through my week, I went to lunch with some friends after church and I am ready to start over again. I will no longer brag about not having been challenged. It was a week of little things adding up, one after another after another and now my heart is so tender toward things, I just crashed.

I have handed my life over to God and I have realized how insignificant what I did was as I never gave him credit. I understand now that I have a lot to contribute but it will all be contributed for him. He humbled me and is giving me a new chance.
I can not hide from the real world but need his help in setting my direction.

Celebration of 34 Years

Thirty four years ago we added a beautiful boy to our family. Today we celebrated his birthday with lots of pizza, pop and cake. That was his choice of what to eat. Three hours were spent at Peter Piper Pizza with his girlfriend and her son. I remember when God gave me Sean. We were so delighted to have a young healthy son. The doctors thought he might have some medical problems since I had only been off the birth control pills for one week when I went back on. During that week the business his dad worked for had been sold and we had decided that it was not a good time to add another famiy member. But God gave me Sean during that week. My husband and his partners started their own Title Insurance business. The business was very successful.

We were delighted and today as he walked into the pizza parlor, Jesus Stands Behind You T shirt on and a half inch cross tattoo on his thumb, I knew God had a plan for all of us. I am so proud of my son, he is honest, loving, and a hard worker. He glows in his eyes when he looks at me and gives me the biggest hugs any one could share. This year he is giving me the gift of attending church with me on Christmas. That is ALL I asked for and that is what he has agreed on. I love you so much Birthday Boy. Love Mom

Gods Miracles

I am so absolutely blessed. God is granting miracles. My darling granddaughter has prayed for years for a horse and on her 14th birthday, she was given TWO. My friend Dina has been so very blessed with God's grace in the handling of her stage four cancer. God has strengthened her spirit and her body every week. HOW COULD I NOT BELIEVE THAT HE IS SO VERY IN CHARGE. He has even dropped my blood pressure from 150-108. Next year I will be able to give blood.

Walking Out of Aglow

God bless you. Today, I walked into Aglow and after singing two songs I walked out. I had quiet tears coming down my face from a simple comment that someone had said BUT it had to do with a prayer that I had given the day before for a dear friend. I felt I had to leave. I felt I had failed. God knows why and God will handle it. No one knew what I had prayed for but I prayed with all my heart. I appreciate the time you gave me. You are helping me to understand that my prayers take time and sometimes are answered in unique ways. I trust you God. I know you will carefully handle the situation in a manner that is wonderful. Thank you.

What a wonderful day, Today is Sunday and I woke up so very very excited. I don't know why. I knelt on my knees before Communion and prayed that you forgive me then during the church service today I took my message to the Cross to ask for even doubting you. Thank you so much for forgiving me. God you are my savior. You are in control not I. You will handle all my concerns with great care.
Thank you, clc

Lord change me

Lord I am so blessed and really thrilled at the CHALLENGE you sent my way. I have had to humble myself rather than to snap at my Bible instructor. I am learning self control. I have been challenged with name calling, acusations and encouragement to withdraw. The interesting thing is that I have said nothing during the class. I thank you Lord for keeping me with you and keeping me strong. MY PART OF THE ENTIRE SITUATION IS THAT I AM NOT INTIMIDATED, I AM NOT ANGRY AND I AM SO FULL OF LOVE FOR YOU that the entire situation just seems like a comedy. My first challenge was a dilly but I think I did ok. Keep me with you as other challenges come up. I know the Devil will put them in my way. YOU ARE SO TOTALLY AWESOME. I thank you so much for the support of my Pastor.

Felix and I

Today is Monday, I was taking my walk around the Courthouse square as I usually do M-F. Every day I do this, I am getting more and more people saying hello and smiling. The people are so very friendly. I have run into two very special people. One was a lady, sitting on a park bench. She had her shoes off and was feeling the beautiful cool green grass. She was almost in amazement at the long lost feeling of being barefoot on the grass. As we talked she decided to walk with me for a bit. She had moved here several months ago and had not found a sense of place. My friend was a musician. When we left, we had talked about churches and how I absolutely loved mine. She took down the address and hopefully she will check it out. I hope she does.

Then there is Felix. Today as I walked I caught up with an elderly gentleman who was walking to the Dinner Bell restaurant. I have never met Felix but when I got next to me, he leaned over and said "I'm headed to the Dinner Bell, you wanna go with me?" I didn't know him but other people seemed to know him or say hi, he seemed by himself. So..........I walked with him to the Dinner Bell. I had a glass of water and visited with Felix as he ate his biscuits and gravy.

God you are blessing me with new people. I may only meet them once but you are leaving an impression. Thank you for the opportunity to just say Hi!

Thesis? Really A Thesis?

I am enrolled in a summer class on Ephesians. The instructor seems to know his Bible inside and out and upside down. I am not always sure that I totally understand but I am not an expert on the WORD. Well....I have been assigned a "Thesis" Ha! The topic is Prayer as taken from Ephesians. What I know is that I will be doing a lot of praying to get the Thesis done. Can you imagine, flunking a class on the Bible because it wasn't interpreted correctly. My last Thesis was on AREOSPACE EDUCATION. You know, rockets and satellites. God can you take what I write and word it so that it makes sense? Use your spirit. This is deep, angels and devils. I can hardly understand PEOPLE.

The Challenge.............

When my father was murdered, my mother had two items that my dad had given her. One was a BEAUTIFUL Ivory Fan that was laced with beautiful "real" silver decorations on each blade. The fan was an antique. It was delicate and had been brought back to her from Europe where he was stationed in the service. The other item was a Cameo stick pin that had belonged to my Great Grandfather. I have always collected Cameo's. This was my most treasured Cameo. These were family heirlooms and had a lot of sentiment with them. Nothing that could be replaced. THEY WERE SOLD. I am so very pleased that I could I give GOD these items. They were yours GOD.

My challenge: Choose something of great value to you and sell it and give the money away. The value was more than financial, there was so much meaning behind these items. The money will be sent to Voice of Martyrs and my church. Lord I pray that the money sent will benefit you. CLC

Christ's Child and Satan

Satan you are trying but Pam is Christ's Child and you will not win. On Monday night Pam took her dog to the vet as he was not doing well at all. She was given some medicine and returned home. The next day, the dog was getting much worse so Pam got down on her knees to pray. HER BACK WENT OUT AND SHE COULD NOT GET UP. She has had 2 back surgeries but this made her laugh. God was keeping her down on her knees. When Pam finally was able to get up, she got mad. She YELLED, Satan get away, I am God's child. This must have scared the dog as he got up and was not whining any more. Fifteen minutes later, the doorbell rang and in walked the lady from the Lutheran Church. All in a day. Pam was so thankful that the lady from the church was not there when she yelled. Pam however is beginning to commit herself to the church and NO Satan doesn't like it. Since that day, she has had three people at her work come up and share their stories with her about God's commitment in their lives. Every day she wears the necklace I sent her with the cross and the heart that says Christ's Child. People are noticing it and wanting to talk.

A Fish and Some Bread

God's power. The other night at my Ephesians class, I passed out requests to help Open Door, our community food shelter. How awesome is our God, the following week, I was blessed with 5 bags of food, a new shirt and a check. The shelter was thrilled BUT that is not all, the group has donated money to put together 2 big health kits for the Indian Reservation and some have offered to provide a meal for the Women's Homeless Shelter. OUR BREAD AND OUR FISH HAVE MULTIPLIED. Within one weeks time, we have been so blessed. We thank you.

An Asthmatics Miracle

The weather changes and the air becomes heavy in Kansas. For an asthmatic that can be devastating. When your neighbor uses a spray on the lawn it makes an added concern. For many years my cousins asthma has created severe breathing problems. Her air passages close and she feel like she is being sufficated. Monday night the combination of things put Pam into an ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK. She felt she was dying. For the first time instead of panicking, she felt quiet. She just asked God to hold her. For some reason, she heard my voice saying to her HE LOVES YOU. I had been praying for her as she has been my Christian partner. Her lips got blisters and puffy, her throat closed. After two hours of quiet, the reaction eased. The next day she went into the doctor who told her ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK doesn't reverse without medication. It couldn't have been that. It started again in the doctor's office. She was immediately put on medication. The doctor said she didn't understand how she could have made it though the night without any treatment.I don't either but we both believe that she had a special angel at her side. Her co-workers have now been trained to medicate her.

God says ASK because I am great

My Pastor-----My Friend

I have waited some time to tell you of my story of a gift and friendship so absolutely amazing to me. God has blessed me to the highest heights by putting an extrodinary person in my life, my Pastor and my friend. When God created Mary, He knew exactly what he was doing. He granted her wisdom, He gave her challenges, He granted her understanding and caring with kindness beyond compare. He gave her a strong attitude and a lovely sense of humor. God has used her to impact my life so amazingly. Pastor Mary reconnected me to God. Mary connected me to an outstanding friend. I have watched her as she handled many difficult situations, sometimes a little amazed at the outcomes. I have learned so very much. I have seen the contentment, the hurt, exhaustion and absolute joy in her. I have seen your outstanding gifts given to this beautiful woman. God keep your arms around her and keep her humble. Bless her with ALL your gifts. You have totally cherished our church with this beautiful Pastor and me with a beautiful friend. clc

Message from a Monarch

Has God ever sent you a special messenger? Thursday as I finished walking around the Court House square, I had received a visit from a beautiful yellow Monarch. I have not seen a Monarch for a very very long time. This wonderful butterfly was nestled in the street right by my left tire of my car. As I looked closer, the butterfly continued to flap it's wings and stay put. Then all of a sudden, instead of flying off, it flew around me, 3 times and then it settled back down to where it originally sat. What a special reminder of God's love for us. I had asked God to please show me where I could give my service to him. He led me down the street to Open Door. There was a line of people waiting to get food and to eat. With the economy the way it is, they are just overwhelmed. A dear friend of mine, Diane I. had returned as the coordinator after taking 3 years off. I just had to stop in to ask her.....what do you need? I was greeted not only by Diane but one of the adult children of the Come Alive service at my church. I dearly love this young lady. Diane took time with me and said they needed canned fruit, canned protein, diapers and school supplies for the fall. I CAN DO THAT. I CAN HELP GATHER THE ITEMS AND GET THEM TO HER. Dear God you have helped me serve you and I thank you. clc

Fathers Day

Fathers Day Celebrations.....I was given the opportunity to celebrate Fathers Day with my family today. We gathered at Sean's for a wonderful BBQ with Alicia's Family. After we went home, I had received an invitation to go to the "gang" church called the Bethel Church and see a beautiful play the young children had put together for their fathers. It was such a strong meaning. I still had time to get to the Heights church and observe the Christian Rock group "Downhere"
They were very wonderful. IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL DAY and I THANK YOU.

Galatians 2:20

Galatians 2:20
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me."

As I watched the youth from the church receive their confirmation, I was so impressed that they each had a Biblical verse. I had never chosen one. As I searched through the Bible, I asked for help, to choose one that hit my heart. A number of people suggested I choose one about joy since I seemed to be so happy. I felt I needed one on the importance of the crucifixion. Galatians 2:20 just jumped out of the Bible for me. Yes, this was it! Thank you God. I made a promise that within a week of my special gift being presented to me, I would honor God. In every way, God was included in this process. I love you God and thank you for being with me.

My Humble Obedience-----

Dear God, I pray to you my humble obedience. You are such a great GOD. I will listen and obey. Holy Spirit, I am so very thrilled that you chose to come to me. I called out for two weeks, not knowing you were there. The two weeks following, I knew you were with me but did not understand how to access your gifts. I knew I could speak different words but was not sure if I was making them up. I was given that gift on May 31st. Two weeks later I was able to meet with Pastor Mary of the church and Becky. They confirmed that I had been speaking tongues for two weeks. Bless You Holy Spirit. I was told to continue speaking and practicing. As I went home, I was excited and confused. On June 14th that night, I was given a second tongue. I do not understand any of this. Now I can speak two. The second one is so much faster. How blessed can I be. I may not receive it but I am asking for interpretation. I want it all!!!! This is not a selfish request, it is an honest request. I will never misuse the skill. I will always keep it humble. My life is dedicated to you. clc

Pam, A Child of Christ

Pammy and I were born six months apart and grew up a few blocks from each other. We were always like sisters but Pam was older and very independent. I was the very shy girl that hid behind my mother's skirt. Pam had beautiful, almost white hair and I had dark curly hair. She was definately gorgeous. Over the years we drifted apart in our communication. The last couple of months we have become sisters again. We needed each other. Pam said she has prayed for me every night. I never knew that. Tonight she said she thought GOD had put me in her life. Can you imagine? Me? She is so excited when I call. She has stopped by the Christian Book Store and is buying books. She is going to visit churches including the Lutheran Church down the street. They also have a contemporary service. She has such good things going on in her life right now. I am so excited for her. I just love Pam and I am so very proud of her. She would like to get a necklace that says "A Child of Christ" on it. I think she should, she has definately accepted that role. I will grant you the gift of the necklace no later than your birthday cousin. Love ya Pammy

Friday, June 12th The Faith

Today I had asked God to speak to me.....here's what happened, small but mighty

1. I took my morning walk downtown by the square today before I went to the library. I was by myself. As I got to Cortez street I asked God to show me any sign that he was real, something unusual, I normally look ahead when walking, today I had just looked up at the beautiful trees and there it was. I stopped and then started snickering. There it was. One lady walked right into the park bench and then shortly after that, another lady walked right into the curb. High up, very high up in the bend of the tree was a pair of beautiful multicolored sneakers, just laying there. They had not been flung up there, they were just laying gently side by side.

2. On Thursday afternoon, I started searching for the book The Faith as I realized I really did need it for my Bible Study. No one had the book, no book store, no library, no used book store.
The library said they would hold it if it came in which is normally a week. I said ok but there was no message on the computer late Thursday night. For some reason, I got up in the middle of the night. I never check my email but I did and it downloaded an email saying the book was in and would be on hold for me to pick up. No book Thursday night, notice in the middle of the night?

3. As I was leaving the library, there were 2 glass doors, one younger man held the door open and said to me "I just felt like holding doors today" then as I exited the other door and middle age man held that door and said "I guess it is just your day."

4. The postman met me at my neighbor's house. I had an important letter that needed to get in the mail today, as I was returning from the square, I prayed that the postman would be timed to meet me to get the letter, I had forgotten to put in the box. At 12:45, I was pulling down the street and there he was. He was right on time, I held the letter up and he was delighted to take it with him. Timing: perfect, 2 minutes later he would not have been there.

Four simple messages to me, all in one day. All perfect timing. All pre-arranged. Thank You!!!

Renewing Friendships

I suddenly realize that I had almost lost one of the most beautiful friendships that I had ever known. I am renewing that relationship now. I have started walking with a very dear friend whose companionship had been lost for some time. We had greeted each other when we saw each other and that was it. The gentle walks, not worried about time or distractions have come back to us. As we walk, we are renewing something very dear for both of us, a special friendship. I miss her tremendously when we can't be together. We are both learning to appreciate our gentle strolls and GOD's beautiful world. My 80 year old friend challenges me in every way.

Come To Me

The other night, I decided to spend 20 minutes on my knees in wait. I thought if I asked God for his word, I would hear it. I talk to him all the time but I do not wait or listen for answers. I decided it was time. So, I knelt and I knelt and I knelt and I knelt....NOTHING. I finally decided well ok then, I'll keep trying on another night and started to get up. Suddenly I heard the same phrase 3 times. Come To Me Come To Me Come To Me and that is it. I have not heard it since. I have dedicated my life to Him but I am not sure what He actually has in mind for me. When will I get the rest of the answers? When will I quit feeling so very silly and be so very glad that I am having these experiences? I trust you Lord but I need more.....I don't understand. clc

Cloud C

What a beautiful day it is. The sun is out, the sky is clear, I am returning from Bible Study
and as I look up into the sky there is a C. A beautiful white fluffy C. I don't know how long it has been there. Have you ever just looked at the clouds? Oh my goodness, there are so many pictures and letters to be seen. When I was a kid, I used to lay on the ground and find the pictures but my goodness, I have not seen them for years. Life is too rushed, too many things to do and get accomplished. God asks us to take time. I know you can take 5 minutes to go outside, and just study those beautiful beautiful clouds that he has created. Let your mind just take a break.....................run....................you are missing such a beautiful blessing. Do you see my C?

Roller Coaster Rides

My cousin Pam knows how much I HATE roller coasters. I have been on a roller coaster for about 2 weeks now. I sit in my room reading a book, typing on the computer or doing something else and my entire body just feels the sensation of when the roller coaster as it starts down the steep hill. I have no idea when it will start or when it will end. It is a very weird sensation but for some reason I am not scared like when I was a kid. It is almost funny. I normally giggle and keep on working and then say a very big THANK YOU. Pam I love you, I know how much you support me and you are totally awesome. You will know my when I take my next BIG step. clc

My Totally Awesome Christian Daughter

I am so very very blessed. I have a beautiful daughter that has been a dedicated Christian much longer than I have. She never gave up on me. She was always there. Teri has been my inspiration for many years. While she was worshiping, I was watching TV with envy, While she was praying, I was with the teens on a project. I never even told her how much she meant to me. TERI YOU MEAN MORE TO ME THAN almost anything. GOD comes first and I know that is the same for you. I pray each day for the happiness and contentment of your family. You are a beautiful child of Christ.

Brenda and Charlie

I pour my heart out to Brenda and Charlie. Brenda just heard that her brother has cancer. A week ago, together we took the petition to the Cross. I don't know why, I just sobbed and sobbed. My prayers are that God will be with him and help his family and the doctors during his surgery. I pray that they may be conforted in knowing that God is there with them. Brenda and Charlie are my best friends. They are fairly new Christians also so we are learning and supporting each other. My heart is totally entwined with theirs.

My Christian Support

I am so excited today.........I will have lunch with my Christian friend Nancy.......When I joined the church Nancy and Gary were there for me and have been ever since. She has encouraged me, listened to me and supported me. I love her so very much. Yesterday Nancy finally held her hand up high as we were singing to the Lord. I hope we will always be there for each other. I need her so much. clc

The Cross

Last week God really surprised me. I had asked my husband many times if he was a Christian. I had always heard he was a agnostic? Today he said yes he was. I said do you know what that means? You have to invite Jesus into your heart and ask him to forgive your sins. He said he had. I just have to leave that up to Jesus and my husband. I do know however...........that when I asked him if he would like to go to the movies with me to see The Cross....he said he would go.

We have not seen many movies together over our married life. Certainly we have NOT seen movies like THE CROSS. I have always been told..........no, you go on. THE CROSS.....can you imagine, God worked a miracle last week.

Lunch with my Favorite Felon..

Last week I had lunch with a very dear friend. I have known her for a year and a half. She is a felon and should have served 5 years in prison for use of drugs. She received 3 months jail time. There was much more to her story but I will leave that for her to tell. My friend has become the most beautiful Christain I have ever known. She is such an inspiration to me. We both have the same Biblical passage GALATIANS 2:20. I feel so blessed that God has surrounded me by beautiful Christian friends. Thank you

A Day with My Lord

Today is the happiest day of my life. I am totally absorbed in studying the Bible and learning about Jesus. But more than anything..............you know what, last week...........He visited me.
I had asked him over and over to visit and talk with me. NOTHING.............Then suddenly one night, the lights over my bed went out. I had been reading yes ANOTHER book, I could not read....for 45 minutes, we spent time together, just together.

Now, I know you think this is very weird.............but it happened. It was followed by a dream. A beautiful dream. All of my Chrisitian Friends were in Heaven with me. It was beautiful. My Pastor was there also. I have had 2 dreams both beautiful.

My second dream.........It was just Jesus and I, we were dancing together. Just the two of us. Then when the dance was over, he was gone. I am just so filled with the Holy Spirit it is exciting. But I know right now this is a Beginning Chrisitian feeling. I can't wait for what comes and I will be ready for the ups and downs. clc