tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10590882869483675132024-02-07T22:01:41.729-06:00*~*Free.for.Faith*~**~* Free.for.Faith*~* is a place for positive thoughts, uplifting news, beautiful things, and things I think will lift people's spirits. Plus a bit of sparkly stuff.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.comBlogger280125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-56271929256173648792013-02-17T10:50:00.000-06:002013-02-17T10:50:03.366-06:00Thus Far the Lord Has Helped Us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have had a rough five years. A lot of times of change, hurt, betrayal, quite a few deaths of friends and family, and a lot of aches and pains and fears. There were many times when I felt hopeless and afraid. There were times when I felt like God had given up on me. I felt like my prayers stopped at the ceiling, felt like there was no God anyway, and He didn't hear my prayers. </div>
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I should have known better. Because I now know with all my heart that He not only heard me, but He was beside me the entire way.</div>
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And now five years later, I can say with absolute certainty that God had His mighty hand on my the entire time, even when I was positive that I was alone and lost.</div>
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Last week I made this stone, as a gift to the Lord, remembering the story out of 1 Samuel 7, when Samuel set a stone in rememberance of the Lord's help:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjfugUhwSVJA2vYOBgLyLdsttspGRbDlFlNgizdAZ9czFjTPiGg_WkXDiGhFydVitdFekXJZjqdydhmf2OKejHN78kDS48zWO8M_4yoMMAsGa_fJON4Y9n7Wk6gh2F62E6HIz6WFtwJYY/s1600/stone.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjfugUhwSVJA2vYOBgLyLdsttspGRbDlFlNgizdAZ9czFjTPiGg_WkXDiGhFydVitdFekXJZjqdydhmf2OKejHN78kDS48zWO8M_4yoMMAsGa_fJON4Y9n7Wk6gh2F62E6HIz6WFtwJYY/s320/stone.png" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="text 1Sam-7-7" id="en-NIV-7360"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup><em>When the Philistines heard that Israel had assembled at Mizpah, the rulers of the Philistines came up to attack them. When the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7360Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup> because of the Philistines.</em></span><em> <span class="text 1Sam-7-8" id="en-NIV-7361"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>They said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7361R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> out to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.”</span> <span class="text 1Sam-7-9" id="en-NIV-7362"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>Then Samuel<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7362S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup> took a suckling lamb and sacrificed it as a whole burnt offering to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>. He cried out to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> on Israel’s behalf, and the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> answered him.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7362T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup></span></em><br />
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<em><span class="text 1Sam-7-10" id="en-NIV-7363"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> thundered<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7363U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup> with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7363V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> that they were routed before the Israelites.</span> <span class="text 1Sam-7-11" id="en-NIV-7364"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>The men of Israel rushed out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, slaughtering them along the way to a point below Beth Kar.</span></em><br />
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<span class="text 1Sam-7-12" id="en-NIV-7365"><em><strong><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>Then Samuel took a stone<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7365W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer,<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-7365b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20samuel%207&version=NIV#fen-NIV-7365b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7365X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup> saying, “Thus far the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has helped us</strong>.”</em></span><br />
<span class="text 1Sam-7-12"><span style="color: red;">1 Samuel 7</span></span><br />
<span class="text 1Sam-7-12"><span style="color: red;"></span></span><br />
<span class="text 1Sam-7-12"><span style="color: black;">The Lord rescued me. And I am forever grateful.</span></span>Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-37170223694206424622013-02-16T00:49:00.001-06:002013-02-16T00:49:11.036-06:00God is so FaithfulHi everybody, its late but i wanted to write a little note to say how i am so grateful i am that God has been so faithful to me. He is so good and so loving. After years and years of having difficult jobs where things were hard day after day, or I didnt like my boss or someone I worked with, or I wanted to be somewhere else, God has blessed me with an incredible job that I just love.<br />
I am working as an administrator and specialist at a little school. I love it. I have the opportunity now to teach teachers. I get to share resources and help others. I can still be with kids all day, but I am not down in the trenches anymore. I teach teachers how to handle special needs and behavior challenges, but I dont have to deal with it all day myself.<br />
I have a long commute but it is my guaranteed alone time every day, and with the hours i work, i miss rush hour traffic. Its my time to pray, listen to my Joyce Meyer and Beth Moore cd's, and call my family.<br />
This whole job was given to me by God. And He is enabling me to do it well. It comes naturally to me, and i have fun there every day. I look forward to Mondays! I cant wait to get there every day to see my friends and all the kids. I have been there nearly six weeks already, and its gone by so quickly. Every morning I tell God thank you for blessing me with a job that I love so much.<br />
Just in the past few weeks God has brought me a long way. I am feeling so much better and so much happier. I am trusting God much more because its so obvious He is taking care of me. Hehas proven himself faithful time and time again.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-37019437539031058532013-01-19T00:05:00.001-06:002013-01-19T00:05:44.157-06:00God is faithfulthis will be just a quick update.<br />
God has proved Himself faithful once again.<br />
although I certainly dont deserve it...He has once again had His hand in my life in such a surprising way that I stand amazed as His power and grace.<br />
God has brought me a job that I love, that I was made to do. i am working with wo derful people and children. Gods hand has clearly been in this whole situation the entire time. and I praise Him for that.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-35695949697842193052012-11-05T03:29:00.001-06:002012-11-05T03:29:47.562-06:00still waitingHas there ever been something you really wanted that you prayed for for a really long time?years, even? how do you know when to give up?how do you know when to keep pushing through, and continue praying and hoping? this is something i am struggling with again. there is something in particular i started praying for in 1984. and i am still waiting on it. its something that i hope is Gods will for me-- i think its a good thing to pray for-- and yet still i wait. and pray. and wait. and wonder. and talk to Jesus about it some more. sometimes i cry, because its something i want something so badly...something that everyone i know already has, and i have never had...so why not me too? what is God trying to teach me? what does He want from me, anyway?<br />
there is another thing i have been praying for for over a year. every day. i have had many, many people, probably thousands, helping me pray. Yet God has chosen to not make it happen yet. and i wonder some more, what he is doing behind the scenes,what he is working out, what i am supposed to learn in the meantime.<br />
its hard. its a challenge. sometimes i handle it all well, resting in the knowledge that God has a master plan,that he knows everything i truly need, that he will give me these things at the proper time. sometimes i handle it all poorly,like a spoiled 3 year old-- i want it, why dont you give it to me NOW!? i 'm tired of asking! most days i hover somewhere inbetween, praying and hoping and trying to make it through another day as i wait. and i hope--- and hope. and hope. because whether i get what i pray for or not,God is still good.he is still worthy of my worship and my love. so i will keep on hoping, and waiting.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-81524353131147097522012-09-11T19:22:00.002-05:002012-09-11T19:22:23.881-05:00I RememberNo one has ever asked me. Everyone else talks about it, but i never have, since no one has ever asked.<br />
So today i am just going to write about it. Since no one has ever asked.<br />
<br />
The morning of september 11.2001 was such a beautiful day... I still remember driving down the road to school and thanking God for such a clear blue sky. My class was a wreck as usual. I took them outside to recess early. As we were coming back inside one of my teacher friends told me the news. We spent the rest of the day listening to the radio, we didnt have televisions in class back then.<br />
Everything seemed unreal. Remember when the world was innocent enough back then that a terrorist attack seemed unreal? Remember when not feeling safe in your own country felt unusual? Isnt it sad that nowadays its a constant nagging thought, that those things could happen again any minute?<br />
<br />
At home that day my husband took us to get gas. He took his gun with him. The line at the gas station was so long. My husband had never taken his gun anywhere with us. Now he takes it everywhere we go, even church.<br />
My heart is still stuck in the terror of that day. My heart still aches over the news reports, the people trapped in the buildings, the fire fighters. It still feels like yesterday. It still feels real. I wish after 11 years i could leave it behind.<br />
My mind still wonders where God was on that day.<br />
Anyway.., thats about all i have to say today. I just needed to write this someplace.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-61886233145656849412012-06-29T20:11:00.001-05:002012-06-29T20:11:15.478-05:00Needing prayerI am continuing to face some big challenges that are getting to be a lot for me to handle. Could you pray for me?
Here are some specifics:
I really need the Lord to fill me with the joy and peace and hope that i used to have every day, and the strength to face my daily challenges.
My friend has been overseas for nearly a year handling a family crisis that has been going on for several years. Would you pray that God would finally end this crisis and allow my friend to finally come home? I miss her so much. And pray that in the meantime, we will have opportunities to talk and video chat.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-58582455593716464022012-06-09T22:18:00.001-05:002012-06-09T22:18:21.203-05:00What am I supposed to learn?<span style="color: #351c75;">I keep wondering why I keep going through the same types of trials. Going around the same mountain. I think I am learning new things, but apparently i haven't learned THE thing that will get me past this. Its a painful learning process. </span>Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-76374936012492549302012-04-16T18:58:00.003-05:002012-04-16T19:01:32.468-05:00Third time around...I'm at the foot of yet another mountain. Same mountain. Third trip.<br /> Apparently I didn't pass the test (like I thought I did) the last two times.<br />Here we go again.<br />I am not happy about it.<br />Feeling pretty abandoned, lonely, sad, and anxious right now. Rather weak.<br />The bottom of the mountain is always the hardest place to be.<br />I just hope I have the strength to do this again...<br />I hope that God will be with me.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-16351988928769184432012-04-14T13:27:00.000-05:002012-04-14T13:28:45.272-05:00Must Watch<em>I just really had to share this. I hope you enjoy.</em><br /><br />British film director Sir<br />Ridley Scott launched a global film making contest for aspiring directors. It's<br />titled "Tell It Your Way". There were over 600 entries.The film could be no longer<br />than three minutes, contain only 6 lines of narrative and be a compelling story.<br />The winner was "Porcelain Unicorn" from American director Keegan<br />Wilcox.It's a story of the lifetimes<br />of two people who are totally opposite, yet, very much the same - all told in<br />less than 3 minutes.You'll see why it<br />won.<br /><a title="http://www.porcelainunicorn.com/" href="http://www.porcelainunicorn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.porcelainunicorn.com/</a>Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-87361428903560091292012-03-17T23:22:00.003-05:002012-03-17T23:26:13.083-05:00One more time around that mountain....I went through a huge test this past fall/ winter. For a little bit (a couple of weeks) it appeared that I had passed my test, and made it through that awful time. But as it is, I am being tested again with the same thing. The SAME thing. And I was sure I had passed before. Apparently God doesn't think so. So the same situation came up again a couple weeks ago, and I feel almost like I've started over. Again.<br />One more time around the mountain.<br />Thankfully, I think I am handling the situation better this time. I hope. Instead of constantly (and I do mean constantly) fretting, worrying, and panicking, I am trusting God to get me through this, as He did before. It is still hard... very hard. But even though I am having a hard time again, I find myself leaning on God more. And hopefully it will help. I can't wait til this particular test is over. But God is still good, and He will not leave me alone in this.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-49331590815438545002012-03-10T19:10:00.003-06:002012-03-10T19:11:22.007-06:00Baby SquirrelI just had to post this article because the little squirrel is so sweet looking, and its amazing to me that a squirrel can get a cast...and a purple one at that!<br />Its good to know that there are other people out there who care about God's creatures like I do.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/08/baby-squirrel-gets-cast-photo_n_1333052.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/08/baby-squirrel-gets-cast-photo_n_1333052.html</a>Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-87540237595680594182012-02-17T21:50:00.004-06:002012-02-17T21:55:22.188-06:00Maybe I've passed the testThe last seven months or so I've been through an extraordinarily hard time. One of the hardest ever. It wasn't just the one main thing that was going on, but also bunches of little things here and there going on as well that were constantly on my back time and time again. I felt like I was constantly being tested by God. Was I going to fully believe in His promises? Was I fully going to believe that no matter how hard life got, that He is still good and loving and kind and generous? No matter how scared or lonely or awful I felt, was He still going to be my Rock?<br /><br />Things are finally winding down, now. Things that began last summer are finally beginning to look up again, now that Spring is starting here in Texas. It was a pretty bleak fall and winter for me at times. But God has gotten me through. Prayers are being answered. And my faith has grown. I'm happy to say that I'VE grown. God has gotten me through once again, held my trembling hand and continued to lead me on yet again. I am feeling so much better now. He is a good God.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-37712635261865349052012-02-01T19:53:00.004-06:002012-02-01T19:57:13.249-06:00Even the Stars SingI love this video with Louie Giglio.<br />He talks about how even the stars cry out to God.<br /><br /><a href="http://youtu.be/7zWKm-LZWm4">http://youtu.be/7zWKm-LZWm4</a>Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-41137490352101102942012-01-20T23:47:00.005-06:002012-01-20T23:59:12.846-06:00Isn't that just like God?I just love God. He is so good to me. I love how He is so personal and loving. I love how He is that still, quiet voice even though He makes such majestic, beautiful things. The other night I was driving home from work--in the mornings on my drive I face the sunrise, in the evenings I face the sunset. I always get a beautiful show.<br />I happened to be praying as the sun went down about some concerns about family and friends . You know the whole, "God will you please take care of _____, and take care of _____, and.... And I heard God say to me, taking the whole of the sunset in His Hands, "Will I Who take care of THIS [the sunset,the beauty that you love] not take care of YOU?"<br />Then a couple of weeks ago I read in a book about how the authors sensed they got "love messages" from God through seeing "hearts" everywhere-heart shaped leaves, heart shaped rocks, etc. I was pretty down at the time and prayed, "God, I don't EVER see things like that... I wish you would do stuff like that.... I feel left out."<br />Wouldn't you know it? In the past week I have seen no less than 4 heart-shaped leaves and 2 heart-shaped rocks :)<br />Isn't that just like our God?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+73:26&version=NIV" cmimpressionsent="1">Psalm 73:26</a>My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+31:33&version=NIV" cmimpressionsent="1">Jeremiah 31:33</a>“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-50626684000570438392012-01-06T22:55:00.003-06:002012-01-06T22:59:32.464-06:00Jesus Loves Me, This I KnowJesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so....<br />remember learning that Sunday school song when you were 3 years old? And singing it at the top of your lungs?<br />I loved it back then, and right now I hold to it tightly.<br />I continue to go through some hard times. Still waiting on desperate prayers to be answered. Still asking hundreds of people to pray for me about some things. Still hard. But this is something I continue to learn-- God is with me. He never leaves me. Even when I am in pain, even when my heart aches, even when I feel alone-- He is here. Listening. Comforting. Sometimes the comfort comes from the kisses and hugs of children. Sometimes it comes from a soft rain or a thunderstorm. Sometimes from a random email with sweet words. But He sends it still. While I wait for my prayers to be answered. And wait, and wait. I have learned so much about God in the last few months. Learned more about His character, become even more fascinated by Jesus and Who He is. As hard as these times can be, I wouldn't trade them for anything.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-4410332898519044702011-11-23T22:52:00.004-06:002011-11-23T22:58:08.451-06:00When Prayers Go UnansweredFor a few months now I've been having a really hard time that seems to keep getting harder.<br />Life has been tough lately. I talk to God, I do the things I know to do, yet life is one test after another lately. Prayers go unanswered, even when I ask hundreds of people to pray. I watch other people get their breakthroughs time and time again--yet I wait, wait, wait. Fear. Sink a little. Feel a little more lost.<br />I have learned some things though.<br />A lot of hard things. Nothing easy at all.<br /><br />But I know this.<br /><br />Even when my prayers appear to go unanswered....<br />The Almighty God, maker of the universe, still hears me.<br />He still loves me. Even if He never did answer my prayers, He still loves me. Unanswered prayer does NOT equal not loving, not hearing, not listening, not caring.<br />He is still sovereign. The LORD God is still in control of everything.<br />He can still work all things together for good-- because HE is good, because HE is faithful, because HE is unchanging and holy.<br />He still guides my steps. Even if I can't see for the darkness in front of me, He still watches my every move, and He has a plan.<br />I can still expect God to take care of me.<br /><br />So, yah. Just putting it out there. But please pray anyway, for me. I need a miracle or two to happen. Right now would be good.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-71839809872549879962011-10-28T18:02:00.005-05:002011-10-28T21:05:55.076-05:00Why do we hold on so tightly?I heard a phrase today. "At least you made it through another day." As in, well, you've survived another day-- rough day, but you made it through. And that made me wonder. A lot of people think if you've made it through another day here on Earth, that's a victory. Like the phrase, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." So, being able to live one more day-- that's something to celebrate. A friend's child was diagnosed with leukemia this week, and that has made me think a lot more about when children die--I've been having dreams this week about when my sweet girl Stef died 3 years ago. We try so hard to keep sick people alive one more day. We try so hard to keep the dying here on Earth. We all fight so hard to live longer, to stay disease free, to fight aging, to prolong life.<br />But what if we have it all wrong?<br />What if when we get to Heaven, we realize, what was all that fighting for?<br />I sincerely believe that when I am standing in the presence of Jesus, and wrapped in His safe, loving arms, and standing in the middle of Heaven...I am going to realize I would have rushed a lot faster to get there. When I look into His face and realize all the wants, hopes, and dreams I've ever had have suddenly been filled, when I look around the Holy City and realize I will never cry again, never need for anything again, never have to say goodbye to anyone again... I will no longer want the shallowness that Earth had to offer.Forget all the vitamins I took to be healthier. Forget the creams I put on my face to look younger and fight wrinkles. Forget cancer treatments, forget worrying about dying, forget fears. I have a feeling we will all wonder, why did we all fear death? With Heaven and our savior waiting for us... why didn't we come running at it, embracing it? Why did we hold on so tightly to this false, faded, sin-filled world when the Real World filled with the Glory of God is waiting for us?<br />That is my plan. I actually do not fear death--at all. I know what Heaven will be like. If you haven't read about Heaven in the Bible, or read Randy Alcorn's book on Heaven, I highly recommend doing so. That's some great reading. And look forward to what's on the other side-- don't fear it. There's Someone there alread waiting for you.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-29541243665656315692011-09-25T18:04:00.004-05:002011-09-25T18:09:40.560-05:00So Humbled...So I have been at my new job for a couple of weeks now at the homeless shelter, teaching preschool. It doesn't pay much at all, but has incredible perks such as getting to go to chapel and Bible study and getting leftover food from the kitchen-- really cool stuff. One of the amazing things is the people I work with. And the women from the shelter I encounter. One day in chapel as we finished singing worship songs, we had some time to bring up praise reports and prayer requests.<br />Several women who were staying at the shelter told their stories of desperation, being treated unfairly, being hurt and abused, losing their homes-- these are very serious, scary things. Especially for the ones who have children. They have nothing.<br />And yet-- here is the amazing, humbling party--<br />At the same time as telling these awful stories...these women were praising God for His goodness, His faithfulness, His love. Even though they'd been through the ringer emotionally, spiritually, financially-- they still see God as the Giver of all good things, as their Helper and their Provider.<br />I was so humbled by their faith that I nearly cried. That I should have such faith. That I should have such trust. That I should see what they see.<br />My faith has become strengthened by these women. Though they thought they had nothing left, nothing to give others, I have received a lot from them in the past couple of weeks-- the gift of faith. I am so humbled by their immense love and trust for God-- for He is truly worthy of our worship and our love.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-11933171134675883422011-09-17T00:13:00.003-05:002011-09-17T00:17:26.658-05:00Back in the SaddleI am so excited. After a 3 year break of being mommy and big sister and best friend, I am back in the saddle-- once again known as TEACHER!!!! Today was my 1st day back in the classroom after 3 years. I could hardly believe it. I did Circle Time. I did reading. I reminded kids to wash their hands 40 times. I put shoes on little feet. I played on the playground at recess. I now have my own classroom where I get to share scripture and read Bible stories (been a dream for a long time). My boss and the other teachers are amazing. This week, I actually found myself looking forward to being at work on Monday morning-- I can tell you that has never happened before even on my best days!! Something else that's really cool is that people say GOOD things about each other, even in private. I get paid to go to devotions and chapel. I get paid to teach kiddos about God. Its amazing.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-84608702471479185642011-09-10T22:35:00.003-05:002011-09-10T22:36:33.880-05:00GratefulSo much has changed in the past few weeks. Some things have been really really hard. I'm not big on change. I've been having some hard times. But I've also been especially aware that God is truly by my side and He is leading me step by step.<br />I have an incredible new job teaching Preschool to homeless children. I couldn't ask for anything better. At chapel, I see their mothers, homeless, who have absolutely nothing, and yet they are still filled with praises to God for being so good, loving and faithful to them. That is so humbling. It fills me with awe. The children are amazing. They have been through so much, yet they're filled with wonder at the simplest things.<br />I have been more involved with church lately, and speaking up more in things like Bible Study and our home group meetings. I'm so grateful for the friends I've made there, and for the worship time we have. I'm so grateful for the growth I've seen in our church. I'm so grateful for friends who reach out to help during hard times--they even reach out to my family, whom they don't even know. I'm so grateful for my wonderful new bosses. Its incredible to work in a Christian environment. It makes such a huge difference. I'm so grateful for the fall sunrises and for puppy kisses and reading goodnight stories to my niece and nephew, for laughing with my sister, and for surprises and pizza parties. We're going through tough times right now--financially, spiritually, and emotionally, but I know that God is here with me, and I am forever grateful for His faithfulness and His goodness.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-70800917546833339162011-08-04T14:07:00.003-05:002011-08-04T14:11:42.549-05:00He's better to me than I deserve. (So what else is new?)God is WAY, WAY better to me than I deserve Him to be.<br />This is old news, right?<br />Yet, when God does something for me, it still just shocks the bejeebers out of me.<br /><br />I got the job I wanted.<br />I am going to be a teacher again.<br />Preschool!<br />Yep, I got the job at the homeless shelter I was hoping for.<br />The pay is low but we can make it work somehow. This job is a huge chance for me to serve God in a direct way. And as God reprimanded me yesterday, "How about not worrying about the money and worry about doing My will?"<br />Well. Yah. Yes, Sir.<br />So. In about a month I will be a preschool teacher again, getting back into the swing of things after being gone for 3 years. Can you even believe this?<br />Yah, I can't believe it either. But its absolutely true. And once again, God has given me something I totally don't deserve but He does these things because He is God and He is good.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-30034954107899366612011-07-31T14:27:00.003-05:002011-07-31T14:31:07.388-05:00A good interview!!After sending out 75 resumes and job applications I FINALLY had a job interview last week. At LAST!! And it was for an incredible place-- a gospel mission where I would be teaching homeless kids. Get out of town!!! That is right up my alley-- helping the homeless and the poor, the orphans and the widows-- just like Jesus said. The interview went fantastic. The director even used to go to my church. I have a follow up interview on Tuesday. I want this job so badly!!<br /><br />Here's the catch-- my husband says they need to offer me at least $30-35K in order to take the job. Because we have to pay our bills, which are numerous. We don't have any areas of our lives that we can cut back on any more... already doing every money-saving thing we can think of. Oh how I am praying for God to come through for me!! Those who hope in the Lord will never be disappointed or put to shame... I am counting on that.<br /><br />So if you read this, please say a prayer that I will get my dream job! It will be hard, but it would be affecting SO many kids lives. Please pray they will offer me the amount necessary so that I can take the job.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-42462537485400558562011-07-25T22:58:00.002-05:002011-07-25T23:00:18.974-05:00Holding onto this. Psalm 34<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7ydQR4Tvh6jby58OQ7QT6Il3jXZw7gi23ndgCpzv9tvn-wyXPdnlB-c7cMvpbBK9q1NYNYgNLEKelxLry7LP0I9W-AUvNA3-sXVYH8ksj8xjmwIC37puiFIVNCx6YOpX_jcs5tXBISpI/s1600/angelcry.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 159px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633505851821454882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7ydQR4Tvh6jby58OQ7QT6Il3jXZw7gi23ndgCpzv9tvn-wyXPdnlB-c7cMvpbBK9q1NYNYgNLEKelxLry7LP0I9W-AUvNA3-sXVYH8ksj8xjmwIC37puiFIVNCx6YOpX_jcs5tXBISpI/s320/angelcry.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Psalm 34 (New International Version)<br />1 I will extol the LORD at all times; </div><br /><br /><br /><div>his praise will always be on my lips.<br />2 My soul will boast in the LORD; </div><br /><br /><br /><div>let the afflicted hear and rejoice.<br />3 Glorify the LORD with me; </div><br /><br /><br /><div>let us exalt his name together.<br />4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; </div><br /><br /><br /><div>he delivered me from all my fears.<br />5 Those who look to him are radiant; </div><br /><br /><br /><div>their faces are never covered with shame.<br />6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; </div><br /><br /><br /><div>he saved him out of all his troubles.<br />7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, </div><br /><br /><br /><div>and he delivers them.<br />8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; </div><br /><br /><br /><div>blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.<br />9 Fear the LORD, you his saints, </div><br /><br /><br /><div>for those who fear him lack nothing.<br />10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, </div><br /><br /><br /><div>but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.<br />11 Come, my children, listen to me; </div><br /><br /><br /><div>I will teach you the fear of the LORD.<br />12 Whoever of you loves life </div><br /><br /><br /><div>and desires to see many good days,<br />13 keep your tongue from evil </div><br /><br /><br /><div>and your lips from speaking lies.<br />14 Turn from evil and do good; </div><br /><br /><br /><div>seek peace and pursue it.<br />15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous </div><br /><br /><br /><div>and his ears are attentive to their cry;<br />16 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, </div><br /><br /><br /><div>to cut off the memory of them from the earth.<br />17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; </div><br /><br /><br /><div>he delivers them from all their troubles.<br />18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted </div><br /><br /><br /><div>and saves those who are crushed in spirit.<br />19 A righteous man may have many troubles, </div><br /><br /><br /><div>but the LORD delivers him from them all;<br />20 he protects all his bones, </div><br /><br /><br /><div>not one of them will be broken.<br />21 Evil will slay the wicked; </div><br /><br /><br /><div>the foes of the righteous will be condemned.<br />22 The LORD redeems his servants; </div><br /><br /><br /><div>no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-33066357316166433032011-07-16T23:10:00.005-05:002011-07-16T23:19:40.305-05:00I have to believe<em><span style="color:#ff0000;">1 I waited patiently for the LORD;<br /><br />he turned to me and heard my cry.<br /><br />2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,<br /><br />out of the mud and mire;<br /><br />he set my feet on a rock<br /><br />and gave me a firm place to stand.<br /><br />3 He put a new song in my mouth,<br /><br />a hymn of praise to our God.<br /><br />Many will see and fear the LORD<br /><br />and put their trust in him.<br /></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#000000;">Psalm 40:1-3</span></em><br /><em></em><br />I am in the midst of deep grief. I guess losing my dog last weekend was the last straw. The breaking point of several months of losses, broken dreams, and bad news.<br />There aren't words for it. I haven't really got anyone to talk to about it anyway. I don't know why God is allowing all these things to happen. Some times it seems like there will be no end to the sorrow. Sometimes I wonder what's going to happen next...and its not a happy thought.<br />I have been trying to sleep in order to escape; in those moments when I am falling asleep, at least I know there is nothing I have to do, no problems I have to solve right now. Just slip into sleep, and that's that. Although I don't sleep well, at least its still a bit of an escape from my worries and the ache in my heart. I wonder where God is. I wonder when my comfort will come. I wonder when something is going to happen to make all this pain feel like its been worth it.<br /><br />But this I believe. I choose to believe.<br />God is still good. He hears my prayers. He will, someday, make all things right. Someday, whether its on this earth or not, my heart will be healed and whole again.Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1059088286948367513.post-21188384728825154982011-07-11T16:51:00.004-05:002011-07-11T16:57:48.674-05:00God is still God...still my Refuge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8qvKPa0A8oYm_PLMiNNV-LeLKAG8RpxXapdoJoG3Bt2ltBj-hADutcaF_BUa73VT5-OlqpTQQzCLK2D6QVz3_lRCleQdbz4ELJNm2WKkiCVGnEeO7-LI6z1egsmGTDhYo8eAnL-yWbTe/s1600/Spring2011+078.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628216251050096338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8qvKPa0A8oYm_PLMiNNV-LeLKAG8RpxXapdoJoG3Bt2ltBj-hADutcaF_BUa73VT5-OlqpTQQzCLK2D6QVz3_lRCleQdbz4ELJNm2WKkiCVGnEeO7-LI6z1egsmGTDhYo8eAnL-yWbTe/s320/Spring2011+078.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Not quite ten years after the Lord brought a chubby, wiggly chocolate lab into my life as a gift to heal my heart after losing my black lab,</div><br /><br /><div>my precious boy has gone back to Heaven to be back with Jesus.</div><br /><br /><div>We said goodbye yesterday. After a bout with cancer, and surgeries, and too much time at the vet, it was time to let my sweet boy go to sleep and wake up in Heaven.</div><br /><br /><div>My heart is broken. I am devastated. He was my best friend. You couldn't ask for a more loyal, happy, sweet dog.</div><br /><br /><div>I feel weak today. Broken in too many places. Life hurts too much sometimes.</div><br /><br /><div>But God is still in control. And He is still good. And He is still my Lord, no matter what pain this life sends my way.</div><br /><br /><div>And right now, maybe Jesus is teaching my dog to finally walk on a leash, and running with his big sister in great fields of wild flowers, chasing butterflies, no longer in pain, happy and free and silly as ever.</div><br /><br /><div>I love you, Sweetboy. You loved me. You showed me what unconditional love really is, and for that I will always be grateful.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>“Have you not known? Have you not heard?<br />The Lord is the everlasting God,<br />the Creator of the ends of the earth.<br />He does not faint or grow weary;<br />his understanding is unsearchable.<br />He gives power to the faint,<br />and to him who has no might he increases strength.<br />Even youths shall faint and be weary,<br />and young men shall fall exhausted;<br />but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;<br />they shall mount up with wings like eagles;<br />they shall run and not be weary;<br />they shall walk and not faint.”<br /></em></span>Pilgrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05710187264785533699noreply@blogger.com1