Has This Ever Happened To You??

You find yourself in a struggle just to survive spiritually...for whatever reason.

And you need encouragement, love and support from family and friends.

But what you need most is a Word from God, a clear, resounding Word that will resonate in your soul and let you know you'll be all right, or let you know what to do.

And then a friend, who doesn't have a clue what you are going with, sends you an email...and you can't help but laugh at how God has done it again...and right when you just figured He was tired of your whining and discouragement...

Thank you, Denise. And thank You, God.

I hear You loud and clear.

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

This Convicted Me...

so, now it's your turn:-)

Click here.

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Deena

My So-Called Cluttered Life....

That's what I've been trying to do lately. I do a lot of things. And I do some things pretty well. But not anymore it seems.

And in a discussion with my husband, he said it has been a long, long time since he has seen me happy. I said, "Oh, but I'm happy when (fill in the blank) happens." And he said, "No, not anymore, you're not."

That pierced my heart. He's right. I'm not happy. My joy has evaporated...



When I began Wholly Devoted, it was originally an extension of our women's fellowship. Then, God stepped in and took it an entirely different direction. I still remember my first comment from someone I only knew through bloggyland (Hi, Nise'!). It was then I realized, "Hey, I have an audience!"

And it has been a wild ride that I have thoroughly enjoyed.

But lately, as I examine my life, I realize that it is cluttered. My house is cluttered with things I don't have time to deal with...my mind is cluttered with things I don't have time to deal with...and my spiritual life is cluttered with both things I don't have time to deal with and things I don't WANT to deal with!

And I'm suffering all the way around. It has been a very long time since I have felt this discouraged. And it has to change.

So, I'm going on blog sabbatical. I don't know if or when Wholly Devoted will continue. To those who have listed me in their blogroll or have subscribed to a feed here...thank you! I will be re-posting some of my favorite blogs...kind of strolling down memory lane...until I have a clear word from God that I am to continue.

My real heart is at my book review blog, A Peek At My Bookshelf. So, I'll be there from time to time, but also--not as much as I have been. That's a commitment I've taken on, and I have been given books to review and it's a service to my author friends.

As for Junk in the Trunk, swing by for an occasional laugh or two. At least the cartoon will change frequently:-) But I have to spend some time getting to the heart of the matter, because, ultimately...

It's all about Him.

It's all about eternity.

So, thanks for hanging in there with me, and I hope you've gotten something from my wordiness. I have gotten a lot from your comments...and your prayers have been so appreciated!

Oh, and our situation with our sister (in-law) is still an issue we need your prayers in. She faces some heavy things this week, and her heart is bruised and hurting. We want more than just a good outcome...we want God's outcome:-)

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

WE NEED PRAYER...

and we need it now.

For protection.

For wisdom.

For a mother who's heart is breaking into pieces and who's fears are becoming reality.

For a sister who doesn't know how to help.

Please, please, pray, and get others to pray as well.

Deena

Ever Feel Like You're Life Is Pointless??

Then go check this out.

And come back and tell me what you think.

**Warning: It's long! But worth every second...**

We're getting ready to go back to school, so you may not see much of me around here for a few days.

Pray for me. I'm not handling the stress load well right now.

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

More Random Thoughts From The Pew...

A friend read my blog yesterday, and commented that she often wondered if, while she was sitting there waiting for God to show up, He was sitting next to her, asking what she was waiting for.

That triggered another thought, from a story about Elisha. Remember after Elisha had just battled the prophets of Ba'al? Jezebel threatened his life, and he ran for it. He was exhausted, drained, and severely depressed.

If anyone was in need of a mighty move of God, it was him. But God didn't do a mighty move. He didn't show up in a big way.

He wasn't in the earthquake, the fire, or the whirlwind.

He was in the soft, gentle whisper.

He's the same God today as He was then.

In our age of shock and awe, bigger is better, loud is attention-getting, iPod listening, internet loving, gadget driven culture...I have to wonder...

Do we miss God because we're waiting for the **BANG**, the **FLASH**, the **MIRACULOUS**??

Because, quite honestly, sometimes I find Him more easily in the friend's email than I do in the televangelist's flashy message...or in the hug from the 93 year old widow than from the graphics driven worship songs...or in lying on my bed, tears streaming into my hair, crying out to Him--than I do in hands raised all over the sanctuary.

Sometimes, when I'm looking for big, flashy, and attention-grabbing...I need to remember He's not found there. And maybe, just maybe...I won't miss Him so much.

Just a thought...

Be blessed, and be a blessing...doesn't have to be big...just has to be real.

Deena

Random Thoughts From The Pew...

Something hit me yesterday as I was sitting in church--and no, it wasn't a 25 pound King James Bible!

As I was sitting and observing, this thought struck me, and it richocheted all through my soul (which, I suppose, would make me hole-y??):

Church isn't for us. It's for Him.

Now, before you throw eggs, or shout, "Well, duh!", give me a moment here.

Ever said these words ('cause I know I have): "I wish we wouldn't sing that song...it just doesn't do anything for me."

Or: "I'd come to Sunday school, but that's too early for my family, and besides, have you HEARD that teacher?"

Or: "I can't volunteer for nursery/children's church/yard duty/etc., because I don't want to miss anything."

In all of those statements, which at one time or another have fallen from my lips...the focus is on "I".

Yesterday, we sang a song during worship that just doesn't do it for me. But watching my sister-in-law, it did a LOT for her. And one of the songs that moved me, didn't much move so and so. And last week, a song that my husband didn't "feel" was moving another person--cause I watched her lose herself in worship.

And it struck me, "Hey, Deena! What does GOD get out of these songs? What does GOD get out of your service in the nursery? What does GOD get out of you coming to Sunday school to learn about HIM?"

It isn't about what makes me happy, makes me "feel His presence", makes me feel satisfied...it's about what makes Him honored, glorified, and worshipped.

Changed the way I do church, I'm telling you!

Oh, I'll still probably complain...'cause that's just what I do. But, now that God has got my attention...I may just have to find something else to be good at.

Like worshipping Him.

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Deena

Thank you....

My sister came through her surgery. She was stabilized last night. Should be coming home today.

Thanks for praying!

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

More Prayers Needed...

God has a way of moving in people's lives that I still find incredibly amazing. Several months ago He connected me with an encouraging and uplifting woman named Denise.

This special lady has emailed me every day, sent me cards of encouragement, and done so faithfully for months now. And now she needs us.

Denise recently had eye surgery and her healing is not going well at all. Denise has very poor sight due to diabetes, and she was hoping for some improvement through this surgery.

Her husband Eddie is keeping us updated, and he left a very sweet post on her Thankful Thursday blog, as Denise is unable to blog right now. What a guy her Eddie is:-)

So I'd like to ask you to swing by Shortybear's Place and leave Denise a comment or a prayer. Just something to let her know she is loved and prayed for all over the blogosphere and beyond.

Thanks for doing this! You ROCK!!

Be blessed, and be a blessing!!

Deena

Thankful Thursday--Prayer Warriors

This Thursday, I am thankful for prayer:

1) For the ability to make requests and know that God hears.
2) For the ability to post those requests and know that His children care.
3) For the emails I received in response to my requests and how they encouraged me.
4) For the prayers I know went up on behalf of our family and how God moved.
5) For the outcome of each requested prayer, even though each issue is yet to be resolved. I know it will be good, because my Father is good.

Thank you to all who prayed. Still waiting on news on various situations.

My sister is in surgery even as I type. Please pray for a good outcome.

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

If this doesn't bless you...check your pulse!!

Ahhhhh....

Thank you all for your prayers.

While circumstances haven't changed, I have.

I don't feel as frantic or as out of control as I was feeling. I can sense God's peace again inside, and I'm content to let Him have His way, and to get out of the way of what He is doing.

Please continue to keep both of my sisters in prayer...Leslie for surgery on Thursday, and Brenda for both surgery on the 27th and for a raging battle she is in for her family.

Be blessed and be a blessing...because you all are to me.

Deena

God and His Mysterious Ways...

I would love to post today and tell you "Prayers have been answered! Things are all fine and good again!"

But I can't.

When I look out on the horizon, all I see are storm clouds gathering. But thank God I have His umbrella and rain gear!

As bad as things seem right now, I wouldn't want to be anywhere but with Him. As rough as the waters are, when I think of doing this alone...I shiver in fear.

I know His hand is there. I know He sees it all. I know He is at work.

But peace about it all seems lacking. We're facing so much on so many fronts it is a little overwhelming.

So, pray for peace. Pray for protection (this is the biggest need). Pray for direction, for wisdom. Pray for strength to handle what looms ahead in so many directions. Pray for both of our families.

Lord, I believe...help Thou my unbelief!!

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Deena

Help...

I can't go into a lot of details, but our entire family, both immediate and extended, on both sides (Dave's and mine) are in need of prayer.

Some situations are immediate and life threatening...some have explosive potential, and some are just beginning to come to light.

I can't share details, but I can call out to my friends and ask them to pray.

The stress level in our home right now is probably about an 8...of course, for me, I'm off the charts, as usual:-)

Please. Pray for the Peterson and the Ward family.

Thanks.

Deena

What a "Nice" Surprise!

My dear blogging friend Sharon at "Sit With Me Awhile" awarded this to me over the weekend. I'm both humbled and blessed that she thought of me. Here's the description of this award:

"This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you've been awarded please pass it on to others who you feel are deserving of this award."

I have to share a little about Sharon: we've been bloggy friends for several months now, and she and I are two peas in a pod! I'm so blessed to have such an encourager in my corner, and she tells it to me straight up, coated in love and God's grace, and let's me know I'm never alone in how I feel or what I'm going through.

If I had to pick one thing to love about her, it would be hard...but it would be this: she always points me to Jesus in every conversation or email we share. And that is SO gorgeous!!

I have so many friends in the blogosphere that I find more than just nice...I find them to be such Godly women, and works in progress just like me:

Denise at Shortybear's Place
Nise' at Thus Far
Taunalen at Taunalen
Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee
Heather at Desperately Seeking Sanity

These five women come to mind immediately, as they have been a source of encouragement when tears wouldn't stop, the heart ache nearly crushed me, or I just got lost and couldn't find my way.

And to my non-bloggy friends, but who's hugs and words of wisdom bless me equally as much:

Belinda
Brenda
Bridget (hey, I'm noticing a trend here:-)
Veronica
Kendra (a new buddy)
Ann
Patty (my new mom---looonnnggg story)
Toni
Glenda

And so many more...

Any woman who thinks she can do it all and hold it all together and all by herself...well, she's a fool. I do what I do because I'm privileged to be in so great a company of women. And I'm so thankful...

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

Needing a Little Ice Cream in Your Day??

Received this from a friend over the weekend. Thought I'd share...enjoy! See my random thoughts at the end.

Last week, I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for
dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!"

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!"

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?"

As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table.

He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer."

"Really?" my son asked.

"Cross my heart," the man replied.

Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the rest of my life.

He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already."

So, this story makes me wonder: who do we look down our spiritual noses at when we hear or see them express themselves in honesty to God...and do we need a little "ice cream" in our lives today...just random thoughts generated by this tale.

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

The Images of A Mom

4 YEARS OF AGE--My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE--My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE--My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.

14 YEARS OF AGE--Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either!

16 YEARS OF AGE--Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.

18 YEARS OF AGE--That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE--Well, she might know a little bit about it.

35 YEARS OF AGE--Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE--Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE--Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Deena

Something To Shout About...

If this makes you shout, leave a comment!

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Deena

Today...

...marks the one year anniversary of my mom going home to Jesus.

Happy Anniversary, Mom!

If you think about it, say a prayer for me and for my family today. It's a bittersweet kind of day.

Also, Denise at Shortybear's Place is having eye surgery today. Please pray for her.

Be blessed and be a blessing... and if you are able, call your mom and say "I love you". I'd give anything to be able to do that today.

Deena

From Bible Study on Wednesday...

We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's
been through weakness and testing, experienced it all--all but the
sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to
give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

Hebrews 4:15-16 (MSG)

Stop trying to live the Christian life on your own...empty yourself out and ask God to fill you with His Spirit.

I know, I know....easier said that done.

But I'm more convinced and convicted of this than ever before.

Pray for me, and I'll pray for you. Together, we can live for Him.

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

Thankful Thursday--I'm Richly Blessed!

I skipped TT last week due to computer issues and trying to spend less time OFF the computer...and have had a lot of fun with my family and friends. But I had to pop by this week to share what I'm thankful for:

1) I'm thankful for all of the new families who've been coming to our church. We've grown from 30 to nearly 60 people, basically from one Sunday to the next. I'm praying they choose to make our church their home church.

2) I'm thankful for our Wednesday evening study. Last night we discussed being filled with the Holy Spirit and letting Him control every aspect of our lives, and I saw so much I had been missing. I'm praying I remember what I've learned and put it into daily practice.

3) I'm thankful for God's provision for our family. Some would say I stumbled upon opportunities...I say God led me to them, and made a way for them. I'm praying that I'll be responsible with these blessings and not fritter them away.

4) I'm thankful for my children...two teens and a "thinks she's almost an adult". They test me, try me, and stress me OUT, but they are mine. Wouldn't have it any other way. They make me laugh, cry, and teach me something every day...I'm praying I teach them something as well.

5) I'm thankful for my husband. He tells me constantly how special I am and how beautiful I am and that I am and always will be the only woman for him. I'm praying I can live up to that! And that I will be able to accept his words without self-doubt creeping in.

Now, what are YOU thankful for?? You can share it here, in a comment, or you can go to Sting My Heart and link your blog post to the Thankful Thursday Chain...

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Deena

Wordless Wednesday

Bloggy Break!

Hello, everyone!

I'm taking a little bloggy break. I hate to do this, but I've been convicted about how much time I spend blogging vs. with my family.

So, I'm taking a few days and will see you in a bit.

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

I'm So Easily Distrac---Hey, What's That Over There??

Distractions.

We talked a lot about them this weekend. The topic came up at Bible study on Saturday, again in Sunday school yesterday, and again in Pastor Dave's message.

I think God may be telling me something, don't you??

I may have mentioned it before in a previous post, but I'm very easily distracted.

For instance, cleaning my house:

I'll start in the living room, gathering up any stray laundry to take out to the laundry room. Once out there, I see that the towels have piled up once again, so I'll toss a load into the washer, only to discover that the jeans I last washed never made their way into the dryer.

So, I pour detergent and fabric softener into the washer and start it. Forgetting about the towels, I now re-enter the kitchen and notice all the sticky spots on the floor. Fortunately, the mop is where it belongs--because I haven't used it since I bought it.

Going out to get the mop, I notice the recycling cans are full, so I go back inside to grab a garbage bag to fill. As I open the drawer to get the bag, I notice how disorganized it is, and pause to straighten the drawer. As I throw away some empty boxes of baggies, I notice that the counter in my kitchen has grown rather cluttered.

And so on and so on...until not much gets done, but I've done a lot of walking!!

I'm that way with just about anything. Watching the news, waiting for the weather report and something catches my eye and suddenly they're talking sports and I don't know if tomorrow will be hot or cloudy.

Reading a book, finding a magazine I've been wanting to read, forgetting what I've read in the book...losing the book and starting a new one, only to find the one I was reading...

That might be amusing, but when it comes to my walk with God, distractions can be dangerous, even deadly. And it never fails...picking up my Bible to read always seems to reveal how messy my bedroom is! Funny how that happens...

Sometimes the distractions are just minor annoyances, like pesky flies. Don't do much harm but can drive you buggy. Other times, they are like hornets, leaving stinging reminders of how that person got under your skin, or what are you going to do about that bill, or could it be serious...like cancer??

My life is full of distractions these days, both large and small. God is moving, and the enemy is hopping mad. He's taking advantage of my ADD Christianity and he's had me running from one thing to the other, not really accomplishing anything.

But I've asked God to put Holy blinders on me, to keep my focus straight ahead. I figure since Jesus goes before me, that's a good place to keep my eyes, don't you?? And whether it's a minor annoyance or a thorn in my flesh, I'm tuning it out and tuning the Holy Spirit in.

It will be a struggle, but aren't the things that are worth having always a struggle??

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Deena

It Ain't A Pretty Picture!!

I suffer from a syndrome for which I haven't yet found a cure.

Ok, that's a lie...the cure is the Holy Spirit taking control, but you know how hard that is, right??

What's my syndrome?

Maybe you have it too.

Foot-in-mouth disease.

Painful thing, it is!

Just last night, I did it again. My daughter interrupted a heated discussion between my husband and myself (no, we were not fighting, but yes, I was upset about something, and no, he didn't do it!), with a rather silly question from one of her friends.

Now, this friend does have a tendency to feed my daughter some outrageous things at times, and I had just about had it. I popped off, but what I didn't know was...**gulp**

Said friend was On. The. Phone. With. My. Daughter.

I heard, **shriek** "I heard that!", and my daughter scurried away.

Needless to say, I, the adult, the wise parent, created a mess for my daughter. And she has had issues with this friend and her family before. But none created by dear old mom herself.

I wrestled with my conscience for a bit, feeling quite justified in what I said but lousy about how it happened. Finally, I persuaded my daughter to get her friend back on the phone, and I swallowed my pride and apologized to the girl, admitting it was an ugly thing to do, and that adults aren't always shining examples of good behavior, and I was upset about something else, but I shouldn't have reacted as I did...and I humbly asked her to forgive me.

Which she said she did, but later conversation proved otherwise (between her and my daughter).

So, I went to bed feeling pretty low, and woke up with a cloud of regret hanging over my head. When will I learn to let God have my tongue?? When will I learn not to get so involved in matters that don't concern me, and to keep to myself??

The answer to that is...I have no idea.

But I'm working on it. Because I never want to feel what I felt last night. Fortunately, I have a very understanding daughter.

Who still thinks I'm cool, in spite of myself:-)

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Deena

Wordless Wednesday...