The Kingdom of Upside Down---An Original Parable...

This is an original parable/fairy tale that is rooted in truth...please enjoy, but don't link, copy or blog without my permission. Copyright by Deena Peterson, April 2007.


The Kingdom of Upside Down

Once there was a man who was searching, but he did not know what he was looking for. In his travels he came upon a vast and glorious kingdom. Eager to find what was within the kingdom walls, he entered the gates.

Soon he encountered a long parade of people. He stopped one of the men and asked, "Pilgrim, where do you journey?"

The man smiled and said, "Why, to see the King, of course! Come, join us on our pilgrimage!" He clapped the stranger on the back and gestured
toward his family. With a nod, the searcher joined the group.

Along their journey the searcher saw many dressed in splendor, their cheeks robust and their bodies full of vigor. But he also saw some dressed in rags, with health seemingly gone from their appearances. He wondered at the difference in those who made this long journey.

After a while, they came to the castle. There was a mad rush to the doors...all pressed to be the first to enter. Except for one. That one held the door open and gestured to all to enter, smiling and waiting for his own chance to go inside. IT wasn't until all were safe in the castle that he made his way inside.

Upon entering, the King saw the last one come in, and He gestured for this one to sit at his right hand. The others at first were stunned, then they remembered the kindness of the one. As he passed, they rose and applauded his selflessness. Those who had entered first moved down to make room.

The searcher shook his head in puzzlement. "This is all upside down," he whispered to himself.

The King, noticing the searcher, also gestured to him, that he should sit on the King's left. The searcher moved hesitantly, not knowing what to expect. He saw, out of the corner of his eye those who were tattered and
bedraggled, whose health seemed fleeting and so very frail.

The King noticed where his gaze fell and said, "What troubles you, my son?"

The searcher nodded toward the small gathering. "Those people, over there. They seem so sick, so frail. And yet they made this journey from who knows how great a distance!"

The King nodded his regal head. "And great is their reward for their
perseverance through pain and suffering to get to Me," He acknowledged. The searcher watched with wonder as the King's servants came and
bandaged the wounded and tenderly robed the ragged in splendor from His own treasures.

Those who came in their own splendor did not shine as those robed in the King's fabrics!

The searcher shook his head in puzzlement. "This is all upside down," he whispered to himself.

Another family approached the King. The little girl came forward and held out her hand. "Oh, great King, we longed to give You treasure for Your kingdom. My father and mother had a small tin cup. From this, we made these nails for You."

In her hand were three tiny nails, hand-formed and polished until they gleamed in the castle's light. The searcher wondered in amazement as the King took them and held them as if they were precious stones.

"Thank you, my dear girl," the King said with a smile. "I was in need of nails such as these, for a very delicate project of mine." The girl beamed at Him and ran back to her family. With tears welling in His kind and
gentle eyes, the King thanked her parents for their sacrifice.

The searcher shook his head in puzzlement. "This is all upside down," he whispered to himself.

"Well, that makes sense," the King whispered back to the searcher, "as I am the King of the Upside Down Kingdom."

"Who are You, great King?" the searcher asked with longing in his heart.

The King gestured for a servant to bring Him the Book of Remembrance. He took it and placed it before the searcher, opening to the first page. "My story begins here," He said, pointing His finger at a lowly enclave carved into a mountainside. The herds of cattle and flocks of sheep were evident in the image.

The searcher was shocked. "You? Born here? In a stable barely fit for animals?" He shook his head, "That seems so upside down."

The King nodded and turned the page. The images of the lowly shepherds appeared, bowed before the tiny manger. "You see, few gain entrance at a castle. But all may enter a stable."

The searcher nodded slowly, his understanding becoming more apparent in his expression. He took the book from the King, and looked at page
after page, of the King teaching and walking with the common and the lowly, the learned and the unlearned alike. He was amazed that One such as this great King would do such as this.

Finally, the searcher came to the end of the book. On the final page, was a quote etched in red ink: "If I am lifted up, I will draw all men unto Me."

"Then this is when You gained all of this?" the searcher asked the King, imagining that the palace and all it's riches drew people as a magnet.

"Oh, no," said the King with a sad but knowing smile. "Come with me," He said, pushing back His seat.

He led the searcher down a long corridor. Lights gleamed in the distance. As they approached, the man gasped in shock.

For there, on the wall, was an image of horror that surpassed the human mind's ability to conceive of it. A wooden cross, covered in blood and gore, bearing what resembled a man, but severely disfigured.

"Not You!" the searcher cried out, falling to his knees. Tears poured forth uncontrollably. "Not the King!"

A mighty hand rested gently on the searcher's shoulder. "Yes, that is I. I was lifted up high on that cross for all the world to see. I was killed so that all could one day dwell here with me."

The man looked up at the King with wonder and amazement, tears still streaming down his cheeks. "You were killed? But...You’re here...so how...?"

The King smiled at him with a twinkle in His eye. "That is why I am called King of Kings and Lord of Lords."

The man turned and bowed down at the King's feet, noticing the hole that pierced them. "Oh, King, I want to dwell here with You! This is what I have been longing for! What must I do?"

The King sighed and gently said, "There is nothing you can do."

The man, shocked, looked up at the King, desperation etched in his
features. "Oh, King, surely there must be something I can do!"

The King shook His head. "You must only believe in Me."

"Oh, I do believe!" the searcher proclaimed loudly. The voices in the
distant hall quieted at his shout. "How could I not believe? You, mighty King, who was born in a stable so that all men could come to see....who takes those who are of no notice and makes them to sit at His right hand...

"You, who take the smallest of gifts with the greatest of honor, and who clothe the suffering and ragged in finest apparel...and who gave of His life so that someone such as I could dwell with Him here...and then lives again," the man cried. "Oh, mighty King, how can I not believe?"

How indeed.......

As I said before, please email me before you use any part of this post...

Copyright by Deena Peterson, April, 2007

Thanks, and be blessed...

Deena

His Grace IS Sufficient!

Yesterday was a difficult day. It was my first Mother's Day without my mom here with me. I had anticipated her birthday last month, and made it through the day just fine.

But Mother's Day came at me from out of nowhere.

I just wanted to pull the covers over my head and hide all day. But I couldn't do that to my own children, who wanted to celebrate the day with me.

So I readied myself for church, opened my gifts and cards, and off we went.

I was so afraid that no one would remember or understand why I was struggling. But so many did, and I received prayers and hugs from several women who are so precious to me.

We give out flowers at our church on Mother's Day...red for the living, white for those who've passed on. It was my first white flower Mother's Day...and it was hard. But then we gave testimonies about our mom's, and I was able to speak my heart.

A family from our church invited us to their home for lunch. I didn't want to go. But we did...

I'm so glad we did. I didn't have to hide. I didn't have to put on my mask, which was a VERY good thing, since the tears would have dissolved the glue holding it in place:-). I was able to relax and laugh and enjoy the day with friends and family and before I knew what had happened...

I was celebrating that Mom was eternally with Jesus and I never have to worry about her anymore. I know she's happy and whole, and I know she will be there to greet me when it's finally my turn.

And I know she will always be a huge part of my life, no matter where she's living today.

Hoping you all had a blessed Mother's Day...and thank you to all who prayed for me and the ones who sent e-cards...how sweet are you!!

Deena

Question of the Week, May 12-18, 2007

If your Flesh Woman were starring in a major motion picture, would it be a romance, an action thriller, a horror flick, or a comedy? Explain your answer.

You post your responses, and I'll post mine either tomorrow or on Monday. I'm too tired to think today.

Deena

Another Sister In Need of Prayer...

Kelli needs our prayers. She has posted her most recent update regarding a possible kidney transplant. Click on the picture above to read about her journey thus far. Keep her in your prayers, and leave her a word of encouragement.

Are you an organ donor? Think about it, please.

Deena

I Wasn't Gonna...

I wasn't gonna blog here today.

I was gonna have a little pity party over what happened last night.

But something happened to change my plans.

God happened.

Because you all heard my cry and stood in the gap for me...today, my tail isn't knotted (if you don't get that...read my previous post!), my heart is light, and while I miss my mom, I'm rejoicing that she's safe in heaven with my Lord, and it'll just be a moment before I'm with her and Him for all eternity.

A dear, sweet soul sister sent me this today in my email. I needed reminding. Maybe you do to. Watch it, for me...and thank you all from the depths of my heart for your prayers. You will never know what comfort it brought me to be able to share so openly and to know you'd pray. I just knew it. And that rocks!



Be blessed today, because God isn't JUST in His heaven...so all IS right with my world...and yours too if you know Him...

Deena

Bloggy Friends, I Need You!

I just had a conversation with my oldest daughter that has left me feeling wrung out, stepped on, condemned, and heart-broken.

Talking with her leaves me feeling so tangled, and it can take days to unknot my tail, so to speak.

But right now, I'm missing my mom deeply, and hurting so badly over the choices my baby girl is making...watching her spit in God's face and be so flip about the Word, which I hold so very, very dear.

Would you all please pray for me? I didn't know how hard Mother's Day would be for me, and I didn't know how hard her decision was going to hit me.

I just don't know what to do, how to feel, or how to react. I love her with all my heart, but I love Jesus so much more...and I'm being torn in two...and it hurts.

And Momma's not here to pray and to console...and to shore me up...and I need her so very, very much right now.

Please, pray for me.

Deena

Tempest in a Coffee Cup??

Go here...then tell me what you think...

I'll weigh in with my thoughts on Monday...

Deena

Hebrews 10:25

Last night at Bible study, we discussed sin and the nature of sin. I wanted so much to ask this question...but my chicken-heart won out. So I'll pose it to you...

Do you find it harder these days to not sin?

Maybe that sounds strange to you, but it struck me last night that as time winds down to the end, satan keeps turning up the heat. People are angrier, violence is everywhere, and greed tops many lists of "Goals for 2007".

It just seems that everywhere I turn, I find myself getting frustrated, angry, saddened, and jaded...very, very jaded. Distractions abound, and the church is busy--busier than ever, but seems to be lacking in effectiveness.

Temptations are available now in the privacy of your own home like never before. Oprah just did a story on "Grey's Anatomy" hot stars, and the clip she showed at 4 in the afternoon floored me...and she bragged how wonderful it was that we could get so much closer to nudity on television...and how steamy it was.

And I was just waiting for the news to start...who knew what I'd see in the last 10 minutes of her show...

So, I was just wondering...do you find it harder not to sin...not to fall into the trap of excess anger...taking matters into your own hands...seeing things you don't want to see or know you shouldn't see...striving for things rather than people...rather than God??

Do you find yourself so distracted that you blink and it's Sunday again, and you don't remember cracking the cover of your Bible or your study book...and you wonder what you actually accomplished for God in the past 24/7 period of your life?

Or is it just me?

I get the meaning of Hebrews 10:25 more now than ever: Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

I need you. I need your comments to hold me accountable and to keep me focused and encouraged. I need my church family, to teach and instruct me and to love me in spite of myself, but to love me too much to leave me in my current condition.

Another question: Are you praying for your church leadership? For your pastor and his family? For your church body, one by one, and as a whole?

As a pastor's wife...I need you to do this for me. I need to do this for you. I need to know others are lifting my husband to God's throne on a regular basis. Maybe it's just my imagination...but we seem to end up in the fire more times than not...and it gets hot in here...

So, meditate on Hebrews 10:25 today. Pray for your pastor and your church leadership and their families today. Take your church directory and pray for each family one by one.

And hang on to one another with one hand, Jesus with the other...and we'll make it through to the end.

Be blessed, and know how much I love you!

Deena

It Only Takes A Spark...

Received this in my email from an author buddy, Jennifer Rothschild, and it was too good to keep to myself. Click the link at the end of the story to visit Jennifer's website...

I have started a few fires in my culinary career. The worst was in an old oven in our home in Oklahoma. The oven didn't match our kitchen and I really didn't like it at all. But, it worked just fine.

That meant, of course, that the ever frugal Phil would not even consider replacing it. He wasn't concerned that it didn't match. He was most concerned that it was free.

I, on the other hand, like things to match, even if I can't see them!

All that confession has absolutely nothing to do with what happened, quite innocently, to that ugly oven.

One night I used pot holders to place a dish in the preheated oven. I carefully positioned the pan on the middle rack and closed the door. I set the pot holder on the counter and went to another room. After a few minutes, I smelled something.

I assumed some of the casserole had bubbled over and was now searing itself on the bottom of the oven. Wrong. I opened the oven door to inspect and flames leaped out at me. This was no sauce drip, this was an inferno. What had I done?

If you are an observant reader, you noted that I laid "the pot holder" rather than "the potholders" on the counter. Yes, I was cooking the other potholder.

Home alone, I grabbed a bowl of water, and threw it into the oven. Almost immediately, I realized I should have turned the oven off first! I had doused the flames, but now there was an ominous electrical crackling, and a strange new smell.

"Oh no!" I gasped, "My oven is electric and I just poured a gallon of water on those live wires."

I thought I remembered hearing somewhere that flour put out electrical fires. So I pulled out a five pound bag and sent it in to smother the inferno.

What was the result? Let's just say, we ordered pizza for dinner. Then we spent the evening cleaning the dough like substance from every inch of my kitchen and went shopping for a new matching stove the next day!

Fires demand a response, don't they? But not just any response will do. They need a wise response so they will be contained and extinguished. The wrong response to a fire just makes things worse.

We have little sparks in our hearts that require the right response also. Even though Jesus places peace in our hearts, smoldering embers of anger can still remain.

My Pastor, Dr. John Marshall says that we all have the sparks of war with in us. We're much like my oven. We have potential, with the right conditions, to explode or extinguish.

The apostle James expresses the same sentiment, saying, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?"

We all have the potential to ignite the smoldering embers within us and create a bigger fire. Anger doesn't occur outside our hearts. We don't have to invite those little sparks in because their there already.

So, will those sparks ever go away?

I'm not sure they ever completely do. But, even so, peace can prevail by inviting the water of Gods Word to flood our hearts. the best way to control the fire within is through the calming, containing truth of God's word.

So, my friend, take your temperature! If its a little too "hot,"then let the refreshing water of Gods Word and His Spirit bring you peace today.

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But the slow to anger calms a dispute. Pr 15:18

Blessings and Joy,
Jennifer Rothschild
Author of Lessons I Learned in the Dark (and Light), and Founder of WomensMinistry.NET

You wanna read something that totally ROCKS???

Click the picture...and prepare to be amazed...

God is so good!

God is so good!

God is so good...

He's so good to US!!

Amen??

Deena

Who's YOUR Boss??

Remember when we were kids, and our brother or sister tried to tell us what to do? They were older, and left in charge, or just assumed the duty of being in charge...and we wanted to do something, right or wrong...and they said no.

Or we didn't want to do our homework, or our chores...and they told us to do it.

What was the universal cry, shouted by younger siblings everywhere?

"You're not the boss of me!"

Too many Christians have this attitude with Jesus. Oh, we want Him to keep us out of hell, and we want Him to bless us with good things.

But let Him tell us no...let Him tell us how to live our lives...and we stomp our feet and cry out, "You're not the boss of me!"

When we do that, we're putting someone else in charge of our lives. Someone who knows far less, is able to do very little, and who can get us INTO jams, but not out of them.

Um...for myself...that would be ME.

I've decided that I don't want to be the boss of me anymore. God's ways are not my ways, and they are higher and better than any way I could ever dream of to go. He has a plan for my life, and He has promised me that it is not to harm me or to leave me hanging (my paraphrase!).

So, when myself tries to tell me what to do, and when Jesus cuts in and puts His thoughts into the mix...I plan on telling me "Hey, you're not the boss of me! JESUS IS, so back off, bugaloo! I'm following HIM!"

But pray for me...myself is kinda stubborn:-)

Be blessed!

Deena

Meditate On This Today....

More Than Enough...

Received this in an email and I thought I'd share...with my added thoughts at the end...

Recently I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure.

Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the mother said, "I love you and I wish you enough".

The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom".

They kissed and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy but she welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?".

Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for asking,
but why is this a forever good-bye?".

"I am old and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral," she said.

"When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough'. May I ask what that means?".

She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone". She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail and she smiled even more. "When we said , 'I wish you enough', we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them". Then turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

She then began to cry and walked away.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them but then an entire life to forget them.

I loved this...but, as usual...I'm changing it just a tad...

I wish you all MORE than enough...I wish you Jesus!!

Be blessed!

Deena

Continuing In Prayer For Heather...

Father, thank You for the good reports we are getting! Thank You for Heather's mobility, and for keeping the pain far from her. Thank You that she is able to be up and around. Thank You that Mark is able to stay with her, at her REQUEST!!
Father, we ask that You restore her speech. We ask that You blow away any clouds of doubt or depression from her mind. We ask that those surrounding her be able to read her so that her lack of speech doesn't frustrate her. We ask that this lack of speech be temporary.
Father, thank You again that she is able to think and to understand what others communicate to her. We thank You for the good outcome so far. We trust You with our Heather, and we trust that You know what is best. We ask for what we want, and we believe You for what is best.
In Jesus' name, amen.

For updates, click here...

Deena

Edited to add: Wanna be blessed? Wanna have your socks blessed off? Go check Heather's latest update...FROM HERSELF!!

Don't Make Me...

I just watched a very interesting broadcast on Life Today. James Robison took a chance and booked an atheist who sold his soul on Ebay, and the man who purchased him (he insists he only RENTED him!). James took a lot of heat from that decision, and I must admit, at first I was a bit fried over it.

But I watched both shows. I have a lot of respect for James and Betty Robison, and I knew there would be truth to be gleaned if they had the guests on the show. Plus, they host Wednesdays With Beth...so they MUST be solid believers!

I was right. I did learn something. It was something I already knew, but needed to rise to the surface. The one truth I took away from the show is this:

Don't make me your project; make me your friend.

As Christians, we do this to non-believers and believers alike. We take discipleship and evangelism so seriously that we go out "looking for people to work on", or to "try our program out on." I don't think we do it intentionally, but we do it.

I know we do. I cannot begin to count how many times I ended up on a fellow believer's project list. I had some character flaw in me that God told them needed fixin' and that they were the brother or sister in Christ He sent to do it.

Can I just say that not only offended me, but it wounded me, and it damaged my identity in Christ a little--no, a lotta bit?!?

I don't mind criticism, if it comes in love and it comes from someone who takes the time to know me. You don't have to understand everything about me, but at least respect me enough to know I'm a human being and not a notch on your Bible.

How much more offended do non-believers feel when they sense they are a guinea pig for Jesus??

When I read Scripture, I see my Savior, over and over again, being relational...striking up honest and sincere conversations with the most unlikely of people...the Roman centurion, the woman at the well, Nicodemus, Zaccheus, the woman with a bleeding disorder.

Not all of these relationships ended up at Starbucks...some were momentary, some were ongoing. But the point is they were REAL, out of a REAL heart to seek those searching, needing healing, seeking answers. He didn't see the condition, He saw he person suffering from the condition.

The best doctors I've ever had were doctors who saw me, then gave me a diagnosis. We call Jesus our Great Physician...and that's why. He sees His people, His creation, and what sin has warped inside of them...and He wants to set them free.

How can we do any less?

I won't know exactly how I feel about this atheist and his buyer...I mean, friend...but I'll be letting you know on my book blog...yes, they both wrote books...and I'm skeptical.

Yet, I'm also intrigued. And I've learned a little something.

So, if I've ever made you feel like a project, please forgive me. And if you're thinking of taking me on as your project...go build a volcano instead!! But if you want to be my friend...Hi, my name is Deena, and I love Jesus with a passion unlike any other...

Be blessed, and be someone's friend...you just might lead them to Christ...at least you won't push them away...

Deena

A Father's Surprise...

My husband did something unusual last night...

He took our 13 year old son to the midnight premier of Spiderman III.

Why did he do this? For many reasons...

First, he knew our son was a super-hero nut...the boy loves comics and superheroes. And he has talked Spiderman non stop since the trailers for the movie came out.

He also knew that our son was patiently going to wait until we had time to take him to see the movie. Which would be about two weeks. Which is an eternity to a 13 year old boy. But he didn't complain.

And he wanted to surprise him. Our son didn't know what was going to happen until it did. Dave woke him up around 11:15 and just told him to get dressed, it was time for some "dad and son time".

What was the result? Two VERY sleepy guys this morning, along with a "You're the best dad EVER!" from our son. And a very satisfied look on my husband's face this morning. And a lot of phone calls to other 13 year old boys from our son, sharing what his dad did for him.

So, let me ask you this...

What has God done for you that was customed designed to make you smile all over, surprised you and delighted you at the same time, and you couldn't wait to tell all of your friends...and made you say, "You're so great, God, to me! Thank You, thank You, thank You!"

Father, do something like this for each one who reads this blog today. Let them be totally aware of how special and unique this blessing is, and let them share it with everyone they see today. And include me in that as well, if You don't mind, Father...

Amen

You'll be blessed today...so be watchin' for it!

Deena

Still praying...

I just checked for updates, as I'm sure many of you have done today. Praise God the surgery is done, and from the reported update, all went well. Heather is moving arms and legs...waiting still on speech and memory.

Father, oh we thank You and praise You for what You have done and for what You are doing, and for what You are going to do. I know beyond any doubt that the outcome of this battle was decided at Calvary, and that You hold Heather's days in Your mighty hands.
Lord, we ask for all abilities to remain untouched by this invading tumor. We ask that Heather remain as delightful and capable and verbal as she has always been. But we trust You, in faith, to do what is best for Heather and for her family. Give us eyes to see it, hearts to understand it, and minds to know it when it comes.
I praise You, not because of the favorable report we've received, but simply because You are God, and You are good to Your children! You love and adore this woman I've only known for a short time...You fashioned her in a manner that pleases You, and You take great delight in Heather...in all of Your children.
What joy it brings You to bless Your kids here on earth! I pray for blessings both expected, hoped for, and totally unplanned to continue to rain down on Heather, her husband, her children, and her parents. Let them be blessed with so much that it spills over onto the doctors, the nurses, the staff, and all who know and love Heather and her family.

Let Mayo Clinic know that the presence of God was there today because a mighty child of the King was in their midst, and she did her Abba proud! In Jesus' name I pray, amen....

Still holding you to His throne, Heather....

Deena

The Highest Compliment...

My hubby just called me and paid me the highest compliment a woman can receive...and after I begged, pleaded and whined...he said I could post it:-)

He said, "If I ever wanted to be a woman, I'd want to be you, because you're so cool...and so are your blogs."

Ain't that so sweet??

(Guys, no teasing him...and yes, you KNOW who I'm talkin' to!!)

Be blessed...'cause I sure am!

Deena

Praying for Heather...

This is what I will be doing all day long...join me?

Father, I know life is in Your mighty hands, and I willingly place Heather's there. I know that You have already gone ahead of her and have made a way for her. I ask that You prepare her to walk in that way. Lord, we ask for healing, total and complete, but we rely on Your wisdom and Your understanding. Continue to be with Heather and her family this day and each day as it comes. Bless them with blessings over abundant, custom made for each member of that family. Comfort her children, especially Easton at this time.
Be with Heather's mom and dad. Watching your child suffer is so hard, God, but You know all about that. Comfort them and flood their minds with memories of good times.
Steady the hands of the surgeons, Lord, and give them all extra measures of skill and endurance. Prepare the hearts of the nursing staff so that they will minister to Heather in a special way. Give them hearts for Heather and an extra measure of grace.
Father, even as Heather is going through this surgery, speak words to her that will speed her healing and comfort her soul. You are her Father, and You adore her. As much as we all love and care for her, how much more infinite Your love is! You are awesome, Lord, and we are in amazement that You even think about us, much less care so deeply for us!
Nothing that has touched this precious family has escaped Your notice, and that brings us great comfort. It also leaves us with questions, but we rest in You. Be with them, and in any way they have a need, meet it, Lord. Pour out the abundance of Heaven on them so that they are all drenched in Your love, Your power, and Your spirit.
Fill their lips with praise for You, and hold them close. Love on them real good, God.
In Jesus' name, amen.

Thankful Thursday---Reflections...

Today, I'm simply thankful for the following:

1) I'm thankful that today is Heather's surgery day. No more waiting, no more wondering...

2) I'm thankful for blogging buddies who helped raise funds so that her husband, Emma Grace and Heather's parents can stay with her at the Mayo Clinic with no worries about finance.

3) I'm thankful for the prayer blanket covering Heather and her family even as I type this email.

4) I'm thankful for a sister in Christ such as Heather, whose powerful testimony of faith and trust in a loving God goes out over this internet, blessing and encouraging and conviction all who read it.

5) I'm thankful for Heather's marriage, which has withstood some monstrous trials even before this, and they are still standing strong, together.

6) I'm thankful for Heather's mom, and my heart is with her this morning.

7) I'm thankful for Boomama, Kelli, and all the other women who put together all of the fundraisers and loops to keep us in touch and connected.

8) I'm thankful for the ones who post updates on Heather as we all wait for news.

9) I'm thankful that I serve a God of miracles who does as He wishes, and not as we wish.

10) I'm thankful to be a part of such a wide and wonderful blogging community, and feel so very blessed to call many, if not most of you, my sisters in Christ.

11) I'm thankful for MY family, and knowing that should something similar fall on me, they would stand with me and care for me.

12) I'm thankful for my husband and for the storms our marriage has weathered, and how they've all made us closer and stronger.

13) I'm thankful that all of my kids are healthy, and asking you to pray for our oldest daughter that she would return to her relationship with Jesus and begin to take God seriously again.

14) I'm thankful that I can pray to God and know He hears me and rest in the assurance He knows best and can do all things.

15) I'm thankful that, no matter the outcome of today or what tomorrow holds, I'll see everyone who believes in Jesus as Savior in Heaven for all eternity.


If you don't understand why I talk about Jesus and God so much...maybe you've never heard the truth about Him. Maybe you don't know why we are so desperately in need of a Savior even today in our modern society. If you're the least bit curious about this Jesus I love, adore, and speak of.....click here. Feel free to email me with any questions you may have.

Please continue to pray for Heather and her family. This is just the first step down a long and winding road.

Also, please pray for Henry Herr and his wife Karen...he had brain surgery to remove a tumor, and is undergoing radiation right now, with chemotherapy on the horizon. His parents are members of the church my husband pastors.

Be blessed, and hug your loved ones today. Don't waste another second of the time God has given us here...

Deena

Can Anybody Hear Me?

Just wondering where everybody went...since I got back from our trip...it's been mighty quiet out there...

Anybody there????

Praying for Heather...

The internet is a marvelous thing. It connects people who wouldn't meet this side of eternity.

The blogosphere is also a marvelous thing. I have met some wonderful women through blogging. Heather is remarkable.

Heather also has a brain tumor.

I'm dedicating myself to pray for Heather for the next week. Her surgery is on May 3rd (Thursday). We're beginning our prayer blanket today. I'm covering 3-4 PM PST.

You don't have to be a blogger. You don't have to know Heather.

You just need to pray. Pray for Heather, the doctors, the nurses, her husband, her children, her parents, and her extended family, both physical and blogging.

As I said, the blogosphere is amazing. This community raised over $18,000.00 to help Heather...money is great. But prayer is where the power truly is.

Won't you join us?

To learn more about Heather, click here. To join in our prayer blanket, click here

Be blessed, and pray for blessings for Heather and her family.

Deena

Mother's Day Giveaways!!

Hey, click here to learn about the 5 Minutes For Mom Mother's Day Giveaway Contests! Psssst...I heard the first one is an iPod Nano...but you didn't hear it from me...

And check the web blog often...I hear there's going to be a LOT of contests!!

If you love Women of Faith...

then you'll love this...

Congratulations to Nicole Johnson and family!!

Pressure, Friction and Heat...Oh, My!!

Do you know how a lump of black, icky coal becomes a diamond?

Pressure and time.

How about a grain of sand becoming a pearl?

Friction and time.

One more...how gold is purified?

Heat and time.

So, if you're straining under the pressures of life, and people are just rubbing you the wrong way, and the heat of your trials seems to be consuming you, and it feels like it's going on forever...look at it a different way---

What is God creating in you? What eternal treasure does He seek from your life?

Kind of changes things, doesn't it?

I know it does for me.

Food for thought today...be blessed!

Deena

Off The Richter Scale!

I hang out a lot of places, both online and in every day life. I talk with a lot of Christian women, and I consider many of them my spiritual big sisters.

I've noticed one common thread in nearly every conversation or blog post. We're all experiencing major upheaval in our lives.

Either with health, finance, children/family, or employment--the earth is shaking, and we find ourselves quaking...and wondering why? Why, God, why?

As I said, these are mighty women of God. One has been battling illness since January 1; a variety of mysterious ailments has plagued my dear sweet sister. Another has battled on behalf of her children in ways my mind cannot begin to comprehend.

On this blogosphere, I've met a dear, passionate sister who is fighting off depression. Another undergoes surgery on Thursday for a brain tumor. Still another awaits a kidney transplant to save her life.

When I listen to these women talk, their words are coated with grace, anointed with His wisdom, and their lives match their talk. But I've never seen such trials hit with such speed and fury.

In my Bible study, God revealed something to me. I thought I'd let you try this on for size.

Earthquakes are pretty common here in California. We've learned to expect them. In recent years, these tremblers have revealed some new fault lines that we need to watch out for. And that's been a good thing: it keeps people from building homes on them, establishing businesses over them, and gives us an idea where the earth is weakest and most likely to shake.

What if God is allowing all of these trials and tribulations into our lives in order to reveal where we are weakest, where the ground we are standing seems solid but is actually shifting sand? What if God is preparing us for a quake to end all quakes, and He knows we need to know ourselves like we've never been known?

I feel a move of God coming. I feel it in my family, in my church and in my community. I talk to a lot of people, from all walks of life. They have shared with me that they feel it too.

So, is your life off the richter scale lately? Praise God for that. He's revealing your true character so that you can both take heart and change position. He's opening our spiritual eyes so that we can see His mighty hand and know Who our Redeemer truly is.

As Americans we can easily fool ourselves into thinking we are relying on God when we are actually leaning on our own understanding. We can rest on the shoulders of loved ones instead of resting in His mighty arms of grace. We can be so consumed by what our brothers and sisters in Christ think and want and forget to listen to His still, small whisper of approval and will.

So, can we say, "Let the quakes come, Lord, if they will make me more like You"? That's my prayer. What's yours?

Be blessed, and let the Father make you quake-safe!

Deena

Go Ye, And Do Likewise...

I found this post on Boomama's blog, and sent the link to my husband.

Then I felt God whisper to me, "Why don't YOU do it for HIM?"

So, I'm doing it...

50 Reasons why I love my husband...

1. He tolerates my moodiness.

2. He brings me Cherry Vanilla Diet Cokes with ice from the drive-thru at Sonic for no reason.

3. He rubs my shoulders when I'm stressed.

4. He goes to work every day, even when he's worn out.

5. He has always listened to me, even when I don't make sense.

6. He thinks I'm the funniest woman on earth.

7. He tells me I'm beautiful even before I've done my hair and makeup.

8. He makes our son laugh, and laughs with him.

9. He jokes with our daughter's friends when they call for her.

10. He knows everything there is to know about the Beatles.

11. He knows almost everything there is to know about Classic Rock.

12. He gets excited when we find his Classic Rock magazine at the bookstore.

13. He turns me loose in bookstores and lets me wander for hours.

14. He scopes out every used record store, book store, and Christian bookstore in every town we visit.

15. He always offers to share his Hostess Cupcakes with me, even the orange ones.

16. He won't watch 24 without me.

17. He preaches God's Word with passion and conviction.

18. He's the same in the pulpit and out of the pulpit.

19. He has sexy long hair, and keeps his sideburns for me.

20. He loves to check the mail first, just in case I get a package, so he can be the one to give it to me.

21. He can't wait to share podcasts with me by our favorite preachers.

22. He emails me from work just to say he loves me.

23. He calls me on the phone just to hear my voice and says it gives him strength to get through the day.

24. He prays over me at the drop of a hat, and asks God to bless me and keep the evil one far from me.

25. He brushes my hair to help me relax after a stressful day.

26. He loves my mom and dad, now with Jesus, as his own family.

27. He shares his sister with me.

28. He puts cd's in my car stereo that he knows I'll like so when I go to work I go with a smile.

29. He lets me see Him cry over loving Jesus.

30. He doesn't talk about me in negative ways to his friends or co-workers.

31. He laughs at all of my corny wisecracks.

32. He's funny.

33. He watches chick-flicks with me, and even likes some of them.

34. He doesn't make me watch "Planet of the Apes" movies with him, and doesn't get his feelings hurt.

35. He comes up with creative ways to share God's Word.

36. He loves his church and pastors with passion.

37. He cares about my feelings, even though I have too many of them.

38. He compliments my cooking.

39. He looks good in a t-shirt and jeans.

40. He loves funny ties with his suits.

41. He's fun to just hang out with, doing nothing.

42. He dreams about our future.

43. He plans ahead so that I'm safe and taken care of.

44. He lets me blog about him.

45. He brags about my blogs.

46. He believes in me and tells me I can do anything.

47. He makes me laugh even when I don't want to.

48. He hears love songs and says they remind him of me.

49. He's a good friend to so many people.

50. He's my best friend.

And there you have it...50 reasons why I love my husband. I have more, but I don't want to take up all of your time today.

Let me encourage you to do this for someone you love. Everyone needs to hear the reasons now and then.

Be blessed,

Deena

Ring The Bell!!

This came in my morning email...thought I'd share it with you...
feel free to copy to your blog, or to link to mine...

I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt. 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation (Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil.3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31-34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor.5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom.8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8: 28)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16)
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
who you are!?
Keep this bell ringing...

Be blessed, and RING THAT BELL LOUD ENOUGH FOR IT TO BE HEARD ALL OVER THE WORLD!!

Deena

A Bit Off My Game...

I've been a little off my game lately.

Maybe it was going on vacation.

Maybe it is being in pain and so tired.

Maybe I'm just losing it.

Hoping to get back in rhythm soon...as High School Musical taught us all, "Gotta get my head in the game...gotta, gotta get my head in the game."

See you tomorrow...

Be blessed today, on this Lord's Day!

Deena

Feelings...Whoa, Whoa, Whoa...Feelings!!

You know how some people have a keen sense of smell? Or of sight? Or how some people's taste buds are so sensitive?

Well, I have finely tuned feelings. Highly emotive emotions, if you will. My emotions are so keen, I can feel things that aren't even there.

Wait...umm...that's probably not a good thing, is it...

But it's true...I'm an emotional kinda gal. A moody chick. A feelings driven soul.

And I hate it. Sometimes. At least, that's how I feel...

Anyway, I feel deeply. Passionate about many things, I also bruise easily, and it can be difficult.

I also tend to do things based on how I feel. If I don't feel like it, I tend not to do it...and vice versa. Also not a good thing.

I've learned that walking with Christ is based on faith, not feelings. Some days, it is all I can do to push outside my comfort zone and greet new people at church, or say hi to someone I don't know. And visiting a new church?? One word...

YIKES!!

But walking by faith is what works, and what is required of me. I have to force myself beyond my feelings, endeavor to leave my emotions behind, and go where He calls me to go.

Still, emotions aren't all that bad. I can empathize, sympathize, and walk in someone else's shoes quite easily. It makes a person less likely to judge and more likely to pray if they can feel what another might feel. And when God moves, two words....

WHOA BABY!!

So, I'm learning that being an emotional girl isn't all that bad, as long as I can keep my feelings and emotions in perspective. Taking every thought captive is a good start, as well as not leaning on my own understanding. I'm a work in progress, and praise God, I'm actually making some!!

Be blessed...and I truly mean that...with FEELING!

Deena

Thank you...

Michael W. Smith wrote a song about them.

NBC produced a series about them.

Even Bette Midler insisted they were important.

What are they?

F-R-I-E-N-D-S.

As a little girl, I had trouble making friends. I grew up in an adult environment--my parents were 35 and 37 when I was born, and by the time I was 4, my siblings were gone. So I was a tad too serious and intense for kids my own age.

As a teen, I was so insecure, I could make friends, but had trouble keeping them, especially female friends. Most of my buddies were guys (not that that's a BAD thing:-). I had one really close friend all through high school, and I treasure those memories to this day.

As an adult, my insecurities grew to the point that if I had a friend, I only had one, and I even held her at arm's length. I'd been hurt so many times that I feared any kind of intimate relationships. Even my marriage to my best friend, my husband, suffered in the early years because of my insecurities.

But about 9 years ago God rocked my world, and my life became so very, very rich. He orchestrated circumstances so that I was hired at a local Christian bookstore as a parttime clerk. I spent 4 years working there, and those years changed my entire life.

I worked in a group of women who modeled Christ to me, who taught me to like myself and to appreciate my gifts and talents (I had many--who knew!!), and that I had great things to offer people in my life. Through their example and love and support, and quiet rebukes and exhortations, I was a hairy caterpillar that transformed into a slightly cock-eyed butterfly...and I like me that way!!

Now my life is filled with relationships of all kinds; some casual, some close, some intimate...and a few kindred spirits of the Anne of Green Gables kind (if you haven't read the book or watched the series, I highly encourage you to do so).

I'm still a scared little girl down deep inside. I still wonder "If they really get to know me, God, will they still play with me?" But I can usually calm the little girl down and whisper to her, "Yeah, they might think we're weird, but they actually LIKE that about us!"

So, do you wanna have friends? Scripture says we must first be friendly. Want some close friends? Tell God. He knows who it is who will "get you". He will guide your steps to the perfect person, or group of people. Trust Him. Come out of your shell and let Him fill your life with friends.

To all my internet blogging buddies...thank you. Your kind comments encourage my scared inner child and convince her to "come out and play in the sunshine of your love" more often...

Do me a favor today, would you? At the blogs where you often read, just say "Hi, I'm enjoying your blog" today. Don't just lurk and learn...pop out and encourage the person behind the blog. Your words mean more than you know.

Trust me.

Be blessed!

Deena

He Does It 'Cause He Likes It!

Rich Mullins said something that impressed me deeply...

Actually, he said MANY things that impressed me deeply, but I only want to share one today:=)

He said, "Did you ever think that God created the color green simply because He knew one day Rich was going to enjoy that color? That He invented it just for my pleasure."

Well, I don't know that God invented green just to please me, but I do know that He gets a kick out blessing me.

I'm His kid. He loves me. He thinks I'm neat. He likes the way He created me, and He likes the way I enjoy things.

So, it is logical that God enjoys blessing me.

Think of it this way: If your son or daughter asked you for bread, would you give him or her a stone? Or if they asked for an egg, would give him or her a snake? If you, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to you!

Or a multitude of other good things as well.

When I find a magazine that I know will surprise my son, or a cd that will surprise my husband, or a t-shirt that will blow my daughter away...I'm thrilled to give it to them!

So, the next time you enjoy something, look up toward Heaven, and smile at your Father...'cause He's smiling at you!!

Be blessed, and enjoy God's gifts to you,

Deena

He Means It...Really, He Does...

Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (MSG)


Think about the last struggle you had, the last trial you endured, the last hardship that came your way.

Did it ever cross your mind that God brought that into your life to reveal something to you that you needed to see?

Banks and other high security businesses bring in people to break through their security measures. The want the breach in their protection revealed so that they can take steps to repair it.

What if God is doing that in your life? In my life? What if God is allowing the things that test and stretch and even hurt us, for a higher purpose? What if it is to reveal cracks in our defenses, flaws in our character, and breaches in our protection, so that when the storms come that might destroy us, we'll be able to stand?

What if the things we took for evil, He meant for good, to accomplish some great purpose in our lives?

Think about that the next time a trial or hardship hits your life. I know I will.

Be blessed,

Deena

It's Time to Lighten Up!!

We're back from our weekend away...lots of good times and good memories. But on this trip I had an issue to deal with.

My weight.

At the wedding, the black pants I wore were a tad bit too snug. When I went to visit my brother, my arms seemed a bit too flabby in my new short sleeved t-shirt. And as I went into the shower at the hotel...well, let's just say my self-confidence rolled away on my rolls........

But I've noticed something since I've been home.

I feel lighter.

Oh, I haven't lost any weight. Are you KIDDING??? With all of the dining out we've done????

But I feel lighter. Why is that?

We laughed. A lot.

We talked. A lot.

We shared memories. A lot.

And we relaxed. A lot.

Even me. Especially me.

And now...the worries I was weighed down by are not so heavy. Most of them are gone. The issues I was facing seem smaller. And the joy I feel is so buoyant...well, I just feel...lighter.

I realized that I needed to lighten up (and yes, I could still stand to lose a few pounds). My soul was tired and heavy to the point of extreme sadness and depression. But as the days of our trip away from home extended, I felt a remarkable change come over me. Over our entire family, really.

We are renewed, refreshed, and restored...and we all feel lighter--in spite of the fries and burgers we consumed while away:-)

My sister has taught me a saying since my mom went home to Jesus: Life is just too short. We need to enjoy it while we can. Jesus taught me that He came that I might have life and have it more abundantly, that my joy may be full. I've let satan rob me of that for too long.

Problems are still there. My life is still far too busy (we are booked doing something every day this week, and most evenings as well:-), and I still try to do too much all at once. I'm working on both of those.

But my heart feels light, and that makes all the difference in the world.

So, let me encourage you to lighten up today. You'll feel so much better if you do. Check out one of my favorite lighten up sites, and see if it doesn't help a bit. Visit a couple of my lighten up friends in the blogosphere, Boomama and DeeDee, and tell them Deena says "Hey!"...

Be blessed today, and don't just smile...laugh! They say laughter is aerobics for the soul...and I'm a believer now!

Deena

For Heather...

**This Is A Sticky Post--Scroll down for newer postings!!**



Boomama is putting things together for us all to be able to help Heather and her husband as they travel to the Mayo Clinic in late April. We're all declaring April 18th as "For Heather Day"...to learn about it, click on the flower image.

And please, please, please...keep praying for this family.

Be blessed, and consider how you can bless Heather!

Deena

Hi there...

I'm home.

I'm tired.

I'll update you all later.

Good stuff to share.

But like I said, I'm tired.

There's reviews at The Bookshelf and fun at Junk...

Later!

Deena

Praise the Lord...

He turned himself in. No one was hurt. Pray he can get some help, and these mindless threats stop. We've all had enough.

Thanks for your prayers!

Deena

Please pray!!!

We have a threat against all of the area from a gunman who is threatening to make Virginia Tech look like "child's play".

My children's school is closing.

All area schools are in lock down or closing.

I'm a tad bit frightened.

We live in Northern California.

Deena

Update: Click here or here to learn more of what we are dealing with.

Update: We are still on high alert. They know who he is...just cannot find him. All area schools in lockdown or evacuated. The neighborhood where I work is under a massive manhunt, with streets blocked off and police presence everywhere. Pray they find him before he hurts anyone.

A final update this afternoon: We are home and we are safe, and my husband should be home soon...they still do not know where this man is, but they blocked of a large area near where I work. Schools may remain closed tomorrow, and many businesses are closed or more secured. Churches may have issues to deal with this Sunday (his initial threat was received by his pastor). Please, continue to pray for us. We don't know how this will end, and we just want him caught before he hurts anyone. His family is hurting over the entire mess, and they are good Christian people who reluctantly reported their son and his threats.

To all who emailed me or left a comment...THANK YOU!! We appreciate your prayers...I'll post when they find and capture him...

Let's Make A Memory...

I, like many others, am glued to the Virginia Tech coverage. The hardest reports to watch are those that put faces to the victims, but they are also the most important. It has prompted two final thoughts on this tragedy...ok, maybe three...

1) Lots said about praying for the victims and their families...don't forget...Cho had a family as well, and I consider them victims as well, til we learn otherwise. Pray for them when you pray for all the others.

2) The power of God is evident in this. The prayer groups, the public testimonies, the worship going on all over that campus...God is there, and here, with us still...and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

3) We need to be making as many memories as we possibly can. For the parents of those students lost, many just getting started in life...memories are all that is left. We cannot afford to take any day for granted. We do not know what will happen in the next seconds. Not to live in fear, but to live in power and in grace and in Him...let's make some memories to treasure for all eternity.

I suppose that's all I have left. For now, anyway. Thanks for letting me ramble.

Be blessed, and make a memory with your family today...in fact.....oh, I feel a meme coming on....be watching for it:-)

Deena

Oh. My. Word. Lord, help us...

Two more schools in lock down TODAY...one with a weapon reported on campus in New Jersey, and another with a bomb threat that has cleared several buildings...and supposedly many threats yesterday at other campuses...

Has the world just gone stark raving mad???

On a better note, lots today on prayer, faith in the Lord, and testimonies on the behalf of some who were killed on Monday...

We just need to pray...so much to pray about...

Being Under satan's Yoke...

I found this devotional from a few years ago, and I thought it was a good and timely one. Read it and see where you might be held captive...

"Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking," Romans 12:2 (MSG)

Addressing a worldwide convention of demons, satan told them: "As long as Christians stay close to God, we've no power over them, so here's what I want you to do:

1) Keep them busy with non-essentials.

2) Tempt them to overspend and go into debt.

3) Make them work long hours to maintain empty lifestyles.

4) Discourage them from spending family time, for when homes disintegrate there's no refuge from work.

5) Overstimulate their minds with television and computers so that they can't hear God speaking to them.

6) Fill their coffee tables and nightstands with magazines and newspapers, so they'll
have no time for the Bible.

7) Flood their mailboxes with sweepstakes, promotions, and get-rich-quick schemes; keep them chasing material things.

8) Put glamorous models on TV and on magazine covers to keep them focused on outward appearances; that way they'll be dissatisfied with themselves and their mates.

9) Make sure couples are too exhausted for physical intimacy; that way they'll be tempted to look elsewhere.

10) Emphasize Santa and the Easter Bunny; that way you'll divert them from the real meaning of the holidays.

11) Involve them in "good causes" so they won't have any time for "eternal ones."

12) Make them self-sufficient. Keep them so busy working in their own strength that they'll never experience God's power working through them.

I promise you if you do these things...it will work!!

Have you figured out the difference yet between being busy and being successful? Sometimes being "B-U-S-Y" just means Being Under satan's Yoke!!

Be blessed today, and don't be so B-U-S-Y!!

Deena

Found this at Beth's blog...

and yes, I mean Beth Moore...thought it would bless you as it did me...

Count it a joy, Dear One
When life gets hard.
God is doing something huge!
He is also proving
That you are NOT a fake.
Be brave, Mighty Warrior.
Your God is with you!
When waves are crashing,
Stand to your feet,
Throw your head back
And feel the wind of the Spirit!
God is painting a masterpiece
With multi-colored trials.
Go forth and display
Divine special effects
To the great glory of God.
YOU CAN DO IT!

To learn more click here

Be blessed, and let God speak to you through your pain....

Deena

Check this out...

at Melanie's blog.

You won't be sorry...

Be blessed.

Deena

Random Thoughts...

My heart is so grieved over the senseless tragedy at
Virginia Tech yesterday. Today, the news reports are putting
faces on the victims, and it hurts even more.

My heart aches for Heather, a young mother who has fought long
and hard for the health of her child, and how is in a battle herself
against an insidious brain tumor.

My heart is heavy for families in our church who are battling illness,
dealing with aging parents and the issues that come with that, and
who are grieving the unexpected loss of a loved one.

I pray, but I feel no relief. I know God hears, but I still feel so
weighted down. I believe He is at work, but I still look around me, and I cry,
Why?

I have few, if any answers.

One thing I do know...if I grieve, how then must God feel?

Please keep these needs covered in prayer.

Be blessed, and tell someone that God loves them...and so do you.

Deena

No Blogging Today...

I'm not feeling well. Hope to be
up and moving again tomorrow.
Appreciate your prayers.

Deena

Question of the Week, April 14-20, 2007

Looking back over your life, what sort of things have you looked to for a sense of identity and self-worth?

For me, it is how I think. I pride myself on my ability to reason, to think, and to create ideas. I love words and I love word play, and I enjoy coming up with word pictures to help someone understand a concept or idea.

As a child I was always creating fantasy worlds in my mind, and as I grew up I began to write them down. I've always enjoyed reading and then writing my own ideas and stories down on paper.

My thought process is unusual, yet I do have a way of sharing that makes things clear and understandable. My husband is always telling me he loves the way I think...I think he married me for my brain:-)

So any time I get forgetful or absentminded...any time I feel stupid or out of place...I tend to shrink back into myself. And I tend to shy away from crowds or big groups of people...social events give me hives.

Which is tragic, since I'm a pastor's wife...social events are kind of a way of life for us...

For example...our small church has a potluck lunch every 1st Sunday of the month. And even though I've known these people for almost 3 years now...and I've been through so much with them by my side...and I count them among my dearest friends and blessings...

It's guaranteed I'll have a knot in my stomach every single potluck, and have an upset tummy--no matter what I eat or how much...just from being so nervous! But if I can get a good conversation going and keep my end up...I count that as a success...

Now, it's YOUR turn!

Be blessed today!

Deena

Is Yours Clean??

I went to do a load of laundry this week (I know...YAY!!LOL!).

Sorted clothes, checked pockets (I have kids), and put in the laundry soap.

Waited, goofed around while they finished.

Then I pulled the wet clothes out and tossed them in the dryer. Turned it on.

Went back when I heard the buzzer...and they still weren't dry.

"Oh, great! Now I have to buy another dryer!" I moaned. I felt around at the clothes. They were partially dry, but still pretty damp. Don't have a clothes line...oh, what to do?

Then I spied out of the corner of my eye a basket of towels.

It hit me...

No one cleaned the lint trap. I pulled it out and shore enough...it was full of fuzzy, purple, good smelling lint. So I peeled the thick layer off, restarted the dryer, and voila! Dry laundry to wrinkle and be re-dried!!

That made me think...what in my life doesn't seem to be working? Everything in place, but no progress made. When's the last time I let God clean my lint trap??

Jesus told Peter,"He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but not all of you," (John 13:10).

As we travel through this life, we tend to collect things: pet peeves, little annoyances, worldly concepts, and minor irritations. Nothing major...just tiny little bits and pieces.

Even if we don't fall into full blown sin, these things tend to clog us up, and keep the Holy Spirit from flowing freely inside of us. So we might think our relationship with God is great...but in reality these bits need to be cleared out.

So, when's the last time you let God clean out your lint trap? What bits and pieces are blocking the Power in your life? Go to Him in prayer, and talk to Him about it all.

Be blessed, and be clean---of lint!

Deena

For those who don't know...

I have two other blogs (I know, I need professional help---but I really am sane...I think)--a fun blog and a book blog.

There are contests going on over at each...go check it out:-)

Be blessed!

Deena

What It's All About...

You know...you blog.

You write things.

You try to be witty.

You hope someone reads it and enjoys it, maybe is inspired by it.

And you think that's what the blogging world is all about.

Then you meet someone like Heather

and you see God's greater purpose.

Heather is a young mom who has just been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. It may or it may not be cancerous. But this is just one more on top of an entire pile of trials and tribulations that this precious sister and her family have been through. To read more, click here.

This woman has faith enough to put her in Hebrews hall of faith. She is precious in the sight of God (I know, we all are...but let me indulge a little here:-). And she is in need of prayer.

So, even though we've never met face to face...lift her up in prayer today. As we receive updates, I'll try to remember to blog them. Better yet, go by her blog and leave a prayer as a comment.

Be blessed, and thank God for those you love...pray a hedge around them today, as well as a blessing!

Deena

What If He'd Said YES??!!

I was browsing through Thankful Thursday posts and read this on one blogger's post: "I'm thankful for unanswered prayer." Didn't Garth Brooks have a hit with that line??

Anyhoo, it got me to thinking about all of the "unanswered" prayers I've prayed...and how thankful I am that God said "Nope. Not gonna happen." (Because there really isn't any such thing as unanswered prayer...but I digress)

Like the year my father went home to Jesus and my mom remarried 5 months later. Had God said yes to my prayer to stop that marriage...mom would have most likely died of loneliness and not been as well taken care of.

Or the time I begged God to let me marry my then boyfriend...had God said yes to that prayer, I would have been forced to choose--God or my husband, because that boyfriend walked away from God and has not yet returned.

Or how about this one? "Please, God, don't let it turn blue!" I begged in the Costco bathroom...Had he answered that one, I wouldn't have the joy of my life---my 13 year old son, who makes me laugh and smile every single day (whether I want to or not:-)...

So, it is a loving Father who is able to tell a child that begs, pleads, and even whines to Him in prayer..."No. No matter how you plead...I know best. And the answer is no."

Have prayers that seem unanswered? They're not. Be thankful. He knows what is best. Trust Him. And say, "Thank You."

Be blessed.

Deena

Isaiah 6:1-7

This is a very familiar passage to many.

Pause and let it soak into your soul today.

See it in your mind's eye.

Respond accordingly.

"In the year of King Uzziah's death, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple.

2 Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two they covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.

3 And one called out to another and said,
"Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts,

the whole earth is full of His glory."

4 And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filled with smoke.

5 Then I said, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips;

For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts."

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs.

7 He touched my mouth with it and said, "Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven"


Be blessed today!

Deena

Tasty Lil' Morsels, They Be...

I love words. I love reading them, reading about them,
playing with them. I love plays on words. I love the sound of some words,
like "splash", "squish", "gargle"...

But words can be dangerous. They can be hurtful.

I was thinking last night and all of a sudden something an old
boyfriend had told me popped back into my mind, and I felt insecure and
questioning about my relationship with my husband again.

A friend who thinks her rebuke is gentle actually has a razor sharp edge to
what she says, and she makes my soul bleed when she corrects me. But she doesn't know that, and I don't know how to tell her.

A man wrote a book declaring he found Jesus and his family's tomb, and
many will buy this book and read it and believe it to be true. Another man wrote a book stating that we can never really be sure about anything until we die, and
many will believe him as well.

Words are powerful. Words have won wars, and started wars. Words have married people and destroyed marriages. Words edify the church and destroy her from the inside out. Words can heal, and words can harm.

Proverbs says "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Another way of saying that is a word in due season is priceless. John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

Words are important. They convey ideas and transmit lies. They encourage and discourage. They amuse, inform, educate, and guide. But the also rob, cheat, confuse and mislead.

Matthew 12:36 tells us we will give an account for every casual, idle word we speak...God knows how important our words are. James wrote a lot about the power of the tongue.

So, watch your words today and every day. Surrender your tongue, your vocabulary, to God and His Spirit. Let's build up, and not tear down. Let's heal, and not harm. Let's encourage with enthusiasm, and lecture with love.

Give a good word today!

Deena

Quilt of Holes...

I received this in my email...thought it was fitting, considering the struggles I've been dealing with lately...after you enjoy this post, scroll down and join our Praise Rally...


As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartend.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.

An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, "Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.

Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you."

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!

Be blessed, and let your quilt shine to the world...umm...I mean your LIGHT!

Deena

Another Praise Rally...

We had a wonderful time in praise, worship and message today...

So, I'm in the mood for another praise rally.

In the days of the early church, persecution was everywhere.

In order to identify fellow believers, you would greet people with "He Is Risen!"

If they, too, believed...they would reply, "He Is Risen INDEED!"

So..."He Is Risen"....

Your turn!

Deena

She Likes Me, She Really Likes Me!!

Nise' at Thus Far The Lord Has Helped Me has nominated Wholly Devoted with the "Thinking Blogger Award"

I began this blog as an extension of our women's fellowship, which we call "Wholly Devoted". But it wasn't long before God showed me He had greater plans for this blog. Soon I became a part of a network of fellow believers, all struggling with similar issues, all trying to be lights in a dark place.

It is fitting that I receive this award from Nise'. She was the first person I didn't know in "real life" to comment on my blog, and her words blessed and encouraged me to keep going. She is also my playmate on "Junk in the Trunk"...I always know, if I blog it, she will come...and we'll have fun with one another:=)

And now, as a recipient of this award, I get the honor of paying it forward to 5 fellow bloggers who encourage me to think, to be real, and to stay the course...and I think selecting 5 more to receive this award is an even higher honor than receiving it in some ways...

The participation rules are simple:
1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think

2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme

3. Optional: Proudly display the 'Thinking Blogger Award' with a link to the post that you wrote


So, without futher rambling from me, here are the bloggers I've chosen, in no particular order:

1) Robin at "Little Bits of Life"---this precious lady started the "Bloggity Book Club" and got us ready a book by Beth Moore that changes lives and sets women free...she's not afraid to make us laugh by showing her humanness...I only wish she had time to blog more often...love you, Robin!!

2)Shannon at "Rocks In My Dryer"---I never know if she's going to make me laugh...think...or cry...but I never leave her blog empty...love you, Shannon!!

3) Jana at "The Joy Box"...This is a recent bloggy discovery, but I've enjoyed every minute I've spent there...learning about Grandpa...
forgiving myself...and laughing about our children's efforts at independence...Love you, Jana!!

4) Sharon Hinck at "Stories for the Hero in All of Us"...Sharon is a gifted author who doesn't receive enough credit for her writing, in my estimation. She has penned two novels in the Becky Miller series that entertained me, taught me, and opened up my emotions once again, to be able to feel God move in my life again. I just adore her, love her writing, and want you all to meet her...love you, Sharon!!

5) Heth "From Under the Laundry Pile"---she gave me cravingsthat wouldn't quit...made me laugh at life's quirky ways...and gives me food for thought...sort of! Love you, Heth!!

And there you have it...now go visit these special ladies!!

Be blessed!

Deena

An Easter Prayer...

Lord,

Thank You for the gift of HOPE
You gave us on Easter Morning.
Because of You we know
that no problem is too difficult
and even death has no power over us.

Thank You for the gift of JOY
You gave us when You were resurrected.
Because of You we know that
no matter how challenging life may be,
in the end we will rejoice again.

Thank You for the gift of LOVE
You gave us when You laid down Your life.
Because of You we know that
there is no sin too great to separate us
and we are incredibly valuable to You.

Thank You for the gift of LIFE
You gave us when You left the tomb.
Because of Easter we know
that this world is just the beginning,
and we will spend forever in Heaven with You.

We celebrate You, JESUS,
with hearts full of praise and gratitude
for who You are and for all You've done for us.

Amen!

Holly Gerth, Writer, Dayspring.

Happy Easter!

Deena

An Easter Message from Beth Moore...

To read about more from Beth, click here

Be blessed!

Deena

Join me at...

The Prayer Wall...

Sharing the Wealth...

I'm tapped out for today...fighting off another wannabe migraine headache and praying it's just sinus pain...

But here's some food for thought for you to go and check out...

A Build Your Bible Knowledge Quiz with an Easter Connection

And a take on The Good Friday Life by Mark Galli...

Enjoy, and be blessed!

Deena

Praise Rally!

Been hanging out at my fun blog, "Junk In The Trunk"...and been listening to Carmen all morning...songs like "I Love Jesus" and "Who's In the House" on Mission 3:16...so I was wondering...

I Love Jesus!
Yes I Do!
I Love Jesus!
How 'bout you?

Any takers??

Be Blessed...and shout out!!

Deena

Mom, The Wind Beneath My Wings

This is an article I'm submitting to CWO's Mom Moments Challenge, sponsored by Darlene Schacht, author of The Mom Complex. But it is also a tribute to my mom, now with Jesus 8 months and counting. She would have been 79 on April 24th.

She was born April 24, 1928 to Allen and Winnie Jordan in Oklahoma. She was born again 10 years later in Corcoran, California, and her life would never be the same. Most people knew her as Jean Ward. I simply knew her as Mom.

When Jean gave her heart to God, she held nothing back. She was baptized by Elvis...Elvis Thurmon, that is. Mom continued to serve God in His church throughout her teenaged years, singing special music, leading devotions and attending many fellowship meetings as a representative for her church.

At the age of 17 she married her sweetheart, Les Ward, just back from his service in the U.S. Army during WWII. They wed February 10, 1946; Dad said it was the best $5.00 he'd ever spent.

Mom wandered away from God in the early years of their marriage. She had three kids in three years, and worked most of the time helping to support their young family. But after 16 years of life kinda sorta living for God, she and Dad got serious. By the time I was three years old, she had begun taking me to Sunday School. By the time I was seven, we were in church faithfully every Sunday.

Dad was a wanderer at heart, but Mom held her ground. She wanted me raised in a consistent home, in church, and not moving every few years whenever the wind blew and Dad got the itch. She was respectful of Dad, but firm in her wishes, taking them to God in prayer.

We stayed in the same town for 15 years, and the same church for 20. Most of my childhood memories are wrapped up in some church activity...attending women's meetings with my mom, helping with fundraisers, watching her serve as church secretary and teaching me how to do it, hosting missionaries and guest preachers, and praying.

Lots and lots of praying.

That was one of two constants in my life. Mom always believed in me, and Mom always prayed for me. I knew if she said, "I'm praying for you, Baby," she meant it. I can still picture her, kneeling by her bed, hands clasped and head bowed in fervent prayer for some need.

One of my most vivid memories was a time when we were financially in need, and our church helped us out. First thing my mom did was hold hands, bow down and give thanks to God. I didn't understand it. We had help...why was she crying? She told me it was because she was so grateful to God for providing.

I've always thanked God for His provision, even in the smallest things, because of her example.

I pray, because Mom taught me that is the power a woman has. To pray to her God for her family and friends, and even for her enemies. Prayer is the key that unlocks any door, and lights any path. It is communication with our Father, and He loves to hear His children pray.

I still remember a few years ago, when Mom was all alone after Dad passed away and my step-dad had unexpectedly died as well. She was worried about a situation in her life, and she prayed about it. She called me and was sobbing, "I just can't believe it," she said. "All the universe, and God sees me. Little old me, and He loves me. I'm just so amazed by that."

And that was Mom. So in tune with God, but still so in awe of His wonderful love. Her favorite praise hymn was "Open The Eyes of My Heart, Lord"...because she longed to see Him.

And now she does.

She was my best friend, my biggest fan, and I miss her so much. I'm proud to be her daughter, and I love and cherish her example to me.

I love you, Mom. Thanks for teaching me to be a prayer warrior. I'm not quite as diligent as you were, but I'm working on it.

Be blessed,

Deena

Psalm 103:1-15

1 Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise His holy name.

2 Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits--

3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you
with love and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your
youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

7 He made known His ways to Moses, His deeds to the people of Israel:

8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

9 He will not always accuse, nor will He harbor His anger forever;

10 He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him;

12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.

14 for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.

Oh, Father, praise Your name! Thank You that You forgive us! Thank You that You remember our sins no more! Thank You that Your love for us is so great we cannot even begin to comprehend it! Thank You that You have compassion on us, that You know we are weak! We are jars of clay, with the Spirit of the Living God inside us...fragile beings with the Unbreakable dwelling within! Thank You, God, that Your mercies are new every morning, and Your grace is sufficient for me. Forgive my unbelief, my doubt, and my fear. Flood my soul with Your light, and let it pour out of me today. Bless everyone who reads here today in unexpected ways that remind them of Your love and Your compassions...and I humbly ask to be included in that blessing, Lord.

Amen.

Be blessed today...of course you will! I prayed, so be watching!!

Deena

I Am Convinced

"Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed,
and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted
to him for that day," II Timothy 1:12

This Is Harder Than I Thought...

When I first told some friends about my on-line blog, they were a bit shocked. "You mean, it's like a journal that anyone can read?" Well, of course it is...it's on the web!

And that didn't bother me...I had things to say, and it was nice to have them read. But then the dark clouds began to roll in, as they do from time to time...

And suddenly the things I had to say revealed more of me than I was used to revealing.

So, I thought for awhile about closing down the blog. Just packing up my keyboard and leaving cyberspace.

But then a sister in Christ posted a comment that struck a chord inside me. Something about being real...

I hear that alot from people. They like the fact that I'm so real...with me, you know what you get. I tell them that I'm such a mess, I can't hide it very well anyway. But even in being genuine...it only goes so far...and then you find the mask behind the face...

Ever do that? Put your "real face" on, and the mask underneath...so that if people get by the first one, the second one shields you from too much scrutiny? After all, people can only handle so much of me...if they ever got it all...well...

But God isn't content with a face, mask underneath. He wants it all out there...Strenths and weaknesses, successes and struggles, triumphs and temptations, happiness and heartaches, victories and defeats...the whole enchilada (oh, great...now I'm hungry again!)...

So, I make this promise to you, my reader...my friend...I will always be honest. As real as I can be. As genuine as brand named.

And when I peel it back and uncover another mask...I'll work to get it off...because I don't ever want anyone to feel the need to pretend with me. To have to hide themselves because "I just won't get it"...

It won't always be pretty. Sometimes it will be downright messy. But if you can handle it...then stick around. If not, there are tons of other blogs out there that will cheer you up and encourage you in other ways.

Life is hard right now, but this one thing I know...God is good, all the time. And it will be better one day.

Be blessed, and thanks for hanging in there with me!

Deena

My Response...

I really don't have one. I've been mulling it over in my head, and everything I come up with doesn't seem to answer satisfactorily.

So, I'll keep it simple, and if it sparks a debate, so be it.

My flesh is evil.

My spirit is holy (because His Spirit dwells within me now...not because of anything I've done).

Feeding my flesh contributes to my evilness.

Feeding my spirit contributes to my holiness.

There are basic needs my flesh needs; sleep, food, water, shelter, love, relaxation, etc.

Satisfying any of those needs in an immoral or amoral way is sin. And the enemy will do all he can do to to convince me that the way I choose is perfectly fine. With him.

But it's not with me.

If what I choose does NOT draw me closer to God...then I'm feeding my flesh, not caring for it, and it is sin.

Does that make any sense at all? These are the random thoughts I've pondered all weekend.

Be blessed,

Deena

For an even better explanation, check out Rachel Hauck's post here.

I Need Refreshing...

I feel stale in my soul. Like the air is thick and filled with "stuff"...the water is polluted, not poisoned, but just no longer clear. Like my heart is clogged and things are backing up.

I need a fresh view of Jesus. I need a fresh filling of His Spirit. I need renewal.

Is it any coincidence that our church is studying "Downpour" by James MacDonald??

Listen to these words from the title song: Here where self and sin and sadness/ have displaced the oil of gladness/ here in barren desert madness,/weary and dry/cannot run or walk, I'm crawling/ but through shame I hear You calling/ clouds of mercy, raindrops falling/downpour, I need a downpour....

I have a sadness in my soul that weighs so heavy...for my daughter, for her future...for my mom, for missing her so badly I ache...for the ones I love who are hurting...

And there is no oil in my soul...no lubricant to keep things moving, to keep the rough spots from tearing...to keep it from cracking and splitting open, oozing pain and hurt...

Oh, God, how I need a Downpour from You!!

Am I all alone in this? Does my voice echo in the canyon of fear and doubt? Or do I hear you calling as well, "Lord, refresh me, please!"

Can I hear from you today? I don't care if it is anonymous or not...can I hear from you today?

Deena