NEW POST BELOW why did I start this blog you may ask... well......

A million and two years ago, I began this online journal as a way to store and print my prayer journal. I am going to see what I can do to get back to that. My plans are to take out any "identifiers" and totally personal stuff...and then share my prayers. I like to write my prayers out a lot of times. It is so cool to go back through them a year later or more and see what all God has answered. What has changed, how much you have grown! So anyways, in the next few weeks I will start posting from my prayer journal. I haven't decided if I want to go back to when I started keeping it in 2006, or just to move on forward from here. Or maybe a mixture of both?? I was reading through some of it today, and was amazed at how much I prayed to quit smoking. Praise God, that has been fulfilled! I believe it has been two years or so now...
I guess I am giving this warning, as some of you who have been faithful to this blog may begin wondering what in the world I am posting, and how it doesn't make sense to my life right in the here and now. Remember that some it may be three years old. Wow, I guess that makes me ready to celebrate my 3 yr old Christian Self!! No wonder I am off track sometimes, I am only THREE

journal 2006

I was thinking about all the various times in my life that I went to church, yet how I NEVER had a relationship with God, with Jesus, with the Holy Spirit! It just never occurred to me then it was missing from my life. I have felt a longing in my life, but never knew exactly what it was. Thank God that he never gave up on me..even when I showed no interest at all!! I am so thankful that I got to know my creator. That he became personal to me. I have a purpose, how cool is that? God has been working on me for years and years. Thankfully God does not get as easily discouraged as we sometimes do. Close your eyes, talk to God...absorb what he is telling you. He is willing to listen, anytime, anywhere, about anything.

Dear God, Your unconditional love and forgiveness has become my motivation for holy living, I am yours. I accept by faith that you have given me your Holy Spirit, and he now resides withing me. I trust you to lead me thru your Spirit to reach others, and to act and think as Jesus would act and think. Guide me to live my life as you would....today and always.
much love, Michelle

March 30th 2006

Dear Heavenly Father, Thanks for being such a trusting God and believing and encouraging us along the way. Help me Lord to do a better job with what you have given me. Help me to keep in focus that all things are YOURS. The I show I can be trusted, the more I will be trusted. I want to be worthy of what you give me to care for.
Thank you Lord for allowing me to try again in gaining your trust. Continue to watch over my family. Protect them and put a shield around them to keep them safe from evil. Help me to be a better example!! In His Name, Amen

March 29th 2006

Dear Lord, Please guide me as I am growing in you.
Please help me to not let external factors make such an impact on me and my attitude. Forgive me for letting anger and jealousy set my mood and actions. None of that does anything to bring Glory to you. Thank you for desiring my happiness and well being. you are the "voice of truth" and I need to let my pride take a backseat and " cast all of my own crowns" for your good. Thanks for providing for all of my needs. Please watch over Carrie and Allen. Protect them and continue to work on their hearts Lord. I want them to have eternal life--- to live forever! Thank you for helping me to learn how to deal with----------- things are going better and I couldn't have done it without you!! In Christ name I pray, Amen

Wisdom from Rick Warren

"Never confuse activity with productivity....... Ask, Does this activity help me to fulfill one of God's proposes for me life?? Rick Warren

March 26, 2006 from my prayer journal

Dear Father God, Today I listened to a song , "Praise you in this Storm", by Casting Crowns. It is about thanking YOU for not only what you give, but also what you take away. No matter what we are going through, YOU are here for us. How awesome it that! Thanks you for being the same for me no matter what I am going through.

Forgive me Lord for speaking badly of others. I need your help in overcoming this sin in my life. Most is just thought..but I need your protection over my thoughts. Help me to have a servant's heart in all I do.

Thank you for my family. Thank you for Allen and Carrie, please keep them in your safe embrace. Open their hearts Lord that they may seek you out and challenge the wordily views tossed at them. I so want them to have what I have...to have YOU. Thank you for a wonderful awesome husband, much better than I deserve! Thank you for wanting the best for me.

Help me to rely upon you and to come before you with all of my needs. Help me to call upon you with any decision I encounter. Help me to be what you desire Lord and please help me to see what areas of my life you want me to change. I want to follow your guidance and adhere to your purpose for my life.

Please continue to be with my co-workers Lord and show them the positive side of our job. I pray these things in Jesus' Holy name--- Amen

March 19 2006

Our God is an awesome God who raises us up to be with him by pure grace and love. It's all about you God....... I am sorry for ever making it anything else. YOU are so wonderful and I am grateful to be a child of yours!!! Thank you for your love and grace. Thank you for being able to forgive me of my sins and your willingness to help me become stronger and mature in my faith. Thank you for providing me and my family with all of our daily needs. Thank you for guiding us to a church that worships you and you alone. Thank you for power and strength that you give through your son. Help me to be an example to others Lord. Let you light shine through me that I may bring others to you. I pray for the peace to be restored in this land Lord.

October 2, 2005 from my prayer journal

Dear Heavenly Father-
Thank you for the creating me long before I was even thought of. Help me lord to know your purpose for my life. Show me that purpose- guide me to it-help me in all I do, lead to that purpose.
Help me Lord to not focus on worldly things, to not focus on myself... but always to strive to focus on your purpose for my life. Use me as you need to for your purposes. Help me to be willing to sacrifice myself in order to fulfill your purpose Lord.
Guide me in a relationship with your Son. Guide me in discovering a personal relationship that serves you. I know Lord that you know everything about me~~ long before I was even conceived, you even know Lord how long I shall be on this earth. During these days of preparation Lord, to be with you, help my heart to stay true.
I know you care for me and will always be there for me Lord. I thank you for your unconditional love. Be the driving force in my life Lord. Help me to let go of the past and strive toward the future with you as my partner. Help me to become all that you want me to be.
Please remind me that the expectations of those here on earth are not fulfilling my purpose for you. Help me to always see your expectations and make my decisions accordingly. I cannot please everyone Lord, but I desire to please you in all I do.
I know you will never ask more of me than I can achieve. When faced with a challenge, remind me to ask, "does this help fulfill one of God's purposes in my life?" When you audit my life Lord, I want it to reflect your desires.

Help me to live in light of eternity. Help me to see things as they are. Help me to envision my life how you desire it. Help me to always rely upon you when I am tested... especially when you do step back Lord--help me to keep the faith.
Everyday I have is important and given to for a reason. Help me to see the most and keep the purpose you have for my life forefront. Thank you God for all of the gifts you have give me and trusted me with. Guide me to make the best use of these gifts. My eternity is with you.
Help me to NOT indulge my ego at the expense of my soul. Help me to realize that if it is not eternal, it is eternally useless. What is here is temporary. Help me to focus on eternity. Forgive me of my sins Lord and let all I do bring glory to you. In Jesus name I pray Amen......Michelle

bi-polar Christian...

Life is so weird sometimes. Actually, I am so weird sometimes. I had told someone the other day that I have finally figured out what my deal is..I am a self diagnosed bi-polar Christian. I have seasons of total commitment and seasons of being somewhat lost. Seems I have a few months here and a few months there.... every now and again it comes in days instead of months.
I certainly don't desire to be that way, nor do I like it~ so why do I do it?? I love God, I love learning about him, about his plan of salvation, his utter love for mankind. I love Jesus, and am so thankful for what I am granted due to him and him alone. Things will just be going along great in my life. I have this sense of peace that is indescribable.... joy that leaps from my heart, a smile that will not fade.. and then it seems suddenly that I am so disconnected from everything. Though I still love God, though I still seek his will for my life, though I still believe everything I always have~~something is gone, and I feel like I don't know him anymore. I have come to realize that during those "dry times" I have quit my studies, I have slowed or even stopped reading the Bible, I have little to zilch of a prayer life. I don't know why. I don't know what makes me stop doing what I should be to maintain the relationship I have developed. I don't realize it is happening until it has happened, and I realize I lost my connection. I am in a study again, I am keeping my soul refreshed with the Word, I am talking everyday to God. This is where I always want to be. Why would I not do everything I can to be right here?

our trip to Arizona

Mt Lemmon

Mt Lemmon was AWESOME !

Thanks

The roadblock is gone and I am ready to devote myself fully back to God's Will. Thanks to the HOLY SPIRIT for filling me with desire!

Please be praying for my daughter. She has much going on in her life. She seems as happy as ever, but many changes are taking place. She will be leaving again next week to go to Colorado for a short while, and from there on to California for some traveling on the west coast. Please pray for her safety and for her to be willing to allow God back into her life. God Bless!

Thank God, that he will never let me go!

I keep thinking of reason why I haven't written on here, and yet..i think the truth is that I am at a roadblock. Perhaps self imposed?? Sometimes I feel so very close to God, like I can feel his touch. Other times, I feel so far away.... like there is no way I could even fathom him speaking to me. I do not understand why I cannot stay on a steady path. Why do I allow myself to waver, when it makes me feel miserable?
I do know the difference of having God in my life or not having God in my life, and I know FOR SURE the difference it makes. I know how much happier how much more at peace I am..how I see the joy all around me. And yet, I allow myself to become distanced. I don't do it on purpose. It starts as one small slip, and then leads into this huge gap in my life.
I find myself wondering what happened? How did I get from there to here? I think it is the same with alot of things in our lives, but of things that truly make our life complete.. it is the one and only. Why would I not continually nourish that which makes me complete?
I'm still working on figuring it all out. I never want to go back to where I used to be though, so I know I have to remove the roadblock. Whatever means are necessary, and discipline myself to keep the road open and working in both directions. Thank you God for never leaving me or forsaking me, even when I place things in the way of my reaching you. Thanks to you for leading me back into your arms, and just holding me until I am ready to get back on my feet again.

Prevenient Grace

I mentioned earlier about Prevenient Grace. That was a new term to me not so long ago. The basic definition of Prevenient Grace is that God is present with us throughout our lives.

Even when we have no plan, God does. Jeremiah 1:5 tells us that God knew us even before he formed us in the womb.

He pursues us throughout our life. He prepares us for circumstances that we will endure. As you go through life doing your "own thing" you will more than likely will feel this yearning for something more... That is God pursuing you.

Someone once told me, "No one can limit you, when the grace of God goes before you." I believe that. Now that I know about Prevenient Grace, I see it all over my life. In my parents, my friends, the Wednesday night church van that came through my neighborhood, small encounters with strangers, a job change, my husband, a place I had no plans of going....

There is only one thing in my life that I do not see the hand of God. I know He had to of been there. I know He certainly carried me through. But I am still struggling to have a clear picture of why. I realize that all things are not revealed to us. I have accepted it (still working on accepting it), and continue to move through it. I pray for the knowledge to comprehend. I believe that God will reveal it to me at the proper time. I have to patient, and know that I am surrounded by Prevenient Grace.

power in prayer

As I mentioned below, I have been going through some old keepsakes. I used to keep a prayer journal. I only do it on occasion now, but finding this, makes me want to get back into the daily habit of journaling prayer. Sometimes it is easy to forget how much God does answer our prayers. Perhaps with a yes, perhaps with a no...or maybe a "just wait."

I wrote the prayer below in my journal, after possible 8 or 9 years of not "belonging" to a church and just a few months shy of attending one. I had forgotten that I had even made these request.

10/2005
Lord, Please give me the guidance in finding a family of believers where I should become a part. Weather that be a place I have been or or somewhere else. I need the contact with other believers. I need to focus on you and share my faith. Help me Lord to be who you desire... Help me to treat everyone with love and respect. Continue to watch over me and guide me on my journey to eternity. Convict me lord through your Spirit of what is unpleasing to you and help me to have a heart of worship and be a faithful servant. Amen! Michelle

That is the prayer I wrote in October of 2005. Shortly after that I began attending Maple Grove Christian Church. I believe in March or April of 2006, I became a member of that congregation. In the fall of 2006 I quit smoking after 20 years (and 20 attempts). I LOVE to worship, and am feeling led by the Spirit more everyday! I am still happy to call MGCC my home, I have met many other believers...and God continues to show me where He wants me to make changes in my life to serve Him. Who would think such a simple and short prayer would make such huge impacts on my life? Praise God!

old studies.. same wisdom

I have been going through some old keepsakes and such..trying to get organized. I came across some notes from previous bible studies. Several things really stood out to me.

1. Practice being in the presence of God.
2. God is present throughout our lives = prevenient grace...can you pinpoint a time in your life that you know that God was with you, guiding you~ even though you had no relationship with Him..maybe you had never heard of Him.
3. God's love and grace are greater than all of our wrong choices.
4. God's love and forgiveness become our motivation for Holy living, not vice versa. Just accept His grace! You cannot do anything to earn favor with God. It is through the grace of Jesus' death that you have favor.
Learn to be happy with who God made you to be.
5. You can receive daily deliverance from the power of sin by calling on the Spirit. Galatians 5:16 "So I say, live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of sinful nature." The authority of Satan has been broken, it cannot touch us, unless we allow it.
6. Focus on the Problem Solver, not the problem.
7. James 4:8 "Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.
8.What would others say is the driving force in my life? What do I want others to say is the driving force in my life? What do I need to change to make these match?
9. Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1John 4:4
10. NO matter who you are or what you have done, if your faith is strong enough, He will heal you. He was the last choice for the woman in the bible who had a bleeding issue, yet He helped her. He will do the same for you, when you reach through the masses, He knows. He will hold your hand.
11. James 4:7 Resist the devil and he will flee from you.(memorize this verse)
12. "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1Peter 5:8
13. Have something that you want to do, and you just can't? Jesus can, and will. He lives in you. Call on His power and stand firm.
Luke 5: 1_11 It is not too late.

Life is Good

Hello! God just continues to bless me! Life is good, and I love it :-)

I have had the privilege of meeting some totally awesome people over this past year and been fortunate to establish relationships with them. This has been so wonderful to have in my life.

This past weekend my husband had the opportunity to go on the "Emmaus Walk". Never wanting to give any pre-conceived ideas of it..I won't go into any details of the actual activities......... But let me tell you~ his heart was touched, and therefore mine was too!

Please please take an opportunity to get signed up for this. They are going on again this fall, and I promise you that it will be so worth your time. Quit making excuses, quit letting the busyness of life control you. Take a stand, and take 72 hours out of your schedule in a years time to re-acquaint yourself with God. If you do not know someone that has gone that can sponsor you, call me!! Let God be in control, be silent...listen
Ask him and see what he might have you do. If it laid upon your heart, let me know.

I am actually working the walk this weekend. I get so refreshed being able to help others have the experience, that I think I will make it at least an annual commitment of mine!

Things have really been going forward at our new church site. Thank God that we have some incredible people who allow their time to be used to bless others. We have had great volunteers, as well as our pastoral staff, that have put in major hours of work. We have had a great number of visitors and it has just been so refreshing reviewing all of activities and beliefs. I am really excited to see what all God is going to do at Maple Grove Christian Church. He is mighty indeed! If you are looking for a church to call home, please consider stopping by. We are located at 1503 W Simpson Chapel Rd, Bloomington.

Blessings

Beautiful weekend, other than all of the rain...

I got a fabulous surprise Sunday when my son and his girlfriend showed up at our church. What a joy to see his face! I love that kid like crazy!! While we were sitting there during the service, it kept coming to mind how God must feel when we come to him. I was so overjoyed at seeing my firstborn, I just kept thinking...wow, imagine the rejoicing God does when we submit ourselves to him. When we quit running and we ask him to be a part of our lives. I know for me, having Allen there Sunday made the whole day alot brighter. I can't even fathom what God experiences when we choose to be a follower of his.

I am blessed and want nothing more than those blessings to be Allen's to stake claim of as well. If we want the best for our children, if we suffer when they do, and rejoice when they do....... How much more so does God do this for us? Indescribable indeed! You are amazing God.........you placed the stars in the sky~~

prayer commercial

prayer video

WOW, THANKS

Thanks, thanks, and THANKS for the prayers! The test came back showing the tissue to benign! PTL !!
I have tell you I have never felt so wrapped up in my life! It was so amazing to be so completely free from worry and fear and all that jazz! I seriously felt like I could handle anything at all that was thrown my way. I know the reason behind that is the prayers of God's people..intercessing for me specifically! WOW, how totally awesome! I have just basically floated through the last several days.

To God be the Glory forever and ever and ever, Amen!

Today's Devotional by Rebecca Livermore

"I just can't do it."

Have you ever spoken those words when faced with a task that seems too great? I have! Perhaps you've been offered a promotion at work, but are afraid you're not skilled enough. You may have been asked to teach a Sunday School class, but fear you don't know the Bible well enough. God may have put it on your heart to write a book, but the voice that clamors for your attention says that you'll fail. Often the thing that God lays out for us to do is bigger than we are.
Our Weakness Reveals God's Strength The good news is, it isn't at all about our goodness, strength, or wisdom. In fact, the opposite is true. God chooses those who are inadequate in and of themselves so that the ultimate glory goes to him. You see, when we serve out of our weakness and God's strength, it is obvious to everyone that the power of the Holy Spirit and not the strength or wisdom of man has accomplished great things.
Depend on God each day as you go about your business, acknowledge that you can't do it, but God can. Put your dependence completely on God for his strength, wisdom and goodness - not your own. Throw yourself into the arms of Jesus and ask him to carry you as you do the work he has called you to do. As you begin to see success, don't forget that it is God who strengthens you, provides the ability for you to do the work, gives you favor, and opens doors. It isn't about you, but about the God who deserves all the honor and glory. He is the One who should be acknowledged in the midst of "your" success.

Devotional by Rebecca Livermore

See all Light Reflection Daily Devotionals
Rebecca Livermore

Its more than just going through the motions

God is Good!

God is good........all the time !

Thanks for all the prayers yesterday! I did feel His hand upon me (perhaps under me, holding me up) yesterday! I felt great peace and was amazed at how totally calm I have felt all the way around.

The procedure was basically painless....quick, and the people were caring and friendly. I came home, went to bed and the rest is history.

I will get the results of the biopsy on Wednesday afternoon, so I do appreciate your continued prayers. The doctor doing the procedure said that upon actually seeing the area that he believes the percentage of it being cancerous is low. I go in at 3:00 on Wednesday, and will let you know what I find out! Either way, I KNOW who is in control and all things happen for a purpose far greater than we can comprehend.

God Bless!

Open House

Tonight is our open house at the new church grounds!! It is from 6 until 7, come if you can!! Be in prayer over our move and our steadfastness to do God's work.

I did find out yesterday that I have to have a biopsy done on Monday for a solid mass that an ultrasound showed in my left breast. Please be in prayer for me to stay calm and be at peace until I know the results..well even after I know them! :-) I get the results on Wednesday.

The little things

I have waited a little while to comment on this, as I have been unsure of what to say.... A lady that I have been working with for the past few months lost her husband just recently. Very tragic accident at his workplace. I never met him, but have heard wonderful things about him. Great wonderful family man /husband/father/brother/son/friend. I went to pay my respects to this fine Christain gentleman, Tim McCammon. I was so uplifted by the many that came to honor him and to support her and their children. It brought tears to my eyes to see the people pouring out of the building..wrapping around it on all sides..just waiting to pay respects to this family. The whole entire day was like that, as well as the evening, and into the night. From what I hear until close to midnight people came from near and far. I believe it was close to three hours before I had the honor to give my support to this family. Though it was overwhelming~ sad and so hard to comprehend~ how amazing to see what a great testimony to God this family continued to give to each and everyone of us who came. How any of them were still standing, was by God's mighty hand..and they were not hesitant to tell you so.
I find myself thinking about Tim and DeAnna all the time. Little things especially make me stop. We take so much for granted each day. Especially the little things we have come to expect. I am thankful that they will all be together again, but I still think about NOW. How do you just go on? What a heaviness on your heart to just have your life turned upside down.
I have prayed countless prayers for this family, and I want to ask you to do the same. Lift them up, pray for their strength, encouragement, tenacity... Pray for God to wrap them tightly and keep them close. Bless them. I pray that through this tragedy, triumph comes. I pray for someone who knew Tim or maybe who didn't even know him, to see the example of his life. To let it make an impact on their own lives, that they too can be a representative of Christ. We know that God does all things for good, for He himself tells us so. He also tells us that it will not all be revealed to us until it is time. He does have a plan. He wants you in it. From what I understand, so did Tim. Let us honor him in this.

Today's Verse

Today's Bible verse hit home with me.

James 3:9-10
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.

How very easy it is to see the faults of others and even let their "faults" become our focus. Why is it so easy to see where other people are making major mistakes, saying rude things, and just all around doing a poor job of representing Christ...and yet our own lives could reflect theirs as if it were a mirror? Even though this is the case many times, we see it in their lives, but are totally blind to it in our own. Even if we are not blind to it, we certainly excuse it or defend it. We are no different than our brother.

Luke 6:42 How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

Make Time for Prayer

Make Time for Prayer

"Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened. "Or what man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone? "Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! (NAS, Matthew 7:7-11)

Prayer is loving communication with God. Prayer may be long or short, alone or in a group, silent or aloud, but should be a true communication with God and not done for public recognition.

God promised to answer our prayers and give us everything we need and more. But a wise parent will not give a child everything he or she wants. Similarly, prayer is not a magical trick to get anything we want or a "quick fix" for problems that we should be solving ourselves. God answers prayer requests in His own way in His own time, and will not grant requests that are against His holy and wise purposes, are selfish in nature, are not in our best long-term interest, or those made with impure motives.

Often, we must be persistent in prayer. The answer, when it comes, may be in a form radically different than we expected, and we must be alert to that possibility. Sometimes, the answer must come from within ourselves and persistent prayer will help us find that answer. We may need a new attitude or a different way of looking at things, or we may need to make amends with somebody.

Jesus spent a lot of time praying. He often went to a solitary place and prayed for hours at a time, especially at difficult times in His ministry. Jesus is the great intercessor. He is the one interceding for us every time we speak to God. Let's follow that example and intercede for those we love!

wow, I love PRAYER

The last couple of days have been so refreshing for me! I love being wrapped up in God, and I think this week...I certainly have been.

I had asked for prayer from various people this week to help me not to worry about some test that I am having done. You know how sometimes your mind goes crazy, and even though you know it is useless to worry~ you just worry anyway?? Well, I had been feeling that way exactly! I went to the doctor late last week. They were able to do a few test that she had ordered, but they could not get me in for one of them for about 10 days after it was ordered. No big deal, still good turn around time... just that I have to NOT WORRY for TEN days. I was automatically worried as the doctor felt this place that shouldn't be there. To wait is very hard for me. I am horrible with patience. This use to be totally impossible for me. Heck by the time the appointment rolled around I would basically have my funeral planned, and be picking out songs.

I didn't want to be that way with this. Sooooooo.. I asked for prayer to not be worried, and guess what?? IT WORKED ! Even sitting here typing this, I can smile and feel confident that whatever God may toss at me, I can handle it. I just feel solid peace.

Thanks to the many of you who have taken the time out to pray especially for me. I am grateful.

Another really "cool" thing is that, I am working on the Emmaus walk this Spring. If any of you have ever worked one, you know that through the months of preparation... each worker is assigned a day that everyone prays for them. This assignment is done months in advance. Guess what? The day people on the team are praying for me is Monday. The test I am not worrying about is on Monday.
Is God totally awesome, or what? I am blessed ! He has a plan for me, and is watching out for me all the time... ALL the time.

Who could blame her?