From the Devotional Book

In the words of Oswald Chambers, "Dreaming about a thing in order to do it properly is right; but dreaming about it when we should be doing it is wrong."

Can I just tell you that on the day I read this one...it hit me square in the eyes. For several reasons.

1) I had missed doing my devotions in my Oswald Chambers book for a few days. I read other things...---but when I picked my book back up, I flipped first to the "day at hand".

"SMACK". Right between the eyes.

2) Yes, I had been dreaming. But to put action behind my dreams scared me to death! But still...

My mother always told us, "Actions speak louder than words". Yes. I know. A mother's wisdom.

Oswald goes on further, "When we are getting into contact with God in order to find out what He wants, dreaming is right; but when we are inclined to spend our time in dreaming over what we have been told to do, it is a bad thing and God's blessing is never on it....'neither sit nor stand but go.' "

It is alright to wait before the Lord to get the instructions. Or the roadmap---but there are times, when He bids us go--have faith in Him and go---and He directs us step by step.

Wanda's favorite verse was Psalm 27:14. Wait on the Lord. As you are waiting "before Him"...meaning on your knees, in your prayer closet, or on your face, in your private devotions, He is doing the strengthening. He will be your strength. When you feel you have gone your absolute limit....give it up.

To Him. And when He answers, however He may choose to answer, give Him all the praise.

We do. We give God the glory and praise for Wanda's life and testimony. AND for what He continues to do---through the faithful perseverance of one darling sister. We praise Him.

Thanks for sticking around with us! We promise to post more faithfully! We are blessed to be sisters of faith with you!

A Letter From Heaven

Dearest Sisters,

I love what you're doing for the Lord! It is so exciting to see and hear the good reports being broadcast throughout heaven of the lives being touched and hearts changing---eyes looking to Christ! As it is written in the Most Holy Word, "Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne."

Paul's words are so fitting for what I need to share---however, I will change the word "brothers" to "sisters"---for dear ones, that is what you are!

"When I came to you, sisters, announcing the testimony of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and power, so that your faith might not be based on men's wisdom, but on God's power." (1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Holman CSB) I can say with all assurance for your sometimes weary hearts, "No eye has seen, no ear heard and you could not imagine---try as you might---the glories awaiting your souls---what God has prepared for those who truly love Him!" (paraphrased 1 Corinthians 2:9) I think, after having met that dear brother Paul, who penned those words to the Church at Corinth, he truly meant an exclamation point to end that sentence! He is full of the brightest joy you can imagine!

If I could share with you my heart from this side today, it would be, keep on. Go further. Tell more. Love deeper. Live everyday as if you'd not have another. Take delight in the simple things. See God in everything. Let go of the burdens you are trying to carry alone. He really is there to lift you up! Most of all, never quit---don't look back. Only ahead at what lies before you! The journey is so worth the destination!---no matter how rocky at times.

It's almost time! We are anticipating the trumpet sound as you are! For when that sound is heard---we will be joined again! And joined as the spotless Bride of Christ! I love you all!

Keeping the faith!

Wanda

Now, before anyone thinks I've lost my marbles, ---I do know that this didn't come from Wanda---but if she could share with us today...maybe this is what she would encourage us to do. Don't you think?

In my cleaning out and going through books, I found one of her note cards that I had bought her several years ago. Only one card left. It is blank. The message was clear to me. No words could express fully the joy, the prize, the splendor she has experienced so far! I am glad for her...although there are days my heart aches to see her. I know one day soon we will!

After the funeral service, I became violently ill at the graveside. Jeff got me to the bathroom at the backside of the church just in time. No necks were hugged, no further condolences accepted, I needed bed rest. I think it was a virus, Jeff thought it was stress and strain. Nevertheless, it was sickness that laid me out.

Back at mother's house, in her clean pajamas and shivering with a chill in her bed, the movie of the week began to replay over in my mind. Slow motion. As I lay there and wept, words came to me, almost of their own volition. I tried to call out to Aimee to bring me a pencil and paper so that I might take them down to remember, but my voice was weak from being sick and the bustle of the house by that time, too loud to be heard. I silently prayed that the Lord would help me remember the words that seemed to fly to my heart from an unknown Land. I posted them along with the poem that Aimee had written about Wanda's life in February of 2o08. I share them again now.

Family, don't cry for me now.
For the place I am saving,
Is for the way you are each paving,
That others should know Him.
As we were all taught.

So love one another,
Clinging only to Him,
Know that I'm whole now,
And happy with Him.

For you all I'll be waiting,
Just a hop skip and jump,
Soon you'll all join me,
Why, you're over the hump!

Remember it takes dedication,
Determined heart too,
The way won't be easy,
But this I know you can do.

For you'll be led by the Master,
His hand you hold tight,
And remember to love Him
With all of your might.

Talk to you later!

Love, Wanda

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sisters of faith---readers so faithful, keep on keeping on! It is a true honor and joy to know and share life and faith with each of you! Every single one of you blessed mine and Aimee's life immeasurably by your participation to the Bible Study!

We love you all!

Keeping the Faith,

Angie

Our Faith

We learned by example.  Our mother was our example...and she lived Jesus.  Every single day.  Good times and bad--Jesus was there.  She still lives that example today.

We were raised in the Assemblies of God faith.  We stand firmly planted in the belief's of the fundamental truths today.

These are nonnegotiable tenets of faith that all Assemblies of God churches adhere to. This list is derived from the official Statement of Fundamental Truths. Click links below to see the complete original statement with scriptures. (Taken from the General Counsel of the  Assemblies of God website.)

1. WE BELIEVE...The Scriptures are Inspired by God and declare His design and plan for mankind.
   
2. WE BELIEVE...There is only One True God–revealed in three persons...Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (commonly known as the Trinity).
   
3. WE BELIEVE...In the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. As God's son Jesus was both human and divine.
   
4. WE BELIEVE...though originally good, Man Willingly Fell to Sin–ushering evil and death, both physical and spiritual, into the world.
   
5. WE BELIEVE...Every Person Can Have Restored Fellowship with God Through 'Salvation' (trusting Christ, through faith and repentance, to be our personal Savior). [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the AG]
   
6. WE BELIEVE...and practice two ordinances—(1) Water Baptism by Immersion after repenting of one's sins and receiving Christ's gift of salvation, and (2) Holy Communion (the Lord's Supper) as a symbolic remembrance of Christ's suffering and death for our salvation.
   
7. WE BELIEVE...the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Special Experience Following Salvation that empowers believers for witnessing and effective service, just as it did in New Testament times. [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the AG]
   
8. WE BELIEVE... The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is ‘Speaking in Tongues,’ as experienced on the Day of Pentecost and referenced throughout Acts and the Epistles.
   
9. WE BELIEVE...Sanctification Initially Occurs at Salvation and is not only a declaration that a believer is holy, but also a progressive lifelong process of separating from evil as believers continually draw closer to God and become more Christlike.
   
10. WE BELIEVE...The Church has a Mission to seek and save all who are lost in sin. We believe 'the Church' is the Body of Christ and consists of the people who, throughout time, have accepted God's offer of redemption (regardless of religious denomination) through the sacrificial death of His son Jesus Christ.
    
11. WE BELIEVE...A Divinely Called and Scripturally Ordained Leadership Ministry Serves the Church. The Bible teaches that each of us under leadership must commit ourselves to reach others for Christ, to worship Him with other believers, to build up or edify the body of believers–the Church and to Meet human need with ministries of love and compassion.
    
12. WE BELIEVE...Divine Healing of the Sick is a Privilege for Christians Today and is provided for in Christ's atonement (His sacrificial death on the cross for our sins). [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the AG]
    
13. WE BELIEVE...in The Blessed Hope—When Jesus Raptures His Church Prior to His Return to Earth (the second coming). At this future moment in time all believers who have died will rise from their graves and will meet the Lord in the air, and Christians who are alive will be caught up with them, to be with the Lord forever. [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the AG]
    
14. WE BELIEVE...in The Millennial Reign of Christ when Jesus returns with His saints at His second coming and begins His benevolent rule over earth for 1,000 years. This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel and the establishment of universal peace.
    
15. WE BELIEVE...A Final Judgment Will Take Place for those who have rejected Christ. They will be judged for their sin and consigned to eternal punishment in a punishing lake of fire.
    
16. WE BELIEVE...and look forward to the perfect New Heavens and a New Earth that Christ is preparing for all people, of all time, who have accepted Him. We will live and dwell with Him there forever following His millennial reign on Earth. 'And so shall we forever be with the Lord!'
    

Faith for the Prodigal

"True faith is that which marks a beginning, but you keep it active by your actions. True faith keeps on believing right on to the very end." ~Stephen Potter


Do we have true faith? Can we continue to believe and trust when the situation looks hopeless? Thinking today about faith and trust I wonder at times about my own. Marsha, the mother of missionaries to Africa, told me a couple of months ago, that "many people don't have faith to pray for a situation for the long haul". We can't see the end. We don't know the answer. Are we still going to believe for what we can't see? Are we willing to say to Him, Lord, I don't know what You are doing in this child of mine's life....but I have faith in You and I trust that this child I gave back to You when she was born is under Your watchful eye. The child. No matter how old they grow to be, they will always be your child. They are being watched.

However, the child has a will. To do right or wrong. To choose evil over good. The choice is a gift God gave to each of us. We have the right to determine which path to take. The wide one that looks easy as pie? Or the narrow, winding, sometimes even treacherous road that at times has a fog on it so thick you can't see your hand in front of you. That's the road that is toughest in the here and now. But it's the "then" ---the "eternal" that we are trusting for . It's what we are believing for.


When you give birth to that precious little babe, they don't come with a tag like washing instructions...."pre-shrunk---will not shrink, machine wash gentle cycle, no bleach, tumble dry low, iron medium heat if necessary". There is no label that says, "rebellious, firm hand, but loving, sniff clothes regularly".


It is hard to say---or point to a day when the loving child turns into the prodigal. The one that wants to take all his or her possessions and leave for "the better life". Humph. Better indeed.


The passage labeled as the "Parable of the Lost Son", has a few verses I want to point out. You know the story by heart. But read this:

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:17-20 NIV (emphasis mine)


While he was still a long way off. The KJV says "great way off". In my minds eye, I see that father. I think the father watched the roadway every day with "expectation". Not only did he desire his son to come home, he expected him to come home. He wasn't sure what condition he would arrive in. But he knew he would come home. In the deepest part of his heart, he knew that at some point he would reach the end of himself, and that his selfish ways would bring him to his knees. Right smack-dab in the middle of the pig pen.


I believe he watched expectantly for years. I don't think the prodigal's funds were lost in a week. Not even a month. I believe it was years. The Bible clearly tells us what the "lost son" was doing ---but until the son arrives back home in a state of shame...the only thing we know that the father did while his son was away...was watch and wait. I think he watched everyday. The Bible makes no comment about the mother of the son. She may not have even been living. But if she was, I like to believe, that while the father was outside watching the roadway, the mother was inside on her knees praying for the child to find the right road home.


Sometimes the mother does both. Watching and praying for each prodigal to make it home.


Oh, by the way, go ahead and get their garments ready, get the family ring shined. Get the bathtub set, the water just right, soaps, towels all in place. For isn't that him? Coming just now down the road?


Father, my heart cries out to You for each prodigal. I was one. You, O Lord have never turned Your back on one seeking You. You have lavished us with Your love and attention. May we each love our own prodigals as You have loved us. With compasssionate love. Forgiving love. Merciful love. Teach us Your ways O Lord. I praise Your holy name for all that You are, all that You desire to be in me, and all that You are bringing to pass in our lives for Your glory. In Your holy name I pray~Amen.


Keeping the Faith,
The Sisters (Angie)

Grace under fire....

Is not just a TV show. It is real life.


I never watched the TV show...but I have lived the life. Grace under fire.

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2Corinthians 12:9 KJV

Grace is the presence, favor and power of God. God's grace and power are clearly visible in a profound, irrefutable way while we are in the midst of our tribulations. In the middle of our weakness God comes in with His awesomeness....and just blows the lid off the situation....sometimes.....
And then sometimes we are instructed to wait....

"I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say on the Lord." Psalm 27:13-14

That is Wanda's verse. We each have our own...for the different times of our lives. You probably do as well. I have held this one as well. What is so odd....or maybe not, Wanda has been praying this "strengthen thine heart" prayer...as have we for her, and one of the doctors stated-seemingly in amazement "for the condition she is in, her heart is surprisingly strong".

No surprise to God. He has strengthened her heart. As He has ours as we have watched. And waited. And trusted.

The neatest thing happened yesterday. We have accepted the fact that Wanda will be on oxygen....and she has accepted it. My friend (the seamstress---crafty creator of all things fabric, Vivi--aaahhnnnne--as I pronounce it with extreme Southerness), has gladly accepted the task of creating Wanda a "Vera Bradley" -look alike- purse with matching oxygen tank cover. We had discussed that morning, the need for measurements for the tank cover. Hmmmm. My brother, Charlie works with a medical supply company that sets medical equipment of all kinds in homes. But I didn't have time to call him and give him a full explanation---which he'd want---before he measured anything---(since he's a guy and all).

Anyway (I feel myself chasing a rabbit here), shortly after I had hung up the phone with Vivi--aaahhnnne (sorry, I must do that each time--I am from the South!), a client walked in that had been in before. Wait---she ---- had----her very own ----- oxygen tank. Now how like God is that! I greeted her in my "officie, cordial way" and then said, "Mrs. S0-and-so (remember confidentiality and all), I have a crazy question for you"---she smiled---"I would like to measure your oxygen tank". She kind of chuckled and said "why, sure". As I got my tape measure, I began to explain the situation with my sister, Wanda. I gave her the short version. Ending with the fact that when she was allowed to come home, she would be on oxygen. I explained the need for her to feel as stylish as possible while breathing!

I gave her a bit of information of the severity of Wanda's condition, ending with the fact that we really were praying for a miracle in her life. She looked me straight in the eye and said, "honey, don't you discount what God can do". Her face was very solemn.

I replied, "No mam, we don't. We have witnessed miracles before as she has faced death head on and the Lord brought her out. We fully expect God to turn this situation around."

She began to describe to me her own heart/lung condition. Her heart was enlarged and had compressed one lung almost closed. Her heart was growing larger and was now starting to compress the other lung. I would have not guessed this at all. She drove herself to our law office. She came in with her tank, purse and brief case. She was very stylish and extremely sweet natured. She told me that in 1991 two of her doctors, her cardiologist and her internist gave her orders to get her affairs in order and be swift. As she told me this I felt the tears and the excitement in me stir. I felt she was sent by God. She was told that in 1991. Folks, it's 2008 in case you weren't aware. See what God can do? Miracles. This precious lady has lived "grace under fire".

I am quite certain that we can each name a place of grace in the midst of a burdensome trial. One so heavy that we crumpled under the load. But with His power, He reached down and relieved us of that burden as we each came to the realization that we could not carry on without Him. And we can't.

So, sister-in-Christ, join these sisters-of-faith. Don't you be carrying that burden alone. Give it over to Jesus right now. He is waiting. His hands are so very capable. To handle each and every one of your needs. None are too big....nor too small.

Can I pray with you? Father, in the precious name of Your only Son, I pray right now that each and every reader of this post will feel Your mighty power flow through their spirit. If they know You in their heart, please encourage them. If they don't know You, please allow them to feel the tug in their heart that each of us felt as we came to the place in our lives that we knew we couldn't do it alone. Lord, we give You us. Just as we are. Right now. Help us. Use us. Enable us to be what You desire. Show us where to turn in every situation. Guide and direct our lives. Be glorified in our lives. Everyday. May each of us feel Your presence as I felt it when You directed that sweet lady into my path. Thank You Lord for that. You are awesome in Your grace. In Your sweet name I pray---believing---trusting----~Amen.

Thank you for hanging around to read it all! Either Aimee, or myself (Angie) will post as often as we can. Things we get from Wanda...we will sign off for her. My sisters are an incredible blessing to me. Always there.

Keeping the Faith,

The Sisters