~Last Entry~

Well, it's time to part with you...If you should like to continue our 'friendship' via a weblog, just write me and let me know. Otherwise, I'd like to say that it's been a beautiful journey down that country road and I enjoyed your company.

God bless you as you follow Him.

daune

~I Believe I Could Fly~

I will forever mark this day as being a day of such freedom! For three years we've had our home on the market and it was bought last November sometime...well, it didn't close and didn't close and then circumstances were such that we weren't getting anything from the sale and actually our realtor failed to do all the math and we came up way short...with Jef losing his job, the cash wasn't available...but we continued to believe, speak the Truth to the matter and God put it on the heart of His children in Florida that we have never met to send the money to the attorney and OUR HOME CLOSED TODAY...
To say this has been a fight would be an understatement. We've believed, watched God perform miracle after miracle and the enemy put up one roadblock after another to try and discourage us, etc. But He has taught us to "having done all to stand, stand therefore and put on the armor of God', (my paraphrase!) We watched Him take care of us. Our words stayed lined up with His Word and we let it go over and over...just two days ago the upstairs tenant threatened to call her attorney over a matter that was insignificant and to sue us. Just another smokescreen....loser, devil...The gates of hell will not prevail against the church.
On another note: We did go to church to watch "The Passion of the Christ" and then afterwards, when Pastor Todd stood up and read Is. 53, I could not even open my eyes. This time the thief on the cross hit me...and then I heard the Voice of God speak to my spirit and He said, "I have redeemed you. You did deserve that same punishment, but I took it for you, Daune". I wish I could describe the amazing rush that filled my heart and mind at that moment. To hear Him, to trust His words and know He's got me in His hand and I'm forgiven...at that moment I told Him I'd like to play Mary Magdalene at the tomb on Sunday morning with Jef playing Jesus, like we did two yrs. ago...I asked Jef and he thought it would be cool. Then I approached P. Todd and he was glad I'd brought it up cuz he'd thought of it but forgot...so, if you're in the SA area and want to see a moving skit on Mary meeting Jesus and the exuberance she felt when He called her name, send me an email and I'll send the address!
Today, I took down wallpaper in the livingroom of the home we're in...it was a blast...tomorrow I paint and then on to more walls....I love it...trying to get as much done by Sunday. Our friends are hosting a church picnic here in the afternoon for those who have no family...wanna come?
Well, I'm preaching next Friday nite! My flesh is nervous, my spirit excited...enough said for now.
Jef continues to love playing at Sea World. WE get to start going for free next month...can't wait.
I would have say that the saddest thing for me right now is that Ashley is leaving for Spain by the 1st of April and she has filled such an empty space in my heart for a daughter, that once again my heart will ache to say goodbye. She has become a daughter to me and though she's leaving, we are written on each other's hearts so we'll continue to share our love while she's there, I'm sure.
She came on Tuesday, as usual, and brought many gifts. I was taken aback by the love she has for us and her genuine love for Jesus and His Life. She made me two CD's of music I love...and she also gave me a 2GB card for my camera. I am still in awe! The sweetest gift, tho, was a letter she wrote expressing what we've meant to her. I couldn't read it because it made me cry and couldn't see the words. Jef read it to me and even today when I tried to read it to a friend, I began to cry again. I love how God does that with His kids. We only met Ashley in January, but already we're intertwined in His love. Glory to God! The boys are extremely sad she's going...but their love for her won't die, either. They've been learning the lesson of letting go for a while now and it has only strengthened their resolve to pray for those they've been separated from.
Oh, a short testimony...today, when reading the Ray Comfort book on Biblical Evangelism to them, it was on prayer and so when they prayed, they prayed more so today from their hearts and not ten minutes later they got into a little verbal scuffle due to one's feelings being hurt by the other not showing compassion when the first got hurt...so, when I recommended they sit on the swing and work it out. I prayed that the Word would convict them...well, the one came to the door to show me his cut from falling on the bike handle bar and then he expressed that his brother just didn't care about him and they hadn't resolved the conflict. I told him I'd get a band~aid and that he could then go back and work it out again...well, the other one showed up at the door and I said, "Did God show you anything?" His response was, "Yes"...to which I asked what?...he said, "God told me, 'A brother offended is harder to be won than a fortified city!" I was shocked but more excited that my prayers for their resolution had been answered and then that the Scripture that he told me wasn't what we'd talked about today, but rather something from his daily writings...they're applying the Word in their relationship and that, to me, is worth the daily investment of time I spend reading and the time they write out the Proverb every day. Be encouraged to press in with your children and teach them the Word, while you're walking, laying down, walking along the road...whatever you're doing...it does not go in vain or in one ear and out the other. So he asked forgiveness and they hugged! Conflict over and the devil defeated again...taking back the kingdom by force. Fighting is good as long as we're fighting the right enemy! Not each other.
Learning to love one another and lay our life down for each other is taught in the way we treat each other in our own homes. Then we can legitimately love the unlovely...because He first loved us we can love others. How can ever expect to love ungodly people if we don't love those in our own home? Can't and won't happen. And we really have no choice but to learn it and walk it out or we're just a noisy gong, clanging cymbal, and useless.
Lots of words tonite. Lots of thoughts, lots of events...Keep me posted about the happenings in your home with raising your children to love God and others. It's paramount to being a believer.
Goodnite.
daune

~What We Deserve~

What does your family do to remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? We have never done baskets with bunnies or eggs, but we have taken the kids to the park before the sun came up and watched it rise on a hill and then ate together at one of the picnic tables...We make a point to spend the week reading over again the sequence of events that led to His death and then the best part..."He's Alive"...
Lately, one tradition we've had is to watch "The Passion of the Christ" DVD, usually with friends. I just love discussing the reality of what Jesus did for us with our boys and with others. I remember the first time we went to see it...I couldn't speak for about twenty minutes afterward. What is your take on the depiction of Jesus death in that film?
My favorite parts are when Jesus crushes the snake in the garden as well as the end when He is alive. Our faith is not in vain. He holds the Universe in His hands. He holds me in His hand and I am safe and secure.
Actually, Resurrection Sunday is the best 'holyday' of the year as well as the best holiday, to be sure. It was finally finished; death no longer has its talons in us. We are free, liberated, made clean, and can sit in Daddy's lap once again, just like in the garden...eating every delicious fruit that He created just for our pleasure.
This year, I would really like to celebrate "Easter" differently, but I'm not sure how. I think I'll make it a prayer priority this week. What would bless Him by the way we celebrate His day, His sacrifice and His deliverance? Perhaps dancing wouldn't be enough, but it's a start...
Come to think of it...as a family, the core of our home is Jesus. Everything we do is focused, centered and driven by our heart to know Him...if we didn't follow Jesus, we'd be shallow, empty, useless for eternity.
Now, to only drive that home to the world around us. We live it inside, but I know that, with our words, His love compels us to take it outside these four walls ...getting it right inside is imperative, but it can't end there, ya know...so, perhaps this Easter, my greatest desire to see those lost around me experience this same Resurrected Jesus by my witnessing to them will bless Him the most.
Forever learning to die to self,
daune

~T-W-O- Y-E-A-R-S A-G-O T-O-D-A-Y~

This is how Jef looked when we moved here two years ago...can't get him to wear a beard anymore, so I have to just stare at old pix of him and drool!
It's been two years since we left Buffalo on that cold, snowy day~! How time has flown and here I am, once again, living out of boxes and believing God for EVERYTHING.
We are so grateful to be where we are and to know that He is in charge. I am learning, on the job training, to be used by Him His way, not mine. Life is what happens, they say, when one is making plans. That is very true right now. It feels, at times, like I'm in limbo, but He is teaching me.
Jef started his new job at SeaWorld today and he already loves it. The greatest perk to me is the six free season passes! This is gonna be a great summer and maybe, just maybe, I'll have a tan when the summer is over! The boys are gonna love going to work with daddy and playing all day!
Well, it's late and I must sleep. I struggled all day with a headache and napped for an hour this evening, so I had a little extra energy tonite...the two of us watched, "My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding!" Cute movie...glad I'm not Greek, but for those of you who are, God bless you!


Goodnite.

~We're grateful to be where it's warm~

We hear the weather north is cold and snowy...check out Rach's blog...My sweet granddaughter loves that white stuff...not me anymore.
Here is the last sunset I saw on the ranch...haven't given much thought to the place since we left a week ago...His grace has been all over me. Goes way beyond my understanding, too.

I am focused on where we are right now...in His hands.

Goodnite, or morning~

~A Family Member Gone~

This past week has been tough...yet our Father promised that there is a reward for those who diligently seek Him. We will reap as we continue to sow to the Spirit...

Yesterday we experienced something I believe most moms would rather not have to go through with their children...Caleb's favorite hen, Speckled, died in his arms. She wasn't moving much when they opened the coop and so they put her on a bench to keep an eye on her, held her there and then they put a towel on her to keep her warm, but she kept getting hotter and then finally she fell off the bench and when Caleb picked her up, she passed and ...he yelled, "No, Speckled, don't die." Then he just wept in my arms. .

I tried really hard to hold my tears back for his sake, but the truth is that together we experienced death and for him it was the first time. This was the second chicken gone since Sunday, but hit happened in his arms.

When he prayed a little while later (we'd done it several times to ease his grief), he prayed, "Dear Lord Jesus, I feel sad that I'm more upset about the hen dying than I am for people dying and going to hell"...then he thanked Him for her life and the enjoyment she gave him.

Then this morning we only had seven chickens and I spotted a hawk fly off from the tree by their coop...I yelled and the boys ran out...we grieved again, but later this afternoon, there was a hen roaming around the carport!!! My heart lept for them~!

Tomorrow we're selling them to a homeschool family and our heart is for them to enjoy His gifts just like we have. We believe Speckled died from fear of that hawk...they'll be safe tomorrow.

Here is Caleb with Speckled as a memorial of the sweet times they spent together.

God is teaching my boys to trust Him (and don't we all have learn that?) and I am watching the fruit of my training (that in itself is a gift to me!) and God's faithfulness (Didn't He promise never to leave us or forsake us?).

Caleb came in this morning and said, "I hate the devil." I told him if he wants to fight him to go and worship...he went to his room, turned on the Christian station and blared it and just sang out loudly...he isn't named Caleb for nothin'!

If I'm not around much in the future, it's cuz we've moved and the next chapter has begun...but keep stopping by just to be sure!

Have a great weekend.

daune

~Wordless Wednesday~

~Time Is Running Out~

Check out what Josh did for me so you can see this cute little guy!

The month is ending and we're leaving . The soul sadness I am experiencing can not compare to the glory I shall experience when I see Jesus and He says, "Well done".

That is what comforts me.

Today as I sat at my window with my Bible and notebook journaling, I watched a gopher or some earth digger-upper greet me for a morning chat. He was so engrossed in what he was doing, he gave me a few glances before he continued his laborious work of chewing, digging and changing the landscape I was looking at. Mine were the words, questions, and he would stop, look over, stare at me and then continue on. I was enthralled by his beauty and his determination to chew whatever it was that was necessary for his life to go on. He was fulfilling his purpose in this world...that's what I am to be about. But sometimes that purpose gets blurred by the tears I cry for myself in pity because I want things to be different-like moving, change, times of intense squeezing, the refining of my faith...

I read yesterday that my faith is more precious to my Father than gold, which is refined by fire. So the testings I go through are to strengthen my faith, cause me to bring honor and glory to Him by believing that He is for me, loves me, is working, and will make me just like Jesus...

Deut. 10:12 says:

"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, [13] and to obey the Lord's commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good. [14] The highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the Lord your God. [15] Yet the Lord chose your ancestors as the objects of his love. And he chose you, their descendants, above every other nation, as is evident today. [16] Therefore, cleanse your sinful hearts and stop being stubborn. [17] "The Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and takes no bribes. [18] He gives justice to orphans and widows. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. [19] You, too, must show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. [20] You must fear the Lord your God and worship him and cling to him. Your oaths must be in his name alone. [21] He is your God, the one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done mighty miracles that you yourselves have seen. [22] When your ancestors went down into Egypt, there were only seventy of them. But now the Lord your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky!"

This passage keeps it in perspective for me. My job is to fear Him, love Him, obey Him...

Remember to let me know if you want to stay connected. I probably won't change this blog until after we move.

Have a great day.

~A Beautifully Busy Week!~

This past week has been one of the most rewarding for me. Our family stayed at our pastor's home and cared for their children while they went on a Pastor's retreat for the entire week!~...I so thoroughly enjoyed loving on all the children...I was envigorated by giving to 'the little people'. We went to the park, we laughed, we cleaned, we played, we read the Word on the bed together, we discussed, I learned things about myself that I'd forgotten really mattered to me...like just sitting and holding a three yr. old in my lap while reading to the older boys at the table...she fell asleep and it was heavenly to know I was doing an eternal work. It only strengthened my desire for more children...I did notice that going from six to eight might not have been that big of a change, but going from two to eight was a challenge...
It was a tremendous blessing to watch as members of our fellowship came together to honor their pastor and give to meet needs they had and bless them, as well. What a great God we serve.

Jef and I were able to enjoy Valentine's evening alone! We went to a restaurant that has a very large tree growing in the middle of it. I didn't notice it at first, but I turned to my right and said, "There's a tree next to me...what do they do about ants?" Then I noticed little holes where they probably treat it for them...it was a beautiful evening...and the month isn't even over!~~~

I've really missed keeping up with my posts...due to some situations that have occured recently, I'm going to be leaving this particular blog soon and beginning another one that will be by invitation only. So, if you're interested in continuing to visit my world on the web, please drop me a line. I look forward to hearing from you~Have a great nite!

~Words!~

Proverbs 25:11 (NLT)

"Timely advice is as lovely as golden apples in a silver basket."

(Even though they're not gold, you get the picture!)

We succeed or fail by our words...Words are everything...with words, Creation was brought forth; agreement in words brings about results-good or bad...words change the course of history, they bring life or death.
By our words we will be justified or condemned...Words are the necklaces that grace our life or cause our death by strangulation. How many times have I allowed my words to destroy the very thing that I've been working on growing? How many times have I seen Life bloom by the kind words spoken to my husband and children? It caused their eyes to twinkle and strength to rise up in them! The seeds of those words have taken root and today I know that His Life is growing in their hearts.
Growing eternal fruit is a daily watering with words...His words, kind words, patient words, consistent words.
This week my Father spoke His words to my heart that have caused me to grow stronger, be encouraged to face battles, knowing that His Word does not return to Him empty, but it accomplishes what He sent it forth to do...
If God spoke words to create and the devil spoke words to destroy, "Has God said?" (questioning God's character and words)...then the words I use will either agree with His words or my enemy's...I choose His Words...

~Wordless Wednesday~

Thankful Tuesday!

It's valentine's month around here, so I have put up hearts everywhere...some of these hearts I've carted with us from when we lived in KY, over twenty years ago!
Though I may be packing, I refuse not to celebrate my love, our love together and His love for us, the reason I really enjoy this holiday.

~The Current Is Moving~

Danielle has gone home.
This past week has been life-changing...several different areas of our life were affected this week. Danielle was one of them. Our house still not closing is another one-but the devil is a liar and our home will close by the end of this week!
Recognizing another area of my heart that needed a breakthrough was one more thing. The fight for our health was another one.
We all were hit with a virus and the baby had to leave on Wed. morning for her health...I missed her horribly. She did great at our pastor's home and the love of this body for each other is astounding.
Yes, we are moving this month. One more step in the direction of following our Savior to our destiny. I believe this is the final step. I've kicked and fought it for too long to stay here and the ramifications have been painful...God has forgiven me. His mercy endures forever.
This has also been a week of once again coming to grips with the cost of following Jesus and believing that He is MY Savior, not just Jef's and that Jef isn't my provider-Jesus is. If Jef, God forbid, should leave this earth and go on before me, Jesus would still provide for me. It's past time that I trust Him for me, and not depend on Jef to be my source...I have to believe in Jesus for me. Perhaps I'm not really articulating this properly, but that's ok, cuz as long as I 'get it' and begin to walk in relationship with Jesus the proper way, my family, and in particular, Jef, will be forever changed for the better.
I have a responsibility to feed my dear husband emotionally...to put courage into him...But that's not possible if I'm looking to Jef to meet the needs in me that only Jesus can meet. I made him an idol in my life because I tried to get him to be and do for me when he can't...ouch!
I am Jef's helpmeet. I see now that I've been given such a gift to be an encourager to the one person who I was given to so that he can fulfill his God-given vision on this earth. Putting courage into someone else isn't possible if all you ever do is focus on what they're not doing, complain where they come up short, how "I would do it, if it was me", etc...get the picture? This is what I've been doing...and I've worked the 'system' in a way that has been destructive to our future. No more.
The Word is the way to change the thoughts, words, attitudes and behaviors that have hindered me. I have found much comfort in knowing that God keeps track of all my tears! Nothing is hidden from His sight and He has comforted me and led me forward on a firm foundation, His truth.
This I know: God is on my side! Wow...God is on my side~! Saying that out loud and hearing myself say that encourages me to believe, trust, speak it to Jef and walk in more freedom. I am seated in the heavenlies with Jesus and He is faithful. Psalm 56:1-13 (NLT)

"O God, have mercy on me.

The enemy troops press in on me.

My foes attack me all day long.

My slanderers hound me constantly, and many are boldly attacking me.

But when I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

O God, I praise your word.

I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?

What can mere mortals do to me?

They are always twisting what I say; they spend their days plotting ways to harm me. They come together to spy on me— watching my every step, eager to kill me.

Don't let them get away with their wickedness;

in your anger, O God, throw them to the ground.

You keep track of all my sorrows.

You have collected all my tears in your bottle.

You have recorded each one in your book.

On the very day I call to you for help, my enemies will retreat.

This I know: God is on my side.

O God, I praise your word. Yes, Lord, I praise your word.

I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?

I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.

For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping.

So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light."

~Danielle~

What love the Father has bestowed on me that I should be called a Child of God!

Have I a clue-absolutely not.

But will I allow that to stop me from learning and experiencing His love?

Never...

This past Wednesday, I was crying out to God about the dream of our baby Grace and how the vision for her was dead and only He could resurrect it if that was His plan. That was in the morning. Later on in the afternoon, I received a call from my sister at church asking me if I would talk to my husband about keeping their baby girl for an entire week because they'd been blessed miraculously to go on the K-Love Cruise!!!

We are so honored to be able to serve God in this way as well as keep their sixteen yr. old as well and sow seed for our Grace.

Danielle is the sweetest little girl-(she's five months old)-...she wakes up and there's a smile on her face as soon as she looks at Jef or me...melts our hearts...Even after I have to suction her nose with the syringe! She screams and then when it's over she smiles at me so as to say, "Thanks, so much. Now I can breathe again!"

I realize that I'm out of 'baby shape' and this crash course is good for us! JEF HAS BEEN A JEWEL and enjoyed the morning feeding, rocking and just holding her and praying.

That same morning I prayed, I mentioned to the boys that they needed to get ready for their sister! Boy, were they surprised and delighted to find out that Danielle was coming to their home. They've been 'driving' her around the house in her stroller and giving her much attention!

Now, I know that Danielle's life is our opportunity to sow for our harvest...our Grace!!! You better believe that this 'seed' is being tenderly taken care of in order to honor her parents, my Heavenly Father and to allow our dream to be brought to fruition...Hallelujah!

Then last night, Melissa and I were watching the video of the twins birth and she asked me when I knew I was having twins and I said, "January 26th" when it 'dawned' on me that it was Jan. 26th to the day, ten yrs. later! I am confident that God is performing His Word in our life...then I woke up this morning (that happened often last nite!) and I was reminded of Abraham believing God when his body was as good as dead...He keeps reminding me that He is so in love with me and knows what He's doing...if I will only trust His infinite love.

I'm sure I'll be learning much this week about myself, my Father, and I promise to keep pix coming so you guys can see how blessed-enviably happy (with a happiness produced by experience of God's favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His matchless Grace) we are and how beautiful this precious life is...she has her own amazing testimony and perhaps I'll be able to share that someday.

Good nite!

~Tuesdays with Ashley~

It's becoming more and more clear why THE only foundation any believer can have that will stand the tests of life is Truth, the Words of our God and the revelation of Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. (This should be a no-brainer, ya know?)
We HAVE TO HAVE Truth define us, not experience, talents, abilities, passion, house, job, children, career, anything that would exalt itself above the knowledge of God.
We just watched, "Tuesdays with Morrie" and a little truth mixed with some lies makes for a faulty belief system for anyone that thought that movie explained the mystery of life and death...yes, there was the reality that the main character, Mitch, was wasting his life, he was full of selfishness, etc, but when he visits Morrie, who's dying and Morrie begins to speak 'truth' to Mitch, Morrie misses the most important thing...the reality is that, yes, we all die. But we're really already dead without Jesus. The only way to live is to repent and receive Life. We either live forever in His presence by believing in Him - or suffer forever in hell away from His presence in darkness where the worms eat us and the fire is not quenched. Check this out:

Mark 9:47-49 (NLT)

And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It is better to enter the Kingdom of God half blind than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 'where the worm never dies and the fire never goes out.' "For everyone will be purified with fire.

John 8:24 (NLT)

That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am who I say I am, you will die in your sins."

John 8:51 (NLT)

I assure you, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!"

Jesus paid the penalty for our sin so we can live forever and only if we die do we experience that...die to our desires, our will, pick up our cross and follow Him and give up everything.- Luke 14:33 (NLT)

So no one can become my disciple without giving up everything for me...

...then we really can live. So, yes, Morrie was right when he said that in order to live you have to know how to die. But he missed the whole point...die to what? I understand the Truth to be that One man died so we all could live...so in His death comes our life.
I had to get these thoughts out because the first time I watched that movie I cried. I mean really cried and this time I saw through the emotional attachment of losing someone to the reality that we only go around once and we have to have the designer of Truth give us the truth. If there is architecture, then there must be an architect. There is a designer and He has designed us to know Him and Truth. Why live a lie? I'm done with that...done that too long and wasted too much time.

I titled the post, "Tuesdays with Ashley" because we've been having a sweet sister over on Tuesday nites and this past Tuesday she brought a friend and the Life that we shared brought death to places in their hearts that were alive and needed to die and life to those places that were dead and needed Life. I watched as He took His Word and revealed His love to each of them and How irresistable is that love.

Thank God for His passionate love for us, each one of us. Revel in it...

I'm Still Here!

For those of you who thought I'd dropped off the bloggyville planet, it's just not so! But I have to say that things are not the same anymore for me...you see, I've been wearing a mask. Sunday afternoon, the mask came off. The thing about blind spots is how can one know there is a blind spot unless someone loves you enough to expose it and I didn't know I had this mask on, really I didn't have a clue...but those who love me saw the mask, and they really loved me enough that they sat down with me. The mask was pride, selfishness, judgment, and offense. I wore it so well and long that I never took it off. Except perhaps when I was in worship...that's the only time I would take it off. Wearing a mask made me say and do things that weren't really me, but what I 'thought' was who I was...too much at stake to be honest, risk, fear of more rejection. Not going there...a mask is much safer, kinda like a blog...don't get too close, you might not like me, so when I blog, I can express myself and not worry about what you think...huh? Perhaps that's why I began writing...it's all come down.
I was trained to wear a mask as a child...it's called hypocrisy. SO ugly, but I felt I had to wear one in order to cover the hurt from the rejection, abuse that I'd gone through. It's difficult to write all this out, but I know the enemy hides in the dark. Those who love the Light come into the Light to show their works are done in God...these weren't and therefore were kept 'hidden'...except that they were hidden from me. I was blinded by the sin.
There has been this constant struggle within myself of taking things personally, getting offended, hurt, feeling rejected, misunderstanding words that were spoken to me and misinterpreting those words (see the power of words?), and then judging everyone and everything through this sickly heart and mind.
Oh, but for His Love and Mercy!
As a child, I was abused, taught things that weren't truth about me, raised in perversion,but then to cover it up, we pretended...if we were to survive, we had to pretend. Rejection is a result of rebellion. There was a point in my life that I rebelled due to a trespass against me, which, in turn produced rejection and that coupled with the hypocrisy from the other authority in my life produced these bondages, open doors for the enemy to wreck havoc in my life.
So, then rebellion began to grow deep roots...Physical family dysfunction makes it difficult to relate in one's spiritual family. But in the kingdom of God, there are no secrets and since He is coming for a church without spot, wrinkle or blemish, Praise Him for His true authority to do the hard and difficult things and perform heart surgery on me in order for me to be healed, body, soul and spirit~!
I'd been desperately crying out and asking Him why these same issues (offenses) kept tripping me up,
...but the blood of Jesus...He has such mercy, tender lovingkindness to patiently pursue me! He brought the power of the Spirit of the Living God through those that He's set over me to cover, protect, encourage, equip and shepherd me and they sat down with me and told me the truth about me that I needed to hear to set me free from the bondage I'd walked in and couldn't seem to get out of.
I needed to forgive someone very dear to me that I really hadn't given any thought to. (That was really big (evidenced by the emotions when this person's name was brought up and I was asked if I'd forgiven this person!) I needed to see the mask, ask to be forgiven for the hypocrisy that had become idolatry in my life, and take off the mask, renounce the pride in my life, hypocrisy, and offense and receive His forgiveness, love and begin to be who I am in Christ, not Daune.
I'd like to write that immediately I 'felt' great, but when I realized that I'd been living a lie in certain areas of my life, I had to see the only Truth is in the Word of God and His mercy to show me these things and then I had to trust Him to show me how to live my life through Truth, the only way to live.
These are the two Scriptures He gave me the next morning:

"Let the godly strike me!

It will be a kindness!

If they correct me, it is soothing medicine.

Don't let me refuse it."

Psalm 141: 5

"May Your Gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing."

Psalm 143:10

The second verse came as a result of me crying out wondering 'what do I do now?' I was reminded of Joyce Meyer commenting on how after God had freed her from the chaos and insanity of her life, she wondered how to just enjoy peace and rest...that place of turning from death to the Life...yet, it's all good...I've made some decisions and am taking steps in faith to change some things around in my life. Get off the sidelines, be who I am in Jesus and not fear man, worry about things that don't matter, trust God with the things I don't understand, continue to submit myself to Him and to my husband, take my thoughts captive when the enemy attempts to hit me with lies and/or discouragement and walk in faith.

Thanks for 'listening'!

~Thankful Thursday or Just Another One of Those Days~

Well, after sleeping thirteen hours as a result of taking Night Time cold medicine from H E B, I actually feel like a living, breathing human today!

My dear love brought a bottle home for me after work and then he and the boys headed out for our cell group and I thought I'd rest in bed and read the Word as well as my digital camera book! Well, that lasted maybe ten minutes and I was out for the night. Can't remember the last time I slept that long...I feel so much better today.

That's just one thing I'm thankful for. The list goes on...

Ray Comfort's blog entry about dinner with 40 atheists and the encouragement that he continues to give by his example.

My granddaughter, Hailey, and the joy she brings me when I hear stories of all she's doing. Ann @ Holy Experience encouraging moms on what's really important! (It's so awesome!).

Two wonderful boys that can fly through the air, dream and be in far, far away worlds imagining themselves saving our planet, helping good Bionicles, making houses from boxes, and living Life through their imaginations...I love it!

Another thing is having a husband that daily feeds me and the boys the Word, diligently studies to show himself approved, and delights in being with me! Wouldn't you agree that having your husband delight in you is the best!

If that's not the case with you right now, perhaps it's a time to seek the Father about what He wants you to do to be his (little h) delight...maybe it's making Him (Big H) your delight and then listen when He tells you to give selflessly to your man when it would be easier to be selfish, or when you're too tired :) ...just a suggestion. I know for me, that there is one thing that causes my husband to believe he can take on the world...it's when he is fulfilled...the world is lighter, creativity flows freely and I know I'm honoring my Father!

Let's get real, girls...this is one weapon in our arsenal that we sometimes fail to use to fight the enemy...let's not be like Eve that wandered away and listened to the father of lies, but one that purposefully fights for our husband, children and family...I have no idea why I went this direction, but I'm sure someone out there is reading and you've been selfish, self-centered and are wondering where God is and why there is no power in your life...submission is powerful...Jesus taught us all about it and 1 Peter teaches us, too...read ch. 3. There are no conditions on submission, either, there in that passage...it's a promise and His Word is a Rock...cannot be moved; He doesn't lie and His Word stands forever...when are we gonna get that?

Well, guess I've gotten all that out!

Be thankful, content, and grateful (these things lead to a thankful heart)...greed, among other things, will bring the wrath of God. Colossians 3:5-11 is written to believers, not unbelievers.

The way that leads to Life is narrow. Ouch, Hallelujah! (A favorite saying in our body lately!)

~Wordless Wednesday~

~Delicious Friendship Amish Bread!~

The fragrance of Amish bread is wafting through our home right now and it smells wonderful...my dear sister, Sandy, from church, gave two sisters and myself a bag with the 'makings' of the future bread and daily we've been 'mashing the bag'! I've even called these sisters a couple of times to ask if they've 'mashed their bags!' On the tenth day, it's time to actually receive the reward of the 'mashing'...kind of like faith...every day we have to 'mash' our 'bag'; then one day, it's time to 'eat' the fruit of our labor...how cool, huh?

I like the fact that it's Friendship bread...Jesus calls us His friends if we do whatsoever He commands us. John 15:13-15 (KJV) says: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. [14] Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. [15] Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you." Wow. As His friend, He tells me all the things that He's heard from His Father. What a privilege.

That word, whatsoever, means as (much, great, long, etc.) as :- all (that), as (long, many, much) (as), how great (many, much), [in-] asmuch as, so many as, that (ever), the more, those things, what (great, -soever), wheresoever, wherewithsoever, which, × while, who (-soever). the so you can decide if you really are His friend.

Another thing about the bread that I love is the fact that it's given to a friend. I trust the person giving me this 'mushy-like' substance, I appreciate that she considers me her friend, that she thought of me, and then that her 'seed' is multiplied because after the ten days, there's enough to make three more bags from my original to pass on to those I consider my friends. It is a principle. Math=multiplication...

We know man does not live on bread alone. Yet, as His friend, His Life is in me and that Bread feeds many. He laid down His Life for me, therefore I lay down my life for others.

Never thought I'd get that much from a bag of 'mush'! Friendship is a precious thing, never to be taken for granted. Jesus thought so, I'm convinced. Otherwise, why would he offer us His friendship if it didn't have any value? He raised the bar of the meaning of friendship...makes me wonder if I really am a friend--to Him and others.

Just my pondering.

It was great bread!

!One Last Thing!

I forgot to mention this, but Ray Comfort is having dinner tomorrow with some atheists and has asked for our prayers...knew you'd intercede! Thanks.