No Longer a Captive!

Your planted snuggly in wet concrete with your tennis shoes going no where, feeling completely stuck in your circumstances. Pulling your shoes up feels like they are sucking your legs right back down into a vacuum. It is virtually hopeless right? You may as well give up. Wrong. This is the lie whispered in from the enemy. You may have to get dirty, reach your hand down there, untie the laces, and drag your feet unwillingly from your shoes. It will be exhausting and hard. Yes, you leave the entrapping filthy sneakers behind and start over with new ones. Yes, you get muddy, but that all washes off. Sometimes the things that are binding us to our messes need to be cast off and left behind, for good. When you slough off the dirt clinging to your life, replace it with the truth treasures of God's word. For every anxious worry and fear that keeps your feet rooted in muck and mire, there exists an even stronger seed of truth that can and should be planted and grown in it's place. When you meditate on this truth and nurture it into your life, it will grow to fully replace each and every fear, but this doesn't just happen. We actively participate in the process of digging ourselves out by taking every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5) and purposing to chase off the ones that don't belong with the truth.

I know that many of us have grown up hearing this, but not really understanding what it looks like practically. An example would be when the lie sneaks in and whispers "your going crazy, you can't handle all this, you need to just give up."
The truth says in Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."
The lie screams silently throughout your mind "Things are bad, why is this happening? I should really be worried about this, in fact, I'm afraid!"
The truth in Philippians 4:6-7 refutes by saying "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
So what do I replace the negative thoughts with? Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
Did you catch the action part of that incredible phrase? The peace of God, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. When we go to him in prayer, with our petitions and offering thanksgiving, it is his peace that will be actively guarding or our hearts and minds. This is a treasure to me when I feel overwhelmed at the prospect of trying to protect my searching heart and wandering mind.

Requests

My aunt Kathy had back surgery yesterday, (I thought it was today and got this out a day late) after being told that they couldn't fix the fusions. Praise God that after years of seeking the Lord, he has heard and lead her to this new Dr. who can indeed perform the surgery that she needs. Lord we ask that you give her peace as she had pre-op this last week and surgery yesterday. It is all happening very quickly. Having had a similar surgery, she knows what recovery will be like and it is a daunting journey she faces, yet with God at her side and the power of a praying people she will walk this path in victory.

Several families and friends that we know have been sick for suck a long time. It has got to be wearing them out both physically as well as emotionally. It sends me back to those days of when I had smaller children and we had roto virus plague our home for 6 weeks! Have mercy Lord on these families and touch their homes with your mighty hand.

The little baby from our home group is sick again with similar symptoms to his last illness (RSV). Mom is worn thin and dad is coming down with something himself. Lord cover this home. Protect this family. Please give them perfect rest in you. Allow them to rest and recover under the shadow of your wings. Be their strong tower.

Another sweet friend is experiencing some anxiety and depression. Lord I pray you would direct them to the scriptures they need to find strength and truth in you. Shower them with your presence and be their Almighty God.

Mark received a call tonight for a job. He goes Saturday for a 4 hour test at 7:30 am. This could be a really good job for him if it is the one the Lord has in mind. Pray that God's peace would be upon him as he goes for the testing. Give Mark the continued assurance that you are in control and if this is the job, the testing will go fine.

Praises

A possible job opportunity has presented itself to a friend. Give wisdom and clarity as this process begins.

I continue to rejoice when I read Stephanie's blog and Cyrus's. Both are moving forward, cancer free and giving all glory and honor to Jesus Christ. I am encouraged and strengthened when I read how Stephanie is choosing to keep cancer as a part of who she is rather than turning and running for the hills. (This might be my first choice) She wants to be able to minister to others who find themselves in this battle. God thank you for giving her a servants heart to minister to others hurting. Allow her to have opportunities to share your goodness and faithfulness to others in need.

Look At Em Grow!

I have to say my little experiment is working better than I anticipated. I realize it is pretty sad that my own expectations were low, just letting you know, that while I was hopeful, I did have some doubts. Most of these seeds had an expected germination time of 10 to 14 days. These pictures were taken at exactly 1 week. As you can clearly see, several different plants have sprung forth into life. The main seeds that I saw open this last week were the tomatoes, the tomatillos, the pansies and the poppies. But there are starts in the peppers both orange and yellow, the peppercini's, the oregano, basil, and lobelia. Still to come are the red and green peppers and the garden huckleberry. I am even more hopeful now that I see how well they are taking to their little window box haven.

I planted a few of the melons, pumpkins, and gourds that require a longer growing season to really produce in quantities. They are off and running as well. The only one of these not started are the sugar baby watermelons. We are watching these anxiously. It would be great to get a few sugar babies in the summer.

With the way the temperatures dipped down this week, I am glad I tried the trays inside. And while it is still freezing outside, the bright sun is doing wonders for all these baby plants, just like it is doing wonders for my sun depleted soul. I think I need to go find myself a little garden atrium to soak up these incredible rays.

We'll see what next week brings. I have a feeling by the end of the week, I will be needing to transplant some starts. Tomatoes and maybe tomatillos for sure. Just think "guys" tomatillo sauce coming out our ears this next summer. I got all the fixings on their way. I'll throw some onion in there and we'll be set.

Depending on the success rate of all these little guys, I will probably have plants available to buy like I did last year.

Have a good week! Enjoy the sun, and get growing!

Indoor Plantings Begin.

God seems to have planted deep within me this passion for gardening and growing things. I really love every aspect of it. The first tilling up of the ground means my girls and I are going barefoot through the soft dirt. The weeding, while tedious brings a great satisfaction when it is done. But there is nothing like the harvest or being able to divide a plant to share. I just thrive on it.

I am doing some home therapy for the slow moving winter months. I am experimenting with some early seeds indoors. They still are in the 512 grow trays. We'll see how they do. I have planted things like peppers, tomatillos, tomatoes, melons, and several flowers that I want ready early for baskets.

I will be starting my usual things out in the greenhouse in the next few weeks. I have to do some trimming and get a few pots ready to be set outside to create room for the seedling trays. I will let you know what works, what comes up first, and any tips we uncover along the way. Get growing!!!

Fiction With Power!

I come to you with yet another DeKker book to report on. This time, I was not only caught up in the story and lives of the characters, which at times had me in tears, (unbelievable for some of you I understand), but I found that God had a specific purpose for my timely reading of this book. "When Heaven Weeps" was an incredible albeit fictional representation of the sacrificial love Christ has for each of us. Some unexpected soul searching would direct my eyes to the mirror, and the depravity of my own heart. I was confronted with countless memories of times when given the choice to love someone through a storm at my own expense, I instead, slunk into the mainstream philosophy that says you can't treat me like that. Each time, the heart growing colder. While God's mercies are new every morning... my mercy was all but invisible. While his Grace is abundant, mine showed up a little more like the wisp of a dandylion seed.

How many times has my savior observed my attitude and actions and shook his head before saying. "Come on daughter. Come on back home. Don't you know how much I love you? I gave you your life, and I gave up mine for you. Nothing you can do will change that." The further into this book I read, the more I found myself asking God to take the areas of my heart that had grown cold and graft in his supernatural love. Only he who created every living thing by the very breath of his mouth, could speak something into a cold, lifeless, and empty vessel. Only by his unchanging, unfailing, unconditional love can we ever experience loving and being loved sacrificially.

I Lift My Eyes Up....

I have been feeling a little bit stuck in the pit this last month. Work this time of year is demanding and yet the pockets remain empty. The skies are still dark and dreary and not with snow. The garden is still muddy, mossy, and empty. My eyes are heavy with tears that won't fall, my heart is laden with burdens I can't share and hope feels distant. I'm tired, but not sleeping, surrounded by people yet feeling alone, busy but getting nothing done. Ever had one of those days or weeks? Have you found yourself sitting on the couch, with your second cup of coffee wondering what's next? Good news is, your not alone. The even better news is "This too shall pass."

I was wandering around the yard today, looking at all the work to be done to get these grounds ready for a proper spring entrance. I noticed a lot of last falls splendor laying in mud and leaves. I saw weeds that had survived and seemed to be getting a fresh dose of life from this bleak and bleary weather. But, I also saw new life. Small shoots of spring bulbs are beginning to make their way up. The garlic has found it's way up and out as well. The strawberries have found friends, and even the rose bushes and the fruit trees are beginning to whisper of hope.

"I lift my eyes up, unto the mountains, where does my help come from? My help comes from you, the maker of heaven, creator of the earth.

Oh how I need you Lord, you are my only hope, you are my only prayer.

So I will wait for you, to come and rescue me, to come and give me life."

I love the lyrics from the song "I Lift My Eyes Up" by Kutless. He is our only hope and our only prayer. Meditate on Him today. Spend some time in His word asking him to restore your hope. He will cause he is good all the time.

Prayer Requests:

Mark is coming down from his amazing trip to Haiti and is still on the hunt for the elusive job. We know God is sovereign and this knowledge helps, but the waiting can still be difficult. We ask that you reveal yourself in this growing time. Thank you that we don't walk this road alone. He has had a couple of interviews this week that have gone well, but I don't think he feels like this is the right move for him or for our family. So we will stay pressed in and keep our ears open for his leading.

Cari - Her sister sent in a prayer request for a friend in need. Another 30 year old man recently diagnosed with stage IV brain cancer. He has had some treatment in West Palm Beach which is being discontinued. The family is moving him up to Boston, MA for some more drastic treatments. Let's join again in asking God to really show up in this young man's life. Speak to his pain Lord, comfort and strengthen the friends and family who are rallying around him. Be Lord of all things in his life.



Theresa and Roy - They continue on in this season of waiting on the Lord. We continue to ask for a buyer for their house. They are really stuck there until something moves. In the midst of this uncertain time, you have brought rich blessings to this family. Lord, we ask that you continue to show your favor and bring that one person they need.



A newborn baby has been sick lately with severe enough colds to be hospitalized. The family has also been sick which isn't helping the baby get well. Lord we pray for protection for this little one. We ask you to put a hedge of protection around this little life and allow him to get healthier and stronger.


I have had some of my goofy symptoms pop up here and there over the last few weeks. I recognize that some of them are from stress and anxiety. It has not taken over completely. It does leave me feeling like I have little left to offer my own family. Lord would you reveal yourself as Yahweh Rophe, the Lord who heals, and not just body, but mind and soul as well.

Praises:

I was reading through Stephanies posts earlier this week. Wow! She sounds so much better. She is getting stronger. Slowly but steadily. God has brought her from the valley into a place of new life. Enjoying simple pleasures is the delight of her heart. Being able to care for her children, pursue physical strength, worship with enthusiasm and life, and just enjoy living again are the blessings she is being showered with. She still walks in the power of the Holy Spirit and has a testimony to share with so many around her of God's faithfulness during the darkest of days.

Our amazing HomeGroup grew and grew to the point of needing to plant a new one. And plant we did. Our new group met last week with new faces and we had a wonderful time of fellowship. The other "new" group meets tonight. I pray God would bless their time as well. and that He would bless both groups as they continue to pursue your truth.

Hear my cry, O God:

listen to my prayer.

From the ends of the earth I call to you,

I call as my heart grows faint:

lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.

Psalm 61:1-3