Be the message

I get so tiered of encountering mean Christians. Look, we can't continue to be a bunch of babies, that go to church 3 or more times a week and have no idea how to represent God out in public or towards others. The fruits of the spirit are Love, joy, peace, patients, kindness , goodness, faithfulness, self control. If you are a Christian, then all those should be real attributes of your daily self. All the fruits come out of love and if you learn how to walk in love, think more about what you can do for others instead of yourself, you'll have so much joy, you won't know what to do with it.  John 13:34 , A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

I remember reading a quote from an early Latin writer named Tertullian of Carthage,I know very little about Tertullian , which is why I included a link to wikipedia but I do remember him being quoted as saying, "That the one thing that converted him to Christianity was not the arguments they gave him, because he could find a counterpoint for every argument they would present but rather it was what they demonstrated something I didn't have. The thing that converted me to Christianity was the way that they loved each other,"  Now that saying so much and I often think, If he encountered some of the people i know would he feel the same or would he walk away with his counterpoints?

Folks, please don't just give preach the message be the message.

I love you and have a very blessed and wonderful day.

Anna Marie.

Superman Live here....

Keep Silent, Keep Sweet, Keep Steppin

I love this poem so much. As a child I was given this poem to memorize by my great Aunt Opal.  She was always such a wise women.


Keep Silent - Keep Sweet - Keep Stepping
Keep silent when rumours about you are stirred
When friendship is hurt like a broken winged bird
When clamours your heart for it's right to be heard

Keep Silent - Keep Sweet - Keep Stepping

Keep sweet when provoked by some petty affair
By those whom you love or your loyality wares
When the milk of your spirit is curled with care

Keep Silent- Keep Sweet - Keep Stepping

Keep stepping when other folks hinder your way
When your weary and tired at the close of the day
Too footsore to run, too weary to pray

Keep Silent- Keep Sweet - Keep Stepping

Keep silent and you'll save yourself needless regret
Keep sweet and you'll have the whole world in your
debt
Keep stepping...God's spirit is within you,over
you,underneath you,and all around you... the truest
friend you've met

Keep Silent- Keep Sweet - Keep Stepping

Unknown

Released.....

God is soooooooooooo Amazing! I just got a call that was so refreshing.

Have you ever had something on you heart for a long time but for whatever reason, you sit on it, instead of taking to the Lord? I am guilty. For over a year, I've been holding on to the familiar, staying in my comfort zone but because I was not where the Lord wanted me, my comfort zone, was in no way comfortable. The Lord had given me specific instructions about a certain situation and I basally did some but not all of it. Guess what... it doesn't work that way. It's either all or nothing.

"See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse -- the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known" (Deuteronomy 11:26-28). 

About four month ago, the conviction was so strong on the matter, that I just broke down and went to the Lord and asked for forgiveness and to please grant me the strength to follow through. Also about that time, we started a study on Prayer in school, it was such a magnificent study. It taught the when, how, why, the ins and the outs and so much more. I started applying it and our life as a family, started to change in big ways. I've always prayed but nothing like I do now.  Along with my new prayer life, came even more revelations about myself and everything around me.  What Ive learned, I've not only applied to my life but have been sharing with others and my children. I have to say for the first time, my children now pray openly, with me and by themselves. I can't tell you how amazing it is to hear them in their room, off to themselves, talking with the Lord. Of course, when you have an amazing prayer life, you ushering in an amazing praise Life as well. We, get our Praise on in the Patterson household. lol

So, tonight I received a call and the call, completely released me of all the Lord showed me to move away from. I know they thought I was absolutely bonkers because I busted out laughing, even caught myself off guard but I couldn't help it. It was a serious, WOW moment. This last month, the Lord has really been working , moving, showing out on the behalf of me, my families and friends. He has also been using me to minister, pray and be of service to those in need or just need help, doors have been open, networking continue to fall in my lap.  JUST WOW! Lord I Praise You!!!

I am more than thrilled to embark on this next leg of my journey. I'm so excited ! The kids start school, in a few weeks and I'm finishing up my last few classes, to only start school back up, when they do.We will be traveling and studying together. I plan on enjoying every min of it because the Lord, will surely be with us on every single leg of our journey. I have to say as well. I'm excepting great things to happen as we go as well.

Tonight, I've been release, Praise God and will keep my eyes from now on where they were supposed to be all along, on The Lord and His perfect will in and over our Life.I want what the Lord has shown me is to be mine , if I life of full service to Him.

Here I go again being happy

Elijah made his first, sugar free chocolate pie today all on his own. Didn't ask for help, didn't want help when I offered, loving these moments. His pie turned out quite lovely ... I'd share a picture but it's almost gone and I had absolutely nothing to do with it because I think PIE, all PIE is yuck! Arianna, on the other hand has gone garden crazy, she is driving me crazy( in a funny way) looking over everyone's shoulder, so she can collect the grounds, peels, skins or seeds of anything you may be eating or drinking. Did I mentions, she has talked gardening, non stop today? Oh no, well guess what, SHE HAS TALKED GARDENING ALL DAY. lol and Miss Tiara, is the best hang out buddy ever. I love our little sneak out mother and daughter days.She is always such a pleasure to be with and very humorous to boot. So her and I spent the day taking care of errands and tying up loose end before we take off. Then to have all three of then in class with me tonight along with one of my besties, was just the icing on the cake( cake, which is also yuck,lol). From start to finish this day has been good.

I know, I know, here I go again, being Ms. Positive Pansy, AGAIN but I ask, what do I have to be sad about? I could have wrote this instead:

Today I woke up and was still so sleepy, but i somehow managed to pull myself out of bed anyways. I made breakfast but manged to somehow ruin my favorite muffin dish, baking eggs for breakfast. I'll never ever be able to replace that pan, because it's discontinued. Then I had to drag my son out of the bed so we could go have the truck serviced and it cost me and ARM and a LEG..................

I don't care to even go on folks with all that negative stuff and although there is truth to all situations I typed. I only care to dwell on the events of the day that will bring about continued joy in my life, I see it as a much needed maintenance plan, if you will. The word of God says "Love life, and see good days" (1 Peter 3:10). I happen to love my life in all it's ups and downs, in all it's ins and outs I simply love my life. Many years of my past were spent in the down dark doldrums of life. I don't know if you know what a Doldrum is but it's a dull, listless, depressed mood: causing one to be low in spirits and I represented myself so very well. When I finally had enough, I started to climb up and out and upon doing so I found myself in valley. While I was climbing, I couldn't have told you what I was after, where I was going or what I was going to encounter, when I got there( where??) but I can tell you I was seeking, longing for something different. I felt as though, something or someone was calling me. Battered and beaten, I landed in My Valley ( another blog) and finally it was there, while living in a Salvation Army, age 25 I had my first real and audible, encounter with the Lord. Yes, I've been in church all my life but I only knew of God, as if He were a friend, of a friend, of a friend. Even then my first real encounter left me hope in the form of a small flickers of light that came and went which each passing breeze. One day I'd see it, the next I didn't and it went on that way for years but I never let go, even though in the back of my mind, I still had the enemy, attacking me at every turn. One of the biggest lies, he had me believing is that, I wasn't good enough for God for all my efforts, in the end I was still hell bound. Praise God I've always been a fighter and a stubborn one at that.lol I started saying to the devil, most times with tears in my eyes..." So what, I may not make it but I can at least help others make it( WOW RIGHT? but that the enemies job to place doubt 2 Corinthians: 11).

Ok, now this was not intentionally supposed to be a long blog but things flow out or I feel compelled to share,lol . So let me close it out. I just wanted to make this point, For years I allowed the enemy to steal my joy and notice I said. I ALLOWED it. When I finally caught on to something not being right, the peices just weren't fitting together.The life I was at least trying to live( lukewarm), wasn't inline with what the Bible said, or The God I claimed to be serving. I myself was not a true representation of God but I did a dandy job of representing my life as a listless wonder. When I started seeking after the Lord, regardless of my life , situation or circumstance, My Life Changed! I became Happy without effort, even when my day is full of effort. I asked the Lord for joy and He indeed gifted it to me and it's up to me to maintain it daily.  


As of late, I've been attacked because of always being happy. I've been told everything from, it's not real, I'm hiding something, I'm mocking others,It's annoying, to the latest... It's demonic( OUCH! and that comes from those who say they also love the Lord, ekkk!). The truth is, my daily life is extremely busy, no matter what time I go to sleep, if I go to sleep, my day starts at 4:30 a.m. I'm always on the go and have a constant mountain of work on and off the field. I'm almost always sleepy, most days wake up achy because I fall asleep at my desk, on my floor while studying and get up with crooks and whatnots,lol This does not include, school, homeschooling, and helping friends , family and prefect strangers in need... or... Dat ta da daaaa... Ministry. but you know what? I love every min of it and I thank and Praise god for choosing me and He knows better than I , the plan of my future and that just keeps me HAP HAP HAPPY!!! 

 Please never ask me to change ( not that i would for you anyways,lol, just being honest), I love who the Lord is making me and how he is using me.


Be blessed ,

Controling my tounge...

Have you ever been in a situation where you have blurted something out before you had time to think about it or reacted hastily to a situation but regretted your actions only moments later? I'm sure if being honest, we have all been there done that at one time of another in our lives.

For years I used to go around, proud as a peacock , boosting about how wonderfully bold I was. How I spoke what was on my mind and heart and even went s far as to say, It was a gift from God, a gift of Holy boldness but I can't tell you just how wrong I had it. I do indeed have a boldness stored in me and although, I still believe it's a gift from God, what I know now, is that gift is best when completely governed by the Holy Spirit. What I've learned, still learning is that leaving self out of the equation, works! The boldness the Lord has placed in me, was never for me in the first place but to be able to go out and share His goodness,  love, and mercy to the hurting and dark world and I can't begin to tell you what a humbling revelation that has been for me. Simply put, my feathers where plucked!!!

Don't get me wrong, there are still times where I personally would like to give a good tongue lashing,  a normal reaction to the flesh, when hurt or angered, especially if it involves hurting my children, but is it worth it? I suppose if your in need of self satisfaction but right now in my life, I just want God and I find myself, burying myself in His arms for peace , comfort, rest and most of all to help control my tongue, lol, when those moments occur.

Reading James 3 this morning was such a profound reminder:

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. ² We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

³ When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. ⁴ Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ⁵ Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶ The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
⁷ All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. ¹¹ Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹² My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

What stood out for me was James saying, that our tongues are mighty rudders, guiding the body where it will go. We should be very careful of the words that come out of our mouths. We can do the greatest good, and the most terrible evil, by the use of our mouths. Christians should let the truth and grace of Christ govern their language. Otherwise, terrible problems can occur. Let our words reflect our commitment to Christ, and God will bless us and defend us.

Lord I am indeed committed! I will do a better job and showing that fact daily.

Psalm 34:13
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Breaking the Complacency Habit: 10 Ways to Grow Spiritually in 2012

1. Read through the Bible in a year. There are several good resources available to help you do this. If you've already done it, do it again, but in a different translation. (Even better, team up with a friend to do this with you and hold each other accountable).

2.  Choose a book of the Bible to study. The next step after simply reading the Bible is to study it, go beneath the surface, uncover the truths, principles and insights in Scripture. You may want to study one book of the Bible each quarter...or one for the entire year. Try picking up the New Inductive Study Bible which actually teaches you how to study the Bible on your own. Make sure you regularly share with others what you are learning.

3. Study a topic that will help you grow. Ask yourself where you want to be in your relationship  with the Lord by the end of the year and then set tangible goals for getting there. For instance, if you want to know Him better, consider a study of His names in the Old Testament and Jesus' "I am" statements in the New Testament. If you need to slow down and learn to listen for His voice, study all the Word says about "rest" or "hearing" or  His "voice." If there are character traits you know you need to work on, consider an in-depth study of some or all of the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

4. Participate in a weekly small group Bible study or lead one among your friends, neighbors, or co-workers. We can grow at a faster rate in community because we are able to share our experiences with one another and hold each other accountable.

5. Read three books to deepen your devotional life. Set a goal to read a book every month, every three months, or whatever is realistic for you. Also consider reading books that will challenge and convict you...that's where the growth comes.

6. Start a weekly prayer group with others who share similar concerns on your heart.  (For example, praying with other moms for your children, praying with other wives for unsaved spouses, praying during your lunch hour with co-workers, or  praying with friends or church members for a specific burden God has placed on your heart.)

7. Start a journal to record your growth.  Start journaling your thoughts as you read the Word. How did a certain passage compel you to pray? What changes are you asking God to make in your life? What discoveries have you made about His character or His Word? Date each page. By the end of the year, you'll have a record of where God took you and what He has shown you through the past 12 months.

8. Record your blessings and answered prayers. Keep a "blessing book" in which you record every blessing that comes your way throughout the year, adding a prayer of thanks or praise. In addition, write out your prayer requests and record the answers as they come. By writing out these types of things, you will not only be more keenly aware of how God is working in and around your life, but you will be able to see your progress in becoming one who does "everything without complaining or arguing" (Philippians 2:14) and a person who gives thanks "in all circumstances" (First Thessalonians 5:18).

9. Disciple a young believer. We learn the most when we teach it to others. And seeing them grasp truth for the first time gives it a fresh impact on our lives as well. Pick up the One-to-One Discipleship manual from Multiplication Ministries and take a young believer through the adventure of living the Christ-directed life.

10. Pick a 'theme verse' for the year. Say it aloud every day. I guarantee if you do this, by the end of the year -- and probably a lot sooner -- you will have memorized that verse. And that's one more verse in the Word of God that you will have memorized during your lifetime. Choose from Psalm 90:12, Psalm 119:32, Psalm 119:133, Galatians 5:16, Philippians 1:27, Philippians 4:6-7, or find one of your own.
Make some of these action points priority in your life this next year and hopefully, by the end of 2012,  you'll be not only another year old in your body, but another year older in your faith and walk with Christ. That's my goal for the year. How about you?

Cindi McMenamin is a national speaker and the author of several books including When Women Walk Alone, Women on the Edge, and Letting God Meet Your Emotional Needs. For free resources on how to start your year right and grow spiritually, see her website: www.StrengthForTheSoul.com

Is confidence a bad thing?

Confidence: To believe in ones self, ones abilities, full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing.

Seems pretty solid in definition but in reality a very shaky and sensitive ground for most, if most were to be honest. Yesterday after being asked a series of questions that first started out as an easy going inquisitive conversation between two single women, turned out in the end to be a angry judgmental one because as they put it I had too much confidence. I asked... is that even possible? NO, Is confidence a bad thing? NO. That is if it's real. I assure you my confidence is real, but not in self...


Here's the thing I'm confidant in lots of areas of my life but there are also things from day to day I'm very unsure of when it comes to life, myself, raising my children and even down to cooking and cleaning. However the source of confidence I do have and maintain is in the God I serve and it's only because of that I'm am able to make it. If it were left up to me, most days I'd never leave my home. I'd take one look in the mirror and say oh no... can't go anywhere looking like this and honesty it's how i feel each day before, spending my one on one time alone with the Lord each day. So the confidence she seen wasn't me, it's the Lord showing through me. 


There was a time in my life when material things meant more to me than I meant to myself. The passion I put into, looking the part, playing the part, driving the part, dating the part, fake smiling the part of a happy women was tons of work. A majority of the time, the requirement were so overwhelming I still found myself, hiding behind locked doors and away from those I thought  at the time important , just to get a breather. I dare not allow them to see I had a weakness and was a FAKE. I felt like those people could make or break me and truth be told because of the faith and confidence level was, they very well could have broken me because I had no real confidence in myself let along The Lord.


So here I am many years later, have so much less material wise, but stand before you one of the most truly confidant women or individuals I know. My joy is real, my life is amazing, my children are awesome, my businesses are doing very well, I'm surrounded by people who truly love and care for me, Everywhere I go I have favor and I'm not kidding and anything I set out to do I do very well,if i put my heart and mind to it but it's not me... I can't take credit for any of it, It's all God. 

Me,alone = Not so confidant
Me in Christ = unstoppable, undeniable, joyful, beautiful, loving, caring, wise, fun, exciting, unselfish, highly favored and so much more.

WOW, so perhaps looking at it that way, one who is on the same shaky fake foundation I once stood on, I would have way to much confidence. Is that even possible?




The word of God says this about confidance:

"For the LORD will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught."
Proverbs 3:26

"In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
And His children will have a place of refuge."
Proverbs 14:26

"For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit,
rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,
though I also might have confidence in the flesh.
If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:"
Philippians 3:3-4 

"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him,
that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us."
1 John 5:14

"Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us,
we have confidence toward God."
1 John 3:21

"Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord,
who have no confidence in the proud or  in those who worship idols."
Psalm 40:4


Those is where I stand in the confidence and my confidence is int he Lord God.

No Payday Loans

This morning I woke up with a urgency to walk my floors and Praise the Lord. For the first time in a very long time, we are going without. Without alot, yet I know it's only temporary but making my mind get in line with my heart has required me to get up and worship the Lord, even in my Valley's. Despite, not having much in the pantry, in the gas tank, I had to remember, that i have my health and had the means to pay for my surgery,I have my children, our home, and our joy. So it's ok that we don't have much else... we need to diet anyways. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!


In the valley's there should still be praise. I had to come around to lifting the Lords name on high this morning and loudly, so that I could breakthrough the ceiling and made sure my praises got to the Lord, not my wants, desires or needs but my praises...If I'm to trust the Lord in all that I do, than giving him Praise is far more appropriate for knowing whats going to come about instead of walking in daily fear of the unknown. In my praise my peace come and I'm surely going to enjoy the rest of my day as it was meant to be enjoyed.


On the suggestion of everyone around me i needed to run out and obtain a payday loan right away. Theses are all individuals who know God as Jehova- Jireh, our provider but are showing no faith in Him as being so by giving me this advice. The Lord is Jehova - Nissh, my banner, he will keep us covered until he rains and storms stop. I don't know about you, but personally, I love a good storm because I know that afterward, everything will be green and grow. I'm ready for my growth. I'm right now only being fertilized.( smile).



Have a Blessed and wonderful day,
Anna Marie

The Replacements

Who are they, where do they come from, how do you send them back????

As much as I have enjoyed my children over the years, watching them blossom into these strange creatures called teens has been, well… quite the ride and a fun one at that. I was told many many years ago, that because my children had Autism, they would never ever be able to show me love, express themselves or show emotion. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to the medical science and put my faith and trust in the Lord for if I hadn’t I’d most likely be like the countless other parents out there with a special needs child… miserable, unhappy, sad, depressed and angry at the world as they struggle to understand why?

Me, I’ve never asked why, I just went with the punches. When they started to spin, I started to spin, when they started to squeal, I started to squeal, when they started to flap... Well, Ok I started to laugh, but it worked for us. We made it and we are here today still rising above what was expected. Sure we have our days and will continue to have our days, but If the Lord is on our side, those days simply don’t measure up to the blessing.

So I can’t help but wonder, after it’s all said and done, where my babies have gone? Just yesterday they were leaning on me for everything and today, they are putting me in check about my inconsistencies. A strange new world I live in with these replacements. It’s no longer mom, can or may I, it’s I’m going to. It’s no more, ok mom, sure, it’s YEAH, maybe and I guess if I’m to be perfectly honest, I kinda like em but I dare not tell them that, or they will get the upper hand.

Two Frogs

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.

The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

YOU HAVE TO TRY THESE!

Yields: 12 to 14 popovers
Ingredients:
4 cups milk (warmed)
8 large eggs
4 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/4 cup grated gruyere cheese

Directions:
1. Place the popover pan in the oven. Heat the oven and pan to 350F.

2. Gently warm the milk over low heat and set aside.

3. Whisk egg until frothy and slowly whisk in the milk (so as not to cook the eggs). Set the mixture aside.

4. Sift the flour with the salt. Slowly add this mixture and gently combine until mostly smooth. Once the mixture and gently combine until mostly smooth.

5. Once combined remove the popover pan from the oven and spray with non-stick vegetable spray. While the batter is slight warm or room temperature, fill each popover cup with 3/4 full.

6. Top each popover with approximately 2 1/2 Tbsp. of grated gruyere.

7. Bake at 350F for 50 minutes, rotating pan half a turn after 15 minutes of baking.

8. Remove fro the oven, remove from the pan and serve immediately.

The Valley's

Yesterday while speaking with another parent of a son about the same age as Elijah, she looked at me with tears in her eyes and said. You know Anna, people just don't understand how exhausting it is to have a child with Autism. I have only one, but you have three and I'm worn out. How in the world do you keep going? My response..."I've come to love my Valley's."

When we are on the “mountaintops” in our lives, we can see our future clearly. We have perspective and confidence. When we are in one of life’s valleys, however, our vision is limited and our future seems hidden. Yet valleys are also the most fertile places on earth. These are times which will produce fruitfulness in our walk with Christ. And you can expect there to be a harvest of virtue when God lives with you in the valleys.

The Lord's promise to me as a mother, was if I were to remain obedient, there would be a sure future in it for my children and since I trust and believe in what the Lord God has promised me, while in my Valley's I find peace.

The pathways of God's people are not always in the sunshine and invigorating air of the mountain top; our experiences often involve our passing through the lowland, the valleys. It is one's desire that we all may find the "comfort of the Scriptures" in such experiences.

Check out the Valley's mentioned in scripture.... Their undeniable.
________________________________________________________________________________

The pathways of God's people are not always in the sunshine and invigorating air of the mountain top; our experiences often involve our passing through the lowland, the valleys. It is one's desire that we all may find the "comfort of the Scriptures" in such experiences.

When God spoke of His earthly people possessing the land to which He would bring them, He said that it was "a land of hills and valleys," (Deuteronomy 11: 11); but He also spoke of "fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills," (Deuteronomy 8: 7). Thus there is provision for the refreshing of our souls whatever may be the circumstances in which we are found.

In Psalm 104: 8, we see that "valleys" are actually a creation of God Himself, "the valleys sank, unto the place which thou hadst founded for them," (New Trans.). We can therefore accept our "valley" circumstances as the ordering of God, and rejoice in the knowledge that "he sendeth the springs into the valleys" (v. 10). How blessed to hear Him say to His people, "I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them, I will open . . . fountains in the midst of the valleys," (Isaiah 41: 17, 18).

Again we read in Psalm 65: 13, "The valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing." Refreshment, support and a joy that cannot be restrained are the portion of those passing through the valleys of God.

David was a man who knew what "valley" experiences were. In the valley of Elah, as a type of the Lord Jesus, he knew what derision and scorn were (1 Samuel 17: 28), and he knew what conflict meant. But in the list of the "king's treasures" we read of "the herds that were in the valleys," (1 Chronicles 27: 29). If we consider for a moment the anti-type, what increase and substance has accrued as the result of that conflict in the valley! Do we not adoringly own that all the joy and blessing which is ours has come to us through the going down of the One who loved us; He who went into the very valley of death itself?

It is possible for us to find ourselves in "valley" circumstances as the result of our own failures, an experience involving sorrow of heart. In Joshua 7, the people of God are found in the "valley of Achor" — the valley of sorrow, consequent upon their defeat by the men of Ai. Achan (which means "troubler") had coveted "a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight," (v. 21). It was the "goodly Babylonish garment which apparently attracted him first, something which would cause him to be outstanding and give him prominence before others. Doubtless he considered the silver and the gold would help him to keep up this prominent position. Alas! how often the desire for self-examination has brought in conditions of sorrow amongst God's people! The "valley of sorrow" remains "unto this day," (v. 26). yet the light of sovereign mercy shines even in the gloom of such a valley. In Isaiah 65: 10, we read "the valley of Achor (shall be) a place for the herds to lie down in, for My people that have sought Me". If failure has come in, with its consequent sorrow, the remedy is to seek the Lord. He alone can make such circumstances to yield blessing and substance to truly repentant hearts. Again we read in Hosea 2: 15, "I will give her . . the valley of Achor for a door of hope; and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day she came up out of the land of Egypt." Who but God could fill the "valley of sorrow" with the joyful strains of Exodus 15?

There is a further reference to the valley of Achor in Joshua 15: 7, in relation to the lot of Judah, and careful study of that verse, and the route given, will yield much for the exercised heart.

Psalm 84 introduces another valley — the "valley of Baca," which is the valley of weeping. This speaks of the deep exercises which belong to those whose desires are towards the living God and towards His habitation. As appreciating the mercy of God — and as longing for His interests, our hearts are conscious of the contrary scene through which we are passing, but as finding our strength in God (v. 5), and our affections making room for His ways, we find the vale of weeping turned into "a well-spring; yea, the early rain covereth it with blessings," (v. 6, New Trans.). The blessing of God moves quickly towards those whose hearts are truly set upon Himself, and whilst still in the valley of weeping, the whole scene is filled with the consciousness of His inexhaustible supplies of refreshment and blessing.

In 2 Chronicles 20, in the days of Jehoshaphat, a great multitude of the enemies of God's people were arrayed against them, but in the power of the prophetic word of Jahaziel ("seen of God") they moved forward to complete victory. As obedient to the word of God they were able to assemble "themselves in the valley of Berechah; for there they blessed the LORD; therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berechah (blessings) unto this day," (v.26). In the history of the Church men who have opposed the truth have often brought the saints into conditions of anguish and distress, but as waiting upon God and giving place to His word, the apparent defeat has been turned into a "valley of blessings" in which the praises of God have issued from the hearts of His people. This was true in the so-called dark ages, when many a Swiss valley rang with the praises of God's people, and it is equally true to-day. God is "The Same;" and His word abides in all its unalterable power and authority.

The taunt of the Syrians was "the LORD is God of the hills, but He is not the God of the valleys." God's answer to this was the complete deliverance of His people.

There is no valley experience which is beyond the reach of the love of God. The Psalmist could say "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me". Thus in the darkest valley of all, where the strongest enemy is found, we have not only the inexhaustible blessings of our God, but His actual presence with us. In Mark 5, we see Jairus passing through such a valley, and it is said (v. 24), "Jesus went with him." When the shadow had deepened, and his daughter was dead, what comfort there must have been to his bereaved heart in the precious words of Christ, "Be not afraid, only believe," (v. 36).

If the experiences of the "valleys" are to yield their fruit there must be real exercise in relation to them. The valley of Eschol was "searched out," and as the fruit of the searching was "in their hand," they were able to say, "It is a good land which the LORD our God doth give us," (Deuteronomy 1: 24, 25).

Above all the blessing that may be ours as we move through these exercises with God — there is the fruit which accrues to the heart of the blessed Lord Himself — "I went down . . to see the fruits (verdure) of the valley, to see whether the vine budded, whether the pomegranates blossomed. Before I was aware, My soul set me upon the chariots of My willing people." (Solomon's Song 6: 11, 12. New Trans.). Is He not worthy of our willing praise?

Just one of many personal moments of insanity…

Hi, my name is Q. Anna Marie and below is a testimony of just one of my moments of insanity.

While most are tucked away in their beds getting must deserved rest as to renew themselves for the day’s events. I sat steady at my PC, working away on a project for a new client. Realizing it was time for me to take a much needed break, I took a quick glimpse of my computer clock!???? 4:27 a.m. are you serious? Yes folks I had managed to get so involved with what I was doing I didn’t realize I had worked right through the night and into the wee hours of the morning. What makes it even worse; I had no clue that much time had past. I seriously thought it was closer to midnight than anything. It figures, was my immediate thought followed by going for a peaceful slow paced run in the wonderful mist that had formed outside. Yep! I had just that much energy. Yet, even more so than that, I hardly get any alone time. Having home schooled two out of three children this year left me with NO time but the wee hours of the morning to get some peace and quite. So at this point I’m taking it all in. What better way than to use my energy than to start off with an hour alone with the Lord, so I opt out of my run for that.

As soon as I’m done, I can finally feel the sleepiness setting in. PERFECT! So I off my knees turn around and scream bloody murder… there standing behind me in complete silence was Eli in the midst of the darkness. He, catching me off guard sends him into wild hysterics over the event: “Haaaaaaa I scared mom!” All the while pointing and now doubled over in stance. My Response… Praise God, I didn’t deck my child. Here is a bit of honesty… when I get scared I fight, fair warning!!!! LOL Then I just get caught up in his very infectious laughter.

“Elijah, you would get up when I’m ready to go to bed. Boy I’m sleepy, you’re on your own, I say jokingly.”

“But we don’t have anything for breakfast” came his reply.

“Followed by OH CRAP!, Opps Lord forgive me” All I could think is. I’m so sleepy… Whyyyyyyyyyyy! It’s my own fault, lol and with that reminder, Eli and I pack up in the truck and head to the Store. At this point I’m dragging, and a tad irritable but mindful of the situation and decide it best to find something easy for lunch and dinner as well. I pretty much felt I’d be missing church already and I’m pretty much certain the Lord fully understood. With each min passing I grow increasingly delirious, lol. Because up to this point I had actually been up a full 28 hours and counting (Yeah I know horrible). Elijah senses my weakness because that’s what all children do and hits me with all his might, “Hey MOM can we have ice cream for breakfast?” I look at him and catch the most amazing smile; I’m talking from ear to ear. I let out a sigh…” I don’t care” But you can’t just have Ice cream what are you going to put with it?
YEP! My personal moment ITY!!!!

They had Ice cream and brownies for breakfast. Roman noodles for lunch but in all fairness. LOL Home made beef stroganoff for Dinner. … THANK YOU ( taking a bow)

You may all carry on now!!!!!!

They choose their weapons wisely

So I heard Elijah and Tiara in the living room, where I left each of them to start on their chores, cracking up. The laughter was so intense, I couldn't help myself from giggling and it peeked my interest. So of course I just had to get up from my work to see what hoo ha was all about. So delighted with the prospects of getting a good LOL in, I walked into the living room, then immediately did an about face and came right back to my office trying to make sense of what I just seen.

Yesterday, I went shopping for cleaning supplies. I bought all of my goodies ( trust me they become goodies when your a stay at home, work from home mother ,lol) home and neatly tucked them away in their proper places. I also found for the first time, large industrial size bottles of Febrez, I was thrilled, I mean doesn't need an INDUSTRIAL SIZE of this stuff , right? So I did the only right thing, I bought two because two of everything is important. I mean even putting my obviously ocd aside,  Seaseme Street is bound to set you straight.... 
One would think that having that much Febrez, you'd keep it around for a while, except when it comes to my household and my children. You see I no longer have either bottle of my special industrial size of extra strength febrez, because for some unknown( to me) reason, my children decided to take the bottles of febrez and have a febrez fight. When I walked int he room, they actually  pointing it at one another and spraying away, which had them both in hysterics.  So I did what any mother who is striving to remain sane did. I walked out and ignored it.

It's been a few hours now and I have a wonderful justified reason for allowing it to all go down. My home and two out of three children still smells wonder!

2 stool+1 fluffy Blanket in my book = COMFORT!

So Elijah was injured at school the other day and to avoid surgery and to see if he will mend naturally, which is what I prefer. He has been placed on crutches for the next two weeks and he is extremely awkward and to be honest I was more worried about him hurting himself, more with the crutches, but Praise God he has managed, clumsiness and all.

Ok here is where I may get the tisk tisk. For this first week he has been still and taking full advantage of it. Can someone get me some water... Can someone pick that up for me? I can't do this, I can't do that and well we have catered to him. My child, even had the nerve to ask if I'd help him shower,lol Adorable huh?We all had a good laugh at that one. lol.  The girls have been doubling up on chores to help him out. However tonight he is back in the game. Yes, I'm a mean ole mom, That's right folks I made him get up off his Royal Canadian Rusty Dusty and do his part, which tonight was the few dishes we had accumulated during the day. At first he complained about not being able to function, that was until he seen i was going to go out of my way to make him super comfy, while tending to his chore.

2 stool+ 1 fluffy Blanket in my book = COMFORT!

and it only took him 8690869659587585859595769748480 hours and 15 sec. to get the 8 dishes done.  After all was said and done, the very frist thing he did was get down, grab his crutches, go to the living room and holla... CAN YOU MAKE ME A PLATE!( BIG SIGHHHHHH). oh well it was fun while it lasted.

Have a very blessed evening.

Anna Marie

The faith of a child

The story below is just that... a story, but it's one that could help remind us of the faith we are supposed to have in all of life situations. It may never play out as easy or well verse as the story below, it may take days, weeks months but rest assure, The Lord is on our side and he will answer any call when it's time and that's where our faith should always lay.

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet.
She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three
times, even... The total had to be exactly perfect... No chance here for mistakes.
Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she
slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door. She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment.
Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat
with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a
quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter... That did it!
'And what do you want?' the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of
voice. 'I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages,' he
said without waiting for a reply to his question. 'Well, I want to talk
to you about my brother,' Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. 'He's
really, really sick...and I want to buy a miracle.' 'I beg your pardon?'
said the pharmacist. 'His name is Andrew and he has something bad
growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now So how  much does a miracle cost?' 'We don't sell miracles here, little girl.. I'm sorry but I can't help you,' the pharmacist said, softening a little..

'Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs....' The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, 'What kind of a miracle does your brother need?'' I don't know,' Tess replied with her
eyes welling up. 'I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an
operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money.' 'How much do you have?' asked the man from  Chicago . 'One dollar and eleven cents,' Tess answered barely audibly.

'And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.'  'Well, what a
coincidence,' smiled the man. 'A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a
miracle for little brothers. ' He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he g rasped her mitten and said 'Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents.. Let's see if I have the miracle you need.'

That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton  Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place. 'That surgery,' her Mom whispered. 'was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?' Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost..one dollar and eleven cents....plus the faith of a little child

The gift that keeps on giving...

How blessed we are ,as individuals to been chosen by the Lord to be the parents of a child with a disability. Seems like such a strange thing to say, I know, but over the years I have found that this gift the Lord has bestowed on me, has changed me forever and for the better. It makes me smile to think that the Lord thought so highly of me, his child, to give such a unique gift.

If you think about you, normally when we receive a gift from a friend or family member, we pay close mind to put it up on a shelf, so we can sit back and take it in, protecting it, as it collects dust. However, for us, our gift, in being the parent of a special needs child has truly been one, that continues to keep on giving. You see, we are required to daily maintain our gifts from God, which has, if you really think about it, made us stronger.

Perhaps I need to just speak for myself here but when one of my chidlren are in an immediate need, even though I'm no longer a gym rat, I have managed to leap over furniture, run faster and longer distances without ceasing to take a breathe, I have worked around the clock, just to keep the home in order and keep the bills paid on time. I have fallen on my knees in prayer and cried out to the Lord with absolutely no shame, even in public(smile). So i can say without fail, my gifts from the Lord has truly made me an all around stronger individual. It's even blessed me with patients, wisdom, a kind ,understanding and loving heart towards others, by default. lol. No vase from grammie, could have ever done that, although... it's SUPER NICE!

From time to time, I need to remind myself, that I was hand picked by the Lord to live in this position,, this ministry, this honored standing in life. Yes, it's gets hard, daily,push through, your child needs you. Yes you may desire to cry, crying is yet another blessing from the Lord, so go for it! Others may not truly understand but the Lord does and he is truly what matters.

I encourage you, to remember, we were hand selected by the Lord to take this on, sure bring about a smile to my face. What about yours?

Much love,

Anna Marie

Family Game Night gone wrong- Sorry Joel Osteen Fans but I'm not letting this one go

Joel Osteen. Many adore this man and hang onto his every positive word, but is what he teaching biblical, is it meant to get and keep you in tune with the Lord of with nature and self? When i came to matters of Joel, i always stood very neutral, Because, to each his own, right? NO , there is nothing right about thousands and and I me and Thousands of men women and children being taught to Discover the Champion in you. I have personally heard him say have faith in yourself that you will archive your goals? No mention of having faith in the Lord. So after my recent experience and what the lord has revealed to me... in the famous words of Jessica Alba, I can no longer " , BE Neutral,BE SWEDEN"( sorry Mrs Alba, I couldn't resist.LOL.

This summer I decided to spend as much time having fun with my children as possible, so I buy board games all the time. So imagine my delight when at a christian bookstore I found an area of board games. . One in particular called Your best life Now( pay attention to the title it's going to come in a little later) stood out to me like a sore thumb.The sign promotion read... an excellent choice for a solid , christian game, to play with your family and friends. The description, something like will help your family open up share and talk to one another and blah blah blah self esteem. I knew It was going to be a bust, but jokingly bought it anyways, thought of all types of ways to sure ways to lovingly, and jokingly torment my teens, while playing a game that was based on talking openly about ones feelings. However to be honest, really bought it because my spirit was so bothered by it. Garrett and I talked about it in depth before buying it, we actually went back and forth. I finally said, you know Garrett ,I just have to see whats in this box.

We made dinner, and set up the game smack dab in the middle of out living room. The game had soooooo many pieces to it, so it actually took some time to set up. As I set it up, I told my oldest to go get the bible, in case we needed it for reference. Boy was that a trip to the bedroom, that wasn't needed.

Here is the set up of the game

Now as your are clearly able to see, there is a Massive head shot of yours truly on the box yet, honestly, OK not enough to worry some, I know, I was there and heard many times over, OH HEY it's Joel O, look mom the hay this Joel O game marked down. So ok moving past that, lol because that's just me being well retentive. Here is where the truth needs to set in and sink in deep. Take a close look at board game it's self. Notice anything? OK you have a Valley and a Mountain top. OK I'm hopeful and so that's what I thought when I first opened it, nothing new age about it, right? Well no not just based off of that.

Game Play Time (YEAHHHHHHH)

•   Enlarge Your Vision
•   Develop a Healthy Self Image
•   Discover the Power of your Thoughts and Words
•   Let Go of the Past
•   Find Strength Through Adversity
•   Live To Give
•   Choose to Be Happy

Noooo, I didn't just quote Dr. Phil. Those are the name of the game play cards.

First all players must take a goal tab and write one goal on it, with one way of archiving that goal, fold it , place their name on it and place it in the MY MIRACLE Envelope. Yet i thought the Lord said, miracles are things HE does, not things we do, check out John 2:18; and Matt. 12:38.

ok so Then each Player gets dealt 7 Enlarge your vision cards and two faith cards.

There are seven levels to complete so let's get started shall we? Humm 7, this poor number can pretty much be associated with tons of things from the sublime to the ridiculous.

● Seven ages of man
● Seven colours of the rainbow,
● Seven wonders of the ancient world
● Seven gates of hell
● Seven primary chakras
● Seven Christian sacraments
● Seven Sisters (the Pleiades)
● Seven dwarfs

THAT'S A WHOLE other blog folks... However I had to point it out. So where is Joel's stand in all of this. Let's play on!

Level one: Enlarge your Vision.

You start with the youngest player, they in turn roll the die and then move their game piece that amount of spaces. Then they must pull one of their enlarge your Vision cards.Here is what is on each card and the instructions

Example given per game instructions, search the images with in the image. If you look at a tree and see a cat, then say cat, there are no wrong answers. YEP MEDITATION TIME. However if your not able to describe why you see a cat, you loose a turn or you can use on of two of your faith cards.

NOW I think it's safe to say what role seven plays in this game. Remember the title... Your best Life NOW. Here is where 7 comes in, Meditation 101, Living in the Now
Your best life NOW.Living in the NOW is the is just one key focal point of Meditation. Which is then dear sisters, divided off into 7 categories, or LEVELS.

1.Meditation: Peak Experiences and Flow: peak experiences are those moments in which you get totally involved to the point that you lose all sense of time and forget all your worries, fears, and problems.You generally do this by focusing on nature. Do you all remember the Enlarge your vision Cards? No right or wrong answers?

Well how does this line up with the word of God? In the word of God we can definitely see there is right and wrong answers in all areas of our daily lives.

Level two: Develop a Healthy Self Esteem:

Players must look into the little mirror provided as they make a statements about themselves, with a 15 sec limit. If not, the player looses a turn, unless you use that good ole faith card. Mind you the game instructions warn you in the the start, basically not to have to much faith, because it only allows you two faith cards.

2. Meditation :Acting instead of Being part of human nature to be in the NOW at all times. With the help of Meditation, you can be happy without doing anything. It is essential to realize this aspect, otherwise, the attainment of happiness will be difficult. One sure way of getting to this place is learning to be happy with who you are, right here and now.

Look into the mirror everyone, pick out everything you love about yourself NOW and accept and embrace it.

OK I'm not going to go and outline the entire game, but what i am going to do is show you the different levels that line up perfectly with new age teachings and that the bible is no where to be found, Nor was there one mention of the lord anyone in the entire game, no scripture... nothing. Just believe in your, you can do it, and have faith in your self.

Game levels

3Discover the Power of your Thoughts and Words
4Let Go of the Past
5 Find Strength Through Adversity
6Live To Give
7 Choose to Be Happy

Meditation levels

3unnessacery thoughts- pretty much self explanatory
4 in the Now everything is beautiful- here you learn to let go of your past
5 the key to now- teaches you how to overcome life situations
6Your potential is Now- learn to give to yourself, serve yourself
7 Acceptance- learn how to be and stay happy.

It goes even deeper than this, however i know if i were to bust it all open, no one would read it, soooo,lol, but if you are following the teachings of Joel, please, do so prayerfully, questions things, don't take things for face value. Stay in the word of God, if you desire a good meditation meditate in that day and night. Pray and ask the Lord to up your potion of discernment.

This game and I'm going to have to also go on his books are not safe. you can take it or leave it, but right now, I personally wouldn't be dabbling in anything other than the Lord. I'm glad I bought this game, for me I needed to see it IN MY FACE, but mainly because the Lord allowed me to research it and see what was really going on and then post it here.

We all, including myself have got to be careful. I was going to sell the game on ebay, but the was instructed to destroy it, one less game out there, i guess,lol.

Sorry for the typos, as i DID NOT spell check this one,lol.