FIRST BOOK SIGNING

June 26, 2010

Today was my first book signing. It was held at Hastings in Fort Smith from 12:00 until 2:00. At first I was extremely nervous, but as I spent the morning in prayer, I remembered the sermon from the Sunday before; the teaching was about how if Christ is in you then you have God's annointing on you. Therefore, you don't have to ask him for his annointing because you already have it. I knew that writing this book was what God had called me to do, so I had His annointing on me to go through each step of the writing/publishing/marketing process. With that thought came a sudden peace and I left for the book signing excited.

The book signing couldn't have been better. My table was decorated beautifully and everyone enjoyed the cookies and lemonade that I provided. I had a line backed out the door as I signed, and signed and signed copies of my book. I ended up being there nearly an hour over the scheduled time, but it was worth it because I met so many wonderful people and Hastings ended up selling every copy of my book that they had stocked. The hand of the Lord was on me and it turned out to be a successful, fulfilling day.

THE BEST CALL EVER!!!

June 24, 2010

Ever since I was a little girl there has been an important man in my life, and I called him Papa. To him, I was the "apple of his eye", but he was also the apple of my eye. As I grew older, his importance never lessened and I even had him walk me down the aisle on my wedding day. I love him so much and to hear him say "hello Baby" over the phone will make me cry every time. Therefore, when he called me today to congratulate me on my book and said that he had read it cover to cover I was thrilled beyond words, but when he reminded me that I was still the "Apple of his eye" the water works really started. To know that my Papa was proud of me made this the best call ever!

AFTER 9 YEARS.......

June 23, 2010

My husband and I celebrated our 9 year wedding anniversary today and we have much to celebrate. Satan has done everything to destroy our marriage, our family. He has taken us to the verge of financial ruin; he has been the source of miscommunication, harsh words and hurt feelings; he caused the miscarriage of our first child, caused infertility issues, has placed disease on us and given us negative report after negative report. However, I PRAISE THE LORD for seeing us through the troublesome times and helping us honor our vows even during the bleakest days. He has given us nine years together and after nine years I can still say that I love the life my husband and I have created together, with God's help, and that I still love this wonderful man who walks beside me.

To celebrate our anniversary we rented a cabin on a nearby mountaintop. I rented a movie we had been wanting to see and brought the preparations for a wonderful meal. The elevation made the temperature about ten degrees cooler, so we were able to hike and rent bicycles. After all the activity was finished, we grilled steaks and had a candlelit dinner and then sat on the edge of the bluff and watched the sun set. It was beautiful! As darkness fell, we cuddled up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn to watch our movie. It was a happy day filled with loving words, holding hands, and stealing kisses. I can't wait for fifty more anniversaries just like it!

GOD INSCRIBED HIS NAME UPON THE EARTH

I learned something very interesting in church on Sunday. If you take an ariel view of Mount Zion, the hills and valleys look like the letters that spell out God in Hebrew. This was especially significant to me since Mark and I are trying to learn Hebrew.

UPDATE ON UNCLE DOC

AS OF YESTERDAY, MY UNCLE DOC WAS DOING SO MUCH BETTER! HE HAS GOOD COLORING AGAIN AND HE IS ABLE TO LIFT HIS LEGS A LITTLE. HE WAS ALSO ABLE TO ENJOY HIS FIRST MEAL FROM MCDONALDS.

MIRACLE GIRL

On Monday, I went to see my neurosurgeon and got a terrific report. First of all, he called me his Miracle Girl. Then he went on to tell me that he had recently returned from a conference in chicago which was attended by 100 neurosurgeons from across the nation and he discussed my case. He said that they were in awe that I was alive, not to mention doing so well. They said that I was the ONLY case that they knew of where a person had my sort of tumor and continued to thrive. I said "It is God!" and my doctor said "that's what I told them." I absolutely LOVE IT when GOD SHOWS UP ON THE SCENCE and totally bewilders medical science. THANK YOU, THANK YOU JESUS!!!!! God is definitely still in the miracle working business!

A GREAT READ, but that's just my opinion

IF YOU HAVE NEVER READ A NOVEL OR NOVELLA BY FRANCINE RIVERS, YOU MUST START TODAY. SHE MAKES THE STORIES OF THE BIBLE COME ALIVE AND HER FICTIONAL STORIES ARE USUALLY BASED ON SOME FACT AND ARE CHALKED FULL OF DETAILS AND EXTREMELY INTERESTING CHARACTERS, THAT, SOMEHOW, YOU BECOME PART OF THE STORY. MY FAVORITE NOVEL IS REDEEMING LOVE, BUT I AM CURRENTLY READING HER NOVELLAS ABOUT FIVE COURAGEOUS WOMEN IN THE BIBLE. IN MY OPINION, ALL OF HER BOOKS ARE GREAT READS.

JUST TO CHEER HER ON

So, my uncle was diagnosed with prostate cancer nearly two years ago, which spread to his pelvis and leg bones fairly quickly, but he continued to function with the help of some strong pain pills. A few months ago an MRI revealed that the cancer had eaten through one of the bones in his leg, which explained his intense pain and his difficulty walking or even just getting out of a chair. His doctor told him that he needed to remain in his wheelchair at all times, but his radiation oncologist told him to try to get out of the wheelchair for very short periods of time each day. Unfortunately, one day while sitting at his kitchen table, the chair he was using collapsed unexpectedly and he fell and broke his hip. This caused immediate hospitalization. After a few days in the hospital, the doctors' reports were not good. They gave him 6 months to a year to live and told him that he would be flat on his back in bed for the rest of his life. However, my uncle is a man of faith who is quick to trust in the Lord and stand on His promises, so he did not accept that report and went on believing that God would perform a miraculous healing on his body. Every prayer warrior we knew was praying for "total restoration" and we began to see this restoration through tiny steps of healing. The first little miracle we saw was when they reduced his pain medication and then reduced it again. After that, the nurses were able to roll him over without first having to give him a pain pill. Then within a few days he was able to sit up in bed for a short time, and after a few more days, he was sitting on the edge of the bed with his legs dangling off. He spent five weeks in the hospital, but by the time he came home he was able to take short rides in his wheelchair. His family and friends rejoiced with him over what God was doing, yet we all still felt that at the perfect time my uncle would be miraculously healed and completely cancer free.

We praised the Lord for His goodness the day my uncle came home from the hospital, but we stood in awe of the Lord's power when we were able to load him up and drive him to his daughter's college graduation in a town about twenty minutes away. At her graduation, despite all of the negative reports, my uncle sat for two hours without complaint and returned home to participate in a celebratory dinner, during which he was able, for the first time, to pull his wheel chair up to the table to join family and friends.

We have continued to see these steps toward a full recovery and we will always believe that God will perform a miracle and heal my uncle completely, but right now, I am content to know that our loving heavenly Father knew the importance of a father being at a graduation to cheer his daughter on.

BABY STEPS TOWARDS TOTAL RESTORATION

I just received a text picture of my uncle, whom the doctors told would lie on his back until he died, which they predicted to be in 6 months to a year, sitting in a wheel chair getting ready to take a ride! Wooooo Hooooo!!!!! Praise the Lord! He has had decreasing pain levels each day and despite a broken hip and bone that has been eaten away from cancer, he sat on the edge of the bed for over 10 minutes, with no pain, yesterday and now can be moved into a wheel chair. We give God the glory for these small miracles as we keep believing for total restoration. Even the doctors and nurses agree that this is a "God Thing"! When the doctor saw the sudden improvement in my uncle he said "Hallelujah" and the nurses say anyone who enters my uncle's hospital room can feel the presence of God. This just proves that God is still in the miracle working business! Thank you Jesus for baring the agony of the cross to save me and for taking the pain of being scourged so we can proclaim, "BY YOUR STRIPES WE WERE HEALED!!"

FLOATING ON AIR

I am floating on air or you could use the cliche' floating on cloud 9. I had such a refreshing, renewing time in the presence of the almighty God last night. I rediscovered the amazing power he gives us, His children and decided that I need to seize more of the moments God gives to me to do great works for Him. The Holy Spirit filled me so fully that I literally trembled under the power and I felt like a new person. Then a 2nd confirmation was given to me through a prophetic word that created a new energy and excitement in me while showing me that my God sees all things. I felt the love of Jesus wash over me repeatedly and left wanting to kick up my heels and shout!!! MY GOD, THE ALPHA AND OMEGA, THE ONE AND ONLY JEHOVAH, CREATOR OF ALL IS SOOOOO WONDERFUL TO ME!!!!!

A CHANGE IN THE REPORT

A friend of mine just found out that her aunt, who had stage 4 breast cancer and was undergoing her last treatments of chemotherapy, would not need anymore treatments because her prayers had been answered.....SHE IS HEALED!!!

My uncle who has been admitted into the hospital and given 6 months to a year to live due to prostate cancer that was attacking his bones and was in devastating pain, is now reducing his pain medicine and is able to be moved without a pain shot. Thanks to the healing power of our risen Saviour!

THE SABBATH PRAYER

I learned this morning that the Sabbath began at sun down on Friday, March 26th. In a small attempt to honor this special event, I am writing as well as saying some of the Sabbath meal prayer. "BARUCH ATAH, ADONAI ELOHENUH, MELECH H' OLAM" This means "Blessed are you Lord God King of the Universe."

THE PERFECT PLACE FOR A FLAT

No, we did not rejoice when we heard the familiar ''blup, blup" sound a tire makes when it is flat. At first, I was just plain angry about it, but then I realized it could be worse. True, we found ourselves on the side of the highway in semi darkness and a light drizzle, but blessings could be found in the situation. First of all, we did not have this blow out in Dallas, where we would have had to cross five lanes of bumper to bumper traffic to get to the side of the road, but rather was able to quickly pull to the side of I-40 when the noise began. Second, we were only 45 minutes from home when we had the flat, (although it took longer driving on a donut tire!) which was amazing since we were ending an 8 hour trip. Finally, as a woman I consider it a tremendous blessing to have a husband who is mechanically gifted. One who could calmly tell me and the kids to stay in the car and he would have it fixed in a jiffy, and he actually did have it fixed in a jiffy. I thought about these blessings as I watched my husband dodge semis and other rude vehicles zooming by at 70 mph, and I felt truly thankful for the Lord's hand of protection on my family.

KICKING MY OWN TAIL

I have to admit that I haven't had the greatest attitude the last couple of days. I feel like Satan is ready to attack me at every corner, which is his job, so I don't know why that would surprise me It doesn't help that I haven't slept well in over a week and just haven't felt good in general, but the truth of the matter is that I have had my fill with all of the terrible events that have been happening to my family and friends, and I am plain old weary of the battle.

Yesterday, I guess all of the frustration and stress came to a head and I had a little melt down. Boy was I ever having myself a royal pity party! However, I got tired of feeling that way really soon, so I gave myself a good talking to, and a sharp kick in the tail and started counting my blessings. I put on a praise CD and sang at the top of my lungs until my mind and spirit were renewed and then I had a thought. "It isn't just me whose frustrated with this old world; it seems the whole world is groaning ' Even so, come Lord Jesus.'" The Word of God speaks of this when it says, "In this world there will be trouble, BUT be of good cheer, for I [Jesus] have overcome the world." As children of God, we must remember that this world is NOT our home. We are merely traveling through. Our home is being prepared for us by Jesus, himself, and that is why we cry for his return. WOOO HOOOO, GLORY, HALLELUJAH!!! (excuse me for the shout, but that puts a little fire in my bones. It makes me want to kick my heels up and shout!)

So, needless to say, I awoke this morning with a complete change in not only my attitude, but in my perspective. I have so much to be thankful for; starting with being alive to enjoy this gorgeous day and being able to hear the delighted squeals of my children outside. Thank you Lord for every good and perfect gift you send down to me.

MY MIRACLE BABIES

RENEW MY MIND, OH LORD

This morning, just after waking, I had an epiphany. I realized that I love my life and that I am not thankful enough for all of my blessings. "Lord, renew my mind each day, I pray, so that my attitude always gives praise to you."

DEFYING THE NATURAL

I have many dear friends, but only one has continually defied the natural and stayed in the spiritual realm. This means that she refuses to accept what her body, and doctors for that matter, have told her. Instead she has put her trust in the promises of God. My friend has stood at death's door numerous times, has had multiple surgeries, intensive therapies, and is still alive and well.

In fact, I had the privilege of spending the day shopping with her. We spent the morning going from store to store but we spent even more time laughing and having great conversation. We even got to enjoy a nice meal together. The day ended up successful; she found exactly what she was looking for and I got to enjoy her company.

I am so glad that she choose to trust in the Lord all of those years ago and at the various times where her faith has been tested since then or I would have never had her friendship and I wouldn't have had such a wonderful day today. She is another example of a MIRACLE!

JEHOVAH, MY PROVIDER

My husband and I have had to trust God to be our provider many time in our almost 9 year marriage. We believe that our God is Jehovah and that He loves us enough to protect and provide for us, and without fail, He has never let us down. Our God is a God who you can trust.

He has shown us this over and over again. When I was diagnosed with cancer just two years into our marriage and had to take a lengthy absence from work while my husband was finishing up his college degree, we put our trust in God for our basic needs. It's really as simple as: wife is NOT making any money and husband is NOT making any money which EQUALS NO income for the family. On top of that we had a brand new baby, with all the expensive needs a baby has, and outrageous medical bills in addition to our rent, utilities and other living expenses. How does one survive facing these odds? All I can say is...."But for God...."

God provided for us for SIX MONTHS when we had NO income. He laid on the hearts of Godly men and women to be generous towards us. It was not unusual for us to come home to boxes of groceries on our front step, or for individuals to hand us money when we least expected it, or for us to discover that a bill had been paid anonymously. EVERY NEED WAS MET, EVERY TIME and we learned that God is extremely reliable.

So recently, when my husband lost his job, we choose not to fear but to trust in Jehovah, our provider. Almost immediately, the Lord gave us confirmation that He still held us in his hands. I had just published my book, "Miracles Still Happen" when a very special lady from my childhood bought a couple copies and felt the need to pay one hundred dollars for a twenty dollar purchase. That is quite a tip and there is no doubt in my mind that this blessing was orchestrated by God. I thank God, my Jehovah, for His provision and I am also tremendously grateful to all the wonderful people who listen to God's still, small voice when He has instructed them to be generous towards my family. Thank you for being used by the Lord. To us, you have been part of a miracle.

MORE QUOTES I LOVE

Faith is not believing that God can do something; it's knowing that He will.

Life is not about the number of breaths we take, but about the moments that take our breath away.

THE BLESSING OF FRIENDSHIP

AHHHHHH...... The blessing of friendship. Not the ordinary, talk on the phone every other day friendship, but the "I am here for you, I've got your back, sort of friendship." The "I can bare my soul to you and trust you with my secrets friendship." The type of friendship that everyone needs but few actually have.

I have a few friends like that. We don't have to hang out or call each other all the time, but we we do see one another we can always just pick up where we left off. Tonight, I had the blessing of sharing a nice meal and a warm conversation with a friend like that.

FAVORITE QUOTE

One of my favorite quotes is by Jim Elliot, who was a martyr for Christ. He said, "IT IS NOT A FOOL WHO GIVES UP WHAT HE CAN NOT KEEP TO GAIN WHAT HE CAN NOT LOOSE."

ANOTHER GREAT QUOTE

"LIVE LIKE YOU'll DIE TOMORROW AND DIE LIKE YOU WILL LIVE FOREVER."

Even Wallets Are In HIS hands

Today I was talking with a dear friend who said she had a "little miracle" to tell me about. She said that last night she ran into a local establishment for a few minutes, taking her wallet with her. When she left that establishment she went right home, but when she arrived home she realized that she no longer had her wallet. My friend said that she and her husband tore their car apart looking for the lost wallet, searching every nook and cranny. To their dismay, they could not find it, so they retuned to the establishment that they had just left to see if it was there. The store manager spent a great deal of time with them searching the areas where my friend had been, while her husband searched the car thoroughly once again. Finally, in desperation, they began to contact credit card agencies, their bank, and all other places that needed to be alerted of a possible theft. The next day, after work, my friend decided to stop by the establishment again despite the fact that she had left her name and phone number with the manager. Nothing had changed at the store, but as my friend walked back to her car, she sensed in her spirit that she needed to look in the back floorboard once again. When she opened the back door, there was her wallet lying near the driver's seat on the back floor board.

Now, some might say that this is a coincidence, but remember that the car had been searched thoroughly twice to no avail. You can think what you want, but my friend and I know that the Lord had his hand on her and her wallet and that this is indeed a "little miracle."

BLUB, BLUB, GURGLE, GURGLE

BLUB, BLUB, GURGLE, GURGLE. That is the sound that my friend's Jeep is making at the bottom of a pond. Now, you are probably asking yourself how does a Jeep end up submerged in over 15 feet of water? Good question, miraculous story. Like many states, Arkansas has seen more snow this year than maybe ever before, so on one of these cold, blustery days, my friends decided to go on a little adventure. They were doing a little four-wheeling in an open field when ALL OF A SUDDEN and MUCH TO THEIR SURPRISE they were cresting a hill and dropping into a pond! Talk about scary! The Jeep quickly began to sink, so the doors would not open; however, the passenger was able to unzip her window so the three of them could swim out of the sinking vehicle. They then were able to walk to a nearby factory, where they were given some dry clothing before they turned into human ice sculptures!! This is SIMPLY A MIRACLE!

Blizzard in Tennessee!!!

My family was heading home from Tennessee, after spending the weekend watching my brother play college baseball, and about an hour into the trip we hit a BLIZZARD. There were semis jackknifed all over the place and cars in the ditches, one car was even upside down in a snow embankment. (we called 911 about that one) We drove on a solid sheet of black ice for over 20 miles but after a few more hours drove out of the snow storm unharmed. We had prayed for traveling mercies before we started our journey and it looked like the Lord kept up his end of the bargain when we pulled into our driveway safe and sound. That is simply a miracle!