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.