How I should Respond

I have been dialoging lately with a friend about some problems she is having. I recall when one of my relatives hurt my feelings very deeply several years ago. I have been dealing with my own emotions responding to someone else in my life who is not doing what I see that he should according to Scripture. While thinking and praying about this, God has revealed something to me. I need to focus on what I can do to GLORIFY HIM through all these situations in my life. When I start feeling frustrated or offended. His purpose through all of these situations is not necessarily about ME. I want to get to the place where I can trust Him and let go of my emotional responses. Not to say that it does not hurt when someone speaks ill of you, based on your adherence to a godly lifestyle. Especially when that someone is a family member whose love you crave and opinion you value. Not to say it doesn't feel like a slap in the face when you give godly counsel to someone who claims to be a believer, only to have him not follow what you can clearly see is the best path for his life. But I think that our godly response is to wait. On the Lord. Although man's opinion may not be what we want to hear, we can trust that GOD is pleased with our actions, and we can rest in the assurance that He will resolve the situation in His own time and for His good pleasure. I think of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace. They did not worry about whether God could save them from the intense flames. They knew He could, but they chose to stand firm, worship and obey Him, WHETHER HE DID OR NOT. They did not have an emotional response, but a faithful response.
It is not always easy, but it is obedience. It is what the world sees, and questions. They cannot understand how we can stand strong against adversity and conflict. And God can use it to lead others to himself.

Oh, how I long to trust Him more...


"be still, and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10

We just got back from an awesome beach trip. We had been planning a trip, but there were alot of loose ends, due to the fact that William's job at B,E and K was coming to an end, and he was not sure where he was going next. He found out about a job in Mississippi through a co worker, and went down with him to apply. He passed all the tests, and was ready to start as soon as his drug test came through ok (Cross fingers!!) In the meantime, we had been researching several different vacation locations: we had originally planned on Gulf Shores because we love going there. But then we found out our pastor's family was going to Mexico beach, FL the same time we were planning on going, so we tried to coordinate a trip with them. When William got called to Mississippi, he said maybe we could go to Biloxi, MS since it is on the beach. After many hours of researching condos, motels, beach houses and the like on the internet, we finally decided on Gulf Shores. The condo we had been interested in had only one week available in October, and it was the one we needed. Thank you God! William realized that it was only a couple of hours from Gulf Shores to Pascagoula, MS, so we decided to take 2 cars and he would leave from the beach to go to his new job when they called. We threw all our stuff in the cars, and tried not to forget anything. It was defintely a rush packing job. We were able to get our friends the Lamberts to take care of our pets, so we were ready to go. William did not hear from the job in Mississippi, so he called them on Wednesday. They said his test had not come back yet. On Thursday, William got a call from another company, Lavender, that is in Northport. The job they are doing is actually at the same oil refinery he was working for with B, E, and K. But this job will be more permanent and, unlike the MS job, ALOT closer to home. Praise the Lord!!!! So we got to enjoy a vacation at the condo we had originally selected, which was a great price and location, and he left a day early to come back home and start work. The condo was right next to Sea and Suds restaurant, which we loved because we could walk to dinner insead of driving. We also visited DeSotos' Restaurant, which William likes because you can get home cooked vegetables for sides instead of just the usual coleslaw/baked potato/fries/salad options. And of course, we ALWAYS get gumbo, no matter what seafood place we choose. But we forgot they don't serve hushpuppies. That should be against the law. How can you eat seafood without hushpuppies?
I got up a couple of mornings and walked down the beach to the pier. It was not quite a mile each way. I collected a ton of shells, and other "sea stuff". The weather was cool, but still warm enough to swim.
The kids spent alot of the days at the beach and the pool. There was a blue heron that came up to beg from the fishermen, and Bailey and Noah got close enough to have their picture taken with him. They also, fed the seagulls, and swam with millions of minnows. William caught several different fish, and just avoided stepping on a couple of rays or skates. We remembered to use sunscreen, and avoided any bad burns.
It was a really relaxing, fun trip and we are thankful that God allowed us the time relaxing together.

blogging again

I know I have not been blogging for awhile...again. It is not because there has been nothing to write about. I guess there has been so much to write about that I have not had (or made) the time. First of all, Cody is now at House of Hope in Ralph, AL. without going into alot of details, let's just say that the Lord has been working in his life for the past few years. He has gone through alot, most of which he brought on himself, and has had to pay some pretty high prices for his choices. He is learning (hopefully) to take care of himself, and it appears that the Lord has saved him. Even though it was a difficult path, the Lord used every step of that path to reveal Himself to Cody, and protect him from getting deeper into bad patterns and situations. I am thankful to have him as my brother in Christ. It has also helped me to trust God more. It was so hard at times, when things seemed like things were never going to improve for him. He was so lost, and it seemed he had no desire for the things of God. Well, of course he didn't, because God had not changed his heart yet. But I was wanting his salvation to happen in MY timing, not God's. God showed me that I needed to be patient and trust Him, and that He knew what was best for Cody. I think one of the hardest revelations was that Cody might NEVER come to Him, if it was not His will. I had to learn to be ok with that if it happened, and trust my Heavenly father to do what was best to bring HIMSELF glory. it's not all about me, or any of us. It's all about God. Praise and glory be to Him!