Lots of randomness

Well, I don't really have a specific thing to post.  Lots of random things though.

I was in prayer this morning about a couple of issues that I have dealt with for years.  I was telling God how it was hard to pray over these things since they have been issues for so long.  God then lovingly reminded me of something else I had prayed over for years that He was faithful to answer - my marriage.  Indeed, He answered above and beyond anything I prayed or imagined.  He answered in spite of my numerous failures in the process.  He answered even though my faith at times was minimal.  Because of this remembrance - I am encouraged to continue to fight and to continue to lift the issues up in prayer.  

The past couple of months I have had interesting Christian individuals cross my path.  I know you know what I mean when I say interesting Christian individuals.  I have had to pray about my interactions with all of them.  I don't think I have ever had to work with individuals like this...or maybe it is just simply that I haven't had to work with individuals like this at the maturity I am at right now.  (Not bragging, just analyzing, God knows I have a long way to go!)  Anyway - as I pray I feel as if this is an opportunity for growth and to be an example...not an example to the individuals necessarily but to those who are watching the interaction between the individuals and myself.  Fortunately I am up to the challenge!  

I have noticed lately that my prayer life has kind of changed.  I used to like to have a prayer partner to lift up my personal needs with, I, in turn would pray over my partners needs as well.  I honestly felt like I needed the two or more in order to get an answer.  Lately I have become a little more private, a little more one on one with God.  Doing so is making me feel a little more accountable for my own actions.  

I am thankful for so much!  Bobby loves this job that God hand created for him.  It is stressful as his new position with the city brings much change and there is always resistance to change.  I am so proud that Bobby is seeking God and relying on God to do the battle.  I am so thankful that after many years of prayer - my husband acknowledges God, seeks Him and trusts Him.

Brandy is about to be 2 years without a break!  I would really like to have another DNA test done to see if the Osteogenisis still shows.  I am thinking God has healed her or is definitely in the process of healing her.  

I am thankful for my job.  I love what I do.  I love who I work with.  I love the relatively low stress.  

I am thankful that my 2 older girls are such awesome adults.  They are a joy to watch.  I am so blessed by them.  Blessed and humbled.

I am thankful for my Godly friends.  They may be few - but they are mighty and awesome!

That's my post for today!

Lots of love!

D. J.

Merry Christmas!  

It's been a long time since I  have posted! So sorry!  Good news though - it seems my life is getting more caught up than it has been in a very very long time!  It is feeling so good! I have hope of being organized again!  Don't get me wrong - life has not calmed down in the least!  But I have been focusing more on God and his plan for me each day - trying to eliminate some time wasters - and changing my thinking.  

God is good.  He continues to show Himself to me daily.  I am always amazed.  In a way I hope I am always amazed by seeing Him work in my life and in the lives of those around me.  But in another way I hope to get to a point where I can say - Well of course God came through - He always does!  

Let me just list a few things God has been at work at for our benefit the past few months

God created a job for Bobby - seriously, the job posted in June or July, it was a brand new position.  The job description could not have fit his qualification any more to a T than what they did.  It was like they new Bobby and designed the job description around his skill set and experience.  He applied for it is August I believe and started working in September.  

The existence of this new position within his employer has brought much resistance to pending change.  Bobby has had to do a couple of presentation and then take rapid fire from anybody who wanted to question him.  Bobby prayed (God at work) and came through for Bobby in an undeniable way. Let me tell you - having your man being led by God is a HUGE benefit to any marriage!

As a result of getting this job our finances are improving.  We have a lot of ground to make up.  God is stepping in and taking care of some of our debts.  He is giving us clear direction on how to tackle our finances with baby steps.  We even made a ridiculous mistake due to the chaos in our lives that could have been very expensive - have you ever forgot to pay your utility bill? - It could have cost us close to $500 and this mistake could have easily created a HUGE argument between us.  But we chose to seek God, ask for forgiveness of our oversight, and for His favor when Bobby went to the utility company the following day.  Let me just say - we did not have to pay anywhere near $500.00 and what we did have to pay - God provided the funds to just about cover it that day.

Brandy is doing great!  In February we will have made it two years without a break.  On average she should have had about 14 in the past two years.  My God is the master physician.  She got new braces this month.  They are drastically different than her previous braces due to some advances.  She can actually put them on and take them off all by herself - something she could not do before.  

My folks have moved here from Washington.  God protected their travel the whole way here.  They had a blow out on one of the trucks that was hauling a trailer - fortunately no significant damage and even more importantly no accident or injury.  The tire that needed to be replaced was an old out of date tire - but God had seen ahead and provided.  There were two tires at a chain tire company that dad just happens to have used for many years!  They were able to call head, find the tires, and the shop even stayed open late until they got their and took care of them.

My older girls are both active in leadership roles at church! What a humbling blessing to me.  Thank you God. 

My oldest is going to be a mommy!  Another humbling blessing.  I am praying I can help her to be a better mom than I was to her in her young years.

Allison is receiving scholarship offers to cheer in college - answer to prayer.

I love my job!  I love my coworkers.  I have not doubt God placed me here with these wonderful women.

There - that's just a very few things.

As Christmas is upon us I think about how much my thinking has changed in the past 22 years.  22 years ago was my oldest daughters first Christmas.  We always went as big as we could or as much as credit would allow us with our older two.  We set a very high gift standard - with the focus totally on Santa and the gifts.  The past few years - basically since Brandy - we have shifted our thinking.  We still do the tree and gifts but we focus on this being a celebration of Christ's birth.    We prepare a birthday cake for Jesus.  We discuss the Christmas story. We set up a nativity scene and discuss it.  Our focus is more towards Jesus.  We put up a tree - I always will.  I don't "worship' the tree.  I enjoy it and it does lead my thoughts to Christ and to blessings.  

That's my post for today.  I pray you have a very BLESSED holiday.  I pray many wonderful memories are made!  Please don't get stressed just allow yourself to be blessed!

Much love to all,

D. J.

Wow what a month!

Well it has been quite an August!  I read over my last blog and was kinda surprised that I had been so full of appreciation such a short time ago!  Well, maybe not.  I am not sure when ~ maybe the end of July or early August ~ my husbands employer cut his pay and basically told him to find another job.  Our finances were already pretty tight so the pay cut hurt and called us to attention.  I believe the week this happened God prompted Bobby and I separately to start tithing our full 10%.  This would cut about $200 more into our budget! Oddly enough I was actually excited.  While I knew we simply did not have the money to go the full 10% on our tithing I also knew this is the one area God tells us to test him in!  I didn't start tithing the full amount to test God though - I just knew He was good for His word.  I really never worried each time I wrote a check.  And let me tell you - GOD IS FAITHFUL.  We have not had to live on this little in a LONG LONG time.  But we have done it for the past month.  We have become better stewards of our money (that means we have become VERY aware of our frivolous spending habit). 

At the same time we began praying about a job.  Let me just say job options are VERY limited in Tahlequah, Oklahoma!  I started just looking online one day at different jobs available around here in law enforcement or mechanic/car type stuff and God brought me to this job that just fit my husband perfectly!  It's not the kind of job you would see on any given day, it was like it was purposely created for him!  (Today I do believe the God knew in advance and had this prepared for Bobby) I think Bobby was a little apprehensive about applying ~ the job was simply too good to be true. As we prepared his resume we pondered people to put as his references...God brought to mind a man he put into our lives when Brandy was diagnosed with her disorder...a Shriner who lives in Muskogee.  God brought this man in to our lives for the sake of Brandy but also for Bobby.  This man was a city councilman for 4 years!  The job is with the city!  So Bobby called him and then listed him as a reference.  So he applied!  Rather quickly he had his 1st interview.  After the interview he became very excited - this job really was made for him.  So we waited.  Then they called for a second interview ~ that happened on Tuesday this week.  On Wednesday morning at 8:04 they called to offer him the job!  There were many other little things that happened through this process that simply pointed to the fact that God was in control of this situation that God was putting this together for Bobby and his benefit but also for God's glory! 

I am ashamed to say that I am most attentive to Gods work for us when we are in need.  I don't pay as much attention when things are going smoothly.  I am happy to say my faith has grown.  When Bobby gave his notice with his current employer he was basically told to go home.  So that means a week of no income.  My faith has grown so that I was not worried - I knew God would provide and he has!  The plan was for Bobby to start this coming Tuesday.  But, yesterday the city had not received the results of his drug test back, he can't start until the results are in.  So there may be another week delay.  Financially - I am not worried!  God will provide!  It will be maybe a month before we can actually start getting back on our feet - I look forward to the process - I am not worried.

During this time I really became faithful to read my bible daily.  At first I did it because it was what I was "suppose" to do.  But let me tell you, the WORD became alive and I am now really enjoying reading it! There are things I don't understand, questions I have never thought about before and it is exciting!  I have been reading about David - WOW!  While reading it I began to pray for the faith of David!  In my opinion I think I have seen more of Gods good works than David did early in his faith.  But his Faith was big bold and powerful from the get go and the most he seemed to have to base his faith on was only things he had heard about!  Amazing!

I began posting scripture around my house.  My 17 year old daughter began posting quotes and scriptures in places that I would see them.  That blessed my heart like no other - my child knowing there is importance and power in scripture and positive thinking! 

My husband began to pray and rely more on God.  He told me of promptings that he followed though he knew they may not be well received.  He trusted the Lord and His promptings. And God showed him great favor!

I am so excited as I know that as we stay plugged in now - even though things are looking up and we aren't in as much "need" that God is taking us to new levels. I don't know the details but He has put excitement within me and has filled me with an expectancy attitude! My God is Good, Faithful, Able and Willing!

Jeremiah 29:11 Read it - believe it!

Love to all,

D. J.

Long Time No Blog!

Well, it has been quite a while since I have posted!  I post while I am at work and the summer always proves to be our busiest time of year.  I love it, and I love it when it's over! 

I have nothing but praise to post about today!  God is in control!  I am releasing so much to Him and trusting Him so!  I praise Him for being my provider!  Bobby is looking for another job as he has taken a pay cut, job security is shaky and working in the heat is taking it's toll on him.  Sure this kind of shook us as a couple and as parents.  But in the middle of the shake up God was speaking clearly to us - it was time to tithe our full 10% and time to become good stewards, really good stewards of what he blesses us with financially and materialistically.  When we decided to heed God's direction a peace set in for both of us!  Praise God!

I praise God that He brought my daughter a God loving believer for a husband!  I praise God that His hand is upon them as a new couple and that they have made Him a cornerstone in their marriage!

I praise God that we are over a year with out a break with Brandy!  I praise Him for her improved - proven - bone density! 

I praise God for air conditioning - I was reminded by a friend to be thankful!  Goodness gracious so many triple digit days early in the summer and continuing!

I praise God that my husband is so handy!  Recently he has fixed our refrigerator and not too long ago he fixed our air conditioning!

I praise God that my daughter Allison is going to be a senior and has maintained her purity.  I praise God that she is so confident in who she is as a child of God! 

I praise God for the wonderful group of women He has grouped up in our Iron Clad women!  Certainly iron sharpening iron going on!

I praise God for the opportunity to be on the worship team and to sing for His glory!

I praise God for showing Himself to me so clearly lately!  I thank God for my flame increasing! 

I serve a wonderful and mighty God who is worthy to be praised and adored!

Hope this puts you into a mode of gratitude!

Lots of love,

D. J.

Be Careful What You Teach On :-)

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to minister to our ladies at our church. I got to tag team with a sweet young lady in the presentation. It went better than I could have hoped for or imagined! Our theme was Life's Roadblocks. We chose 5 major roadblocks in life and expanded on each one of them. Little did I know that when we finished I would walk out those church doors into a brand spanking new phase of road construction in my life. As we spoke to our ladies God spoke to me! All five areas are areas we all need to pay attention to in our own lives. The first road block is our thoughts - what do we think about ourselves every day? Do those thoughts line up with what God's word says about us? The second - Emotions and Feelings. Both are totally allowed but how much to we allow them to dictate our decisions and our responses to life. Do we allow our emotions and feelings to take us on a perpetual roller coaster? We should not. Have the emotions and feelings but let all your decisions and responses be based on the word of God and what He says to do. The third one - Dead Ends - Being stuck in our past mistakes! God has forgiven you and promised a fulfilling life, turn that car around and head towards to exit! The Fourth - Relationships! Get rid of the ones that don't build you up or that don't line up with the life that God desires you to live. Then plug into and nurture the relationships He is blessing you with. Don't be afraid to reach out to someone or a group who seems "closer" to God than you! Everybody had to start their spiritual walk in the same place - the beginning! The fifth was Time - ouch, gonna be stepping on some toes here I bet. We have all become victims of overscheduling. First - take a look at what is on your plate, ask God what SHOULD be on your plate. This week, for the next 7 days, pray about this and say NO to any new commitment - Just 7 days. You will be surprised. I personally had lots of "good" stuff on my plate! But just because it's good doesn't mean God wants me to put it on my plate. That's it in a nutshell. But let me tell you after preparing and presenting this all of the road blocks have appeared many times since. Not just one or two. When I thought about blogging this I really thought I would just tell you about the top two areas God has been speaking to me about, but the fact is that He has been opening my eyes to all 5 areas! So, I have planted these seeds for you to ponder. I am curious to see if you have anything to say or any questions we can discuss. Feel free to leave a comment or email me. I think You Are Awesome! Have a splendid day! D. J. Hebrews 10:39 Psalms 45:11 I Corinthians 15:33 Proverbs 24:16 Isaiah 43:18-19 Proverbs 27:17 Proverbs 3:5 - 6

Update on being in a new place

Well in just a few short weeks I am amazed at how God works, how quickly He works when we are receptive, how patient He is as we watch in disbelief, and how faithful He is. God doesn't do anything in a small fashion. As His word declares He will see His work through to completion, no half hearted or it's good enough effort for God - He does what He promises, He does it well and He does it completely! It took me a good 2 weeks to grasp the fact that God was answering a prayer that I have been praying for many many years. I was in disblief that what I was seeing was God's hand at work and not just a smooth manipulitive play by an individual. That individual is my husband. My husband has opened his heart to God's promptings and has been acting on those promptings. He has woke up and smelled the coffee! The progress is amazing! I have struggle with knowing if he is seeking God because of/for me or if he is seeking God because that is what God would have him to do. You see if it's for me, then it's wrong motives and it won't stick. Additionally - I would rather Bobby (or anyone for that matter) seek God and Gods direction for who he is suppose to be, and then follow those directions to become the man God wants him to be rather than trying to become what he thinks I want him to be. If he seeks God and follows through with Gods direction - who am I to argue with that! God created Bobby (everyone) to be an amazing individual and has called him to be an exceptional husband and father. As Bobby steps into those shoes what ground would I have to argue or complain? Do you see what I am saying? As a result of this my faith has increased and a my spiritual fire has been stoked! I am trying harder to seek and to listen to God for direction. I am stepping up in areas that have been uncomfortable to step into. My faith eyes have opened a bit wider and I am taking in more of the work that God is doing around me, in my home, in my marriage, in my children, and in me! God has been so good to make sure we are hearing him clearly through confirmations in music we listen to, devotions we read, opportunities becoming available at church, and the sermons we are hearing. NOTHING is COINCIDENTAL! God is at work! I encourage you today - renew your belief in a prayer being answered that you have been praying for. Remind yourself that God's timing is perfect and never late. Remind yourself that God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask for or imagine - then sit back and imagine REALLY BIG things and KNOW God is going to deliver beyond that! Lots of love! D. J.

A place I have never been before...

This is going to be a rather difficult post. I don't exactly have the words to say all that I am thinking and going through. You see I have found myself in a new place. I prayed fervently about 10 years ago over something and have continued to pray just not as fervently. I think I kinda gave up on getting the answer that was "abundantly and exceedingly more than I could ask for or imagine" and just decided to be thankful for what God had blessed me with, which was enough. But then all of a sudden it appears God has begun to answer that prayer. While I see it with my own eyes I struggle with disbelief! Is this really God or is it just the circumstances? Then something else passes before me that is obviously God at work, again though, I struggle with disbelief. In my disbelief I find it hard to hope, I find it hard to have faith in Gods word though it's what I have held tight to for the past 10 years. Gods truth, Gods word is what I have held to no matter what the world says or what the world implies. So why, now, do I struggle? God has promised to answer our prayer exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ask for or imagine. Gods word says and shows repeatedly that His timing is perfect. God promises those who follow Him an abundant life - not a life of "enough". I know that I know that I know these things. Still - disbelief and .....FEAR. Afraid to believe because if I do I open doors to be hurt and or disappointed...again. It's so hard to explain. Yet, my God is so awesome, my Father. He is patient with me as I try to grasp HIS truth and hold it again. He has asked me, "Is my timing not perfect" "would you like me to take the answers back" - we all know the answers there but I needed those words. So I ask, "What do I do now" And He answers, "Do what you know to do" But right now even that is difficult for me because I am so in a state of disbelief - I am waiting to wake up or for the other shoe to drop so it's so hard to do what I know to do. God knows this. He continues to feed me through His word, through devotions, through devotions sent to me by other friends, through songs. He nudges me with patience. He helps me to see more clearly and to feel the ground that I stand on so I am not so shaken. I really want the end result NOW but God is promising me beauty in the process. I want to do NOW better than I am - but I am struggling. It's a new place, a challenge of a place. I want to do all that He has called me to do and I want to do it well. Again, it's a challenge. I look at worldly things and allow my foundation to shake and my focus to get off of His Truth and then feel like I have to start all over.

That's really all I can say right now - I am surprised I was able to put that much together and get it out there. Your prayers are appreciated. Any encouragement you want to send my way is also appreciated.

We all must embrace where we are in our walk right now - even when it's hard, put all your effort into getting the grasp so we can embrace!

Lots of love!

D. J.