Robbed...."Made me Glad"

I hadn't met my new manager until yesterday...we were scheduled to meet at 4:30....I arrived on time, and he proceeded to show me around the entire bank....I was supposed to meet the investment banker...but, he had been called to a meeting...so, I left around 5:10....well...the bank was robbed at 5:19....fortunately no one was hurt...but, I am safe....I pray for the angels of God to surround that office...it has been hit twice in less than a year...it is the newest branch...beautiful inside...I am going to be very close to the teller line traffic....but, God is my stronghold...I go nowhere without Him....He is my protector...

This has become one of my favorite songs....Made me Glad.....

I will bless the Lord forever
I will trust Him at all times
He has delivered me from all fear
He has set my feet upon a rock
And I will not be moved, and I`ll say of the Lord

You are my Shield, my Strength
My Portion, Deliverer
My Shelter, Strong Tower
My very present help in time of need

Whom have I in heaven but You
There`s none I desire besides You
And You have made me glad
And I`ll say of the Lord

You are my Shield, my Strength
My Portion, Deliverer
My Shelter, Strong Tower
My very present help

You are my Shield, my Strength
My Portion, Deliverer
My Shelter, Strong Tower
My very present help in time of need

My very present help in time of need
My very present help in time of need

It's miraculous...it's..a miracle...

A couple from China came in yesterday...around 4...they needed to make a deposit...get same day credit...and still had to pick up the check...since the branch I was in had 4:00 cutoffs...I recommended my new branch...10 miles away....that did not have a cut off until 6:00. They spoke little English...I took out a sticky note..wrote down the address, manager's name...phone number....they weren't even sure they would make it in time..I looked up the milage on my GPS...1o miles... they still had to pick up the check...and THAT person was working....long story short....they did make it to the branch...my office....around 5:30...but, it had just been robbed! Thankfully, I had given them the phone number...they called the manager from outside...he gave them another branch phone number and address...and they made it....5:58....when they came inside today, he told me that it was....and he began searching for words....miraculous......it....was....a ....miracle....I was thinking...yes....then he mentioned God....turns out...they are Christians...and...we could celebrate together about how God does still do miracles.....he parts the sea....it was the detail of the phone number....had I not written it....he wouldn't have made it......it's the little things we do....that can make such a huge difference! The neat thing was....we weren't even scheduled to be in the branch that we were in at the first of the week...someone called us to "fill in" and we were there 2 days...the 2 days they needed us! :) God is a good God! I love it when you see the hand of God...just gives you that sweet confirmation that He is always working for us....and with us....and loves us...every little detail is important to Him

The Old Testament

I love the Old Testament........I remember the times I said to my mother, "Why did they put the Old Testament in the Bible? I just don't get it!" Oh....that was before I discovered the links between the old and the new...now....I can hardly stay out of the Old Testament....the desire of my heart is to teach a group of people who want to KNOW....who are hungry for the truth of the word of God....I remember hearing a story once of a young kid who wanted to be taught by a certain teacher...the teacher took him out into the water, held him down under the water until he almost passed out....and when he let him up for air....the kid asked, "Why did you do that?" The teacher replied, "When you want to learn as much as you wanted to breathe....THEN, I will teach you."

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.....

El Roi...The God who sees

A young college student came into work yesterday...I could tell that he ONCE had money....he had a Louis Vuitton wallet....I say, "ONCE" because he mentioned on the way out that it was rough being broke...that he had to go to court today....I could tell he was struggling...I thought about him this morning.....When he walked into the bank again today...I waved...I was glad and startled to see him...I wondered how he was doing. He sat down and began waiting on someone to help him....I was hoping it would be my trainer and me...and, it did work out that way...."I'm glad to see you today...I thought about you this morning..how are you?" He began to share that he went to court today to be evicted from his apartment...he has 10 days left....His dad died when he first came to Tennessee...his dad was an attorney....they used to have money.....His mother just lost her house. He can't find a job due to the economy.....He's a Junior...studying accounting.....maybe it's because I saw myself in him....maybe it was because I saw my son in him....he is about my son's age......but, something inside me wanted to help him.....God loves you....I told him....He cares....and He will see you through this....the manager waived some fees.....I emailed my contacts here....I hope I can do something to help him....If the only reason I went to work today was for him.....it was worth it.....work can be boring....but, helping someone......just never is...................I'm glad I have had trials in my life....not because I like trials....because, I don't....but, I know it makes me sensitive.....to the needs of others....I know how it feels to stuggle....to have and to not have.........the school of hard knocks is actually......a good learning environment....so, today, I thank God for the trials....for the strength to get through them...the wisdom to learn from them....the opportunites it opens up.....I have "surrendered" to life.....I rest in knowing that God is in control....He is working all things out...for His glory...for the help of those on this planet that need Him....that need to know that He SEES, He knows...He loves....He cares....

"My Utmost for His Highest"

God has used this devotional book in my life for years......."Having the reality of God's presence is not dependent on our being in a particular circumstance or place, but it is ONLY dependent on the DETERMINATION to keep the Lord before us continually." 7/20

Paul said...I determined to know nothing but Jesus Christ....and Him crucified.....

Doctrine of Thanksgiving

Pastor Homer G. Lindsay was my pastor at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville for many years. He is in heaven now...but, God still uses things he said to mold me...shape me.....One of those things is the Doctrine of Thanksgiving....hardly ever preached...but, oh, what a difference it makes in my life! There is a profound difference in my life when I determine to thank God all day for everything in my life...I tell myself..."Look for things to praise the LORD for today!" Oh, the things I would have missed had I not started this practice..

So, today I thank God for who He is....a personal God of love and compassion, mercy and forgiveness...gentle and humble in heart....always present...always positive...always guiding and cheering and blessing.......I am thankful that He is in control...and He is all wise, all knowing....what a comfort....I am thankful that He protects me, and provides for me....and teaches me.....to be patient...and wait....and trust....I am thankful for His word, and for my brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before me....who left a legacy.....who God has used as an example in my life....I am thankful for my heritage....that I am a part of the plan of God...that one day I will sit in heaven with everyone who loves Christ...and has followed His call to be His disciples.....I am thankful for every minute I experience the presence of God in my life....for every breath I take and know He is right beside me....I am thankful for every believer who has a passion for Christ....who determines to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified....

I am thankful for eyes to see, and the understanding to watch the heavens....to imagine the curtain that separates me from seeing the eyes of God....thankful that I know He is there...and one day...I will be with Him....thankful for all of the unique creatures that He has created and for the opportunity to see so many of them....and then to think that He has said, "No eye has seen nor ear has heard...nor has it enterered the heart of man all that God has prepared for those who love Him.

I am thankful for my parents, my children, my relatives, my friends (new and old)...and for those future friends ahead....

I am thankful that I am in Tennessee...because that is where God wants me....and all I want is to be where He wants me to be....I am thankful for the peace in knowing that I am in the will of God...I am thankful for this nice place to live, for everyone who has made it possible for us to be here. I am thankful for a job...that I start tomorrow....I am thankful that it is a confirmation that I am where I am to be...I am thankful for health, and purpose, and vision, and the strength God gives to press on....

I am thankful for all the hundreds of things He gives me that I can so easily overlook...just the fact that I am an American, born in a free country...and even now...when our freedoms are being stripped away....I am free.....and always will be....because I am free in Christ....

I am thankful that God has given me the faith to believe....first in the fact that He died for me, and eternal life is by grace alone....second.....faith to believe that He has my best interests at heart...and that He is in control...and no matter what I face.....He is yoked to me....and I to Him.

I am thankful for God....the Father.....God....the Son.....God.....the Holy Spirit.....all that I need, I find in Him....."whom have I in heaven but Thee, and besides Thee, I desire nothing...my flesh and my heart may fail....but, God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

I am thankful that God keeps me on the path....for those He has surrounded me with....to keep me close to Him.....for the knowledge that nothing good dwells within me......except Him.....and that I am a sinner saved by grace.......grace.....sweet grace..........

And yes, I am thankful for lemon cookies, the game Twist, my new 15.00 pool from Walmart that I had a blast using today.....suntan lotion...the way it smells in the summer.....watching cardinals fly overhead....and clouds change formations...watching my daughter smile....and my dog refuse to swim....quiet moments.....the way my condo has "come together" so quickly....feeling good about the way things look........talking to old school friends and laughing at their jokes....taking deep breaths....and being able to say....it is well with my soul.......

Ps. 89: 15-18 The Joyful Sound

"How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!

O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance.

In Your name they rejoice all the day, and by your righteousness they are exalted.

For You are the glory of their strength, and by Your favor our horn is exalted.

For our shield belongs to the Lord, and our king to the Holy One of Israel.....

Jehovah Jirah

The Lord will provide....oh, how the LORD loves us....He is the faithful shepherd, and He will provide....Oh, yes...He will provide......I sold a bedroom set today....Craig's List....had tried to sell it before I left Orlando...but, I guess it was meant for this family...she was EXCITED....well, that surely makes "letting go" easier....God answers prayer....He brought a buyer....God provides....God provides....

A Job

"O my strength, I will sing praises to You; for God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness." Ps. 59:17.

God is my stronghold...yes, I am weak....but, He makes me strong....He is my strength...my song...my help...my fortress...my deliverer.....

I have a job offer...I thank Ashley...for finding the job on the internet....a month ago....I thank God for the faith to believe, the patience to wait, the resources to endure...the encouragers....the prayer warriors...His presence that comforts me....for His word...for the examples in His word that give me faith....He is a God of promises...of love....of mercy...of grace.....

I thank God, again, for my parents, my daughter, those who sacrifice and believe in me...and support me...through trials....thank you, O God...for your sweet blessings.....

One day I'll understand

I just received an email. I was supposed to meet for an interview today at 11:00...now he is asking for 11 tomorrow or 1 on Monday....I was supposed to know something about First Tennessee early this week...then it changed to "maybe next week." God knows I need a job...We are praying....I DONT understand....at all.....I don't understand.......there are a lot of things I don't understand about my life......but, God says DO NOT LEAN on your own understanding....I don't understand...but my faith is in God.......I may not like the path....the problems.....but, I will still follow and trust....and sing......praises to His name.......I press on toward the UPWARD calling of God in Christ Jesus!

So Do Not Worry

So do not worry about tomorrow...for tomorrow will care for itself.....Each day has enough trouble of its own.....for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.....Matthew 6: 25-34

Sufferings

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.....and we know that God CAUSES all things to work together for good to those who love God...to those who are called according to His purpose........He who did not spare His only Son........but delivered Him over for us all...........how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Romans 8: 18-32

For the mind set on the flesh is death......but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.....Romans 8: 6.....

Perseverance

"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:13

"Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me; for I am afflicted and needy. Preserve my soul for I am a godly man; O You my God, save your servant who trusts in You. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to You I cry all day long. Make glad the soul of Your servant, for to You O LORD, I lift up my soul. Ps. 86: 1-4

There are times we must cry out to the LORD...He allows His people to suffer......and it is in Him that we find rest for our souls....."for your ways are not my ways, and your thoughts are not my thoughts....trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding...in all your ways ackowledge Him and He will direct your paths......

Not liking this walk

I am not liking this leg of the journey...I miss the house in Orlando....windows galore...the pond outback.....the constant influx of birds.....I have situated my furniture here where I can see outside the best I can....Ashley and I spent almost 6 hours wacking down vines behind the house.... I can see the cardinals now when they hop up on the fence...and, yesterday, I saw a bunny through the door, through the fence slats...but, I will be honest with you...I hate looking for a job...it's discouraging, frustrating...I worry about the bills....and, I know I'm not supposed too...but, it's hard....I want to give up sometimes....so, I guess you just sit down...have a little cry...and keep going.....I don't know how people do it without encouagers in their lives..I was hoping to get up here and enjoy the mountains....it's tough to enjoy anything when you worry about making the bills.....and then, you have the enemy over your shoulder....telling you that God has forsaken you...He won't come through....He has forgotten about you.....mean things like that.....I quote scripture....and keep going...Jesus Christ....the Lamb of God.....is my shepherd.....I shall not want......

Comparisons

It's challenging not to compare your situation with others....some people just "seem" to have no problems...

Discouraging

Job hunting can be discouraging...it's tough getting up day after day and encouraging yourself when you face rejection after rejection....one of the tough parts about it is you never get any constructive feedback as to why you might not have been chosen...and then, there is the problem of whether or not to take 2 part time positions verses 1 fulltime...the bills never stop....

Walking by Faith

"Consider it all JOY my brethren when you encounter various trials...knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance...and let endurance have it's perfect result that you may be perfect and complete...lacking in nothing..."

O God...increase my faith..... for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ! IJNA

Tears

This was one of those days that was challenging to get through...For the most part..I know I am tired...and SHOULD be in bed right now...I have done a lot in the last 2 weeks...moving is tiresome....Jim Tillman...the neighbor awaiting brain surgery came over and edged my yard, took 3 vines bushes (roots) out of the yard...he had already put nails in the fence the other day..just noticed....God is good....He does reach down with loving arms...through others....still....this afternoon...I was just tired and blue....I finally wrote a letter to God....sometimes it just helps to get it all out on paper....I must have written 15 pages....front and back...the cries of my heart.....once it was out....the peace came back....still tired....but, peaceful.....I'm glad we can be honest with God about how we feel....He knows our hearts and minds......I later took a walk and met Jim's wife who was walking their dog, Sandy....met Larry who was walking his dog, Ajax....and met another gal...forget her name...and her dogs were walking her! Ha! No kidding!

Amazing Love...Rachel Robinson

I'm forgiven... because You were forsaken, I'm accepted...You were condemned...now I'm alive and well, Your spirit is within me  because You died and rose again! Amazing Love....how can it be? That You my King would die for me? Amazing Love... I know it's true....and its my joy to honor You in all I do....I honor You! You are My King.....Jesus You are My King....You are my King! Jesus You are my King! Amazing Love...how can it be? that you my King would die for me? Amazing love, I know it's true...and its my joy to honor You....in all I do...I honor You....in all I do....I honor You. "

A Resting Place...Paul Wilbur

"My soul finds rest in God alone, my peace depends on You! In that place of quiet rest, He fills me from within....He pours on me His Holy Oil...Spirit of the Living God.....Then He takes me by His hand and comforts me with His love....comfort me with Your love....Those who wait upon the Lord new strength He gives to them...He gives them wings like the eagle that they might soar with Him....He weaves His strength into their lives..the Spirit of Adonai.....then He gives them all of His peace to guard their hearts and their minds...guarding their hearts and minds.....so come My soul now take your rest, find your peace in Me.....the Holy presence of the Lord that fills you from within....O pour on me Your Holy Oil...Spirit of the Living God.....fill my cup Lord I lift it up...until I overflow..........O pour on me Your Holy Oil...Spirit of the Living God....fill my cup Lord I lift it up....until I overflow......

My prayer for Israel....Psalm 130/125/128

O Israel, hope in the LORD; for with the LORD there is lovingkindness, and with Him is abundant redemption. And He will "redeem Israel from all his iniquities..."...Peace be upon Israel. Peace be upon Israel.

Waiting/Galations 2:20

I had 3 interviews last week....Wed, Thurs, Fri....for the same company...I am waiting for their decision. They like me...said I scored high on the test, resume looks good...that I will fit in...but, you never know...they might think I am overqualified....(she mentioned that I would be taking a step backward at first), wrong age...who knows....it's tough getting a job these days...I have had my share of no's....still, I trust the LORD. My body is His....though I groan.....I yield.....to His will...for my life....I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me and the life which I now life in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me!

More neighbors

I have met more of my neighbors....what a great neighborhood! One of the men, a couple doors down, has Parkinson's disease...will have surgery on the 15th, 22nd. He has screws in his head in preparation for the surgery on the 15th. The pace maker will be put in on the 22nd. I met him because he was asking me if he could help me....just like the LORD....on the cross...and thinking of others....the mark of a matured disciple....

People of Tennessee

The owner of the home was so helpful the day of the move...she called the airport and got the flights confirmed..which, thankfully, saved time. She and Gary have been great! He drove the truck back to Penske for me...on Sunday....what a blessing. Mary and Ward came to see us on Sunday...brought us a plant.....one of the neighbors came over to give me a loaf of Amish bread. She also gave me a "starter bread" which will allow me to pass on the bread...fun! We look forward to making friends...

Tennessee

We have been in Tennessee a week today....what a week this has been! The mountains are beautiful.....Blue Ridge Mountains....mornings are cool...the windows are open right now....last night Ashley, Demi and I took a walk down some trails near our house...no more flat land....I keep singing "The Hills are alive!!!" Ashley is getting a bit tired of hearing the song! Last night I saw lightning bugs for the first time! I had no idea they were "still around!" I thought we had captured them all-putting them in jars-when we were kids! We have eaten at Cracker Barrell 4 times :)...it's about 1 mile from the house as is almost every other shop you can think of. We are in a great location...very close to everything...library....schools...banks...shopping centers....I am still really tired. I woke up at 10:00 yesterday...yes, I had already been up once to let Demi out...but, went right back to sleep....still....I am tired.....moving takes a lot out of you! We have done an amazing job of getting everything in the house and organized....we have really accomplished a lot in this short week.

Moving

Moving went well...the men I hired were supposed to load the truck Thursday night...but, they had to work. Fortunately, I was able to leave the truck parked at Penske...met the guys in the early Friday morning...and drove to the house. It took them 6 hours to load the 26 ft truck...8-2...and still, everything didn't fit. After they left...somewhere around 2:30ish...Ashley and I realized...."we still have a lot of work to do!" Four hours later, we left the house...cars packed so tightly we couldn't see out the windows...and, we left a lot of "stuff" behind in the garage...Christmas tree....Duncan...our 3 ft scarecrow....who has traveled with us wherever we go....we tried to get a trailer, but none was available at this short notice...we hated to leave, but knew that we had a 5 hour trip ahead of us...We arrived in Ocilla at 12:30AM. Mother had bought orange fluff for Ashley...and chicken salad from "The Shoppes." We devoured the food! The orange fluff tasted so good. Saturday morning came early...we traveled over 6 hours..and made it to Farragut around 3. Left the house by 6 to get the guys to the plane...lots of hurrying...but, we made it!