Cake and Icecream

Thank you Lord for doing manicures.

My business is slow over the winter months.  Clients have their toes covered up with socks and fluffy slippers and hands that are cracked and full of creams.  With the winter we have had it is hard to think of getting a manicure or pedicure.  

Last night I was excited to go see a client in Palmerston.  She had received a gift certificate for Christmas.  I have never met her before. 

As we exchanged hellos she led me to her apartment. My favorite part of my job is I get to peacefully listen as clients tell me all about their precious lives.  Story after Story.   God reminds me to be silent and listen.  Each story I fall in love with the people He has created and how imperfect they are just like me.  He has taught me through my brothers and sisters to love one another as He loves us. 

Laughter was shared lots last night and I reveal part of my life as well.  I love how I did not even bring up faith and she shared her belief but does not always attend church.  God gives me yet another opportunity to possibly pray at the end of the manicure.  Not because I feel I have to but after learning my client had breast cancer two years ago and well I can't reveal physical visuals she needs to protect her privacy, my heart was feeling she just needed to feel loved and that God is standing right with her in all aspects of her life apart from constant check ups.

Lots of our life's stories were left out in the air with the fresh smell of nail polish as I began to clean up. 

"Do you mind if I pray with you?" I asked shyly but boldly.

"Sure," she agreed.

As I sat beside her on the couch I laid my hand on her shoulder and smiling told her to relax and let me do the praying.

Can I just say I love God.  I love my faith and because of Him I have the honor of praying for another sister.  I could give a hug, give a card, just listen and say, "wow what a life," and even give her a discount later on just because.  Those are all great ways to tell someone how special they are.  For me though (hugs is my 2nd favorite), to get up and sit beside her, put my hand on her shoulder and tell her how much she is loved by God, to ask for healing, to bless her heart, to thank Him for one little moment of doing nails and pray with someone is an unbelievable feeling. 

In the middle of our prayer there is a knock on the door and someone walks in and gives my client a piece of cake and ice cream.  A tradition where she lives on Friday nights.  I was so sad our prayer was interrupted but found it funny for some reason.  My client was floored that someone would knock and walk in  asthey normally do not do that.

My head was trying to figure out what God was saying with our prayer being interrupted.  It took me a moment and during our laughter I looked at the plate and then her and said,

"God wants you to know that life is sweet!"

I believe He interrupted our prayer to remind her and myself that Life is Sweet!

Our life of faith

God be with those that read my blogs about you.  May they have an open mind and know how I love to share what you are doing in our lives and so how real You are.

Saturday morning I found myself in a meeting with other people from Selah fire (church) who lead small groups.  We gathered to share all that God was doing in our groups.  Encouragement fills the room as all who shared about their groups is full of amazing stories and beginnings.

Finishing up anyone was invited to sit in the centre to get prayer.  Usually at this time I always chuckle and wonder if I should just quick run and sit in the chair.  I love to have prayer.   To have my Selah family surround me and love on me with prayer is like no other feeling.  I did not get up and run this time.  Instead another lady took the chair and asked for prayer in a certain area of her life.

As our pastor began to pray and talking about "anointing" I immediately had a vision of Jesus standing at steps.  They seemed to be steps in her house.  Voices around the room began to filter up prayers and not hearing a word they were saying I zoned in on my vision.  I was asking myself why Jesus was not moving up those steps.  He seemed stuck there.  "Lord should I ask her if she has steps in her house?  Why are you stuck at the bottom of the steps?" I asked with my eyes closed.  I then thought to myself I will see if He moves as others move through their prayers.  Still not hearing a word anyone was saying my heart began to beat fast, I felt something so strong and yucky about Jesus being stuck at those steps.  My hands began to sweat.  Doubt began to set in.  I began to feel as though this lady needed to anoint those steps and the steps of the person in her life we were praying for.  The moment came and I asked, "Do you have steps in your house?"  Oh gosh she is going to say no.

"Yes I do. " she confirmed.

"I really feel like God wants you to anoint those steps and those steps of who we are praying for.  I feel like Jesus is stuck at those steps" I explained and began to cry as it began to feel more and more like a strong hold there.  This is a first time this has happened with so much emotion during a prayer. I still had little phrases of doubt pop in and out like, "Way to go Heather, really Jesus at the steps, everyone has steps in their house.  Your just emotional cause you are a loser." Satan says passing on one of his infamous lies.

"Heather," the lady says, "Four years ago I was praying in and over my house and when I looked over at my steps Satan was standing right in front of those steps" she confirmed.  "I thought I had kicked him out but He must be back." (paraphrased)

At this point I began to fill with excitement and emotion.  God had used me in that moment.  I wasn't done though.  Our pastor asked me to pray into that vision.  I do not remember my exact prayer but it definitely was to smash Satan while he stood at her steps.  We all stomped and emotion was not hiding.  What a fun moment.

If I had not been there at that moment, with the faith that I have, surrounded by sisters and brothers of faith our friend may not have got the vision I had.  If I trust and have faith He, God speaks and reveals.  It may all seem unreal to some but when moments actually happen to you like this you know with  your heart of hearts it is really true.  I had a vision and the lady we were praying for confirmed it. 

Luke 11:1

[ Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer ] One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

 

Luke 4:18

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.

 

God is good.

Oh and REAL

Day 4 treasure hunt

Tradition in our house when it comes to Peru mission trips.

Five years ago I made my first 24 hour trek to Pacasmayo Peru. In preparing to leave I felt as though I needed to somehow talk to my kids (3 at the time) while I was gone in  way that did not involve the phone. 

Putting the brain on the move I came up with making a web cam movie with a message and a prayer for each day I was gone.  Also in the message highlighting what I would be doing at the orphanage each day.

To make it even more fun I hit treasures each day for the kids to find.  Leaving clues behind they must find them.

This year Dean left on Feb 10th for his first ever  mission trip on his own.  I have gone on three Peru mission trips myself and Dean and I went on the last one together. 

Right now he is probably snoring away on his mattress on the floor.

The picture below is the kids with the clues to find today's treasure (so far yummy treats)

We end up down  in Troy's room and Bella found the treat in Troys closet under some clothes on the shelf.

 A little pack of suckers enough for two each. 

 

While daddy does his Treasure hunts for God our kids are having fun doing treasure hunts for their daddy.

 

We love and miss him but we are all so proud to have a man in our life that is down in Peru doing what he is doing for God with an amazing group of people from Selah Fire and our amazing family who live in Peru.  HUGS HUGS HUGS

 

To bow or not to bow heads

Today I attended a funeral for a friend of ours and during the service I was reminded how my heart tells me to lift my head while we prayed.  For me this is not new.  Everytime someone says bow your head in prayers I find myself raising my face to God. 

I did a teeny bit of research to see why we actual bow our heads when praying.  Here is what I found; that is not scriptural persay or is a must.  It is a sign of adoration, submission, means of respecting God is King, humbling yourself and probably many more.

Being at my friends funeral I wanted and needed to look up.  When my kids are hurting they look up to me for comfort.  It is only when they do something wrong do their little heads go down.

Why I look up.  My reasoning seems so simple.   If I bow my head I do not feel His light on my face.  As though I am missing something by looking down.  I raise as though to say, "God I praise you and thank you despite losing my friend."  I feel darkness when I look down.  Brightness shining as I close my eyes and head up.  As though I am a cat soaking up the sun on the only spot on the floor.

Basically it doesn't matter how I pray or you pray.  I chose to face our God when I am talking to Him.
It is not up to a "church" or man to dictate how my relationship should be with Him.  The fact that when I do it my heart is sincere and looking to Him is all He can ask for.

How to pray?

Do you get offended if people don't pray the same as you?
Do you think people need to have their hands together?
Do you think people need to pray out loud?
Do you think people need to pray for a long time to be heard?

I have a secret:  It does not matter what the heck you think.

Do you think there is a perfect prayer?
Do you think there is a perfect praying time?
Do you think one person can pray better then another?

Let me ask you a question:  (OK another question) "What is prayer for?" See how long it takes for an answer to pop in your head.

Prayer to me is talking.  Talking to Jesus.  Yep a good ole' relationship.  This relationship there is no hiding anything cause He knows me better then anyone.

Our relationship is unique which means it is different then everyone else.  It means in my relationship with Jesus I talk to Him some days alot and other days it is quiet. I talk to Him when doing the dishes.  He also talks to me and puts things on my heart different then anyone else I know.  There are days when I talk/pray to Him I am in tears, or prayers that last a few minutes.  Most times it is a quick thank you or as someone I know pops on my heart I quickly prayer.  Lets be honest if I was to sit down and physically pray for all I know who are going through something right now...I would be praying 8 hours a day.  I talk/pray as things come into my heart.

When I first started my walk I used to love the way others would pray out loud and the big fancy smancy words they would use and could not wait to be just like them.  How wrong was that?  In other words I was asking for the same relationship they had.  Prayer is often times a download from Jesus to us especially when praying for others.  I have learned though that I have my own fun relationship with Him.  He downloads to me what works for Him and I.  He gives me pictures I will get and share.  He gives my fun things only I would get.  All in all anything He can to bring me closer.

Most know Deans brother and their family with six kids lost there home to a fire last week and now their son is the hospital (unrelated to fire) just getting out of critical care because of infection.  I have not felt the need to be on my knees for hours praying.  Instead I have said little prayers as little Isaiah's name flows onto my heart. 

I am OK with where my relationship is.  I do not need to or want to be where anyone else is when they pray.

In the bible Jesus said prayers like, "Be healed," or "Go Forth," and even, "Pick up your mat and walk."  And then there were times He went away for a long time just to be with His father, God to get the downloads He needed. 

What does prayer sound like to you?
How long does it have to be to feel like it is worth something?
Do you have to be in a specific spot?
Does it need to be quiet around you?
Do you only pray at church?
Do you pray with others?
What about praying outloud?
Or is it in the quiet of your own head?
Is your head up?
Are your hands together?
Do you wisper those prayers?
Are you prayers sung?
Do you read your prayers from a book?

If you are praying and talking to Jesus and listening to him it does not matter to me how you answered the above questions.  Nor should it matter to anyone else. 

Please just keep talking! That means the communication lines are open!

Today I wear my Courage badge for Isaiah

 Today I really did not want to be at church.  Instead I wanted our family to be in Hamilton visiting our nephew who is in PICU. He has machines doing all the work for him so he can fight off the septic shock he is in. Steve and Megan (Isaiah's parents) took Isaiah in for regular appointments this weekend and well Thank GOD they did. 

We set up Scott's Ipod so we can text back and forth.  As we were getting ready this morning we started to notice the snow outside and the weather advisor on the radio and knew it was safe to stick around at home. 

The visit would not just have been about Isaiah being in critical condition but the fact this family just lost their house to a fire last Monday. 

 

Overwhelming feeling of helplessness as we can not get up to Hamilton.  So off to church we went.   I did not even have the lesson printed out nor knew what it was about. As I took a moment to go the window in our Sunday school room, my emotions got the best of me as I starred out the window to blowing snow.  Before I got to far a friend who I love dearly came in and checked up on me.  God sent her at the right time cause I needed a shoulder to cry on.

She helped me get the notes for class and of course the topic was "Courage."

 

I went in for a few minutes of worship and before long the kids were running off for Sunday school.

Our class was very small today.  We have two and three year olds so our lessons are very simple and fun.  First snack then a game involving throwing popcorn.  The closer we are with God the easier it is to get the popcorn that far.  Then our craft (pictures).  Our courage badge.

 

Gosh sometimes it is hard to be courageous.  If it wasn't for God's word and those around me reminding me to stand strong, be courageous and trust God, we would not be much help to Steve and Megan nor ourselves.  I do feel helpless with worldly needs like not being able to get up to them to give them items they lost from the fire and taking them suppers.  But I remember to pray.  Knowing that we are talking to God on their behalf and along side their prayers is the best thing we could give them right now. 

 

For Isaiah though now there is where courage is.  That little man is fighting with everything God is giving him to take every breath. At three years old it seems so unfair to have endured all Isaiah has in his life already.  He is just so precious and we pray for God to hold him and breath for him the next couple of days. 

 

This week I will wear my Sunday School craft badge of courage in honor of our little man Isaiah.

 

Spirit of Anger

Lord lets identify one of our enemies!

 

Everyone one of us young and old know anger.  Anger has come knocking on our hearts and minds over and over again.  For some that anger has made a home inside of us that last for years.  Each knew home that is planted in us comes with weight.  Weight we should not carry.  I would rather not carry any more weight.  I want to be free.

I had a few moments the other day to interview the Spirit of Anger (let me humor you).

Me:  "Where do you come from?"

Anger: "Ahhhh, your emotions and my boss sends me to work for a long time."

Me: "Who's your boss?"

Anger: "Satan is the one and only."

Me: "What is your job description?"

Anger: "To seek, kill and destroy."

Me: "I know anger is a natural emotion but I see then that your job is then too remind us over and over again about that anger.  Which we then can hang onto for a long time."

Anger: "Oh yes, I love to see people angry at each other for as long as I can.  My boss loves it when couples go to bed angry and family members turn their backs on eachother.  And He laughs at those who or angry for the smallest things.  Friendships fall apart, relationships fall apart.  I can hear His evil laugh now."

Me: "You know you can be stopped?  I have seen that happen and have stopped you before."

Anger: "Oh please, please don't say the "G" word or the "F" word."

Me: "What does it scare you?"

Anger: "Maybe."

Me: "Well you see I have a bigger and more loving boss then you.  And yes GOD is His name.  He has promised me nd the rest of us peace when we FORGIVE.  See we forgive and put our hurt to the cross and our Daddy God then stomps on your boss.  HAHAHAHAH we just have a bigger boss.  People do not deserve to carry their anger for a long time.

In Esphesians 4:26 His word says, "In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry."  We are to begin a new fresh day."

Anger: "My job is so easy as for some reason humans like to carry that anger.  They feel if they give up that anger, they feel the one(s) they are angry at win.  So they hang on and hang on.  It is great.  Destruction we love."

Me:  "Psalm 37:8 Our God's word says, "Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil."

Anger: "Umm, ahhhh..."

Me: "Ecclesiastes 7:9 more words, "Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. 

Anger: "I ahhh, need to go."

Me: "Mark 16:17-19 even more words, "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

Me: "Wait one more, Psalm 55:22, "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."

Anger pooffed and left.

Me:  "Like I said my boss is better.  My daddy God will crush you and your boss.  Anger is back where it belongs."

Life is so much easier without anger and in place peaceful with God.  I do not want to allow anger to run my life.  Not saying it comes easy but in the end we have control and someone who is willing to carry it all.  Sounds great to me.

Praying for a miracle in 2014

Lord, thank you for Joanne

I wish I had more time to go to Listowel to see my mom's long time friend Joanne.  When I do visit Joanne it is not in the comfort of her and husband's Glens home.  I pull into the parking lot and wait for the parking arm to go up.  Making sure I have $2.00 to get out I walk across the road and into the emergency entrance at the Listowel hospital. 

Walking the quiet halls to her room I still find my self questioning God what his plan is for Jonne.  "Lord it is almost two years.  What are you waiting for?  Is there something I am not doing?  Should I come up to pray more?  Is there something her family should do?  IS there something Joanne needs to do?  Why not just heal her? Why not bring her home?" I ask quietly as I approach her room.

I can not help but remember the vision/dream where I walked into Joannes hospital room and she was sitting up in bed looking healthy and ready to leave that hospital forever. 

Joanne had a major stroke almost 2 years ago.  The stroke has left her the ability to slightly move her head and bat her beautiful eyes.  Her eyes are what show there is lots of life in her to I am frustrated and being stubborn.  I feel as though if arms could extend out the pupils they would grab my shoulders with the request of "Help me."

Visits I have prayed with and for Joanne have been emotional for her.  My visit today while I didn't pray outloud I noticed Joanne was just not herself.  However I was pleasently surprised as she mouthed, "Bye" and "kay" when I shared we are praying for her.

I wish I could be there everyday with her to sing worldly fun songs and worship songs.  Pull out a book and read it to her.  Put ear phones on her and let her drift off with her favorite songs.  Make the ultimate speech program for her to communicate more.

Yep I have a huge prayer list especially a miracle in 2014 for Joanne.  As a good friend reminded me it is all in Gods timing.  I must trust and wait.  In the mean time I do what I can to be there for Joanne and follow the nudges I get.  My good friend also said, "For God two years is nothing but for us it feels like eons."

Angels

Angels?

 

Lord let those who read this have open minds and open hearts.

 

 

"Girls get your coats on and go wait over by Snowy Owl," I said to our 12 brownies.  We had just finished learning how to synchronize swim at the old Elmira pool.  I quickly reached for my coat as a chill ran down my whole back from my wet hair.  As I shoved my second arm through the coat sleeve and reached for the zipper a piece of whiteness caught my attention through the corner of my eye.  Distracted now from doing up my zipper my eyes began to zig zag and focus on what appeared to be a feather.  From where though?  We were at a pool.  I grab the little feather and squeezed it between my thumb and pointer finger.  I cocked my coat hood around my neck to check for feathers on it.  None to be found. No holes in my jacket and last I knew it was not a feather coat.  I glanced at all the Brownies around me and the coats left on the coat rack and no feathers to be seen.

 

That feather has not been the only one that has fluttered from behind me.  A friend found one on her couch months ago after a group of us gathered  from church.  Conveniently where I had sat.  Over this Christmas holiday one was around me at my in-laws (no coat involved).  They are all the same delicate little feathers.

 

Could it be feathers from an angels wings?  Are they a sign from God?  My guardian angel? Is it my wings growing LOL (so not ready to fly yet)?  How could they appear in three different places?

 

I tried google but man oh man brain overload. Lots of non-Christians bashing Christians, one church bashing another church and then sites saying they can help contact angels or do readings.  Oh Lord help these people LOL.  After 5 minutes I moved my cursor to the little x and closed down google. 

 

Really who cares?  What matters is what my heart is telling me.  And like child like faith it is so simple.  As I see every feather that angelically floats down around me, my heart does a dance, my mouth forms a smile, my brain says thank you, my eyes look up, my ears shut out the "world"and my whole body feels peace. 

Promise of a rainbow

The kids began complaining and asked a zillion times, "Mom when are they going to call us in?"  The dreaded wait in the waiting room to followup with Emma's Neurologist.  Just when we are all ready to give up 45 minutes later the doctor finally comes out to collect Emma's CD with her MRI pictures we had to get from the doctor she had before we adopted her.  Along with the CD I shared all the medical records we have ordered from old doctors.  Off the doctor went with our information to look it over.

I am so disappointed in myself because at that point I should have covered my family in prayer.  Shielded us from worldly diagnosis and words.

The kids helped give a quick little update once we settled in the patient room.  "Is it OK to show you the images?" the doctor asked.  I was so succumbed by the excitement of learning about Emma's brain that I forgot about praying quickly in my head for what they were about to say medically.

"This part here is abnormal," and "See this section here should look like this," I heard for four parts of her wee brain.  Too me it looked perfect.  Emma is perfect.  To God she is perfect.  I was overwhelmed with everything the doctor showed and explained.  I asked if my other three kids could see the pictures of Emma's brain.  After a few giggles we all settled back in the patient room. 

I honestly had no questions.  What could I possibly ask after hearing Emma's little brain was abnormal in many places?  "Mrs. Clemmer Emma has a 50-60% chance of having seizures," doctor says.  Instantly I was taken back 11 years ago when Troy was 2 pounds in his isolette in NICU and he had to be given medication for seizures.  That was the hardest thing to watch as a mom as his tiny body arched back trying to cry but stopped by ventilation tubes down his throat.  "Oh God I am not prepared for seizures," I silently whispered in my own heart.

Discussion began regarding seizure medication, what to do and what not to do should it happen.  Along with hearing not sure if she will walk, they warned of not being able to talk, not being able to take care of herself in later years, her life span and be prepared for many communication devices etc.  Earthly words.  I knew that as soon as I heard them but because i forgot to pray before I feel i did not have my shield up. 

On the way home I felt as though I had been stung.  I felt a yuck.  I felt unsure. 

See this picture of the rainbow below my son Troy took on our way home from Hamilton that day.  WOW.  Thank you God for reminding me of your promises.  While rainbows are of a promise of no more flooding I always feel such a love when I gaze at its beauty.  It reminds me not of just one promise but of God's many promises in His word.  Promises He has for Emma.  He has amazing plans for her.  See while doctors have great information God has the best information. He doesn't tell us we will never walk, never talk and live so long.

I chose to put on Gods glasses and when His glasses scan I bring Heaven to Earth and I see a perfect little brain.  I see the beauty God made in His little princess.  I see the glow in her heart.  I see the determination He has blessed her with.   These glasses are priceless, non shatter proof.  They come with a relationship with Him.  How can I possibly live without His glasses? 

The last words the doctors said before we left that day were considering all the MRI scans revealed, Emma far exceeds the diagnosis.  Children with those similar images were not near where Emma was. 

Darn right she exceeds cause God has plans for her.  He is already healing her.  Having a church family and a few family members along with Dean, myself and her sister and brothers praying for her, loving on her Emma is gonna rock this earth.  So grateful we were chosen for her and her for us. 

Pot of gold is the promise in the rainbow. 

 

Were whales in or out?

This is so fun! You have to reference this devotional from the little books of Our Daily Bread.
http://odb.org/2013/10/15/dreams-of-childhood/

During our bible study the above referenced devotional was shared and laughter bursted out as we listened to the childs question about whether or not the whales were in or out of the ark.  The innocence of the quesiton was precious.  All the kids quesitons were precious.  Questions that were fun and asked without woe is me. 

It clearly says in the bible we must have faith like a child and maybe that is why I connected so well with the question of the whales being in and out.  I honestly was trying to figure out if they were in or out.  Hit a spot where I was like who cares. It was just fun to wonder and can not wait to ask when I get to Heaven.  Are we going to sit in robes and sing all day was another childs quesiton and How is my grandpa doing up there? Will my puppy be in Heaven?  How sweet are these questions?

You read in the devotional the adults questions are all about woe is me. Why Lord why Lord why Lord. Where are you?  We need to set an example for our kids.  Coming out of Brownies on Wednesday Bella and her friend were hopping onto the railing to ride down the steps and her friends mom told her not to we were in a church.  I laughed and said, "Ahhggg don't worry about it Jesus would probably do it with them."

If you knew Jesus was physically coming to your house for supper next week what would you ask Him?  Have fun with your list.  I would like to know if there is chips in Heaven.  Will we have to get up in the middle of the night to go pee?  Will we wear shoes or sandles or barefeet? 

Before I starting writing this i did refrence the Bible and did find out the answer.
In Genesis  7 it says, "⁶ Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters came on the earth. ⁷ And Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives entered the ark to escape the waters of the flood. ⁸ Pairs of clean and unclean animals, of birds and of all creatures that move along the ground, ⁹ male and female, came to Noah and entered the ark, as God had commanded Noah. ¹⁰ And after the seven days the floodwaters came on the earth.

So now I add quesitons to my list.  Are whales clean or unclean water creatures?  Why did they have to swim for so long?  What about salt water and regular water mixing?  LOL 

TOO FUN.

Invitation to clean up

Invitation to clean

 

 

Wheeling my daughter from the kitchen into the front room to eat breakfast together I noticed the beautiful glow of the sun off our floor.  As I looked closer it was a clear invitation to clean our very dirty floors.  It would have to wait until we were done our cereal if not longer.   Better yet when I felt like taking the time it would get swept and moped.  Until then the sunshine was so relaxing.  So relaxing that should I be a cat I would curl up and soak it all in.

 

 

In reflecting Jesus reminded me of when He came into my heart(life).  As He entered my heart He extended the invitation to clean up my heart, mind, soul and life.  It was not demanded of me in a fierce way.  No whips were snapping behind me.  There were days and still are days when I have felt like when I have time I will talk to Him I will.  I have few moments like that now as the cleaning made room for the realization as to how important my relationship is with Him. 

 

Just like the picture above, as we allow the "Son" into our house an invitation is extended to follow Him.  To take time to curl up like a cat on the floor and read His word.  As we read we talk, the more we talk to Him the more we trust, as we trust growing is happening.  When we grow cleaning begins. 

 

It will never be a sparkling Mr. Clean life but all the cleaning we do gets us to a Kingdom that has nothing but sparkling floors. 

 

Now the cleaning does not get done because I am too busy sharing Jesus (and a little candy crush).

 

Happy cleaning everyone!

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



A new love for Oero Cookies



On a Tuesday this September, I spent a whole day at KidsAbility in Waterloo doing workshops on Augmentative Speech tools that are available.  Basically resources to help us give Emma what she needs until her name comes up on the 18th month waiting list for services.  I am forever excited when I learn more about what tools are out there for Emma and other children.  Buttons that talk for her, a display board of pictures that will talk for her, modified toys that work with the push of a button, computer pieces that would allow her to work the computer with the push of a button.  Some display program pieces costing hundreds of dollars coupled with apps for Ipads that cost hundreds of dollars. 
We can borrow them from KidsAbility for a four week period or purchase on our own.  The alternative is wait the 18mths at which time the wait list is gone and there would be coverage for it all.   The wait list does not bother me because I know God has trusted me with Emma during the wait time and He will do great things in her in the mean time. 

A couple times during the workshops I got teary eyed knowing how important all the pieces are for her.  And it brought me out of my space of comfort to realize that oh my gosh Emma doesn't talk like she should right now.  Driving in the van home I began to say, "God why can't you just give her what she needs to talk, heal her" and began to digest all that I had heard.

The next day on Wednesday my journey took Emma and I to Fergus KidsAbility for her Occupational therapy appointment.  One of the activities we did was work with the Oreo you see above.  You see this is no ordinary Oreo.  It is a plastic therapy toy that a child must learn to pull apart.  For Emma this is difficult with little use out of her left hand.  On this day I put Emma's little left hand brace on and as her eyes lite up when the Oreo game came out the therapist handed Emma an Oreo cookie to pull apart.  Emma's determination with the hand brace on was not like any other day we have seen.  Our little girl was so determined.  Within a few tries Emma did it...she pulled the two pieces apart.  We cheered, I had tears.  I joked with our therapist and asked, "Can i keep that Oreo cookie?" She gave me the plastic piece and said, "For sure you cherish it."

Amazed and proud as we drove home.  I told myself to blog about this and once Emma was down for a nap I took a picture of the Oreo.  One picture wasn't enough so I opened the Oreo and took another picture of it apart.

 

 

My mouth dropped open wide as I realized what shape was inside.  A cross shape! The day before I had wondered where God was with Emma's speech and why He couldn't just heal her. And there I was the next day asking for forgiveness as He reminded me He is with us in everything.  While she may not totally be healed of speaking fully, right now papa God is working in so many other moments with her.  I phoned the therapist and left her a message about what shape was in the cookie.  I have no idea if our therapist is a Christian or knows Jesus but I just had to share.  She later phoned back and could not talk as she was crying.  Sharing with her had made her day.

 

Who knew God could be in an Oreo Cookie?  I do now!!!! 

 



BUCKET LIST

Spirit I am listening....

As I sit on my couch resting for a few minutes to a couple of tunes coming from the satellite, I can not help but look out my window and glance over at my neighbors house.  Late last year she found out she has breast cancer and liver cancer.  The night before her breast surgery a couple of Christian sisters and myself went over and watched as the Holy Spirit touched her deep inside.  Darn right we expect healing from our Daddy God.

In one of my glances out the window I find myself wondering or asking what would I be like in that type of situation.  Just where my mind wanders as Satan(anxiety) uses every opportunity to destroy.  I love it cause I pull out my armour (doesn't even hurt my back).  In reality I allow a release from my heart (Jesus/Spirit) to take over and kick out the yuck thoughts.

I realize though there is seriousness to these types of situations.  As I bring Jesus out I start to ask, "Lord am I where you want me to be?  And say, "Lord I want to live out my destiny that you have planned out.  I do not want to get to Heaven and apologize for not following what is on my heart that you put there."

You see I don't have your typical bucket list.  Is it fair to say that most bucket lists look like this:
*win a million dollars
*bigger house
*fancier car
*no debt
*lots of clothes
*pretty kitchen
*boat
*other outdoor toys
*many trips
*big screen TVs
*cottage
etc etc etc

My heart does not crave any of that stuff in the way most do.

*I want to go to the hospital where my moms friend has been for one year after a stroke and watch her healing.
*I want to take my family to Peru for however long God needs us there.
*I want to take scriptures to my friend/neighbor who is battling cancer as often as I can and pray for Heavling
*I want to pray for my brother and sister-in-law to find awesome jobs in Australia.
*I want to raise money for families who need equipment and other needs for children/adults with special abilities
*I have the need to hand out valentines to say they are loved to people I don't know on Valentines Day.
*I want people to know how much they are loved by Jesus
*I want people to know not all "Churches" are the same
*I want people to know they are forgiven
*I want street people to know they are loved
*I want people in prison to know they are loved
I could go on and on.

But as I think about my time to meet Jesus, I do not want to look up at his precious Holy face and say, "I am so sorry Father I did not do all those things you put on my heart."

I do not want to hear Him ask, "Why not?  I would have given you everything you needed."

There is no good enough excuse I could possibly tell the King of all Kings.  He died for me.  ME.  Died! I have this time only now to love on people and help cause when we get to Heaven there will be no helping it will be perfect.  People need to see the beauty and perfection of Heaven here and now.  My family needs to come to Heaven.  Imagine a perfect family gathering in Heaven.  My friends need to eat chips with me in Heaven.  The hurting need to know there is no hurts with Daddy God in heaven.  Those with physical and mental needs deserve to have a taste of Heaven where their bodies will be whole and new and free.  All the lost deserve to be found and get to share in the Heavens.

I am a follower!

Spirit be with me as I write this.

For one month now our family has been attending ministry in a school gym.  Previous we attended another church in our small town.  It doesn't matter which one.  Those who know us will know which one.  The pastor of that church had many conversations with God and realized he was at a crossroad, the church was at a crossroad.  Many in the church would say they carried a feeling in their hearts of reaching a crossroad. 

My personal definition of crossroad being defined as a group who are content in one space and the others who are hungry for so much more without the dictation from a manual or man made rules but rely solely on the Holy Spirit/God/Jesus.

We were so blessed to have our Pastor announce that he was leaving the church and beginning a ministry with the support of another ministry.  The blessing was that many of his services he revisited teaching us we must listen to God to know where we would attend church in the new year.

Five years ago our family started to attend the church and our Pastor/friend/brother because of his devotion to our Papa God and teaching us each Sunday from the BIBLE and from his personal life has given Dean and I the platform to totally change our lives.  Growing up Catholic I personally thought the Priest was to do everything; pray for people, visit hospitals, heal, talk to God and go once a year in a booth to repent to a little hole in the wall.  In saying that I am so thankful for the life of growing up in church. 

Everything our Pastor was telling us every Sunday is in the bible.  It is so simple.  While rules are important everything we are to do is in one book, His word, The Bible. 

It tells me to talk to God myself-   'God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ' (11 Cor. 4:6).

I can repent everyday myself- 'Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord' (Acts 3:19)

I can pray and ask for Jesus to heal through me- 'And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues' (1 Corinthians 12:28).

There is so much I could highlight that yep I can do.  Little me, mom of four kids who has sinned, and will sin again.  No walls came crashing down when I entered the church.  The only ones that did were the ones that Satan put up.  This teaching didn't come from a certain denomination of church it came from a devoted Pastor.  His love of God, love of the Spirit, love of Jesus, love for all people no matter where there walk is with the Lord and love for God's word.  No matter where our Pastor goes the whole faith package goes with him.  Like many big name followers (12 disciples and more) in the Bible, I chose to be one of them.  Some call us "Pastor" followers (substitute pastor for his real name).  In a way yes our family is following him he is a good man who puts the bible before all else and his family is precious but sorry we are following the Man our Pastor holds in his heart.  The Papa God he teaches that loves us.

Ministry can be held anywhere and definitely anytime.  On Sundays that gym is transformed into an amazing room of worship and so many can feel the love as they walk in.  When one feels freedom the Lord has a new space to move and create new things in. 

Thank you God for Selah Fire!
I can't wait until you make the walls tremble and the earth shake.

FAITHRAISER

Holy Spirit be with me as I write this:

I was grunting and groaning as I walked in our front door following a Christmas family get together.  How did I fit all that food in my tummy?  "Love you," I said to our little Emma as I put her down for her very late nap.  Literally plopped myself down on the couch and grabbed the lap top to check email and Facebook.

It doesn't take long before smile turns upside down as my eyes scan an email from a friend.  On our bible study group page she is requesting prayer for someone at her work who has breast cancer.  That someone happens to be our neighbor.  My frown turns jagged as I fill with anger. I begin talking to God, "Really? I have had it with the "C" word. I just want to go over and pray for her and there to be healing.  Lord our sister at church to have healing.  My father-in-laws sister for healing.  I am sick of raising money." 

Then a little revelation.  Please do not misunderstand me as I write this I think it is so amazing the hearts that raise money for Cancer.  I believe God has a purpose for that.  My revelation or vision happens.  Are we so busy raising money to find a cure that we are forgetting about Gods healing hands?  Are we forgetting to teach people to pray for healing first then raise money?

My vision is so amazing...Imagine a Faithraiser instead of a Fundraiser.  No forms or t-shirts. I see the curbs are full of people who are waiting to pray.  Hands are raised, eyes are closed, worship is happening, SPIRIT is alive, tongues are praising, eye lashes are twitching and arms are high.  Those who know a fire tunnel this would be fun. 

Then the Faithraiser starts....Jesus with his cross begins the walk.  Following Him are children with cancer, adults with cancer, people who are blind and the list is endless of those who need healing.  I would be walking down with my anxiety but quickly side step to the curb so I can pray for rest of the people.  I see thousands of angels all assigned to a certain person.

These Faithraisers can happen everyday.  God is waiting for us to ask Him.  God is waiting for us to teach people to trust in him more.  Don't google what type of cancer or disease people have google how to pray for healing.  While we need money to find a cure what we need more is people in the hospital beside beds praying for healing  or going into someones home and singing worship songs with them.  Don't tell someone, "I hope everything will be OK" declare to them, "God will take care of everything." 

While I believe God wants physical healing I also believe more so for internal healing.  Having two children with Cerebral Palsy I pray for physical healing everyday, but my Spirit says, "Pray for their hearts and minds and souls.  When they are full on the inside it won't matter how they walk or talk.  The shadows of their wheelchairs, crutches and walkers will heal others."

Surrounded by an Army

Holy Spirit guide my heart as I write this:

The heaviness I was carrying made it difficult to get in the front door of our house after church a couple of months ago.  Church was a huge let down.  Not because of our Pastor instead the spirit of anxiety I carried.  Strong enough to prevent me from entering the sanctuary for service.  Instead my amazing Christian sister sits with me just outside the sanctuary doors.  I twitched my leg back and forth listening to our Pastor preach on a bible story of a man who ran up to the front and asked for demons to be rebuked.  Wow the urge to run up to our Pastor in the middle of the service and plead for my church family to help me.  Getting a pain in my side I quickly scurry back down to the church basement where I felt safe watching the summer Sunday school take place.

Hunger for church is an understatment.  I was starving but such a force was holding me back.  As we drove home tears clouded my vision.  "What is wrong with me? I need church so bad yet I can't even sit in on a service." I thought to myself.

Once home down into our rec room I went to surround myself in my safety net.  Wondering if my problem would ever ever end.  I look out the same old window and pray for the day I wouldn't feel so alone and safe to go outdoors.

About half and hour later the Pastor's wife comes down into our rec room and shares she was thinking of me.  I was in shock.  I talk to her once in a while but for her to come over during my struggles was amazing to me.  She then came over and sat down beside me and asked how I was doing and asked if it was ok to pray for me.  She then said, "I brought a whole bus load of people to surround your house and pray." 

It took a second for the whole busload comment to sink in and I started to cry and said, "The whole bus came to pray?" 

See it was beach day and many of our youth and a few families were heading to the beach. One of my Christian brothers had on his heart during that mornings church service to come pray for me.  He then came down and greeted me with tears and a big hug and comforting reasurance he was there for me.  He too knows personally of my struggles.

Within moments over 50 brothers and sisters, young and old, even the bus driver surrounded our home and prayed for me.  Seeing the youth out with their eyes closed for me was a surreal moment.  Even if they were thinking only of the beach or what was brought for snacks the fact that they surrounded my house and made such an impact it will never ever be forgotten.  As I am down in our rec room I go to that window to see my church family standing outside with their heads bowed praying.  I was sobbing without control.  One of my very dear christians brothers come to the window and we touch hands on the screen.  He prayed and I cried and I kept saying, "Thank you, thank you." 

I felt amazing and they all clapped.  I so wanted to go to the beach with them but really what just happened was so overwhelming for me and felt so darn good, keeping that moment without distractions of the beach felt safer.  Our kids were so excited and yet surprised they all surrounded our house.  We all waved out the front door as they drove off to continue with their day at the beach. 
Me on the other hand sobbed for about half and hour after they left.  I felt peace, excited, overwhelmed, thankful and wondered if they all knew how much that changed my course of recovery.  I have never felt so loved in my life. 

After that moment every time I looked out the window I saw the house surrounded by an army.  God's loving Army.  No guns, tanks or government control.  God's obedient children just stopping by on the way to the beach to pray for our little family.  So many to thank but I praise God that he heard my cry of wanting to be a part of church and really needing prayer that day.  He knew how I wanted to run up to the pulpit and get the whole church to pray for me.

He loves me and my family so much he sent a whole bus load. He heard my cry.  My friend, Andy for listening to his heart during service.  So exciting how God works.  I love them all so much.
AMEN 

Giving the battle to the cross

Yesterday my God Daughter made her confirmation.  Who knew she would grow up so fast.

God is so proud of His princess as she made her way through the day.  Oh how she looked so beautiful in her dress and outshinning the dress is her stunning personality glowing from the inside.  As I see her I remember when she was born and all the birthday parties and being there for her baptism.  Having given my life to Jesus 4 years ago now and growing in a new real faith I have learned what it means to truly be a GOD parent.  It is actually not even about me!  That shinning cross in the picture is all about my relationship to the man who died for me on the cross.  Because of that relationship and forever growing faith I can pray for her like I never knew how before.  If she ever wants to learn or talk about God I can be that God parent to teach her like I never would have before.  I can be there for her if things go wrong in her life or she steers off the wrong track.  I have Jesus's love in me and I will love her no matter what.

My heart remembers what my aunt said to me  as I enjoy my God Daughters day from clicking on the next errow through pictures on facebook.  "Heather our church doesn't think you exist (are a God parent) anymore because you don't go to our Catholic church anymore."  As I look at picture after picture of my beautiful God daughter I give the battle to the cross:

"Lord why would one of your churches have such a rule?  I can not see any where in Your word where that is right or something You would want.  Papa I grew up in that church and the God I was taught about there is who I know now in our church.  It shouldn't be about being Catholic, United, Presbytery should it?  I just want to be known as a follower of You.  Dean and I would have loved to be there and are so thankful we know that You Jesus were there with her.  Lord it doesn't matter why we weren't invited or what the case may be.  No one can take away we were still there in Your spirit for her special day and we will always love her and be her God Parents.  We will be praying for her and her family always.  In your precious name. AMEN"

TINSEL REVELATION

As I hung our children’s home made Christmas ornaments on our freshly cut tree, stories in the media and Facebook comments blinked in and out of my mind like our tree lights. Do I truly believe others are taking away my Christmas? Are they taking away Jesus? Does it matter if my Christmas tree is called a Christmas tree or holiday tree? People’s anger and negative comments hurt my heart more, WHY?
It hit me hard one day before Christmas while I worked. As I finished folding a report and slid it into the envelope a mother and her son just finishing their appointment grabbed their coats off the metal coat stand. I wheeled my chair to a clearing where I could see the little boy and mom and said, “You are welcome to grab one little gift off the Christmas tree. There is a company each year that donates gifts for the children.” The mom replied, “We are Jehovah witness and don’t believe in Christmas but thank you so much.” And off they went.

This little boy didn’t take a gift. Christmas is about giving. Giving what? Due to the nature of where I worked what did it mean to that company that EACH child got a gift? Does it matter he didn’t get a gift? To my heart it did matter because to me Christmas is about giving to everyone in all circumstances. Right? That is what Jesus did and last time I checked I am following Him not a tradition of a tree. My heart started pumping excitedly as I walked back to where co-workers were and asked, “Is it ok if I take some of the little gifts and put them in a different pile away from the tree?” I then explained about the little boy. “No the gifts are for the tree, for Christmas and that is their choice they don’t take one,” unfortunately sums up the response I tried to allow to rip through my ears and block from my heart.

So let me ask, as Christians we so badly need our “Christmas” tree and how dare someone tell us not to call it that, are they really taking CHRISTmas? Are we so angry that that little boy couldn’t have been giving a gift just because it was for a special child and he needs to feel loved at a special time for us? The revelation hit! The prickly stump can be called a Holiday tree or a Christmas tree. I could have one or not have one. My house will have Jesus at Christmas; no one can ever take that away, no one. So let them take away the name of the tree I will actually even let them take the tree.

As they pack up my tree I cry as visibly in its place is the cross. A child like moment after where I laugh and say, “Na Na Na boo boo you can take the tree because it doesn’t take Christmas.” Under that cross are gifts that are mine and even the gift to still love those who don’t celebrate Jesus. Picking up the pine needles and tinsel left behind I put the pieces to the cross and pray, “Thank you papa that as people take away our tree you were there, you are there, you will always be there. I see even more now Lord Christmas is not about a tree or worldly traditions. Also Father thanks that now we don’t have to worry about getting rid of a tree. AMEN”

Trying the blog thing

Been on face book for a few years now and it just does not cut it. Some how even though all on my friends list know me, they don't. My comments are dissected and analyzed and in some circumstances misinterpreted. My cry out for uplifting comments to my status does not always happen. I walk away frustrated even more then before the first word I typed. On one occasion I walked away with more tears as friends posted their comeback notes that obviously did not portray they had read my status with compassion or had taken the time to make sure my comment had any emotions attached. None the less I keep going back everyday to see how everyone is doing.

I hear in conversations talk of blogs, I see on t.v. people who blog and it reminds me of the desire to step out and try to blog. The people who have a heart to follow and listen to my heart pouring out will follow my posts. I pray connections are made.

I am a christian mom with three children. Twin boys 9 years old. Troy and Scott. Troy was born with CP (Cerebral Palsy). Isabella our daughter is 5 years old. Not only do I have lots to share about children and getting along etc, I have many words about a son with special abilities. Some days it is just tuff as behavior has become a presence in his life and affects the dynamics with his siblings. Then there is how it affects me and being able to share with people who understand or God places on here to lift up myself and/or my family.

Not only my family being lifted up but my heart to listen to others so I can pray in the good and the bad.

So I leave with this opening post.

Heather