JOY

Hello Sweet Friends

I have been MIA because my internet was hacked by Century Link

Or something like that

I thought I was having trouble with my lap top

All the while,

My internet company had put a block on my internet???

Yeah, I'm still trying to figure out Why

AND, have my bill credited for the 3 weeks I had no internet

So, I'm back

What have I been doing?

Honestly,

Enjoying the Season

Doing a small amount of decorating

Trying to find JOY in each day

Even while I was sick for an entire week

Living by Faith

While going through the tough season

Keeping my eyes and heart focused on God

Rather than loss

Finding respite in my bedroom

After long and stress~filled days

And remembering

There are Blessings of JOY

To be found in God's Word

And in every situation you face

Rejoice in the Lord

and be Glad!

Ps. 32:11

Blessings for the days Ahead!!

Some Thank You's

Hi Sweet Friends

Thank you for stopping by today

You always bless my heart

I'm praying you are well and

Have enjoyed a Beautifully Blessed Weekend

Today I wanted to share a few Thank You's

First

I want to thank so many of you who have prayed

Over the past few weeks and even months

For some of my friends and my own family

Prayer is so very powerful

And I am grateful to know

That God hears our prayers

"Before they call I will answer;

While they are still speaking I will hear"

Says the Lord."

Isaiah 65:24

So Thank YOU for praying

I'd like to also Thank my blog friend Noreen

She blogs over at 

Life Blessings

She was away for a little trip

But didn't say where she was going

I guessed where she was and who she was visiting

Noreen so sweetly sent me a few gifts

From her trip

You can Never go wrong

Sending me something with a 'beachy' theme

I LOVE it all

AND ...

This little item is what has started my New Collection

Val - Noreen's friend

Who lives on one of the Islands and blogs at

My Girlz Got Paws

Was so very sweet to send me a piece of sea glass

To go along with Noreen's package

Hence, I have a new collection ...

Well, sort of

I want to have a collection

I guess you need 3 of something to call it a collection

So, I'm on the Hunt

Sea Glass - My newest Obsession *SMILE*

Thank you Noreen and Val

Finally

I want to Thank Stephanie

Who blogs over at 

The Enchanting Rose

While participating in her 8th Tea Cup Exchange

I happily sent a second package

To a sweet lady who didn't receive hers

I surely didn't do it to receive a gift

However, Stephanie is so very kind

She sent a really sweet package

I promise I have not even opened the chocolate YET...

But will soon

I Love the cookbook and have been perusing it this past week

The chicken pot holder is just my colors

And super fun

Thank you Stephanie for blessing my home

Again, thank you for your prayers

For stopping by and leaving such encouraging comments

I would Love to pray for you this week

If you or someone you know has a need

I would be honored if you left me a comment

Or sent a PM so I can pray for that need this week

It is My Greatest Privilege

May you be Blessed with Joy

Prayers Requested

Hi Sweet Friends

It has been a difficult week

For several people I love

Would you mind lifting up the needs

Of these precious friends please

"Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear," says the Lord." Isaiah 65:24

1. Dianne

Dianne is a sweet coworker whom I've known for 9 years.

She is a busy wife, mom, grandmother, sister and nurse practitioner

On Saturday evening she and her hubby, sister and brother in law

Were involved in a serious ATV accident

Fortunately Dianne was the only person

Who suffered serious injuries

They were a 3 hour drive from a hospital, So

After being transported to a local hospital via AirEvac

Dianne was diagnosed with several broken and fractures

Bones in her pelvic and hip area

She has had surgery as well as blood transfusions

She is doing well but will be off her feet for

Probably 2-3 months and will then be able

To begin weight bearing therapy

This will be a huge challenge for her

Because she is such a physically fit woman

I know she will heal well

However, I'm sure she will be challenged

Emotionally and Mentally

Praying for healing in all areas of her life

"I wait for you, O Lord; you will answer, O Lord, my God."

Psalm 38:15

2. Michelle

I met Michelle and her hubby and daughter 8 years ago in church

I had the joy of walking her hubby through a new believers class

And a family friendship began

During the month February, Michelle's mom began having pain

After numerous tests, specialists and finally surgery

Barb was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer

Just 2 weeks ago

Unfortunately, Barb (Michelle's mom)

Passed away on Tuesday morning

Just hours after being placed in hospice care

Barb's service is tomorrow

Please pray for her family

For Michelle, Steve and Kendahl

"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayers." 1 Peter 3:12

3. Renee

I have known Renee since she was a wee little tyke

She is the youngest of three kiddos

Who lived two houses down from our family

While we lived in SoCal in the 1960's - 1970's

My sister, brother and I all went to elementary

School together with her sister, brother and herself

We've stayed in touch over the years

And encouraged each other through

Life's ups and downs.

Renee is younger than myself by several years

This morning Renee became a widow

Her husband passed suddenly this morning

She lives across the country

And I won't be able to comfort her personally

But I do ask for prayers for her

For her sister and mom as they travel from their homes to hers

I know the brokenness she is suffering right now

And my heart aches for hers

Some of you are widows and know the deep

Sense of loneliness she will face in the

Days, weeks and months ahead

I appreciate any prayers, good thought and Cyber Hugs

You are will to share with her

Life

It is so very Precious

So Very Fragile

Very Short

Hug a loved one or friend today

Look them in the eyes

Let them know how much you Love Them

Thank you for your Prayers

Thank Yous, Clarifications and Prayer Requests

Hello My Dear Blog Friends

It is hard to believe I have not opened my laptop

Since the 9th of January

The past two weeks have been

Scary and Busy

1. Thank You:

     I would humbly like to thank each person who has contacted me via email, text, phone, FB or through my blog to offer prayers and good thoughts. Your encouragement is what is getting me through this terribly difficult season with my youngest son.

I honestly don't know how people get through a crisis without prayer, family and friends. I know I covet your prayers and especially your encouraging words. So, thank you again and always!!

2. Clarification:

     It is a difficult task to relay my heart through the written word.  On my last post (at Loving Madi), I shared that I would attempt to use female pronouns when referring to my son, as that is what he would like. Also, I mentioned that I would try to call him Madi.

     I realize that many may have misunderstood my intention and my stance on the subject of having a son who would like to be a girl. Please let me clarify, if that is really possible.

    My son, who is 30 years old, has recently told me and the world that he is transgender and wants to go through the process of becoming female. I have been a mess since that day, September 21, 2015. I have prayed and cried out to the Lord to help him see that his choice is sinful and, in my opinion, will cause him a life of pain. Yet, so far, he has not changed his mind, in fact, he is stronger and more determined than ever.

     In my attempt to help him through his pain, I decided to show love (God's love and Grace) to him by using female pronouns and his new chosen name of Madi.  This does NOT mean that I have changed my opinion about him being transgender. I do not agree with it, I do not understand it, I do not condone it.  My heart is still broken about it, I am grieving, and praying, no pleading with God to help him, I cannot change my opinion about his choice. BUT, I can choose GRACE! I can show love and respect for his choice.

     He will always know that I am here for him, that I will always be truthful with him about my thoughts, he will always see God's love for him and God's grace for him through me. I will never turn my back on the truth's I believe are written in God's Word, yet I have to find ways to have peace in my home and keep my son from ending his life because of the pain he is in.

     It is possible that you may not agree with me or the way I have chosen to face this trial, but at least you know where I stand and why I am making the choices I am making.

     None of us has any idea of how we will handle a situation until that situation is staring us in the face. When the rubber meets the road, so to speak.

     I Never thought I'd have to face this, but it is here, in my home and I have to walk it out the best way I know how.  I may be wrong, but I'm praying through it and will listen intently for my Father's voice in the midst.

3. Prayer Request:

     Madi has been in the hospital for 9 days, 'She' was suicidal and homicidal. Threats were made and she needed to be in a place where she is safe. 

      a. Prayers are requested for a proper diagnosis (right now schizophrenia is a possibility)

      b. Correct medication and dosing for treatment

      c. Wisdom for her medical team

      d. Wisdom for housing and living arrangements

      e. Peace for me and for her

      f. God's protection and Grace

Thank you Again!

Now, I am hoping in the days ahead, I will feel more awake and at peace so I can start blogging happily again!

May you have a Blessed Week Ahead

{2} December Daily ~ Words

 Hi Sweet Friends

Tonight
For December Daily #2
I thought I'd share a bit of my tiny Christmas Tree
And Words

"Words kill, words give life;
    they’re either poison or fruit—you choose."
Proverbs 18:21 The Message 

Over the past few years
I've somehow gone away from your
Typical type of tree ornaments
To ornaments with Words

 The above ornament has actually been used on all of my trees
For over a decade
It says: The Greatest Gift of All
And has a nail hanging from it
It says Everything
Christ IS Christmas
Christ Gave All

Above is a closer photo of some of the ornaments
Hope, Joy, Faith are a few of the Words 
That I am reminded of all through the season

This is a most special ornament
Given to me, by my sister, in 2010 
Just days after the passing of my beloved

I keep it front and center
It reminds me that he is with Jesus
My hope and future

Another set of words
This may seem more like an Easter ornament
But honestly
Without Christmas
There wouldn't be an Easter
Our precious Jesus came as a babe
And left as our Savior

Here are a few additional words on my tree
Peace, Love, Believe, Faith
Let there be laughter
And more

Most of the ornaments on my tiny tree
Are white, cream, and silver
A few snowflakes, angels, bells and butterflies
My tree gives me a feeling of peace
As I sit in the evenings and 
Recall All that God has done in my life
Through WORDS!!

May you find Joy
In Sharing Words of Life

Blessings to You

Sharing with Jann at
Have A Daily Cup



A Raging Storm

Hi Sweet Friends,
 

For the past 26 hours 
I have had the words below running through
Both my head and my heart

I first heard them sung in the 1970's by Evie Tornquist
And I still love them today

They also mean more to me today
Than any other time in my life

 
Part The Waters, Lord
Charles F. Brown

When I think I'm going under, part the waters, Lord.
When I feel the waves around me, calm the sea.
When I cry for help, O hear me, Lord, and hold out Your hand.
Touch my life, still the raging storm in me.
Knowing You love me through the burden I must bear,
Hearing Your footsteps lets me know I'm in Your care,
And in the night of my life You bring the promise of day,
Here is my hand, show me the way.
Knowing You love me helps me face another day.
Hearing Your footsteps drives the clouds and fear away;
And in the tears of my life I see the sorrow You bore,
Here is my pain, heal it once more.
When I think I'm going under, part the waters, Lord.
When I feel the waves around me, calm the sea.
When I cry for help, O hear me, Lord, and hold out Your hand.
Touch my life, still the raging storm in me. 

May God heal any broken place
And any raging storm
In your life today

Blessings
 

Hi Sweet Friends,

There are days we are Desperate

To Know We Are NOT Alone

May you KNOW His Presence Today

My One Word - HEALTH

The choice of 'My One Word' does not usually come without much prayer and listening for God's voice. Yet, as 2013 was coming to a close, the Lord kept placing one word in my heart: "Health". Oh great, I thought, yes I know I need to lose weight but really, that's the word for the year?

Well, let's just see what 'Health' really implies for my life as we move into 2014.

SPIRITUALLY

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:23-25

Oh, how these verses have spoken to my unhealthy spiritual reality. You see, I have 'been in the habit' of not meeting together with other believers. It was only supposed to be a couple of weeks to refresh and regroup.  However, those 2 weeks became 2 months and then 1 1/2 years. It became a 'habit' to not attend church. In doing so, my spiritual health has deteriorated and I've become weak as a believer and as a child of the king.  The passion and fire that used to burn and spur me on to encourage others has diminished, faded and all but burned out.

As the Lord began to speak 'health' into my spirit, it was only a short time before I realized the vastness of what He was speaking to me. Before physical health can be achieved, spiritual health must be restored. That is where the Lord has asked me to focus during the beginning of this new year.

Several years ago I wrote a sermon that I shared with a large group of women, it was entitled: 'Does your soul prosper'.  At that time, my soul was Very prosperous, however, these days, I must say, no, my soul is not very prosperous. Of course there is a lot to that sermon that I am unable to share here but just know, this has nothing to do with tangible prosperity! But it has Everything to do with the peace of God that only comes from a continuing, on going, daily relationship with the One True God!!

In this new year God is calling His people to Relationship! Our vertical relationship is the most valuable and important of all. It is the foundation of all relationships.  But He is also calling us to horizontal relationships that are based and grounded on our relationship with Him. This is where I have struggled since my husband passed away. So much in life changes when you lose half of yourself after a 30 year marriage. Relationships all change, people move on with their couple friends, you don't 'fit' in any more with them. You haven't had 'single' relationships and don't want to fit in there. It seems there is no place for the newly widowed within the church family and you find yourself pulling yourself away into a solitary and protective existence. You don't realize how unhealthy it is, you just need to feel safe.

Hence, the non-scriptural lifestyle I have become accustom to. Therein lies My One Word! Health!!

It begins today with a focus on my Spiritual Health and will proceed, in God's Timing, with:

FINANCIAL

EMOTIONAL

PHYSICAL

May 2014 bring you all that God has placed in your heart. May your desires be ignited by His Word! May you be blessed beyond earthly measure and May God be Glorified in All You Are!!!
 

JOY #15 God's Word

I chose God's Word

As my Joy for the center of this 

Thankful Month

Because God and His Word

Must be the Center of my Life

I am Nothing without the Lord

Many folks believe that

Psalm 118:8

Is the center of the Bible

Some believe it is Psalm 117

I do not claim to be a theologian

Nor have I ever sat down to count

Chapters and do the math

So, for today

I captured Both verses

I will however focus on Psalm 118:8

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord

Thank to trust in man".

The Lord and His Word

Are my refuge, my strong tower and

My complete Center

When all else falls apart around me

I KNOW where I can find my Peace

My stabilizing force, My Rock

My JOY #15

GOD'S WORD

 

Joy #3 Worship

Source

Today's JOY

Corporate Worship

The freedom we still have in America 

Is one we should not take for granted

It could all change 

BUT

Today, we are still FREE to worship together

In churches

In homes

In public

Corporate Worship

Musically

The reading of and teaching from God's Word

The right to tithe and bring offerings into the storehouse

Fellowship with like believers

This is corporate worship

This is what God encourages in His Word

This is a JOY

To be Thankful for here in America!!!

Wednesday Word

Tonight's Word is Hard

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, 

just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

"Do not let the sun go down on your anger."  Ephesians 4:26b

Life is so terribly fragile

I work very hard to live in harmony and grace with others

Especially since losing my Mark

Today has become just one more reminder of this fact

Friends whom I love

Lost their son this morning

Unexpected

Shocked

Heart Breaking

Pain

Sickening 

Gut-Wrenchingly Painful

Please friends

Read God's Words

We never know what the next moment will hold

Please do not hold anger or bitterness 

Please make amends with those whom have hurt you

Find peace with those you have hurt

Don't let one more day end

Without forgiving or seeking forgiveness

Tomorrow may be too late

Let's make a point friends

Live the Character of Christ

Love, Forgive, Be a Peace Maker

Reach out.......

Don't wait in bitterness or self pity

No Regrets

Reach out Now........

 

Wednesday Word

Are you facing a situation that the enemy

Is using to fill your heart with fear?

 I am facing just such a situation...

"Do NOT Fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, 

for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;

 I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

 Isaiah 41:10

Yet, the Lord reminds us of His promise!

He Is Here!!!

Hallelujah!!!

If you are facing something 

I would love to pray for you

Please leave a comment

Or send a private message

cain4him@hotmail.com

Love to you all!!

Yet, I Shall Not Fear

I wondered why I had not yet received the little 'all clear' postcard in the mail after my recent mammogram.  Usually it arrives routinely in about 7-10 days. However, this time it has been over 2 weeks and no card. 

Source

Today, I received a phone call.  Ms Cain? We need to send you to a Breast Specialist. 

Yes, a Specialist!  

I have experienced some abnormal and concerning 

changes that need further testing.

You know how those words can ignite fear in your heart as they are spoken.

It seems there is a piece of the human soul that begs to worry and grab hold of fear

Only this time, I remained calm and at peace. 

I proceeded to make the necessary phone call and set up my appointment for next week.

I wait quietly before God,
    for my victory comes from him.

Psalm 62:1

You will keep in perfect peace him, whose mind is steadfast, 

because he trusts in you. 

Isaiah 26:3

Tonight I remind each of you

Please have your annual check up

Remind your mom's, daughter's, sister's

Aunt's and niece's

As well as your friends

Don't let busyness or apathy

keep you from making an investment in your health

I'll keep you updated

But I am Confident That I will be Just Fine!!!