Speak to My Soul Devotional

This is a post from one of my twitter friends (@mels_world) that I found so precious and wanted to share. I have found the same type of encouragement from people on twitter and here in bloggy world.

Speak to My Soul Devotional

You do not have, because you do not ask God. (James 4:2b NIV)

God has really been convicting me lately that part of being in the body of believers is not just to "be there" for others but to let others "be there" for you too.Right now just about everyone I know is affected by the economy in one way or another. Let's face it, times are truly tough right now, and things are getting harder and harder. I know that this is just part of being in this world, but there are times when I just sit there and ask (beg is more like it) Him to bring us all home to glory.

I mentioned in a post called "What do you do when the storms come?" that our family has been in the midst of some serious storms lately. The very next day after I posted that devotional we were hit with yet another storm, and this one, though not dramatic at first, was just the last straw to an already stressful season for us.

My youngest son, Bailey, only wanted ONE thing this past year for Christmas (ok, let's be honest, he's a kid, he always WANTS more things) more than anything. He wanted an iPod Touch and thankfully his grandparents thought it was something they could (and would) get him for Christmas. He carried his iPod Touch around with him everywhere and used it all the time. That Sunday he took it to church with him to take his notes in and in his rush to get home and get outside with his friends he left it in his pants pocket.

Don't you hear the scary music coming in the background now?

You guessed it! Monday morning when I did the wash I didn't check his pockets so when it was time to move the clothes over to the dryer this is what I saw...(picture of his Ipod in washer)

I just sat there and started to cry. On top of everything else that had been going on in our lives now our youngest son's most prized possession laid in the washing machine completely soaked and forever ruined. I can't even begin to tell you the shock, frustration, anger, fear, anxiety, sickness (I could go on and on) I felt and at that point I just broke down and cried.

My husband & I could not get over the amount of "stuff" that we have been bombarded with in the last couple of weeks and we sat there in disbelief that it seemed like it wasn't "over yet". At this point there was no way that we could possibly replace it and that's when I reached out to my friends on Twitter to ask them to pray for us. I am not even sure what exactly I said, but I know that it must have been sad and even depressing.

What happened next is nothing short of a miracle. I started getting "@" messages (tweets to me) and DM's (Direct Messages) encouraging me to keep my head up and to stay strong. Some where full of prayers, love, and support, then all of the sudden one of my"tweeple" (my twitter family) asked if they could "donate" some money to replace Bailey's iPod Touch. At first I was extremely hesitant...I've always been the one to "be there" for others and really struggle with accepting help from, well, just about anyone.

When all of the sudden the tweets started to take another turn...I started getting Scripture sent to me about how we are supposed to be there for each other, how a friend sticks closer than a brother, and then the kicker came; I got a DM from a twitter pal that said..."Melissa, you have not because you ask not" and that was the beginning of yet another amazing miracle. I like to call this one the Twitter Effect.

My friends on Twitter started to give and they gave BIG. My husband sat beside me in utter disbelief. He said, "How can people that don't even know us do something like this?" We both sat there in silence as the tears rolled down my face.

You see there are "No Perfect People" (as I wrote about last week) but this past week we have seen that people really DO want to make a difference and that people really DO care for each other.

Over the course of a couple of days they started a "ChipIn" collection for "I Washed My Son's Ipod Touch Fund" and with their donations we were able to collect $175 to put towards Bailey's iPod Touch replacement fund. Bailey chipped in the rest of the money (about $50) by doing some car washes around the neighborhood because he wanted to cover the difference since he was the one who left it in his pants pocket (he's learning a big life lesson with this). He's also learning that there are some really beautiful people in this world who care about what happens to others and they aren't afraid to show it in any way they can.

Today was a SPECIAL DAY in our house (I've been sitting on this post until it happened)! Bailey got a special package in the mail...(go to her blog and see the pictures of her sweet boy opening the package!)

You guessed it...his NEW iPod Touch arrived in the mail and as you can see on his face he could hardly wait to open it up. We celebrated as we saw the goodness of people and the grace of God in action. We also (both of us) realized a valuable lesson in this whole thing too...You do not have, because you do not ask God. (James 4:2b NIV)

Before I forget...Bailey & I (well, our whole family, to be quite honest) just wanted to take a minute to say THANK YOU! You have made a huge difference in our lives and we will never forget what you've done. There is no amount of money that can be given to replace the lessons of love, generosity, friendship, grace, goodness, and peace that you've brought to our lives.
We serve a great and mighty God and sometimes we ALL just need to remember that,
You do not have, because you do not ask God. (James 4:2b)Seeking JOY on the Journey,

Awesome story! God is so good!

Woman Praying Hands photo by Jesus_led_me in Flickr

“I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for—believe that you have received them, and you will have them." Mark 11:23-24 (HCSB)

Are you a Human Doormat?

Obviously this rings true for me to some degree or I wouldn't be posting it. I have trouble with being passive aggressive or just being a doormat. I cannot seem to figure out the fine line of being assertive and being a ****** (you know...). You know how Paul had the thorn in his side that God would not take away? Well I have a few of those and this is one of them. (Although, to be fair, I've never asked God to take it away. Maybe that's why the prayer hasn't been answered!)

I thought I'd share this little article with you because maybe it reasonates with you as well.

Today's Meditation - Are you a human doormat?
by Meditations, on Thu Feb 26, 2009 9:49am PST
By Jane Powell - http://www.meditationsforwomen.com/"Assertiveness is a matter of self-respect."When you trust your assertiveness, you have the ability to express yourself and the ability to communicate your feelings, wants and needs. You are less dependent on others and more in control of your own life.When you assert yourself, you make your own choices. You make room for your confidence to explode. Practice confident assertion by saying, "Yes" to the things you want to do and, "No" to the things you don't.Don’t be afraid or feel guilty for asserting yourself. You have nothing to lose. You will only become stronger and more self-sufficient and in turn your self-respect and self-worth will shine!©

Meditations for Women

“I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for—believe that you have received them, and you will have them." Mark 11:23-24 (HCSB)

St. Jude's - Fundraising

Would you help me meet the pledge I made for St. Jude's by going to Facebook? I don't know how the pledge process if you aren't on FB, but if you would like to donate without hassling with FB, please email me at cathy.m.davis@gmail.com.

Thank you!





“I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for—believe that you have received them, and you will have them." Mark 11:23-24 (HCSB)

While I'm Waiting

I absolutely love this song by John Waller. I first heard it during the movie Fireproof. Then, when everything around me started crumbling, He placed this song all around me. Don't we sometimes need a reminder that while we're waiting for Him to answer, we still have to worship and praise Him? No one says the wait or the process will be easy or painless but He's still with us and deserves our praise! Can I get an Amen? I've sang this song at the top of my lungs with tears just streaming down my face, knowing He is in control.




lyrics added:

Lyrics to While I'm Waiting :

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait

Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

[ While I'm Waiting Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]

“I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for—believe that you have received them, and you will have them." Mark 11:23-24 (HCSB)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Look at the beautiful flowers I received yesterday for valentine's day! I was very surprised to receive anything, much less beautiful roses! We went on a date last night. We saw Taken, which was really good! I think it's rated PG-13, so the language wasn't bad and the violence, while there was a lot, wasn't gory. I would recommend seeing it to anyone (over the age of 13) if you like suspense type movies.

Today we have been either on the road or at St. Jude's Hospital visiting our nephew. That hospital is AMAZING! McShane got to go on over to Ronald McDonald House while we were still there and let me tell you...that place is AMAZING! We'll be heading back over there tomorrow.

Tonight, James & Daniel (his son) have headed over to Tunica to try and see how lady luck will treat them. I'm tired and not much for just losing money in a machine, so I'm at the hotel (blogging obviously) watching TV and eating popcorn! Ha - much like any other night!

I hope you're having a great day and your valentine was sweet to you!

Cathy

“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

I SQUEALED when I saw this...

CrownLaidDown Designs - Blog Designs by Patty & Holly -GO LOOK AT IT! Seriously! (I updated the link on 12/21/09.)

I think a lot of Patty & Holly (I have that wonderful agape love for both of them) and I pray this venture will go well for both of them.

You know, I'm having the whole identity crisis so I'm hoping I can afford to be a customer :-)!


“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

The Great Eight, Scott Hamilton

The Great Eight
How to Be Happy (Even When You Have Every Reason to be Miserable)
Jacketed Hardcover
By Scott Hamilton

Olympic Gold Medal figure skater Scott Hamilton shares his eight secrets to finding happiness in the face of a life filled with challenges, difficulties, and career-canceling odds.

With never-been-told, behind-the-scenes stories from the skating world, personal challenges including testicular cancer and a brain tumor, as well as divine miracles, Olympic Gold Medal figure skater Scott Hamilton shares the secrets to his lifelong journey to find the silver (and gold) lining in the clouds of life. His life principles, fashioned into eight secrets that begin with the rote of learning to skate the figure 8, are the keys. Scott says, "Skating taught me how to be happy. I have always kept these eight as my own private, personal secrets that I practiced daily with repetition, focus, and discipline. Now I want to share them with the world."

Endorsements
"For the past twenty-seven years, Scott Hamilton has been a mentor and good friend. I've seen firsthand the struggles he has had to endure and how he has continued to persevere with a confident attitude. Everyone needs the positive message of this greatly inspiring book." -Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic Gold Medalist

"I know and love Scotty Hamilton. You will, too, after you read this book." -William Shatner

"Scott Hamilton is a champion in more ways than one. In addition to being one of the world's greatest ice skaters, he has mastered adversity and a multitude of challenges. The Great Eight is an inspiration to us all." -Donald J. Trump

"Within the metaphors of his skating career, the wisdom in this book is not only very inspiring and easy to grasp but also surrounded by great storytelling." -Brad Paisley, Grammy Award-winning artist

My review:
Well, I'm just tickled that I have a quote from Captain Kirk on my blog! tee hee

I have been a fan of Scott Hamilton for as long as I can remember. He is part of the reason I really enjoy watching figure skating, especially when he's the commentator. He always seems so happy go lucky and upbeat.

I enjoyed reading about his start into ice skating and how he conquered the odds and became a success. There were times I felt like if I was on the ice rink I could skate just like Scott because his illustrations were vivid.

The book is an easy read. To me it was more of an autobiography and not a how to be happy book. I didn't learn anything new about being happy that I didn't already know. I would recommend this book if you like Scott Hamilton and ice skating, but not if you're wanting a self-help book.








“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

One Lovely Blog!

If you have noticed, I'm having almost an identity crisis when it comes to having a good (and more importantly, Godly) name for my blog. I've changed web addresses and blog names. I haven't seen too many peeps coming around probably because they can't find me or don't the new name is me...

So, imagine my delight that I've been given an award for one lovely blog! I feel a little (ok a lot) like Sally Fields saying "They like me! They really like me." I'll admit it's nice to receive recognition, especially when some days I wonder if anyone ever reads my babble.

Surrendered Scribe is a friend I met on Twitter (I love twitter) and I'm so appreciative she thought of me. She's a writer and I'm sure she had plenty of people besides me she could bestow such an honr, but she chose me! So THANK YOU THANK YOU!

I'll be giving out some lovely blog awards later this evening when I'm home and can spend time properly linking other people.

*Hugs*



“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

This Side of Heaven~Karen Kingsbury

This Side of Heaven by Karen Kingsbury

No one believed he had a daughter he’d never met . . . No one listened when she cried for the daddy she didn’t know . . . Now, in the ashes of tragedy, lies a vindication neither could’ve imagined.

Annie Warren always wanted the best for her son, Josh. But years of failure and bad choices created a heartbreaking distance that has grown far worse since the day Josh was hit by a drunk driver.

Now on medical disability, Josh has put his life on hold for years, waiting for the insurance company to send a settlement that never seems to come. Worse, he believes the story of a scheming woman who claims they have a seven-year-old daughter named Savannah.

Despite the unlikelihood and complete lack of evidence, Josh dreams of being a father and is determined to one day claim the child. His family doesn't know the full story. They don't know what happened the night of the accident that was worth the chronic pain Josh suffers every waking minute, or that he is turning his life around. They haven't seen that Savannah's eyes are his, and they don't know how desperately the little girl needs her family.

When the settlement that rightly belongs to Josh is threatened, Annie sets out to defend her son. But she might find a treasure more valuable than money, one she never expected, one that is the greatest gift her son could ever give her--THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN.

A story of family secrets, broken relationships, and a love strong enough to span an ocean – this side of heaven.


My review:
This was the first Karen Kingsbury novel I have read, and it will most definitely not be the last. Right off the bat, she captured my attention and did not let it go until well after the book was over. (As a matter of fact, after I finished the book, I went to her website and read more about her and the inspiration for this book, her brother Dave.)

I can't get over the fact that I have not read anything by Karen Kingsbury before now! This book was fast paced, had mystery and intrigue, pain and suffering, family drama, a beautiful ending and showed how much God loves us! You can't get much better than that, folks.

I really enjoyed watching the mom, Annie Warren, grow as a person and learn to put her fears and worries over what other people thought aside as she learned about her son and grew in her relationship with the Lord.

The main character, Josh Warren, showed how you can touch someone's life in a huge way by doing the small things. I also loved how Christian music played such an important part in his life and in his testimony, because it has also done so in mine.

This book emphasised to me that while we're on this side of heaven life will not always be easy or free from pain; however, as long we keep our eyes on our heavenly Father, there is nothing we can't handle. One day, we'll be on the right side of heaven.

I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading a good book and feeling like you're part of the story. (I would also recommend visiting Karen Kingsbury's site and learning more about her and her life. What a treasure she is.)


___
(Second book review - whatcha think?)



“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

For the Tough Times, by Max Lucado

For The Tough Times, Reaching Toward Heaven for Hope by Max Lucado

When we feel that life is out of control, He is in control. When tragedy strikes, people desperately search for answers. Believers and unbelievers alike find themselves turning to God. Best-selling author and pastor Max Lucado points to the only real answer to tragedy and crisis: Prayer. In For the Tough Times, Lucado helps us understand how to pray despite our doubt and fear.

My review:

This is a gem of a book. It's the kind of book that you can either skim through or devour. When you read the book, you are constantly reminded how much God loves you and how He is in control. Max Lucado gives examples of prayers we can say, even when we our circumstances leave us speechless.

For example: "Lord, the one you love is tired, sad, hungry, lonely, fearful, depressed." The words of the prayers may vary but His response never changes. He hears the prayer. He silences heaven so he won't miss a word. (pp. 67-68, emphasis and paraphrasing mine.)

If you or someone you know is going through a tough time, buy this book. They won't feel overwhelmed by the size (79 pages) and the book can be read as circumstances allow. The pages are filled with treasures and words of wisdom.

(P.S. This is my very first book review for Thomas Nelson: book review blogger. Please let me know your honest thoughts of the review. Thank you!)

“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Prayer Request *update*

**UPDATE 2/7/09* McShane is scheduled for a biopsy on Monday to test for osteosarcoma and it's severity. Praise God for St. Jude's Hospital and the treatment they offer for this type of cancer. Thank you for your prayers. I'm praying for God to do what He loves to do - show up and show off! AMEN!*

*UPDATE 2/2/09* Tomorrow, they will be heading to St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis, TN and going to the Solid Tumor Clinic. McShane still hasn't had a biopsy ~ I imagine that will be done on Thursday. What they think it is is osteosarcoma. I'm bathing them both in prayer and if you're helping me do that too, you'll never know how thankful I am!*

My husband's 13 yo nephew, McShane, has an abnormal growth behind his knee that appears to be some type of tumor. The doctors aren't sure if it's growing out of the bone or if it's wrapped around the bone. McShane & Mike (the dad) went to the doctor Thursday thinking it was something minor and were stunned to be referred to specialists. They are on their way today to New Orleans (they recently moved to Baton Rouge) for a biopsy. Mike was told he could expect to be there at least 2 - 3 days.

Mike is self-employed as a contractor, which is why he moved to Baton Rouge where there appeared to be more employment opportunity. He was supposed to start a large job today, which now he can't. His business has been down and money is very scarce. Also, he has no health insurance.

I pray that you'll join me in praying that regardless of what the tests reveal that Mike, McShane and James will look up to our Father and grab a hold of His hand. Only He will be able to bring us through the rocky road ahead. I pray that I'm used for God's glory and not to His detriment. That I will be able to remain strong and help show them Him!

Thank you!!!!


“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17