Monday Praise "a phone call & 3 gifts"

          Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the 
               Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
                                      Ephesians 5:20

Happy Monday to all of you ladies! I'm not sure about the rest of you but Summer Mondays seem a little harder for me than the rest of the year. Schedules are crazy with summer craziness, the house is a disaster from all the in & out the hot days bring and the laundry is piled higher than usually with swim apparel and towels. Because of the craziness of the season I've neglected to share praises to my Lord for many Monday's in a row. But as our scripture for today states it is good and right for us to give thanks ALWAYS and for ALL THINGS. God has bestowed many wonderful gifts in our lives. Some in our hearts and His leading us through things. Other times those gifts are very tangible and amazing to see with our eyes.

Today I will share a story of thankfulness that shows the latter...a gift I know came from God's providing, that I can see and touch, and SMILE each time I do.

Weeks ago my husband and children attended a church service at the church my dad is attending. I don't remember one thing about the message because I was dwelling the whole service on what the Pastor said before receiving tithes and offering. It really wasn't anything new but hit me in a way like never before. A reminder that everything belongs to God and He longs to give us our needs and desires but when we chose to not cheerfully give back to Him what is already His it ties His hands that hold all we will ever need. The crazy thing is a for days before that service I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to speak to my husband on the issue. We had tithed on and off for years. We saw how God took care of everything much more smoothly when we gave but when pay was cut and things got almost impossible we chose to for-go our giving. Finally after the service I brought the subject up to my husband and he had been feeling convicted also.

We finally decided if God never chose to bless us with another thing we would still give the tithe back to God and give to others that He led us to when possible. Why? Because God had already blessed us SO much! He gave His son for us and provided forgiveness from our many sins and the gift of eternal like. Plus the MANY things He had helped us through & provided for us. When God has been SO very FAITHFUL to us how can we not be FAITHFUL to Him. So the next Sunday we gave with very joyful hearts.

About a week later I received a phone call from our Community Action. Some how our names had been on a waiting list for them to send someone to come look at our home electric use and see how energy efficient we were. At that time we were told if certain things we NOT energy efficient we may qualify for new ones. WHAT? BRAND NEW APPLIANCES? Well of course you can come check our house :)  So when the man came and checked over everything we were told we would be receiving energy saving light bulbs where we didn't already have them, a new refrigerator and two new freezers. WOW GOD! He is so awesome when we least expect He shows off. The items we had were used and dated and starting to act up a little. The NEW items are not only energy efficient but will save us on our electric bill (another blessing) and have warranty. When they were delivered I was in shock of how nice they were. Bigger and better than the previous.

God is SO good to remind us of all the good things He has for us and wants to give us! He is so gracious and merciful that even when we weren't doing what we knew we should He was already planning for our good. Kinda like Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". 

Since first getting back to tithing there have been weeks where its been REALLY hard...hard to remember that we can TRUST our God...hard to see the bills that need paid...but them we remember that our God is very trustworthy and that somehow He always provides what we need, right when we need it. Our FAITH is growing and hopefully someday will be like a huge tree planted by water bearing much fruit that shows us the Greatness of our Father God and our Lord Jesus Christ. I'm so Thankful for the Holy Spirits leading and for God's special blessing through the gifts He gives. 

~ RACHEL~

And here are the 3

GIFTS FROM GOD! :)

Monday Praise ~ God's Protection

                                                           He guards the paths of justice,
                                                      And preserves the way of His saints.
                                                                         Proverbs 2:8

  This verse means a lot to me today after an ordeal in our neighborhood last night. JJ had decided that he would like to stay home and spend some time with Colin and Juliana and that I should take Noah and Jasmine to our church's family fun night. We had eaten our meal and were getting ready to watch a puppet show when I noticed that I had received several phone calls and texts on my silenced phone. Seeing who had made the phone calls I knew it had to be important and returned the call quickly. It was then I found out there was a fire at our neighbors home and that the person who called me was desperate to make sure our family was ok.

  After talking with her I then called my husband who hadn't known anything was happening till his brother called him. Somehow loud sirens and even a small explosion hadn't reached the ears of my husband or babies (actually little girl slept soundly until I arrived home). By this time the fire had been put out and we were able to get some details on the story. The house is an apartment house where two families were living. The upstairs family: grandpa, daughter and grand-daughter had just left and soon after an electrical fire started and even cause an explosion that broke out all the windows and shot flames. This all happen on the side of the house, farthest from ours and did a little damage to the house next to them on that side. Had the explosion happen on the other side of the house, 0ur home being very close to theirs, would have been effected and the fire may have spread. BUT GOD was looking out for everyone and everyone, including both families were able to come out of it safe. God knew that our little Juliana was upstairs sleeping and kept our home safe. Yes they have lost their home and much of their material possessions but their lives were able to see the light of morning. Please keep both families in prayer. The family living downstairs has a mom, dad, blind grandmother and two little girls. Much of their stuff was ruined by smoke and water damage. Also pray for their salvation for as far as we know none of them know Jesus as Savior!

   The night before when I was tucking Juliana into bed I sang her a song that seems so appropriate to share with you now. Read the words and remember God and His angels are looking out for you. Ask for His protection and lean on His wisdom, even when you might not understand it! God Bless you all this night and remember to tell God THANK YOU for all that He is!

~RACHEL~



Lyrics to Angels Watching (Over Me) :

All day, all night,
Angels watching over me, my Lord.
All day, all night,
Angels are watching over me.

Sun is setting in the West;
Angels watching over me, my Lord.
Come now child, and take your rest;
While angels are watching over me.

All day, all night,
Angels watching over me, my Lord.                    
All day, all night,
Angels are watching over me.

Now I lay me down to sleep,
Angels watching over me, my Lord.
Pray the Lord my soul to keep,
while Angels are watching over me

All day, all night,
Angels watching over me, my Lord.
All day, all night,
Angels are watching over me.

Sun is setting in the West;
Angels watching over me, my Lord.
Come now child, and take your rest;
While angels are watching over me.

All day, all night,
Angels watching over me, my Lord.
All day, all night,
Angels are watching over me.

Now I lay me down to sleep,
Angels watching over me, my Lord.
Pray the Lord my soul to keep,
while Angels are watching over me

Monday Praise Thank you for your voice Father -Stella

Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways.

Proverbs 8:32

                                                                                  

There is so much to praise My God for today it is so hard to narrow it down.. So how about we just praise Our God that He is still Speaking to us. 

My husband and have been praying for God to reveal His will for our family for a long time. Over the last 10 years God has been preparing us, and molding us to do his work and will. He has shifted our family and taken us from one state to another and we know that the time is now. The one thing that is still a struggle at times is timing. Not His timing, because His timing is perfect but our timing. 

My husband and I have been in what seems like the middle of a house renovation for years, even tho it has only been 2 months. So basically our days are full and maxed out!! We are so grateful that God has provided this house for us, provided for the move, for the renovations, for the strength, and peace in the middle of the transition. God is our source of life!! As "Humans" we tend to see what God is doing in the now.. like we are still renovating our house, we are still getting to know the state and city He has moved us to and so on. Our God sees past the now into the future.

During this time God has continued to speak to us about our family, children, ministry, and all the tasks He is preparing us to do. So He speaks to me when I am doing the dishes, running errands, He speaks to me in my dreams, and when I am doing laundry. At times he comforts me, at times He loves on me, at times He corrects me, at times He is giving me details about our ministry. and I admit sometime I wanna scream and remind Him (as if didn't already know) that we are still renovating, we have to get things out of storage, carpool, paint, rent the moving truck, move, organize, fill out paperwork, etc.... All while fasting, praying, reading our bibles, teaching our children, praying and reading with them as well.  Ahhhh! 

I have to stop and remember that as I sat there and wondered about the roof over my head, God had already taken care of it.

That as I wondered about the school for my kids, God had already lined it up.

That as we sat and wondered how we were to pay for the bills next month, God has already provided it.. 

That as you think about your daily life God has already seen it and taken care of it..

So what He is waiting on is for us to stop sitting there and wondering, and get up and work and move forward as if it was already done. Because what moves Him is not our daily struggles.. Yes He hears us, but He wants us to have Faith in Him.. He has already taken care of it.. what moves Him is His kingdom. He has work for us to do!! So as we live our daily lives don't worry and just continue to listen to God because He is speaking, He is telling you things that will impact and change lives. He is telling the secrets to success, He is giving you light for your feet, He is guiding your path!! 

So yes we are still raising our kiddos and renovating our house, but I am listening closely to all He is saying and writing it all down (I recommend journaling) Because just as he molded our family for this move.. I praise My heavenly Father because He wants to use me and my family, I praise Him because He is still speaking and that means my time here is not done, I still have a job to do, I still have a fight to fight and a race to run! I can't wait for eternity with my heavenly Father.. But while I am still In the earth I have WORK!! Praise God!!  

Stella

If you struggle with hearing from God please email me at lightforawomanspath@gmail.com 

It's something I struggled with for a while and I believe almost every Christian does too. So please there is no wrong question or concern.  

I also invite you to comment if this blog and post has helped you in any way, and share this blog with everyone.. We all need a little light for our Path.

<sup>Monday Praise

ALL THINGS</sup> 

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
                                             Romans 8:26-28
                                           

 Here in Romans 8, God's word tells us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us even when we don't know what to pray. He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Because its GOD'S WILL we can know that ALL things will work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

I can recall many times in my life where I know that I wanted to talk to God about an issue but just couldn't seem to find the words. My soul ached so deeply that nothing would come. I could only cry out, "God help me!" Its so wonderful to know that God's Spirit gives Him those messages and interprets those for us. Its great to know that God's will is the best and it will be done because I know my human mind would get in the way and mess things all up! Many times when there is an issue I will spend much time in thought trying to think of the many and best ways the problem could be solved and even how other people will react. Even though I know in my heart that is SO foolish! Who am I to know anything? In truth I know NOTHING compared to God, I don't know peoples hearts and how they will react, only God can know those things.

My example is my praise for this week. In comparison to many of things I or you may have experienced in life this might seem really small. But this is what we (actually my husband) needed right now.

A few weeks ago we learned that there was going to be a mens conference at our church that was going to include a trip to the Football Hall of Fame. Right away my husband was excited but after looking at the cost involved we knew it would be difficult to pull it off. My dear husband wasn't even going to sign up for it but knowing how much he would enjoy it and could use the time in worship and fellowship with his brothers in the faith, I signed him up. As I wrote down his name I prayed "God, I don't know how but if this is your will please make it happen". I told my husband that I signed him up and he didn't say much. That day I put back a dollar I had in a jar and decided that would be the first dollar for his trip. I was able to save a littlle and after counting it one day right away a need arose and their went my savings. I was heart broken because I wanted to do this for him so much. Then I remembered my prayer. Again I sent a few words to God, "Your will my Lord!"

A week or so passed and nothing was working out. Then a phone call came from a friend from our church asking if JJ would be able to get the days of the Men's Conference off and I told him yes. He then informed me that the cost of my husband going was paid in full! (I love the ways God gets us messages!) WOW!! Thank you GOD! Thank you to whomever made this trip for him possible, thank you for listening to God!  Because of your obedience a prayer was answered.

This is a wonderful reminder that God is working out things in the heavenly places and in the hearts of men everyday! When we choose to listen to what God is saying and where He is leading great things can happen! To close this praise I want to share my beginning verse with you again but this time its the Message version. It shines some more light on the greatness of God. I hope this little story put some faith in you for your need, remember God is ALWAYS with you!

 "Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good." Romans 8:26-28 The Message


Let God's promises shine on your problems.  ~Corrie Ten Boom

Monday Praise!!

Monday Praise

Each Monday we would live to share a praise report with you from either our now lives or our pasts. This will be a ‘God moment‘, a moment in our lives where we see God did something amazing in our times of need. Watch our blog each Monday for these stories, we hope you will be encouraged by them. Please comment on them and share your own ‘Monday Praise’!

- Stella and Rachel

Rachel’s Praise

“Days like these make me feel so down. I know there is light above in this whole we are in but it seems easier to lay on the cold, wet ground of this pit than to look up waiting in expectation for the help to arrive. I believe it will arrive but the waiting & wondering is getting to me. Troubles, stress and exhaustion of the soul seem to quickly overcome and threaten to burry me alive. Oh how I hate feeling this way. In my head I know that I serve a God who will NEVER leave me but in my heart & soul I feel like He might have. The top of this dark hole looks so far away from here. So I will look to scripture for the grace I need for another day and with that grace I will tackle whatever comes tomorrow. For one day tomorrow will hold the hope I have been waiting for!

Genesis 50:21

Then about a week ago a friend of ours from church called asking if we had any prayer requests and I told him about the car situation. He prayed with me specifically for us to find a new transmission for the car and for it to be fixed. I was a little surprised by the prayer because I had been praying “ oh God WHY now? Why must we add something else to our already stressed situation. But God I know you will take care of us and let your will be done!” I never asked God for what we really needed but this dear friend did and I am so thankful for his faith when my was weak. Because just days after we received that call for prayer, we received another call asking us how the car was running. We told them its not, its still at the shop awaiting money. So we called the shop and were informed it was all paid in advance for us by another dear friend and we would be aloud to wait and pay them back when our tax money came in. We couldn’t believe it! We had resolved that the car would be sitting there awhile until we could figure something out. But NO God had another plan and used his servant to perform it. God made a way and now the car is back out there making money for our family and we are once again reminded that our God cares and provides (Genesis 50:21)!

And that day did “hold the hope I have been waiting for” !

Rachel

Stella's Praise


Give thanks to the Lord , for He is good; His love Endures forever
                                                                      1 Chronicles 16:34

My husband and I moved to a new state 7 months ago, and with three kids that is a lot of adjusting to do. New schools, new friends, new jobs, new grocery store, new library, and the list goes on and on! We have been on a roller coaster of change for 7 months and I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to moving... For now anyway!

We are renovating a house we purchased in Dec and are just about ready to move in! We still have a lot of work ahead.. plenty of painting to do but i don't mind it. I look forward to getting back to our routines and feeling like we have a home again.. We love the temporary home we have had, but did our best not to get too comfortable because we knew we would be moving again. Through all of it our faith in our heavenly Father has been the only thing to get us through this crazy time for our family. My husband and I moved because we know it is where God has lead us for ministry, not because  we wanted to. The process has not been easy, we miss our families, our friends, our church, the safety and comfort we had. God has been nudging us ever so softly to move forward with boldness, and the faith that we are in His will. He has opened doors for opportunities that we have never even dreamed of! And I praise my God for that.

I have a passion for Gods word and the truth and power it holds! I love looking at each verse and digging deeper into there meaning.. This brings us to today's scripture...
              Give thanks to the Lord , for He is good; His love Endures forever.
If we break the last part down just a little bit the word "endures" really stands out to me. ... The verse could have just as easily read "His love is forever"
But it doesn't. It reads "endures forever"!
*The word endures means to sustain without impairment or yielding, to bear with great resistance and with patience.

Wow My father Loves us no matter what! I praise God for that simple yet powerful  promise, that even as we get wrapped up in our daily tasks that He still loves us. That He is patient and understanding. ., for Rachel and her family, and for you! He wants to use you, if you just let Him! Praise God for that! But going back to that verse, He is patient... But why? When I think about being patient I think of waiting! What could my God be waiting on?!

Could it be that He is waiting on us! To humble ourselves so that He can use us, to get to the point where we totally and completely have to trust in Him so he can work miracles in us, our lives and the lives of those around us! Wow He wants to use you!

So today I Praise God for having a plan for my life, for Rachel's life and for your life, no one is excluded! That my Sisters is something to be grateful for! :)


Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell all of his wonderful acts
1 Chronicles 16:9


Praise him for his mighty acts: Praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Psalm 150:2

Stella

Now therefore, do not be afraid. I will provide for and support you and your little ones. And he comforted them [imparting cheer, hope, strength] and spoke to their hearts [kindly].

Job 11:18

And you shall be secure and feel confident because there is hope; yes, you shall search about you, and you shall take your rest in safety.

Job 17:15

Where then is my hope? And if I have hope, who will see [its fulfillment]?

Psalm 9:18

For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the expectation and hope of the meek and the poor shall not perish forever.

The above was part of my journal entry a few weeks ago, the day my husbands car transmission went out. This is his work car. I call it the money maker, good on gas and hasn’t had expensive issues. Then all of the sudden without any warning signs his car would start but is stuck in neutral. We of course were hoping it was something like a wire came off or something simple but that was not to be! The quote came back at least $1000, which is not money we have lying around. Our financial place has been very rough the past few years, even though God always seems to make a way for just enough and provide when things are most needed. This you will see in the rest of this story. Knowing we could do nothing at this time, we prayed and left it at that.