Are you ready????

So I receive a news letter from Anne Grahm Lotz "AnGeL" ministries. If you have ever been privileged enough to hear this women speak/write, you will have been blessed. She truly speaks straight from the Spirit. If you have ever heard her you know what I mean. I am not hear to promote her but what she has caused me to think about. This was the news letter this month:


No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven . . . ." Matthew 24:36
While this AnGeL understands that no one can know with certainty the day or the hour of the second coming of Jesus Christ, I am increasingly just as certain that we can know the generation. Recently I heard Dr. Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God, make a timely observation concerning Luke 12:54-56. In this passage, Jesus admonishes the leaders of His day: When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, 'It's going to rain,' and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, 'It's going to be hot,' and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time? The comment Dr. Blackaby made was that the religious leaders and people of Jesus' day had the law, the ceremonies, the covenant, the prophecies and even had the presence of God in their midst. Their generation was the one that saw the fulfillment of so many of God's promises, the greatest of which was that the Messiah Himself had come, yet they were oblivious to its uniqueness.


What a personal blessing it was for me to kick-off our Just Give Me Jesus - Central Texas revival in Waco! All three of my children attended Baylor University in Waco, and as a result have many friends in the area. Dozens of pastors and hundreds of women caught our vision, offering their time, influence, prayers, blessing and resources to bring it to fulfillment.
My thoughts are similar as I apply Jesus' words to our day. We have not only all the things that the people of Jesus' day had, but we also have 2000 years of church history, the completed canon of Scripture and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Our generation, I believe, is the one that will see the return of Jesus Christ to earth, yet God's people seem as oblivious to the uniqueness of our day as the people of Jesus' day were to theirs.

Some of the unique aspects of this generation that come to mind are the following:

Thanks to many worldwide evangelical ministries that sprang up within a few years of each other right after WWII, (including my father's Billy Graham Evangelistic Association), for the first time in human history, the Gospel is being preached to the entire world. While I understand that there are some unreached people groups, and while each living person may not hear it in her or his first language through a one-on-one live presentation, the vast majority of people can hear the Gospel in a second or third language, through video, Internet, written materials, television, radio and many other means. Jesus never said every single person would hear the Gospel . . . just that it would be "preached in the whole world." Who can deny that this is being fulfilled today?
Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ, was a worldwide phenomenon, with almost no marketing budget. Millions of people watched it, were deeply impacted and asked sincerely, "What does this mean?" And millions were given the Answer. Was this a coincidence?
Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins' Left Behind series has sold approximately 70 million books - that's 70 million people who have read the "CliffsNotes" version of the book of Revelation and end-time prophecies. Thousands have responded by placing their faith in Jesus Christ. Is this a fluke?
Jesus prophesied in Matthew 24:14 that "this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." We are the first generation in human history to see this come to pass. What makes you think we are not living in "then?"

One of the very fun sessions at our BreakAway took place late Saturday night. With Babbie Mason as our facilitator extraordinaire, Sheila Bailey and I fielded questions that had been submitted. We all went to bed that night a little "tireder," but also a little wiser, and grateful that as we pursue MORE of Jesus, He gives us MORE of Himself, sometimes in the form of answers to our questions.
Another unique aspect of our generation is that we have witnessed the rebirth of the nation of Israel. When she was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D., she ceased to exist. She was literally wiped off the map, and her people were scattered all over the world. But Jesus again prophesied in Matthew 24:32-34 that the nation of Israel would be like the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

In other words, like the fig tree, Jesus was saying that Israel would be "dormant" in the family of nations, as she certainly was for almost 2000 years. But He indicated that the generation that would see her put forth twigs and leaves, or come to life, would be the last generation. The fulfillment of this prophecy was set up when millions of Jews were slaughtered in the holocaust during WWII, and the survivors began to return to what had been their homeland. On May 14, 1948, Israel, like the dormant fig tree, miraculously came to life again and declared herself a nation in the family of nations. Incredibly, she even revived her original, ancient language, Hebrew. At the risk of revealing my age, I have to publicly acknowledge that I was born in May, 1948, so that regardless of how a generation is defined, I know that it's my generation that has witnessed this take place. Can you think of any other conclusion than this: that if I live out my natural lifetime, based on Jesus' own words, I will live to see the return of Christ?

The Bible also predicts that in the last generation:

The culture would become increasingly secular (Matthew 24:37-39).
The organized church would become increasingly irrelevant and impotent (2 Timothy 3:5).
The people would become increasingly intolerant of the truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4, 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12).
Which of these characteristics is not true of this generation?


Dozens of staff and teachers from one local Christian school came to Pursuing MORE of Jesus. These 4 third-grade teachers have committed to lead daily devotions for their classes, using what they learned at the BreakAway to get their young students into God's Word.
The Bible also gives many "signs" that Jesus said are like birth pains (Matthew 24:8). Like a woman in childbirth whose labor pains increase in frequency and intensity before the baby is delivered, the world will experience natural disasters, wars, epidemics, religious delusion and deception, persecution of Christians, an increase of moral wickedness and evil and many other signs. It has been eye-opening for me to read my newspaper and take note of how many of the above items are occurring repeatedly and are record-breaking when they do. So I ask myself, When is the baby, the return of Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth, going to be delivered?

This AnGeL understands that I cannot pinpoint the day or the hour. But when I put all of these signs together, I believe they point to the uniqueness of my generation...a generation that very well may be the last in human history. If this is the last generation, or if it is not, I believe the time is now to pursue MORE of Jesus with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength...and to draw as many others into the pursuit as I can. Because this is the last generation for me. And when I see Jesus face to face, either at my death or at His return, I don't want to have any regrets. Five minutes before you see Jesus face to face, what will you wish you had done differently...today? Do it!

At this strategic time . . . Pursue MORE of Jesus

If you missed our BreakAway at the BROADMOOR, you can still pursue MORE of Jesus through our new Bible study video curriculum that was taped one year ago before a live audience at Glen Eyrie in Colorado Springs.
For such a time as this, God has opened the door for us to develop and publish a 6-session Bible study video curriculum,Pursuing MORE of Jesus. It contains four messages from the Gospel of John, each based on a passage of Scripture that reveals what Jesus taught His disciples in the upper room the night He was betrayed. With our eyes wide open to the uniqueness of this generation, these messages are incredibly relevant:

In the midst of all the voices clamoring for your attention, how do you know the authentic voice of God?
How do you live out your Christian witness in an increasingly hostile, politically correct culture?
What, or Who, has God provided to enable you to live a life that works in the midst of a world that is unraveling...a life of eternal significance?
While rejected by those around you, can you be sure that you are a member of the inner circle of disciples...and what does that mean?
The curriculum also includes our signature workshop on how to listen to God's voice speaking to you personally through the pages of your Bible. And for the first time ever, we are thrilled to offer a video of a workshop on how to study the Bible in order to dig out the treasure that is deeper than just surface reading. Both workshops effectively eliminate the need for a middleman, equipping you to get directly into God's Word for yourself.

As The Day draws near . . . stay connected as you pursue Him


WOW! I have been feeling like Jesus is coming sooner then later. I now that we will never know, but her words (in accordance with the word of God) somehow ring true in many ways for me. Because of the letter I have been thinking about my family, my unsaved husband, my children, me. What will happen to us when he comes, what will happen to my family? It immediately got me praying for there hearts, safety, and that the Truth would penetrate deep into their soul, so that when those days do come they will know who to call on. I know who to call on, and this verse here in Corn. gave me a peace. I hope that it does the same for you. I believe that Jesus is coming soon, and that we need to be ready. Please cover your loved ones in prayer so that they are ready too.


1 Corinthians 1:7-9:
Therefor you do not lack any spiritual gift as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of out Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with His son Jesus Christ is faithful.

Tired

Why do i feel trapped here in my house??? Is it because I don't get a vacation from it? I am sooo jealous of my husband! He gets to GO to work, did you hear me, I said GO to work and then come home. Where do I get to go? When do I get to leave my place of employment and enjoy the refuge of my home? NEVER!!! I am stuck here all the time.
hating my life right now, or rather my circumstances
a

LOST

AGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!
AGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
......nope....AAAAAGGGGGGGGGGHA!
Ok that is a little better. Crap what a stressful weekend. I am officially at my wits end! If I get lost one more time I swear.... NO really though here it is:
I am on my way out to ocean shore for the Easter weekend to spend it with my mother in law. Which I really didn't want to do as I would miss church, my home church were I was supposed to be a greeter, and backed out to spend it with her cause she called and asked us to come, which she never does. So I thought, 'well Lord should I go?' and I think it was the right thing to do.
Thought about going to church there, but the night we had in the hotel was TERRIBLE! Did I mention that my husband could not go with me. Which was fine, I was ok with that. UNTIL, I got lost at every exit I took on the way down there! Did I mention that I had three kids in the car. To be honest I didn't want to
really go down there in the first place, but I wanted to at least try, for her, for me, and for my husband and our kids. She really doesn't make an effort to come and see us, as she doesn't drive to far away from home.
Anyway we got there and got to the hotel. The night was horrible as my 7 month old is teething and halfway sick. My two year old is crazy and was having a hard time adjusting to his new surrounding and kept asking to go home. My 7, wait I mean 8 year old was a wonderful help and just wanted to go swimming, which we did for about 10 minutes, but that was enough for him! Thank you Jesus! We did not sleep at all that night.
I wanted to go to church as I had found some online to go to. But with the night that we had I wasn't about to drag sick sleepless kids to a church I did not know. Through all of this I am wondering what the Lord is trying to teach me,as I am feeling farther and farther way from Him.....
'what do You want me to do Lord? Where do You want me to be?'
Where on earth is my Bible that I am longing for...to at least help me cope with the stress of it all!?
Got to mom in laws house for "EASTER" did all the baskets, egg hunt, watched my children eat gallons of candy, ate dinner/lunch, had no more patience as my little ones where begining to melt down.
Then my step daughter had an hour+ melt down because her little brother scribbled two lines on what she was writing on. Just let me say this: She does not act like that at my house, and if she did I would spank her you know what! I am still mad about how she acted!
Again, as all of this is going on, 'where are You Lord, and why am I not including You in this Easter? Was it a mistake to come down here? I was trying to do the right thing? Put others first or know wait, that is love them? I thought that is what I was doing by coming down here? Do they even know the sacrifice I made? Was it worth it?' I am not sure.
I did learn that my mother is the biggest help ever!!!!!!!!!!! She does so much for me when she is around! Thank you mom! I called her and told her on my way home.
I wonder what my day would have been like if I would have stayed home and done what I wanted to do....worship my Jesus and thank Him for all He has done for me. Teach my children the meaning/importance of this glorious day. Forgive me God for not putting You first. Yet those words still don't seem enough. How do I make it up to You?
I got lost on the way home also, at every exit.

I am still lost.....

RE: Coffee Stand

The girl was at church this last Sunday! Come to find out her parents have attended my same church for a while....she had to work on Sundays her schedule changed to Saturdays, and now she has time to go to church. I had no idea she went to my church when the 'coffee stand' thing happened! God is amazing. Even when I feel all alone in my world of being a mom, and wife, there is a bigger picture, and praise Him for it! And that He lets me in on it every once in a while!

Still here ...

Haven't been here for awhile...WOW I guess I am busy! The one thing that has remaind constant and never changing is God! He has asked me to read the new testament this year and I am obeying. He is opening my eyes to His gospels in a new and fresh exciting way! I am LOVING it! Thank you Lord for helping me maintain my sanity, my mouth, my attitude, my thoughts through your word! I am nothing without You.

8 years old and growing....

O my goodness! my oldest turned 8 today! My how fast it has gone! So many changes in just the past three years. So much accomplished in his lifetime! He is a light a blessing a joy! I sometimes don't give him the credit he deserves! The best big brother, helper, friend, son, grandchild, cousin, little boy, growing into a man, EVER! Thank you Jesus for God's salvation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Still here

Yes I am still here! Been busy! My birthday was great! Mark and I got some much needed time together, and a great meal at sizzler! I love you honey! Gearing up for my big one to turn 8-he wants a slumber party this year, so yes, we are having 4 boys come over to spend the night! Do a scavenger hunt, have cake, and play the WII! We miss you Melton boys wish it was you coming over to stay!!!!!!!! God is good! I am teaching my 2 year old to sleep by himself....I am Ferberizing him! And praise the Lord it is WORKING!!!! Thank you God for giving me the courage to do so, and allowing my nights not to be horrendous!!! My baby Neve you are next. I am moving my step daughter out of her room so Elishah can have his own space, then the little ones will share a room....not sure how she will react, but her room right now is a WASTE OF SPACE! I need it! My kids need it! Anyway that, this, has been my life for the past little bit...until next time...

Coffee Stand

I went to my coffee stand that I normaly frequint. I had heard on a radio station that you could do something like buy the coffee for the person behind you. Well I didn't do that, but this is what I did:
I had my a free one, you know buy 9 ten the 10th free. So I told the girl here could you please buy the next persons coffee with this free one. She said that is soo nice of you. I said oh its not me, not expecting her to say anything. Well she said something. She actually had the nerve to ask me well who is it then!!! Ha go figure just like the Lord to call me on my deed! I sort of frozen and said a quick oh Lord what do I say now, what if she doesn't understand???? Well I just spouted out (actually the H.S.) oh Jesus! He does so much for me I thought that I should do something for Him. Okay so I have no idea how i said that, because I was in shock that she asked me who it was then?!!!! But it was REALLY KOOL! After I was done she just had this really nice smile on her face. It was not a your crazy smile, it was a wow there are peopele out there who do act like Jesus>not to float my own boat either, It was all to the GLORY OF GOD! See I can do for Jesus even as a stay at home mom!

In remembrance...

Of my Aunt. It seems like just yesterday she was in the hospital and we were all going to visit her. My house was the central station, so lots of kids got dropped off and picked up so my family could see her. I remember my husband saying this place is a zoo!
I remember riding in the elevator up to see her in this strage place that I had never been before. Seeing my cousin as I walked into the waiting room, going to see her for the first time and not believing that it was really her. Hollie running out of the room cause she could stand to see her mother like that. Chasing her, falling down in my lap in the hallway asking Jesus for help, and understanding.
In ten days she was gone, and I remember getting the phone call to say my "goodbyes".
Now all I have are my pictures and memories.



I was digging in my junk drwaer and found the pieces of information that all the ladies at my bridal shower wrote to me, giving me a piece of marriage advice. Hers was in there. I read it cried kissed the page and rubbed it on my face, trying to get just a little piece of her next to me.

I was dusting my shelf the other day and got confonted with a pictureof her and I. I had to stop and kiss her face. I miss you Aunt Robin. But I know this life is not the end! I will see her again!!!
I can only imagine what she is doing, what it will be like....
And now here I am an entire year later still missing her the same. Still knowing I will see her again. And still remembering.

Power Wheels

Here is my little man riding around on his power wheels. With dad in the back ground saying, "follow me, turn your wheel". And what Benjamin wanted to do was drive around in a circle! IT was so cute. Then yet again God said to me, "see, that's me, I want you to follow me, i want to be the driver of you." My how He uses my children to reveal Himself to me! HAHAHA!

Spilled EVERYTHING...

So after cleaning up spill, upon spill, upon spill, upon spill....on my carpet, on my kitchen floor, on my table, on myself, on the baies toys, on blankets. I realized something at the end of the day after we had had another spill, becasue my 2 year old likes to do it himself, and he is to little to do so.

So the Lord reviled this to me:

"You are to little still to do this on your own, you need my help, won't you please ask me? I am tired of cleaning up your messes...if you would ask me for help there would be no mess to clean up, but you have to ask, and you have to let me help you. Remember I love you and only the best for my kids, your the daughter of a king remember?"

For some reason God always uses my children as a way of showing me how he views me, and looks at me, and LOVES me, oh wretcthed sinner that I am. Saved by grace.

I can beleive it.....

This is the deal....no one is perfect. Yes, I can finally believe it! What a shocker, huh? But even in all of that God's grace is sufficient for all thing! Yes yes it is. No matter what we do, how we do it, He is all we need. This however is not a licence to sin. It is an end to the means. All He asks of us is a truly repentant heart. Thank you Jesus for all that you do for me. Please continue to teach me all the things that you want me to know. Thank you for your answers to the whys in my life, even when I have had to wait years to know. I am nothing without your love, I can't do it on my own, Savior please keep saving me...

As a Baby

How AWSOME! I was telling my sixth grade small group this morning about the Christmas story. And what was so awsome was I had my little Neve(Nev) with me, and was able to use her as an example as to how little our Big and Awsome God was at one time! The Christmas story is truly an amazing feet for our Lord and Savior. He made himself completly dependent upon us humans to raise Him! WOW! I wonder what His mother was like when she had Jesus as a two year old who dumped stuff on the floor for the hundreth time today, or told her no for the 10hundreth time today......maybe He was a perfect child....I wonder....

~~~~~Read for yourself Luke 2:1-18~~~~~~~

Jesus really is the reason

Sese of humor anyone?

JESUS IS GOOD! Did you know that??!!! Wow! Thanks to Him I can survive motherhood and wife hood! And thanks to Him, I have the courage to be who He wants me to be, even when He uses my husband to show me how I need to change!!! HAHAHAHA! Yes He does have a sense of humor! He has to to be able to put up with me and my neediness! I LOVE JESUS!

Being here

I am here because...ummmm, right now to be a wife and mother, as to which I struggle daily. They are a gift from the Lord, correct? YES!!! I would not ever give them back, although, yes I have, thought about it.