Only three more days!

I can't wait to pick Heaven up on Saturday at the airport. I'm so excited! It feels as though she has been away from home for years instead of less than one month! Ha! I have been able to speak with her a little more the last week than the whole trip. She is doing well and has seen the hand of God moving across the people of South Africa. She has so much to share. She will be speaking at our church on Sunday night at 6:00 pm about her trip and I cannot wait to hear all about it. The last time we spoke on the phone she mentioned NOT leaving for college on the 15th. She threw the idea at me of seeing if she could wait one semester before going. She misses home so badly and the thoughts of only having two weeks at home before leaving again is overbearing for her. Of course I myself have no problem with this but I want what is best for Heaven and I want her to be in God's perfect will for her life. So we are all in prayer about this.

I have so many changes coming up this year. My girls are going into a very small local Christian School after homeschooling the last seven years. We attended the school for a few weeks at the end of the school year last spring to feel it out and see how we all liked it. We all, each one of us loved it. I have felt such peace with our decision. I am going to be substituting and volunteering there while also enrolling in college to persue my Bachelor's Degree in Teaching and Religion in hopes to teach full time soon.

I have been incredibly busy the last few weeks and our internet crashed for about five days. It just came back up today. We have been doing some serious cleaning in our house. Purging, moving, sweeping, mopping, dusting...you name we are doing it. We are almost done with the upstairs. I'd say one more day of hard work and it'll be complete. The catch? The basement. Yuck! I do so dread having to go through everything down there. Tony wants to do a yard sale but the thought of all that stuff overwhelms me! UGH! I'd rather just ditch it all. I told him if he's willing to get down there and work and pull it all together I'll help, but what doesn't sell isn't coming back in the house!!!! LOL!

I've another trial or burden so to speak that I've not shared a lot about here on my blog. I've undergone some tests and they turned up fine, which is great but leaves us puzzled as to what exactly the problem is. It's been sort of a secret battle with me and I've wanted to share but I have so many readers who know me personally and sometimes that makes it harder to air it all out, you know? Just keep me in your prayers and pray most importantly that God's will be done. (How's that for suspense!) LOL! I'll share one day, I promise!

Well I've missed everyone. God Bless!

Heaven is doing well

Heaven is the last one on the left. She called today is doing so good. So happy and full of joy, laughing. Gosh I couldn't hold back the tears. They have a count of 1971 souls saved thus far! Praise God! And she is seeing many healings including one lady who was blind and now can see! Hallelujah!! She even prayed with me, for me I should say, for my nerves to be calmed and for upcoming tests I'm having with great results. I 'd appreciate your prayers too! God Bless!

The Team

I noticed on Global Expedition's page there was a new picture up. Heaven is the one with her hair in braids, she is bent over on the left side in between the first and second row behind the girl in the green jacket and tobogan. She is smiling so big! I still haven't heard from her since she arrived in South Africa so this picture was a much needed message! I have peace about her being gone and I KNOW the Lord is protecting her and using her to bring about His will for the people in South Africa so I am not worried but I miss her deeply. There are days the emotions seem to overcome me so I cry and I pray and then I feel better. Last night was a long night. I'm counting down the days. Only two more weeks from Saturday. Please keep Heaven, the team, the ministry and the people of South Africa in your prayers. Thank-you and God bless each one of you!

A New Day! Heaven's last day in TX

I'm so glad that I get to share what God is doing in Heaven. I never cease to be amazed! She called me late last night to let me know that she is doing so much better. She has water! Praise God! She has a towel! Praise God! The Lord has provided her with absolutely everything she was in need of including an electrical outlet under a water fountain, so even her cell phone is charged! (She won't be able to use it in South Africa though.)

It was just so good to hear the joy in her voice. She shared with me that there were four people chosen to go to Zulu to teach and that she and a new friend that she had just made were two of the four! This is the first time ever that those going on a missions trip to South Africa were split and allowed to go to Zulu. Usually you have to choose Zulu to go there so this was a rare assignment.

I began reading about the people of Zulu and their customs and discovered a very special thing. Zulu means Heaven. What a Godcidence that is! Another great thing is that she believes she'll be teaching English and they will be able to incorporate the gospel into the lessons. This was an extremely important detail not only because she'll be sharing the most precious news in the world, the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ but Heaven had decided only a few weeks ago to go to college to teach English to Highschool students while minoring in Intercultural Studies. This was just another sweet way of God letting her know she is on the right track!

Heaven told me, she said, "Mom, never ask God to break you unless you are truly ready to be broken." She said she had been a little numb before leaving for her trip and she felt emotionless but the Lord had reached deep within her and opened her up. She surrendered these raw emotions to Him and He is working mightily in her. She told me that she is having to depend on God for everything. And I mean every little thing. She had to pray and ask for water, she has to pray to use the bathroom. She depends on Him for every detail which is exactly the way He wants it! What a glorious place to be with the Father!! Praise You Jesus! Oh Hallelujah!!

We are praying for God to prepare the hearts of these people to receive Him! There are going to be mighty healings! I am excited to be able to share with you all! Sadly once Heaven arrives in South Africa we will have very little contact with her but I will share as I can. They leave at 1:00 am tonight!

I just want to thank God and praise Him for answering even the tiniest of our prayers. The thing that stands out to me the most is that He answered each and every one! He went above and beyond as He always does! And I want to thank all of you for your prayers. Know they are answered!

Heaven is in Texas-Day one and two

(Listen to the song playing, its Selah. It begins in the African language (one of them not sure which one) but I thought this was very appropriate timing since Heaven is getting ready to go to South Africa. It will finish in American, its beautiful. Just close your eyes and worship our Savior for a few moments before, during and after you read this post.)

Heaven made it safely to Texas yesterday. It was a rough day for her. We didn't get to stop and eat before her flight left so she was hungry and thirsty on top of being nervous. When she arrived in Dallas the Global Expedition team were a little late in getting there to pick them up. Once they arrived they boarded buses and drove to their campus. Heaven said they were a little over an hour away. Once they arrived, there was little free time and they had a meeting with Ron Luce which she said went great. BUT it was late, very late and she still had had nothing to eat or drink.

They did finally get them pizza but anyone who knows Heaven knows that pizza does not settle well on her tummy, especially after going a whole day with no food. They did not get them anything to drink with dinner either so when she finally called us at 12:30 last night she was exhausted and close to being dehydrated. She had a lot of anxiety and was incredibly homesick. I know most of this was coming from being so tired and thirsty. She said the drink machines wouldn't even take her money. On top of this her cell phone wasn't charging and she just pleaded with us to pray.

It was so hard to be on the other end of that phone and not be able to get to her. I just wanted to hand her a bottle of cold water and wrap my arms around her and bring her home. I knew I couldn't so I requested prayer from every prayer warrior the Lord put on my heart and then I prayed. I cried. I went to bed.

This morning she was some better. She did finally get some water to drink but was still requesting prayer. She had forgotten a water bottle and her towels and wash clothes and had to dry off with a T-shirt. I called Global Expeditions and spoke with the Parent Advisors and shared with them the anxiety Heaven was in and what she was experiencing. They are relaying the message to Heaven's Team Leaders and are going to get Heaven the items she needs. I will receive a return call this afternoon. I know all is going to be well.

Somehow through all of this I just feel that God is preparing her. I truly believe that this trip is going to be very different than the trip she took to Peru last year. The separation alone is going to be long enough to break us both. BUT I know that our Lord is going to build and strengthen us and fill every emptiness with Himself. Trust and Faith keep coming to mind, like a faint soft whisper, I keep hearing them over and over again. Trust me, I am your Provider. Have faith in me, she is mine also, I will take care of her. Peace. Rest in Me. Be still and know that I am God.

We just ask for your continued prayers for Heaven while she is about her Father's business! Feel free to leave your prayers in the comment section and send Heaven words of encouragement. I can take those and e-mail them to Global Expeditions and they will print them and give them to her. I know these simple words will be of much comfort to her while she is in South Africa.

(This is a copy of what I am posting at our Keys of the Kingdom Ministry Blog.)

Wordless Wednesday

For more Wordless Wednesdays go to 5 Minutes for Mom and Wordless Wednesday Hub.

Wordless Wednesday

I cry out to God down on my knees, my help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth! Praise you Jesus!

For more Wordless Wednesdays go to 5 Minutes for Mom.

The Threshing Floor by Juanita Bynum

This is what I'm reading now. It's amazing. I can't believe how much I'm learning. She takes you through the pattern of the tabernacle in the old testament and teaches how the Lord required the priests to come to the ark of the covenant in prayer and applies it to us today.

Here is a outline if that is what you would call it and it doesn't compare to the book. Most of this I've taken directly from the book, some I have reworded. Its been such a deep learning experience. I wish I had the talent to share it properly. I will say that if you have struggled with your prayer life, felt like you have hit a wall or that the Lord isn't hearing you, that you are running out of things to say or that the Lord is calling you into a deeper prayer life, one of intercessing this book is a must read.

Where two or more are gathered in My name there I will be also. Join me in prayer, find the threshing floor.

There is an entry on the east gate, this gate you enter when you receive Jesus as your personal Savior. You enter the gate with thanksgiving and praise for the Lord has sent His only Son and His son has came willingly to die for you and for me.

This gate will take you to the outer court which is considered the early stages of prayer. Sadly some people never leave the outer courts when praying to the Father. We haven't been taught.

In the outer courts you will find the brazen laver which is the place of washing for you to repent and become a reflection of Christ as you wash in the water of the WORD. It is a place of sanctification. You should not rush the process but you must also realize you cannot remain at the laver. Be still and listen, the Lord will let you know when it is time to move on.

Next you will come to the brazen alter the place of sacrifice where you will become purified. This is the second stage of our outer court step in God's prayer pattern. You will let go of your own will and embrace the will of God. You will go from saying, "Give me...give me" in prayer to "What do You want Father?" The word "alter" in Hebrew means "a slaughter place". The brazen alter is the place where natural, earthly things that hinder your walk with God are consumed by the fire of God. It is the place where you become a "living sacrifice."

Now it is time to put on the foundational garment, the tunic of righteousness. Are you willingly sinning? You cannot go any further if you are. Are you in harmony with God being obedient to His word in every way that you can? The Word and the Spirit always work together in harmony. They complement and complete each other. If your life is not functioning according to God's pattern you will never see or experience His glory. You will continue to battle the same battles over and over and over. You will be defeated before you begin. If there is sin in your closet...cussing, gossiping, smoking, drinking....sins of choice, sins that have a stronghold over your life when you should be free you can go no further. This should grieve you deeply...it did me.

We choose. What will we choose? Will you wear your tunic?

The garments of completion. God is a God of great detail. This is the sash or the belt of truth. It goes over top of the tunic of righteousness. It is not visible to the naked eye, it girds your loins. It holds your tunic together. It also symbolizes readiness, when you have fastened, you are activated to be a servant. You are always ready to go. The truth is constantly working in you and for you.

The Robe of blue represents position and authority. Covering authority, divinity and grace. This step means you have matured spiritually, you have a firm hold on your salvation and certain thing NO LONGER have a hold over you, or cause you to struggle spiritually. You learn that you pray THROUGH things and NOT pray about them. When you pray about something you are still waiting for God to do it. When you pray through something it means you believe it was already done when you first declared the Word in prayer. There is a huge difference in going to a door and going through a door.

Many people don't have the victory because the ingredients that lead to a lack of power in prayer are locked up in discouragement and weariness. These will make you spiritless, despondent, doubtful and full of fear.(2 Cor 4:1)

After receiving the robe of blue comes the ephod. This is attached to the belt so it provides a second level of girding for intercessory prayer. This belt can be seen by others. It represents the mediator Jesus Christ and His power to become a servant. It confirms the trials and tests that you have overcome. This is ephod gold and it says I'm ready for whatever comes my way in prayer. I'll stay as long as the Lord leads my flesh will not intervene.

The breastplate. Inside the breastplate was a slip of parchment containing the divine name of God, represented by Urim and Thummim, which means light and completeness. This will bring His divine direction to earth. It also represents people that you carry to God in prayer symbolized by the 12 precious stones. You keep them next to your heart.

Now we are at the final piece- the miter, the headpiece. The miter was like a hat, with one distinguishing feature- the holy crown. This was actually a golden plate that was tied to the front of the miter and it read," Holy To The Lord." It reminded priests to never take holiness for granted. At all times there were to conduct their lives worthy of His name. The miter helps you watch and pray. What a reminder of where we need to be.

YOU ARE A LIVING TABERNACLE.

Protect your garments, coverings.

You will then find the holy place, where you come boldly through the door......... to.... the table of shewbread the Word of God. The golden candlestick the divine understanding of the Word of God. And then the alter of incense.

There you will see the veil...where you can press in, pull back and look behind to find, the ark of the covenant, the holy of holies. You will find yourself upon the threshing floor.

Each element has a great significance to prayer. We as a people have overlooked the significance of this tabernacle for years. This tabernacle is a divine key into the divine presence of God.

God established the tabernacle to be a place for His presence and glory. Satan will do anything to keep the saints from entering.

Sharing....

I borrowed this from a new bloggy friend, Patti at Midnight Musings. It moved me, it impacted me, its deep. I had to pass it along.......

Father's Day

My husband has written a devotion for Father's Day and it can be read here:

KOTKEM

Happy Father's Day

It is Well with My Soul

Today Heaven graduated. As most of you know we have home schooled for the last seven years. We had a small ceremony at our church for her. It has been an overly emotional time for me. With the fast that I was on, the pruning taking place, crucifying the flesh, and the purging from deep within I've been left raw on the surface. The thoughts of my baby girl growing up, heading to South Africa for a whole month and then moving states away for college in the fall have been quite overwhelming for me.

I know I'm not the first mother to experience this but it is MY first time to experience this and I have to say that I do NOT think that it will be any easier when the time comes for Sky and Meadow to step out into the life the Lord has planned for them. With all of the emotion that comes, the fear, the pride, the sadness, the joy, the desire to hang on but with the knowing that I must let go. The change. Dealing with all of these emotions while continuing to live and carry out the everyday things has been hard. Its a strange place to feel like you are being spiritually taught while the flesh is being worn down.

There has been a raging battle within me. The quiet stern voice inside of me comforting me and urging me to hold my head up and carry on. The pain inside of me wanting to scream and wishing I could stop time. Knowing what I need to do, what I must do and fighting the urge to just throw a big huge foot stomping, door punching, full throttle screaming temper tantrum!

This morning before the ceremony was hectic and stressful. I handled things well, the hinderances, the hold ups, the running late even though I had carefully planned things out. BUT when I arrived at the church and I seen the parking lot so empty my heart sank. The thoughts began. The faces that were missing began to flash before my eyes. The family, the friends that were close as family and then those acquaintances. The photographer didn't show either. I felt so wounded and unimportant. I felt so forgotten and so unloved. What was it honestly that was so important that kept them from coming? The pain overwhelmed me for an instant. My husband knowing and telling me that it was ok, that those that God had called to be there were there and to be thankful and move on, after all we had so much that had gone right why should I focus on what had gone wrong? My comment to him was, "Oh yes that's right I have to settle for what life has given me, I'm tired of that! I wanted things to be my way!" Inside of myself my spirit quickened. I knew immediately I was beginning to lose the battle. I was giving in to my flesh. "God help me," I silently prayed. I pushed on and finished setting things up. I greeted those who came and I was very thankful for them. I went up and took my seat next to my husband.

The ceremony began with praises to the Lord. The first song that started was Nothing without You by Bebo Norman. We didn't plan this song God planned it. As the lyrics began it felt like they were pouring out my soul as though they were my words being cried out personally to my God. He began to speak to me...."You have nothing....without ME." The revelation began to hit me not that I didn't already know this but I began to FEEL this. Nothing without God. Who was more important to me? Those missing faces or my God? As the song played I asked Him why it had to hurt so bad, all of it, the abandoned friends and losing my daughter...because that is what it feels like, like I'm losing her. Things are changing and when this change takes place things will never be the same again in my life and it feels like no one cares!!!

He spoke plainly and yet gently as He said.

"My child this is love. Love is a lot of things but love always involves hurt. I loved you My creation and man sinned, it hurt. I sent My Son and My Son loved you and because of that love He hurt. Can you think of a love that you have ever felt that didn't hurt?"

Then visions began to go through my mind. I seen Tony and I and our relationship over the years and I saw pain. I saw how the hurts grew us deeper together and bonded us. I seen myself giving birth to my children. How I loved them so before they were ever born and the pain I experienced bringing them into this world. I seen us parenting these children and the pain and hurts that had happened over the years some so natural and some not so natural but it was LOVE that held true and yet at the same time it was because of the love that we had for one another that it hurt so badly. I seen my little girl graduating and felt the pain of a left behind mommy and imagined her marrying and really starting her own life. I seen faces of those that I love that have passed away. Faces of those I had argued with, friends I had lost, broken relationships, hurt feelings and the root of all of these pains was love.

So the question seems to be is it worth it to love? You bet it is! Love hurts but it also binds us together. Love brings forth forgiveness. Love suffers long. Love never fails. Although there is pain in love, love is not pain. Love is so much more. Love is enduring and mending. Love is forgiving and kind. Love shelters and sacrifices. Love is strong. Love is the reason for it all.

God's love will take care of my Heaven as she steps out into the world. As she leaves the nest. God's love will fill my emptiness, my torn and broken heart, and He will fill it with new love. New things that I can't see that are coming. God's love is enough to enable me to move on.

After praise and worship Pastor Debra stood to speak. The words that she spoke amazed and impressed me. I was so honored that she spent the time that she did to say such wise things to my daughter. She reminded me of many things I'd momentarily forgotten through my emotions and stress. I couldn't see through the tears and I fought to keep sobs from retching out loud from my body. And then Pastor Coleman stood to speak and the love that poured out of Him for us is just unspeakable. There was a moment I didn't think that I would be able to bear another word. (I mean this in a great way!)

My dear friend Ginny that I met through homeschool group spoke next about dreams and thinking bigger. She read this scripture:

Isaiah 54:2 Make your tent bigger; stretch it out and make it wider. Do not hold back. Make the ropes longer and its stakes stronger, 3 because you will spread out to the right and to the left. Your children will take over other nations, and they will again live in cities that once were destroyed. 4 "Don't be afraid, because you will not be ashamed. Don't be embarrassed, because you will not be disgraced."

She shared how Heaven had been strong in the Lord, focused on Him and had stood steadfast. She had witnessed for Him and not been ashamed and the Lord was telling her to dream bigger. She couldn't dream for herself as big as the dreams the Lord had waiting for her!

Joy began to take over at this point. FINALLY! :)

I knew the Lord was speaking because just Wednesday night at Bible Study we were reminded to pray for nations! That our thoughts were not high enough where God is concerned. He is powerful and we need to be Kingdom minded and strive to tap into Him.

And then my husband spoke. The emotions overwhelmed me again as we reminisced over the years of Heaven growing and changing. The years that she spent with us home instead of in public school and the difference the time made. He called me forth to hand her her diploma. I so badly wanted to share what the Lord has said to me and the visions that I had had just moments before but I couldn't. I choked out a few words.....love and pain.....bittersweet. I congratulated her for she had so earned her diploma. And then Heaven spoke.

She gets her speaking skills from her earthly father and her Heavenly one! She thanked us for the decisions we had made and talked about how home schooling had shaped and formed her during some of the most sensitive years of her life. She was missing one of her best friends today also and she shared her pain but she pushed it aside and kept moving. (She done a much better job than her mother!) I'm a proud mother and thank my dear Father in Heaven, my Lord Jesus Christ, the precious Holy Spirit whom I often leave out without meaning to for gifting me with Heaven and for guiding and protecting her through the years. I am so grateful for the call on her life. I know she will continue to stand and serve.

It is Well with My Soul.....All is Well with My Soul.....My baby is growing up!

Nothing Without You by Bebo Norman
Take these hands and lift them up
For I have not the strength to praise You near enough
For I have nothing, I have nothing without You

Take my voice and pour it out
Let it sing the songs of mercy I have found
For I have nothing, I have nothing without You

Chorus:
All my soul needs
Is all Your love to cover me
So all the world will see
That I have nothing without You

Take my body and build it up
May it be broken as an offering of love
For I have nothing, I have nothing without You

All my soul needs
Is all Your love to cover me
So all the world will see
But I love You

With all my heart
With all my soul
With all my mind
And all the strength I can find

All my soul needs
Is all Your love to cover me
So all the world will see
I have nothing

Take my time here on earth
And let it glorify all that You are worth
For I am nothing, I am nothing, I am nothing without You

And The Winners Are.....

I went through my humble offerings and wrote down each name of those who wished to be entered into my give away. I cut them out and folded them up and tossed them in a bowl. All the while I was praying over each name asking the Lord to bless and protect you, asking Him to reveal Himself to you deeper to draw you closer to Him. I asked Him to choose those that He wanted to have these sets. I cannot believe how hard it was to do this. I had this overwhelming *wishing* inside of me that so wanted to send everyone a set!! BUT I only had two sets to give away so....I asked my little bit, Meadow to please do the honors of drawing out two names. She was so excited to be the one to draw the names! Then she wanted to know who you were so I took her to your pages and showed her.


This was so much fun! I can't wait to do another give away and I already know what its going to be but I'm not sharing that just yet!


So I know that everyone is just dying to know who won!


It's been a long wait with my fast and everything that has happened.


I wonder if you ladies even remember who entered and who didn't?


Well here it is........................


The winners are....................


Iris at Sting My Heart!!! Yay Iris!! I'm so happy for you!


And...are you ready???


Kelley at Aroma of Joy!!!Yay Kelley!!


I'm going to e-mail you both for your mailing information so I can get these items on their way. I do pray that you enjoy them and learn as much as I did from them. They are full of much wisdom revealed to John Bevere by the Lord and I love sharing ways that helped me grow deeper with my Father! I look forward to hearing your comments after reading and listening to this set.

I would like to thank each one of you who entered, each one of you who come here and read, your sweet comments, your encouragement, your prayers. Each one of you means so much to me. The Lord uses you in my times of need. If you could only know how much you mean to me.

Much love.
In Christ,
Jenileigh

Vacation~Oak Island, NC

We spent a whole week in an ocean front house with my parents last week. It was great. We stayed busier than in years past. Roxy loved the ocean! Tony and I managed to have a great amount of alone time while not sacrificing time with the family.

Sunday Tony and I rose early and attended a worship service at the Barefoot Ocean Front Cabana. It was a great service and our first ocean front church experience. We definitely plan to do that again. Sadly however get pictures. It was non-denominational and the freedom to worship was there. It was wonderful to see the ocean while listening to real southern gospel style music. Very satisfying to the soul.

Monday my sister came in from Myrtle Beach and we went out to eat at The Fish House at the Marina. The seafood was delicious!

Tuesday we took a Dolphin/Shrimping Excursion. It was great!!! We seen many different birds, boats, dolphins, jellyfish and even a shark. The shark however was much smaller than the one that swam by Sky and I while we were IN the ocean! I have pictures of us running for our lives out of that ocean....which is no easy feat let me tell you, but I'll spare you..... Uhem....spare us that is....the ummm embarrassment!! My husband had no idea we'd just seen the shark, he thought we were playing, maybe racing each other out of the water so he took pictures. Maybe one day I'll have the nerve to share them. Needless to say Sky and I didn't venture back in the water.

Wednesday we drove to Myrtle Beach met my sister and she treated us all to a night at The Dixie Stampede. We had a blast!!! We were on the Southside of course...you know us being rednecks and all. Of course we won. With my clan there yelling and hooting and hollering there was no way we could lose!

Thursday we drove to Wilmington, NC for a Redneck Wedding Comedy Cruise. Seriously. It was ummmm different. The food was delicious.

Friday we spent the entire day at the beach. We'd been there on and off during the week but Friday was beach day. Of course I came home extremely sunburnt and I'm nursing the blisters on my chest now as I type. Ouch! Sleep has been restless the past few nights. I did sunscreen with a 50. Somehow we missed my chest. I pray I never make that mistake again!

Here are some pictures of various times last week......

Heaven. Can we say "Super Model"

Sisterly Love

Sky and I on the Dolphin Cruise

My silly husband

Roxy~My Sailor Girl

Just look at that laugh!

The wind blowing through her hair...

I love this one..

Itty Bitty, but shark just the same!

Daddy and His Southern Girls

Sky~Another Super Model

The Shrimp Boat pulling in its catch.

Big Wave...This is right before we seen the shark. No kidding!!!

Daddy and his girls.

Now this is the life

Sand Castles

True Love

Feeding the Birds

Sailboat

Jelly Fish

Is this a great shot or what?!

God really blessed me with these!

I love the sky in this one.

We had lots of different visitors.

My mom and dad. This is actually a rare moment and this picture is priceless!

Notice the rocks on shore. While beautiful they were very dangerous.

Breathtaking Sunsets

Heaven

Daddy's Love

This was great. Tony buried her alive!

Finally, a few pictures of the Redneck Wedding

The view was much better from outside.

This was riverside Wilmington, NC. Beautiful! I love the cobblestone streets that you drive on!

That's All Folks!

Getting back into the Swing

Wow, well I think the new blog is up and running and all of the kinks worked out. What do you think? Rebecca from Artistree has been toying with my ideas for the last couple of months and I'm very pleased with how she took my ideas and blended them with hers. It took us a few tries to get it just right and I appreciate her honesty, kind heart and patience with me.

The giveaway. I have opened up every link and found that there wasn't one person who linked back to the post they created. Waaa!!! I was looking foward to reading them but have been away so long I can't find the posts created!

Sooooo, I suppose there is nothing left for me to do except to take each person who wanted to be entered into the contest, including those who only commented and put every name in the bucket. I'll pray over these names and then have my family help me in drawing a name. I would like to thank-you each of you for taking the time to read my blog, participate here and just for being a part of my life. I'll post the winner sometime later this week.

I have so much to share about my fast. Many answered prayers and revelations. BUT I just can't burst out with it just yet. Soon and very soon!

Home Again!

We just got home from vacation today so my fast lasted a few extra days. I haven't the time just yet to look through the links and comments but will later this week. I've missed you all and it feels great to be back. I've much to share! New design is being put up so there may be a few gliches. I'll let you know when all is said and done! I really like it!!

My First Blog Give Away

The Lord has led me to give away this book and cd set written by John Bevere as the beginning of my internet fast. The book is titled, "Driven by Eternity" and the cd set is called. " Affabel". Here is the following description taken directly from Messenger International John Bevere's web site. Please visit it, John and Lisa his wife have many wonderful books, dvds, cds and other helps that I highly recommend. You can also hear excerpts from Affabel here Listen to an audio excerpt.

Quote

Affabel: Window of Eternity

Join the majestic King Jalyn, the dark lord Dagon, Charity, Independent and others as you explore the wondrous lands of The Kingdom of Affabel, The Community of Endel and the terrible outer limits of Lone! You'll be challenged in the Great Hall - perhaps even shocked - as each character reveals much of YOUR very own heart! Search your deepest feelings as you hear the drama play out!

This audio drama, taken from John Bevere's newest book Driven by Eternity (Warner Faith) will capture your heart and soul as you experience life on "the other side" where eternity is brought into the present and all must stand before the Great King and Judge. Be prepared for a roller coaster ride of joy and sorrow, astonishment and revelation as life-long rewards are bestowed on some and others are bound hand and foot and cast into outer darkness by the Royal Guard!

4CD SET, digitally recorded with a hollywood cast, this riveting audio drama brings characters to life with action, emotion and custom music to complete the exciting production. This story takes you beyond yourself and into a world of other-reality. A place where things are not always as they seem, but truth prevails and your heart will emerge forever changed!

Driven by Eternity
Making Your Life Count Today and Forever

We were made for eternity. This life on earth is but a vapor. Yet too many live as though there is nothing on the other side. Scriptural laws and principles may be applied to achieve success on earth, but are we prepared for eternity? Have we failed to remember we will all stand before the Great Judge of Heaven and Earth?
Scripture tells us there will be various degrees of rewards for believers ranging from those who watch as all they accomplished is devoured in judgment to those who are awarded the privilege to reign with Christ. These judgments will determine how we spend our span of eternity.

Included in this book is a riveting allegory. It takes place in a world similar to our own, yet different. Lord Jalyn is the ruler of the Kingdom of Affabel. You will journey with six of his subjects through their lives, witness their judgment, and see how and where they will spend the rest of their lives. The teaching of this book revolves around the lessons learned from their lives.

The purpose of this book is to reveal an eternal perspective, motivate believers to labor for what endures, as well as, to draw seekers to Salvation and Kingdom living.

unquote

I have just finished reading and listening to this set and I have to say that it is truly phenomenal! I have learned so much about the end times and eternity. I had so many questions about the saved and how they would answer to the Lord. This series answered and taught me much!

Rules

Since I am going to be away for some time I would like to ask you to blog a little post linking back to my blog with the details of the giveaway, then just leave me a comment and tell me that you would like to have your name entered in the contest and sign in on Mr. Linky linking directly back to the post that you blog about this giveaway and NOT directly to your blog. This will enter you once. No one will be able to see others participating if you link to your blog. After a week they will not be able to even find it!

If you would like to have your name entered in the contest twice I would ask that you visit my other blog Keys of the Kingdom Evangelistic Ministries and chip in any amount that you feel led (with a minimum of $5) to help send my oldest daughter Heaven to South Africa for one month this summer. The chip in button is in the side bar and you pay with paypal. Her testimony is there as well as our pleas for prayer over her and this trip. If you would prefer to mail a donation the address is on the blog. Just be sure to send me an e-mail to let me know of your plans and comment me so that I know your intentions and I can visit your blog upon my return. If you choose to do this just include a link to the Keys of the Kingdom blog with mention of my daughter and her trip with requests for prayer in the same post that you will create above. No need for two separate posts. I have not one but TWO sets of Affabel and the book Driven by Eternity to give away. When I return I will take the time to reply to all e-mails and all comments making sure I have everything correct and then will plan a draw date! Please know that I so appreciate any and all prayers and support.

It's really important for everyone to use Mr. Linky to link back to the NEW POST you create about THIS GIVEAWAY and NOT just back to your blog. I'm not trying to be a stickler but with me being gone for 40 days how will people know about the give away if you guys don't share the information with others?!

Please keep me in your prayers while I am away on this 40 days fast that I have been called into. My new look will be taking place sometimes during my away time so be looking for it! I will be in prayer for all of you as the Lord leads me. I am eager to draw close to Him. Remember to wash in the water of the word!

I came back to add share these words of wisdom from a sweet friend. Read this friends if you would like to go deeper with God read Deeper by Tiffany at The Shame Factor

My fast begins midnight tonight 4-12-08 and will end midnight going into 5-28-08.

Ephesians 5
Walk in Love
1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
Walk in Light
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says:
" Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light."
Walk in Wisdom
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Thankful Thursday

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.


I found this scripture because the Lord had been giving me the verse that says "washing in the water of the word". I had no idea that this scripture was included here with the scripture on Marriage. The Lord has been pouring scripture into me that I know He is wanting me to study. This one hit me pretty hard because as of late I've not been submitting to my husband. Its so hard to submit willing and trustfully without first putting in my two cents and making it clear when I don't agree. Now I'm not saying I shouldn't have input or an opinion but I've crossed the line. My husband honors me. He cherishes me. He loves me just as Christ loves His church. Tony truly desires nothing MORE than he desires for me to trust him. For me to allow him to lead us. For me to say "ok honey, God is leading you so I'll stand beside you in this."

So today I am thankful for my husband. I'm thankful for his patience with me because I know its by the grace of God that he doesn't just simply explode!! I'm thankful for second chances, and thirds, and fourths....I'm thankful for the Lord's gentle nudging and how He always opens my eyes to situations at hand even if I can be slow at realizing it.

I'm thankful for the internet, the blogoshere, my homeschooling boards, my e-mail, my friends, the ministry and every gift from my Father. I'm thankful for the fast the Lord is calling me to. I'm going to miss you all but I'm thankful the Lord is drawing me close to Him. I'm thankful I can ask you all to pray for me! Tomorrow I'm going to post my give away and say a farewell. I will be praying for each of you and looking forward to seeing you when I return. I pray each of you have a wonderfully blessed Thankful Thursday and blessed thankful everydays until we meet again. I love you all!

Wordless Wednesday

Mother~Daughter

For more Wordless Wednesdays visit WW HUB and 5 minutes for Mom.

Divine Appointment

It's so good to be home!!!! We had a great time. We visited Lee University in Cleveland, TN and I have to say that we all absolutely loved it. It was a beautiful place and a wonderful atmosphere. We stayed in Cleveland Thursday and Friday night and after Lee Day was over on Saturday we drove on into Jamestown, TN which was a good 140 more miles. We stayed at a little motel in Jamestown, the only motel in Jamestown I do believe! We visited a dear friend, Jason Kerr a Youth Evangelist who has been speaking all of the world for more than a decade. The Lord has finally called Jason to settle and become a Pastor, a Sheppard of a flock. His church just launched last September and it is growing leaps and bounds.

We had planned to surprise Jason so we hadn't told him of our visit. I didn't rest really well that Saturday night and woke early the next morning. The girls beat me to the shower and I wasn't much of a happy camper and told Tony to take me out and give me time to breathe, cool off and make sure I didn't over react or say anything I would regret. So we rode out early into this little town. Strangely it reminded me so much of where we are from only....smaller. I would have never imagined. The fog was heavily misted over the place and we seen no life and had to wonder if we were even in the right place. Turning onto the road we knew the church should have been on we seen a odd looking fella getting into his car. Tony pulled in and rolled down his window and asked the man if he could direct us to the church we were looking for. The guy knew immediately and replied quite matter of factly , "Jason Kerr's church." Yes that was the one. "Its right there," and he pointed to the building we were parked beside of. The guy told us his name repeatedly, he asked us not to forget it and to tell Jason he had pointed us to the right place. We pulled off and I realized we didn't know where to find breakfast. I told Tony he should have asked that man where the nearest place to eat would be, he agreed and turned around to go back.

Sure enough that odd fella was sitting in his smoky car waiting for it to heat up some before pulling off. Tony asked him if he could tell us where to find a good breakfast and the man replied, "Follow me." We arrived at the Dairy Queen in Jamestown just seconds from where we were and when we were getting out the car Terry was on the phone with Jason's voice mail. Tony tried to tell him that we had planned a surprise for Jason but the cat was already out of the bag! We laughed! How funny it was because Terry had no idea. Jason called Terry back and Tony spoke with him for a moment and then Terry came in and had breakfast with us. Talk about Divine appointment. While our weekend had been nice and we had enjoyed the college it had been uneventful and I had not felt at my best. As everyone knows when mom isn't at her best it prevents everyone else from being at their's and presents an unspoken stress. Something you can't see but is felt.

This was eventful and it excited me.

It was obvious God had led us there and I was amazed that my short temper and intolerable mood had been used to bring us to exactly where the Lord wanted us to be. What a kind reminder of how in control God really is. This odd fella, this man named Terry began to pour out his heart, his struggles. He had been praying and we were the voice God used to speak to him, to answer that prayer. We had grace with him before the meal and afterwards we held hands and we prayed for Terry. Tears were shed as hope filled the air. It had been a long time since I had felt so used by my Father and I loved that He used my unshowered bedhead to comfort someone whom I know would not have been as or even at all comfortable had I been ritzed up as I would be for church. I had a strong feeling that it had been even longer for Terry. The blessing was double, it was two fold.

We hurried back to the hotel and quickly showered and made it to church just before the doors were closed and services began. The presence of God was so strong and of course the message was tailored just for me! It was called, "Obedience vs Rebellion" At the end of the service the Lord spoke to me and I entered into a worship that was so sweet. I spend a lot of time in praise but this was worship and it was another needed reminder of the difference between the two. After the service Jason met with us and asked us to share how in the world we came across Terry. We shared the story and then Jason shared with us. Terry had been the man that had led Jason at the age of 21 to Christ. I was amazed. The world is truly so small and the little things are truly so large. If we could only discern their importance and if we could hear the Lord more clearly we would see such a larger picture and we would know how very important down to even the most minute detail things really are.

The Lord used Jason to speak things we desperately needed to hear about the ministry the Lord has led us into and the place the Lord has us in. Thank-you Father for that answered prayer.

As I looked back over the trip from start to finish I could see the Lord's hand. I was able to remember things I had seen, things I had done, things I had heard and the things I had felt. I was able to have revelation as though a veil was removed and I was able to hear God speaking to me and showing me things and by the end of the trip I was able to put them all together for a full message. Just like a puzzle. The Lord revealed much to me that I had been blind to. I was able to repent, forgive, receive deliverance and come away in a new place with the Lord. A fuller place and I was renewed with reminders that we are ever growing, ever needing and that He is always with us even when we do not feel Him, see Him or hear Him. He is always knocking. This was Divine Training, another revelation.

I can't wait for the Suddenly that I know is coming in our life. The door is getting ready to open.

Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

Visiting College Campus

Sorry I haven't been able to participate in Wordless Wednesday or Thankful Thursday this week. I went out of town and stayed in a nice hotel with my mom and the girls. Mom had to take a state board exam and it was easier for us to drive down the day before instead of trying to get up at the crack of dawn and find the place. I'm no morning person anyway so it would have been torture for me! :)

We are headed to visit a college campus that my dear Heaven is looking into this weekend. I won't be back until Sunday or Monday. I'll get around to all of you as soon as I can. I find it sad that it seems as soon as I meet so many new friends I have to be gone so much. I have a lot of things coming up though....

We have been invited to speak in three churches so far in April. Heaven is sharing her testimony, her call into missions and raising funds while sharing the word of God. She graduates in June! Since we have been homeschooling the last 7 years we are planning and implementing her graduation ourselves. We are holding it at our church and I'm having mixed emotions. Emotions ranging from ecstatic happiness to nervous wreck to sad mourning. Her 4 week missions trip to South Africa is in July. Lots of changes!

I am scheduled to have a new blog "do" soon! I'm guessing somewhere within the next two weeks! I can't wait to see what Rebecca at Artistree Blog Designs has in store for me!

Also I am praying and feeling the Lord calling me into some time with Him. I'm having thoughts that this time is going to include fasting and this will most probably include fasting the internet. This is incredibly hard for me and in a lot of ways I think that sounds silly but my home school boards, blogging and myspace are a huge part of my life. They are a huge part of my ministry. I am going to be hosting a give away that will begin before my departure and will end upon my return! This way everyone will have something to look forward to!

I'll be back the beginning of next week! Hugs to all and have a very blessed weekend!