
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Thinking Out Loud

Sunday, May 29, 2011
MORNING LOVE
A scripture in one of my devotions really touched me and I wanted to share it. Psalm 143:8 "Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul".
It reminded me of why I get up extra early each morning when my body would like to sleep. It isn't because its a "have to" or because "its what good Christians do"; its because every day in my morning time I receive word of His unfailing love for me. In the midst of all of the chaos that surrounds me lately, I need to hear those words. God loves me and His hand is on the thermostat of my trials. The pressure that seems to be crushing the life out of me is in reality turning a lump of coal into a diamond. His unfailing love continues to apply the pressure and turn up the heat, even when I cry out for relief---because of His unfailing love. He loves me enough to always do what will ultimately be the best for me. I might be able to manipulate people, but I can't manipulate God. Therefore I can put my trust in Him.
Its also during my morning time with the Lord that He shows me the way I should go as I lift up my soul to Him. All day long I find myself saying, "Lord, what should I do" or "what should I say"? But its hard for me to hear Him through the noise of the day. When I meet with Him BEFORE all of that starts, I really do hear Him speak to my heart and I go into me day with a strong sense of focus and purpose.
Last week I had a financial need that was beyond my meeting. I had pulled every string, made every phone call, prayed, pleaded, until finally I just released it. "You know the need Lord, may Your will be done in this situation". Shortly after that, my husband called to tell me a customer he had dropped by to see decided to give him a check while he was there, even though he still had 3 weeks to pay the bill! It was what I needed almost to the penny! Awesome, faithful God!
There was something else I read in my morning devotions that really spoke to my life. It talked about Jacob's blessing not coming when he wrestled with God, it came when he was clinging to God. I think I'm finally beyond wrestling about our financial situation and I'm just hanging on to God for dear life! No matter how scary the ride, as long as I can hide myself in Him I know I'll be just fine. Now I just need to remember that Monday morning!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
I Love Collection Calls!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Letters from Home
Monday, May 23, 2011
Apocalypse...not!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
We're still here!
Everyone LOVES The Ruth Retreat
"Since 1992, in addition to serving as a guest speaker for various occasions including weekend retreats, Patty Bivens has taught a weekly Bible study Tuesday evenings in the city of Orange sponsored by Community Bible Study, an international, interdenominational group. Over 200 women attend this study drawn by her down-to-earth, easy to relate to, practical teaching which is frequently sprinkled with humor.
Patty says that while she enjoys teaching “line upon line and precept upon precept”, her favorite way to communicate God’s Word is through the use of drama, although not in the traditional sense of the word. She actually “becomes” the character, and the effect is like talking to a friend over a cup of coffee. Bible characters and events spring to life when the listener is able to relate on a personal level as they come “face to face” with Ruth, or other women from the Bible. Both new believer and old saint are able to understand scripture with new clarity. Patty even portrayed Ruth on the radio on the Helen Fabian Radio show and the response was amazing.
“Ruth” has grown into a full weekend retreat which Patty has added to her popular weekend presentations such as “The Shepherd and His Sheep”, “Fruits of the Spirit Not Religious Nuts”, “Worship In Spirit and In Truth”, "Here Comes the Bride", and many others.
She is available simply as a speaker or she is able to facilitate the entire retreat from start to finish including small group times, worship evenings, and a beautiful communion service that is truly unforgettable.
Patty's mission statement is to provide an oasis where women can be renewed, refreshed and restored so they can continue their journey through life's desert places.
You can’t surprise Patty with anything that has happened to you because she has been through or heard many stories of pain, rebellion and sin. Her riveting testimony is proof that she has made this journey herself and is well qualified to lead by experience."