Waiting on the Lord

Yep...I'm still waiting, still praying. Still listening for that small, still Voice.

As I sat watching the Dove Awards Thursday night, I knew this song would be today's Music Monday selection. I think you'll see why...

**Remember to scroll down and pause my player before clicking the link**

Revelation ~ Third Day

I do have to say though, that contrary to the song lyrics - my faith is not gone. Oh my...I can't imagine where I would be today...how my Sweet Hubby and I would have gotten through his diagnosis, illness and homegoing without our Precious Savior. I know beyond a shadow that my God loves me and that He has a perfect plan for me. And I'll be listening...waiting for Him to share it with me. Lord, give me a revelation.

"Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:31

My life...His plan

Lately I've begun to feel God tugging at me. I'm not sure why, or what, or how, or when...I don't know details. But I feel the tug. So I've just been praying for clarity and for Him to use me as He sees fit. Scary prayer...

For today's Music Monday selection, this song made perfect sense. I think you'll agree. Sorry for the poor quality video, but there weren't many to choose from and this was the best of them! The lyrics follow...

**Remember to scroll down and pause my player before clicking the link**

Here I Am ~ Downhere

Lyrics ~ Here I Am
Downhere

Sometimes your calling, comes in dreams
Sometimes in comes in the Spirit's breeze,
You reach for the deepest hope in me,
And call out for the things of eternity.

But I'm a man, of dust and stains,
You move in me, so I can say,

CHORUS:
Here I am, Lord send me,
All of my life, I make an offering,
Here I am, Lord send me,
Somehow my story, Is a part of your plan,
Here I am

When setbacks and failures, and upset plans,
Test my faith and leave me with empty hands,
Are you not the closest when it's hardest to stand?
I know that you will finish what you began.

These broken parts you redeem,
Become the song, that I can sing

Here I am, Lord send me,
All of my life, I make an offering,
Here I am, Lord send me,
Somehow my story, Is a part of your plan,
Here I am

Overwhelmed by the thought of my weakness,
And the fear that I'll fail you in the end,
In this mess, I'm just one of the pieces,
I can't put this together but you can.

Here I am, Lord send me,
I wanna live my life as an offering
Here I am, Lord send me,
Somehow my story, Is part of your plan,
Here I am

Here I am, all my life an offering to you, to you
Somehow my story, Is a part of your plan,
Here I am

Yes, here I am Lord...so broken, but I am Yours.

"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
Philippians 1:6

A little confusion...

It's come to my attention that there may be a little confusion about my "banner"...so I want to take a moment to clarify, if you don't mind! I do not want to be guilty of misleading anyone, even unintentionally...

Just to recap, here is what it says:

"My name is Gigi and I am a Christian...proud and unapologetic. I was a lifelong Catholic - up until a few years ago when the priest sexual abuse scandal hit a bit too close to home. And rocked my very foundation of beliefs. But by the GRACE of my Lord Jesus Christ, I am finding my way back. This is my journey...I would love it if you would share it with me. Sit with me for awhile, won't you...in the Throne Room of the Lord."

I would just like to state, for the record, that I am no longer Catholic. My Sweet Hubby and I left the Catholic church after what happened to our family. For a few years, we did not attend any church whatsoever. I was angry...at the church and yes, at God Himself, for what had happened. It took me quite a while (and the intervention of an earthly "angel") to put what had happened into perspective and begin to heal. And God was so patient...loving me all the while.

The one thing my Sweet Hubby and I knew was that we needed to find a new church home...and we did. We truly believed that we were led there and we were welcomed with open arms and hearts. They became our extended "family" and have been such a blessing from the Lord - walking this path with us of faith renewal, illness, death and the process of grieving.

My Sweet Hubby and I recommitted our lives to the Lord and were baptized last August. This time by full immersion rather than just a sprinkling! What a joy to make that decision as adults and what a blessing to share that beautiful decision with my Sweet Hubby...I'll never forget that day as long as I live...

So, there you have it. I hope that clears up any ambiguity that might have existed! Thank you for bearing with me!

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." 1 Corinthians 14:33

Penny for your thoughts

I received this in an email from a friend today (thanks B!) and decided to share it via my blog. I think I'll remember this for a long time...

You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about.

Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the home of her husband's employer.

My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house.

The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. Her husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.

As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant one evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.
He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment..
Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.
He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure.

How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?

Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.

A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?

"Look at it," he said. "Read what it says."

She read the words, " United States of America .."

"No, not that. Read further."

"One cent?"

"No, keep reading."

"In God we Trust?"

"Yes!"

"And?. . ...."

"And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin, I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him. Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray. I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!"

When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, "In God We Trust," and had to laugh. "Yes, God, I get the message!"

It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful! And, God is patient!

Thought for the Day:

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.

If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.

He sends you flowers every spring.

He sends you a sunrise every morning.

Face it, friend - He is crazy about you!

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

The Victory is Won!!

Hallelujah!! Amen!! Jesus has conquered the grave...and we have life eternal! Praise Him!

**Remember to scroll down and pause my player before clicking the link**

I Will Rise ~ Chris Tomlin


"Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.

Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightening, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.

Then the angel spoke to the women. 'Don't be afraid!' he said. 'I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't there! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.

Matthew 28:1-7


Happy Easter, from my home - to yours!

I'm struggling

Could I ask for you to pray for me?

Tomorrow will mark the 5 month anniversary since my Sweet Hubby went to be with the Lord. And I am really struggling...I miss him so very much. There are no words to describe it.

He was my best friend, the one I wanted to be with above all others, my soul mate, the father of my children, my partner in all things, my protector, my biggest fan, my be all end all, the one who made me feel safe and secure, my playmate...he was the other half of me. I am so lonely without him. So lonely FOR him.

These last weeks have left me almost paralyzed at times...I feel like all I do is cry.

I tell the Lord that I just feel so broken...I know He cares, but still...I miss him.

Could I ask for you to pray for me?

An awesome night!

Last night I was blessed to attend the United Tour concert with Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman...what an awesome, awesome worship experience!

The Holy Spirit was so present throughout the evening as we lifted our voices in praise to our risen King! It was an evening I won't soon forget.

For today's Music Monday, I chose a song that we all sang at the concert. Find your quiet place and sing along. The Holy Spirit will be right there with you...










Agnus Dei ~ Michael W. Smith


Now...wasn't that a wonderful way to begin Holy Week?

Worthy is the Lamb...Amen!

"Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing." Revelation 5:12

Shameless persistence

Do you have it? I'll admit that I fall short...

Yet that is what Jesus told us we are to have when approaching God in prayer.

"Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: 'Suppose you went to a friend's house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, 'A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.' And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, 'Don't bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can't help you.' But I tell you this -- though he won't do it for friendship's sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.

And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." Luke 11:5-10

Another translation I have reads:

"I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs." Luke 11:8

The word "impudence" translated from Latin means "not modest, not ashamed."

So...we are to approach the Throne with our prayers - our needs - with persistence and without shame for that persistence.

Is that how you pray?

I've got some work to do...

How about some good news for a change?

I spent the day yesterday with my parents. I am now there only several times a week versus every day. Except for this week...I haven't been much good to anyone - myself included.

So, what's the good news, you ask? My Mom is doing so much better! Now, before you get too excited, let me say that she's still bedbound. BUT...she's eating better, she's gaining strength, some of her meds have been reduced or even eliminated altogether. And she now has the attitude of "get me out of this bed and let's get our lives back." YES!!!! She is interested in living again!! Hallelujah!!

Hopefully, in a few weeks she will be able to begin intense physical and occupational therapy to regain her mobility and function. THAT will be a long haul...but it's forward progress and we're thrilled!

I just wanted to thank all of you who have kept my parents in your prayers - those prayers are so appreciated and we're starting to harvest the fruit!! To God be all the glory!

"Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you." Mark 11:24

Better days are coming!

Happy April!

Just wanted to wish you all a Happy April! I can't believe we're almost to Easter...what a blessed time this is!

"So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; and He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain watering the earth." Hosea 6:3