HOPE FOR FRACTURED FAMILIES

 Do you have a fractured family? Is your family tree messed up? You are in good company then and Jesus is our hope. Sometimes it may not seem that way but we have to get our eyes off our circumstances, look up to the Lord, find a Word from Him and claim it. Then pray, pray, pray! Prayer is a true working tool to peace and acceptance. A lot of our turmoil in life is not accepting the things we can't change; We sometimes have to accept that things are the way they are for a reason. I'm sure Joseph, during his days in prison and slavery felt forgotten by God as well as his family but he went ahead being the best he could be in those circumstances. The Lord caused him to rise above them and to rise in favor. Don't look at things the way they are but look at them through eyes of hope.

Jesus is the answer to all our problems and our strong help and that will always be the case. His ear is open to our prayers for help and hope. He is such a creative God that He brings forth beauty and grace and gifts within us that we never thought were there. He can bring the dormant seed to life. We praise His name and ask that He cover our families today. We thank You, Lord Jesus ahead of time for Your great blessing and favor towards our loved ones.

A song and a prayer about the Family Tree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlqH5-T9WtI

Stars of Alabama is Awesome; my book review

I loved Stars of Alabama: A Novel by Sean of the South.


During this time apart I discovered an author new to me and a book I fell in love with. Stars of Alabama: A Novel by Sean of the South. Reading it made me do something I rarely do which is BUY a book. Other than my Word Weaver friends or a few books here or there, I normally utilize the library for my reading habit. They only had one book by Sean so I had no choice but to buy some. I prefer books that I can turn the pages, a real book, but I bought a couple Kindle by Sean to get me through till the real thing comes.


Amazon says about this book: “Sean Dietrich—also known as Sean of the South—weaves together a humorous and heartfelt tale about the dignity of humanity and the value of enduring hope.


One child preacher traveling across the plains.

One young woman with a mysterious touch.

Two old friends, their baby, and their bloodhound.

And all the stars that shine above them.”


It may help if you’re Southern to really understand the characters and the depth of the story, but really, I think anyone would love it. I’m actually thinking of rereading it while the library has extended the time you can keep books because of the pandemic.


If you’ve ever felt like you can’t catch a break in your life, you’ll identify with these characters. If you’ve ever felt that your heart is going to break because of loss, you’ll keep turning pages. If you’ve ever needed a father-figure and found one in the most unlikely place, you’ll love the ones found here.

Thought not a “Christian genre” it is deeply spiritual in places.


I’m probably a fan for life, Sean of the South! Thanks for bringing beauty from another era of time to my heart.


Take a fiction vacation from the chaos of the world. READ THIS BOOK!

This song is balm for the soul.

 Lord as I think of many, many prayer requests especially concerning the coronavirus, and the needs within our families I call out to You that You help us, save us and make our paths clear. Lead us all on a path that You can bless and help us to see clearly Your will for our lives. Letting go and letting God is hard sometimes but we will try today to surrender. 

Praying especially for the unspoken heart requests that only You and we know about. Asking You, Jesus, to go before the throne of God and intercede as only You can. Although today we normally focus  on recovery issues, we’re praying for recovery from all diseases for our loved ones.

A good word to start the day: "Yet, the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!" (Isaiah 30:18). Don't give up when you are waiting:)

Try not to let fear rule.

F alse

E vidence

A ppearing

R eal

Listen to music, look at family pictures of times when people were together, start trying to think about how to make Easter wonderful, even if different.

Count your blessings.

Show some love to someone.

Sing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pV3DEtJtho8

SHOW US HOW TO LIVE IN THESE DAYS OF COMPLICATION

I think the word for today is complications; families are complicated. Life as we’re living it today is complicated, many are hurting, sad, or broken yet our Lord is Lord over the complications! This we will believe in our darkest night of the soul, in the most complicated issues, in the wildest storm, You Jesus Christ our God and Father are Lord over the complications. 


You know the beginning from the end, the Alpha and Omega, the beautiful pattern of tapestry. Why would we think we can go through life pain-free when You suffered ultimately? Though it doesn't make us feel good to go through things, we know we have fellowship with Your suffering. We will believe the report of the Lord today that this is the day that He has made and in that we can find some small thing to rejoice in. 


Everyone reading this has the gift of life, everyone reading this is able to find someone to bless in some small way, if not a large way, everyone reading this can be thankful for something today. If we have lost family members thank the Lord for those we have left, if we are in pain in one part of our body, thank the Lord for the parts that don't hurt, if we don't have an abundance of provision thank the Lord for what we do have. It is a "give thanks" day and we don't have to wait until a designated Thanksgiving Day of the year to be grateful. I’m so grateful for the gift of my newest grandson, Jude. What joy he brings to my heart. Shiloh will be an awesome mom!


Today is my Word Weavers International prayer day. Lord, I so praise you for this group and the help, love and support that they give to all of us. Strengthen those who labor in love in this group that writers writing Your words will emerge. Help us all to be strong in Your power and might and words of grace and healing. Personally, Word Weavers has so enhanced my life and given me opportunities I would’ve never had. I can’t give You Jesus, enough praise. I am grateful and pray a double blessing on my fellow Word Weavers and those to come.



Thinking about Step work today.

 Step 1

 I admit I am powerless that my life has become unmanageable.

 Step 2 “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves

 could restore us to sanity.”

Step 3: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

 Lord, many years ago turned my will and life over to You to do what You will, when You will it. I love You, Lord, and I give my whole being and life to You. You are so awesome and my help in the time of trouble. You are my source, my resource, my Father, my Abba, my love. I can’t do this stuff down here on earth without a touch from Your hand and I need to be cleansed and renewed and a fire set within me to do Your will in this life. I ask that You make me a light and a blessing and give me direction. Help me to live this life as You have provided it for me, not as I wanted at times, but still good in so many ways.  Show me how to live, show me how to live, show me how to live I pray.

 Thinking on Step 2, I don't know how anyone can believe that there is any other way to sanity than through our God, strong, mighty and powerful.

 I believe I truly did the 3rd step when I was 21 and rededicated myself to the Lord. But whenever I am stressed or have extra problems, the advise from a dear friend and sponsor was to go over steps 1-3 again every time needed, until peace comes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoAqymNcBTk

OUT OF THE EMBERS has made me a fan of Amanda Cabot (my book review)

I was so happy to find that Out of the Embers is the first in a series, as the book was a real page turner for me. I’ve never read any of Amanda Cabot’s books and this will surely not be the only one of hers I will read. I’m totally a fan, now.


There was a lot of mystery, story plots and very good characters in this book. I loved that it kept the Revell tradition of a book with Christian values and even the most questionable character was able to find redemption.


The setting in Texas Hill Country in the 1850’s was beautiful. Evelyn was definitely a hero as she fervently protected young Polly.


The family she found and the man she fell in love with was wonderful to behold. There was a lot of suspense and intrigue. The love she showed for little Polly who was not timid in announcing her need for a daddy when she met Wyatt was charming. With all the potential suitors for the lovely Evelyn, it had me holding my breath.


In some ways with the acquiring of the restaurant in town and the good food served, it reminded me of a LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE segment. Romance amongst suspense adds up to a book that you’ll definitely want to read. I’m hoping I get to review the next one, too.




 Out of the Embers was a book that I received free of charge from Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review.

Praying for peace for our families and health and safety also.

Do you ever feel like you are on the “Same Merry-go-Round but a Different Horse!”

Do you ever get tired of the stress in your life? Do you ever feel that the prayer reservation you made with the Lord has been canceled and the hopes and dreams you have had for years will never happen? Sometime I think I’m on the same merry-go-round but a different horse. Have you ever felt that way?
But who am I to think that God should be on my timetable?

If it costs you nothing, it's worth nothing! Endurance is the
price tag of achievement. Listen, "We pray that you'll have the strength...not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the strength God gives...that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy" (Col 1:11 The Message)

The Lord, the Lord God almighty will be our comfort, strength and hope when all of those things seem far away. When the hurt seems unbearable, when the days seem endless and fruitless, He and He alone will be our strong Help. Oh the pain in a mother’s heart when she sees the turmoil of addiction overtake that precious child. Oh, the love she feels, but also knows she is helpless, powerless and cannot wave the magic wand and make it all okay.

Surround all who read this today with Your peace, love and Hope. We see the picture from below, the flawed strings; the messed-up threads, but You see the beautiful tapestry from heaven that is the complete, full and beautiful work of art. We yield to You dear Lord and still we pray. Help, us Lord this day and please be with that one who is hurting the most; you know who it is. This prayer was inspired by the many sisters among us, who are mighty blessings and forces to be contended with in the fight against addictions. May their burdens be lifted. We are praying over at Somebody's Mother; please feel free to join us:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/119408188089314/387361614627302/

A good word to start the day: "Yet, the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!" (Isaiah 30:18). Don't give up when you are waiting:)

Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill Book Review

This cold case ran hot for Detective Amara Alvarez!


Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill was intriguing from the beginning. Although murder mysteries are not the genre I normally read, the plot line and characters made me think of Law and Order or the new Stumptown programs segments.



A chance meeting that looked like one thing but turned out to be something else is where this mystery began. This cold case ran hot for Detective Amara Alvarez as she fought from becoming personally entangled in the investigation, feeling the pain of the mother hoping against hope that her child was still alive.



Although a lengthy book, you will want to keep turning the pages to find the sources of the lies and the cover-up concerning a busload of schoolchildren who were hit by a freight train.



The characters were relatable and I loved how the Medical Examiner always wanted to give background on certain phrases or “old sayings.” I also learned a lot about DNA results and how they play out in investigations.

Being a Revell book, I normally find more of a religious thread throughout, but I understand as a mystery, that might not be the norm.



Great job, Tom Threadgill!



I received this book free of charge from Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review.

My rewrite of Psalms 116

My rewrite of Psalms 116; when I get writer’s block sometimes, I look for scripture to put into my own words.  Try it, yourself!

Psalms 116

I love the Lord, because He has heard                       I love you Lord, You HEAR me!
My voice and my supplications.                                       You recognize me as Your child
Because He has inclined His ear to me,                          You bowed low to listen
Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.          I call upon You while I live

 The pains of death surrounded me,                               Life sometimes feels like death
And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me;        Hell on earth, I’ve served time there, it seems.
I found trouble and sorrow.                                   Trouble finds me and I am sorrowful.

Then I called upon the name of the Lord:                    Jesus, I’m calling You!
“O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!”                     Lord, help me!

 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;                  You are the perfect Gentleman, So Holy.
Yes, our God is merciful.                                                 Mercy is running to me.
 The Lord preserves the simple;                                   You preserve my lowliness
I was brought low, and He saved me.                         I was down and out and You saved me.

Return to your rest, O my soul,                                      Soul, rest in Jesus,
For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.      My Lord overflows with bountifulness to me

For You have delivered my soul from death,        You heard me dying inside, a silent scream
My eyes from tears,                                              My tears were flowing and You dried them.
And my feet from falling.                                  I stumbled and fell, You lifted me.

 I will walk before the Lord       .                   My walk in this world is ever before You.                  
In the land of the living.                                I live by Your Spirit eternally.

I believed, therefore I spoke,                                I had my own belief system
“I am greatly afflicted.” I said in my haste,           Because of abuse and affliction
“All men are liars.”                                               I didn’t trust men in this world.

What shall I render to the Lord                                But what can I give You?

For all His benefits toward me?                        For all that You’ve given me?
I will take up the cup of salvation,               I drink from the salvation cup
And call upon the name of the Lord.                  Calling, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.
I will pay my vows to the Lord                             Vowing to follow You

Now in the presence of all His people.               Before Your congregation and the world.

Precious in the sight of the Lord                           You’ll call me precious
Is the death of His saints.                                     At the moment I return to You.

 O Lord, truly I am Your servant;                                    I serve You only
I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant;             I’m Yours,  a daughter born to You
You have loosed my bonds.                                              You unchained my soul

 I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,               A grateful heart I give to You
And will call upon the name of the Lord.                       Calling Your name, Jesus, forever

 I will pay my vows to the Lord                   Giving You what I promised You                        
Now in the presence of all His people,                 Before the world and the Body of Christ
 In the courts of the Lord’s house,                     In Your temple, Your church,
In the midst of you, O Jerusalem.                          Wherever I am, You will be, Lord.

Praise the Lord! Psalms 116 NKJ                         I'm recklessly shouting Your name.

It’s Friday, and we’re praying for the deep, unspoken heart cries and burdens of our families and friends.

I love you Lord, You HEAR me! You are the love of my life and lifter of my soul. I exalt You Lord for what You have done, will do and for Who You are, O lover of my soul.  There is no one like You! I live to praise Your name and speak of the chain-breaking power of Your love. You keep me when I don’t want to be kept. You restore my damaged soul. You return the lost to me and keep me praying for those who have lost their way. YOU ARE THE GOOD, GOOD FATHER I longed for as a child and You never denied me.

I have You, Jesus. My Waymaker; You are also my Home, where my heart is and always longs to be, with You, at home alone. I love you Lord, You HEAR ME! Hear the heart cries of your people today, we pray. We will give You all the glory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrm4RtmvtpE&list=RDmrm4RtmvtpE&start_radio=1

Come Home

When someone is missing from your life, whether they ran away, are in prison, have been abducted or have chosen to take a time apart from you, sometimes the thoughts can be unbearable. 


You may think about the good times or the times that they were a child and all was well. You may think about the dangers out in the world and pray that they are safe.


You may think about your relationship and all those things you think you “coulda, woulda and shoulda” done along life’s way. 


You may just want to have them back to have a big hug.


Then you might want to shake them and ask how they could hurt you and perhaps themselves this way?


If they are away through no fault of their own, you accept the sympathy of people. If they chose to leave, perhaps in a moment of immaturity, it might be embarrassing. 


Right now, I’m thinking of a family who is facing a funeral of a wonderful young son, who pretty much was the “all American boy” taken from the world, we feel, much too soon. I think how this young man’s family had every hope of seeing their son live a long life, He was not foolishly trying to go out on his own too soon. He was doing the everyday things of life that his family did when tragedy occurred. I feel such compassion for the family who will now have to find a “new normal” for their life. I have no words for their pain, only prayers for the comfort of the Lord.


I pray our boy comes home. I pray that he is not in an accident or not with people who aren’t thinking of his best interest. I pray that he doesn’t zone out in a way that things in his life can’t be redeemed. Yes, the Lord is on the move, even when it seems crazy in our lives. HE KNOWS WHERE OUR PRODIGAL IS.


The Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting and His truth endures for all generations. 


So, Isaiah, this one’s for you.  Come home. Come back and let your light shine. Come back and quote that beautiful passage of Shakespeare that you knew and spoke so beautifully. Come back and remember the 23^rd Psalm and Lord’s prayer we used to say together. Come back and eat Chipotle with your sister. Come back and endure hardship with those who love you. Man up! Come back and learn what it means to be a man upon this earth. Come back before Mathis forgets you.  Just come back. You are loved.

 Jesus looked hard at them and said, “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it.” Matthew 19:26 The Message

THE LORD IS GOOD, EVEN WHEN IT HURTS

The Lord is so good to me, personally now and always. He always sends an encourager, even if it is just someone I know in a crowd. When I was in the midst of a painful interaction today, I saw sweet Sarah Sheppard and knew the Lord had her at that spot.

Then I accidently sent an update email to a friend and it went to another person who I probably wouldn’t have bothered. The love and wisdom she poured forth to me SO helped me through the day. Thanks Cole Churchill Harris. Shellye,(Machelle Lund-v) Charlotte, Jeannie, Pam, Shonda, Leslie, Jane and all my prayer warriors, too many to name, thanks and I love y’all.

The Lord has always had someone there to hold my arms up as with Moses throughout all the years of pain.
From an old blog: Words and Scriptures to hold on to today! 

I have been thinking about this scripture for days and wanted to share a bit about what it means to me and my hopes for the Somebody's Mother Online Prayer Support Group.

Before Somebody’s Mother prayer group for over 20 years Anita Smith, Ginny Long, Nancy Cox and the women from the Winning Women Bible study group held my hands up as they prayed with me and for my family. Many have been the trials and hard times along the way but I always knew they were praying and it was what kept me going. As we pray for one another each day, know we are helping a sister or brother win battles that they could not win alone. The battle is the Lord's my friend, and they will be won by him in His time. Never give up!

Joshua obeyed Moses and went to fight the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held his hands up, the Israelites would win the fight, but when Moses put his hands down, the Amalekites would win. Later, when Moses' arms became tired, the men put a large rock under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held up Moses' hands—Aaron on one side and Hur on the other. They kept his hands steady until the sun went down. So Joshua defeated the Amalekites in this battle. Exodus 17:10-13 New Century Version (NCV) 

I'm inserting a paraphrase here: So, Somebody's Mother Online Prayer Support Group defeated the enemy in this battle on earth called life.
Deuteronomy 1:29-31
Then I said to you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them.
The Lord your God Who goes before you, He will fight for you just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes,
And in the wilderness, where you have seen how the Lord your God bore you, as a man carries his son, in all the way that you went until you came to this place.
And you shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. (of the Spirit, I'm inserting here)
Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall before you by the sword (of the Spirit and Word of faith through prayer). Leviticus 26:7-8,
These are words and Scriptures to hold on to today!
The Lord is good, even when it hurts, even when we weep. He is keeping those prayers and tears in His bowls in heaven.

PS My sixteen-year-old grandson, Isaiah Hix has been missing for two weeks now. He is about 5'9" with red hair and about 120 pounds.