Hello sweets!!
How are you?
Thank you for the lovely message. You are such a blessing! I am soo glad that you are doing well. Im doing ok too. The kids arent sick so that is great!! That takes alot of stress off me. I really suck at being a friend to you. I should be online more so that I can see you more often, but Im sorry..I have been soo occupied with life, but its all good. IM learning to be content, and I stress learning!! Contentment is soo important in my walk with Christ. Otherwise I just get in the way. I dont know exactly what He is doing, but that is alright. His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways. Amen? I just need to stay focused, keep in the word and in fellowship. How is your husband doing? Kids? My son will be in preschool soon and I dont know whether to do homeschool or not. Hmmmm it is a dilema for me. Gee, its hard for me to learn,let alone teach someone else. But then again, he is really little so I have some time to see if it is right for me. Well I have to run. I am going to a playgroup. My kids will be praising God because they are getting out of the house!! I hope to see you on here later because we can chat now!! Yay!!
Love you,
Paige

Hi Charlene, the doctor believes I have had gastroenteritis. I need to go back there next Wednesday for more blood tests. there were a couple of things she found in the tests she had taken today that weren't so good.
I would appreciate your prayer. love, Darlene

Thanks Charlene, for reminding me that our words need to show our faith. I know that isn't the way you said it, but it's close to what you said.
I truly will let you know more after next Wednesday.
Thanks again for your prayers. That's very kind of you!! love, Darlene

Hello girl,
Miss you....How are you??

I thought of something else I want to tell you. When I'm sick or not feeling real well, it's too easy to say something I end up regretting. Your words earlier today helped me remember to watch what I say. Thank you my dear! love, Darlene

Hello, Charlene!!
How are you doing? Any big plans for the weekend?? What things do you and the kids do for fun out there?? I hate to say this, but we dont get out much. I get out more during the week more than I do on the weekend. I remember the good ole days when I couldnt wait for the weekend cuz I was going out to the party!! I was outa there! I always had a boyfriend back in the day too, so always cruisin the main strip in the lowrider listening to Tone Loc and Easy E, and 2 live crew...or and I always liked LL cool J..hee hee. I could go on and on naming who I used to listen to, but Id take up your whole page!!! That was before Christ of course. Sometimes I listen to it just to laugh and go back, but I love the fact that there is Christian rap. I think it is soo cool.
Anyway, Tell me what is up in your life, I love you and remember how loved you are by God.
Paige

How are you Charlene? I have not talk to you in a while.You and your husband look like a happy family your very bless my sister.I glad to be your friend my sister stay bless.

hello.

Hello friend,
Just checking in on you. How are you?? God Bless you! Im wondering what is going on in your life?? How are the babies!!? I tried to instant message you today because I saw you online, but I guess you didnt see me. Hopefully we will connect soon. We have alot to catch up on!
You are loved and blessed in the beloved!!
Paige

Hi Charlene, I told you I'd let you know how the test I had done today turned out. My doctor said I need to see a urologist so I have an appointment for this coming Tuesday. My sugar level is real good! Thanks again for your prayers.

I've been feeling pretty good Charlene and thanks for asking.
I see that you, Sunny and I are all friends. That's nice!!!
I'll let you know what the doctor says Tuesday.
Bye for now with a big hug, Darlene

Hello honey!!!
I miss you! Whats up???
Sorry, I havent been ignoring you. You are always on my heart! No joke,
How are things? What has God been doing this week for you> Anything I can pray for for you? Please pray that God will intervene in my marriage and help us love each other again. There has been too much strife in this home IM sorry to say. There needs to be a change of heart in me and my husband. Id like to not have soo much tension in my house. Thank you for your prayers. I love you and hope you are doing good.
Paige

Hello Charlene!
Blessing to you!
Lord, I lift up my sister Charlene today. That she will be strengthened in power and wisdom as she continues to walk in faith. her faith is a blessing to us all. Thank you for sending her here to fellowship. Her fire for you is addicting and you like that kind of addiction!! God, in times that we may stumble,fail,or get frustrated with ourselves or others, please have mercy on us and forgive us so that we can get up again and walk couragiously with you again. Thank you Lord that you have made glorious promises to us that we can count on when the world is soo full of chaos. We cry out to you to come get us Lord! Bring us home!! Iin Jesus name, amen.
Love you girl, and lets chat sometime. Ok???
Paige

Hi Charlene, I saw a urologist today and he has scheduled an xray of my bladder for this coming Friday. It will take about 45 minutes to an hour for this xray to be finished. Thank you for praying. May the Lord, our God bless you lots! love, Darlene

hello sweets!
Blessings in Him!
How are you doing??? I am soo glad that you are hanging out here alot. I took a break for a while,but now Im back. You know how that is sometimes where you just need to be with the Lord alone for a while? Well, I did and I feel filled. (for the time being) God is faithful, and I should know that even when I think he isnt. I should just KNOW by FAITH that He is there and quit questioning Him. He is really teaching me alot about discernment and boundaries. and I think that Im trying to do that with AAG. I get hooked and I end up staying here online for hours and neglect my babies. I love it here, and I miss all of you, but I easily get soo addicted to hanging out here that before I know it, its ready to go to bed and I havent spent any quality time with them.
So, speaking of babies, how are yous? I really have been stressing out about what to do about school for my son. He has to go to school soon and I dont know if I should go public or not. Oooh Im having trouble. Oh well.
Let me know how things are going with you. How is the husband??
Talk to you later
Paige

hello again,
Checking in again,
I see you online alot and try to get you, but you are WAY too busy gabbing!!! lol. Hey, it sucks to be a popular Chrisitan like yourself,right?..lol. Hey, Id say you are pretty loved around here!
So, what up??? How is church and the kids, and the hubby??? We are doing good. I can see the Lord is really trying to show me a few things that I needd to change and people I need to forgive, but BOY, its hard! I know that Im still fleshly when it comes to forgiving!!!! I aint perfect!!!!! That is for sure. My mother is really bothering me, and now my brother is having issues. I know that it is biblical that families will come against eachother in the end times, but it still sucks!!!! Know what I mean??? Oh well, that is life. I guess if we got to walk by faith, we gotta walk by faith!!!,,lol!!!
My kids are just getting over colds and I think I am too. Its soo cold out here and there is soo much snow! I hate being all couped up in the house, but, what can I do? I dont want to turn my kids into popsicles!!! So, IM praying that the spring comes quickly!!
Well, I hope you ahve a great day, and a good night. Hopefully we can chat sometime!!!!
my email address too is pm.design@comcast.net
Paige

Hi There. Long time no talk. Droppin in to say hi and Asking God to Bless your weekend. May you find lots of Favor!!!! God Bless yah! Check up on me sometimes, LOL!

i am visiting one more time, to learn more about you Charlene. nice music you have here, is this rap music? so you have two kids now and preparing for your big wedding. hope you get what you wish for.

Your Boys are so cute!
God bless them

I am so sorry lol!! she is too cute

Charlene, you sure are a sweet lady! Thanks for that prayer.
I've been pretty sick and now my husband has the same thing. The Lord has taught me things in this sickness that I may not have learned any other way so this is good. There's a verse that has helped me in the past. I don't know where it is but it's something like this..the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in you.
That's a great verse for those going through tough times.
I'll be seeing the urologist tomorrow to find out the results of the xrays. One day at a time is plenty for me. love ya, Darlene
PS I've also had lots of time to rest.

Hi Charlene, it's me again!! I'm curious. How old were you when you came to know Jesus as your Savior?
I was 37. I'm 71 now so I've known Him personally for 34 years.
The first 15 years I had some emotional problems that grew worse over time, but the Lord provided me with a good counselor in 1989. He has shown me mercy when I thought I was too hard for even Him to fix. Then I found Jeremiah 32:17..and after I read it I thought, "even me". I clung to that verse through some difficult times. God's word is true! Even when we don't sense His nearness, we know He is near because He has said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.
Thanks again for caring about me. love, Darlene

I live here all mylife.I lived a very rebellous life when I was younger It was hard On my Family and myself I was a very depressed child people made me feel like an outcast.I didn't feel loved as a child so I rebeled

Hi, if I had to depend on how obedient I've been since knowing the Lord, there would be no way I'd be in heaven when I die. There's a song that comes to mind, "Jesus paid it all". He really did. He said, "it is finished".
One problem I had concerning the Lord was, I was frightened of His will...what would He'd want me to do? I told my counselor this and she told me something that helped me with this sooo much! She said she believes God's will is tailor made for each one of us. It fits us cause it was made just for us..His plan is just right for you and it's just right for me.
Even when I make a mistake or have turned away from the Lord, He is still able to work it all together for good.
I've prayed that one day you would be be shocked by how much He loves you.
I love you and I don't even know you...but I kinda know your heart. He created you. In Proverbs someplace it says He has infinite understanding. I need to count on that.
This counselor also suggested that I read a chapter every day in my Bible. This has been good for me even though there are days when I just barely read the words, it still helps.
Keep on keeping on honey, one day at a time. love, Darlene

Hi Charlene!! I didn't go to the urologist today cause I really didn't feel up to it, plus I thought they could call me back and give me the results of those xrays on the phone. The nurse called me back and....yippee!! I have no kidney stones or masses of any kind!! She said the doctor might do another urine specimin now or there are other tests he might decide to do.
I'll be seeing him either this coming Thursday, (if I feel well enough) or the following Thursday.
Needless to say, I am relieved. PTL!! love ya, Darlene

Hi Charlene, I copied this. I think it's good. I hope it helps you.
With a big hug, Darlene

The Lord's Way
This devotional was written by Jim Grams

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, this is the way; walk in it. —Isaiah 30:21

Isaiah spoke those words to the people of Zion a long, long time ago. Long before the world could even dream about Global Positioning Systems. I was riding with a friend awhile back who had a GPS in his car. I heard a stranger’s voice telling us to get ready to turn right, then left and then telling us we had arrived at our destination. If my grandfather could have slipped out of heaven and joined us in that car, he would have said, “God is telling us where to go!”

God the Holy Spirit is our spiritual GPS. He is the voice behind us that says, “This is the way, walk in it.” The Living Bible says it this way…“And if you leave God’s paths and go astray, you will hear a Voice behind you say, No, this is the way; walk here.”

It is so easy to leave God’s paths. The distractions and attractions are everywhere, calling us to leave His paths. I prayed with a teenager recently that had strayed from the right way and she had lost her way. But that Voice was speaking, she listened, and God, in His love, was present to give her direction. Our God is awesome!

God is always ready to give us directions. He longs for us to tune in to His voice and allow Him to direct us, and to show us the paths of joy and victory. Our Heavenly Father never makes a mistake…He never says, “Sorry, I was wrong. Go back a block and turn left.” Never! It is an incredible thing to hear God say, “This is the way; walk in it.” God wants to help us walk His paths!


GOING DEEPER:
1. Be sure your Spiritual GPS is turned on, that your desire is follow God’s direction.

2. Learn to listen with your heart.

3. Ask God right now if He has a new direction for you.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 25:4-5; Psalm 119:105

Jim Grams lives in Glen Ivy, California where he divides his time in ministry as an Associate Pastor and with HAVEN Ministries.

Hi Charlene, if you'd like I can send you one of those every day.

I do appreciate you being willing to write to me. love ya, me

Hi Charlene, here's todays!! It's so easy for me to miss the moment I'm in by looking back too much or looking too far forward.
For my special friend, Charlene.........love, Darlene

Missing the Moment
This devotional was written by Robin Dugall

Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.—Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT)

One morning recently, I began to think about all the stuff that I had to do...the classes to prepare; the talks for the upcoming youth conference I would be speaking at; the projects around the house; the storage unit to organize; and about co-workers to supervise and encourage. Looking over my “to-do” list, I found my heart starting to race and it was only 5:45 in the morning.

I've always been a person who was primarily driven by the horizon: the dreams, visions and hopes of upcoming days where the promise of newness and transformation lie. It has been my passion to be emerging into the life that God wants me to ultimately live; however, the problem with this is that I miss the moments where God is actually attempting to grab my attention. So many times Jesus had to say, "if only you had eyes to see and ears to hear." I've wondered about those words for hours. I understand that Jesus is fully present and that He is trying to call me into participation with Him and His Kingdom. What I have missed, or better yet, ignored, is that Jesus is pulling me into this moment.

God is looking for me to put my hope and trust in Him today. ALL day long, not just tomorrow or when I’m in need of Him. He's challenging me to see all the moments of my life as being filled with meaning. Each moment is filled with the presence of God, but I'm so stuck on vision and dreams that I skim right by them. As a result, I’ve decided to start my days differently. I’m going to start each day by praying, asking God to give me a clear understanding of each moment. I’ll still plan and dream about the future, of course, but I’m going to concentrate more on each moment, as well! How about you? If you find that you’re like me – prone to overlook the moment in order to get to the future – I invite you to join me in this daily prayer!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about the day you lived yesterday: Is it possible you missed God moving or speaking to you? How did He try to grab your attention?

2. Why is it that you run so fast in your life? What are you trying to prove? What do you think God would say about that? Take a moment or two and talk to the Lord about your feelings.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 25; Psalm 4; Genesis 2:1-3; Matthew 14:13-14

Good morning! It's raining here this morning. As gloomy as it is, it's easy to get gloomy myself. I need to remember that this rain will help the flowers grow. love, Darlene

Here's today's....

The Body
This devotional was written by Leslie Snyder

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another –and all the more as you see the Day approaching. —Hebrews 10: 24-25

One Sunday morning, a woman went in to wake her husband and tell him it was time to get ready for church, to which he replied, "I'm not going." "Why not?" she asked. I'll give you two good reasons," he said. "One, they don't like me, and, two, I don't like them."

His wife replied, "I'll give you two good reasons why you should go to church. One, you're 45 years old, and, two…you're the pastor!"

Variations of this story have circulated around the Internet for a few years. While the story is a bit comical the underlying truth is as equally sad. Many people choose not to be a part of the Church. Their reasons vary. Some had a bad experience in their childhood; some see the Church as hypocritical; while others feel like they already did their time in church as children and now believe they have earned time out, like being paroled for good behavior.

The truth is, as believers, we need each other and we need the Church. No one is meant to live life or to worship God in isolation. Instead, we are created to come together in community. You may argue, “Can’t you experience God on your own, without going to church?” Because God is continuously revealing himself throughout creation, His Word, and His people each and every day, the answer is yes. However, we are called to be part of the Body of Christ and without each and every person, the Body is incomplete.

In the Western world where individualism is highly valued, the idea of dependence on one another can be seen as a weakness, a flaw in our character. But in the Kingdom of God, the opposite is true. We are one. And, unlike a job with a comfortable retirement package to enjoy once you have “done your time,” our time as members of the body of Christ is eternal.

Our church once sent out an invitation in December that said, “Come Home for the Holidays.” It’s time to RSVP.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is regular church attendance part of your life? If not, take some time to find a Bible-believing church where you can find true fellowship.

2. If you do attend church regularly, invite some neighbors, coworkers, or other family members to come with you.

FURTHER READING:
1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Acts 2: 42-47

Hi Charlene, a pastor's wife told me many years ago that she uses the idea "when in doubt, don't". I know we shouldn't use this as an excuse to not do something we really know we need to do but it's helped me during those times when I wasn't sure whether to do something or not.
I don't know (for sure) if this would always be the best thing to do but it has helped me. Asking the Lord for guidence is the best idea I know of!
Those devotion things might not always "hit the mark" for us but so far they seem pretty good. And maybe we can pass on something we get from them. love, Darlene

Good morning!! I hope you have a super nice day today. Sometimes what I choose to do makes a difference.
Here's todays........

Longing for Home
This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.—Philippians 3:20-21 (NIV)

You’ve probably seen pictures or video of the “Great Blackout of 2003”. On August 14, millions of people throughout the Midwest and the Northeast suddenly lost all electricity. One picture that is fixed in my mind is that of thousands of people walking across a bridge in New York City on their way home.

My wife, Jenny, has a friend who was part of that crowd. It took her friend four hours to walk home. By the time she arrived, she only had a couple of hours at home, before starting her trek to walk back into Manhattan. My wife asked, “Why didn’t you stay downtown instead of walking a total of 8 hours – just so you could be home for 2 hours?” The woman’s reply was, “I just wanted to get to my home.” In times of crisis, it’s natural to want to go home.

Reflecting on this, I am reminded that as followers of Christ, this world is not our home. Our real home (and our real life) awaits us in heaven, beyond the curtain of this life. Yet, I don’t find myself yearning to get to my real home. Do you? Perhaps it’s the fact that familiarity of this life, of this existence, breeds complacency. Perhaps it’s the fact that I’m afraid of the unknown. Ultimately, I’m not sure why I lack this longing.

What I am sure of – and what we all need a reminder of – is that our future home is glorious and more real than anything we’ve experienced here in this life. This life is somewhat like an athlete’s warm-up before the game. Athletes go through the motions, running through techniques and plays in order to get ready for the real deal. So too, God is using our experiences in this life to prepare us for what lies ahead in the next.

Perhaps greatest of all, in our new home we will experience God’s presence in a way that we cannot experience now. We will see Him face to face (1 Cor.13:9-12). We will be present with Him without the barriers of this life that only allow us to gain glimpses of His glory. The best is yet to come!

The next time you face a crisis, remember to keep perspective. This is not all there is. And let it, at least for a moment, create a longing for your real home. It will be good for your soul.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What gives you the most anxiety when you think about trading in this world for the next?

2. What are you most looking forward to experiencing in heaven?

3. What issues or circumstances in this life get in your way of longing for heaven?

FURTHER READING:
John 14:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; 1 Peter 1:4-5; 1 John 3:2

Charlene, I was just reading in John this morning. I think I was reading the 14th chapter where Jesus said I go to prepare a place for you. How about that?
You and I will meet someday!!

Hi Charlene, they didn't send me a devotional today. That's why I didn't send one to you. I guess they don't send them on weekends. I just thought you might be wondering.
Thanks for being my "pen pal". That's what we used to call someone we wrote to...a pen pal. love, Darlene

Hi Charlene, I'm so glad you wrote to me!! I have only been at the computer for ten minutes and there you were!!!
The only time I come to allaboutGod is when I get a note of some sort. I don't even remember my password!! I guess I could try a few that I've used but I haven't needed to. I'm sorry I didn't try those yesterday cause I wanted to send you yesterday's "mail".
I'm glad to hear about your family! It is so neat when we can actually "see" the Lord is at work, especially in our family!
I'm doin lots better than I was for sure!
Here's today's "mail"...lol love you, Darlene

I forgot to give you the "mail"!! I guess I'm gettin old. I like to say "older", not old. The truth hurts sometimes!! I'm being silly, cause I know I'm 71 now and that's prettty old.
Here's the "mail" I forgot to give you.


O Lord, You're Beautiful
This devotional was written by Jim Burns

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise. Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever!"
—Revelation 7:11-13

Keith Green will go down in history as one of the great Christian songwriters of our time. In the 1980s he died in a plane crash at the height of his popularity as a Christian musician. His music will last forever. My favorite song of his is the one below. If you know the tune, sing it to God today. If you don't know the tune, read these incredible words. They are my daily prayer.

O Lord, you're beautiful, Your face is all I seek. For when your eyes are on this child, Your grace abounds to me. O Lord you're merciful, Your love is all I need. And when your love is on this child, It's forgiveness I receive. O Lord please light the fire, That once burned bright and clear. Renew the lamp of my first love, That burned with holy fear.


GOING DEEPER:
1. Take a few moments to tell God why he is beautiful in your life.

2. Why do you think the power of praise is such a positive release of our spirit?

PSALM OF PRAISE:
I have asked the LORD for one thing, one thing only do I want: to live in the LORD's house all my life, to marvel there at his goodness, and to ask for his guidance. Psalm 27:4

Bye Charlene, till next time.

Hi Charlene, I just found this and I like it. I thought you might like too.

hello Charlene. thanks for the wonderful words of God you had sent to me. Though I am not the kind that memorizing the verse, but I really love what Jesus taught us to be especially about love, faith, forgiving, and to love our enemy. How great & love is our God.
May we all we continue to grow in faith together. God bless.
love, sister in Christ,
Dette.

Hi Charlene, I hope you're having a nice Wednesday so far.
This is yesterdays devotional thing. I'm a day late but this way I'll be able to send one to you on Saturday.
If anything happens that I don't send one just figure I got really busy or we went someplace or my computer broke down. I do intend to send these to you when I'm able. love ya, me

Twisting the Truth
This devotional was written by Leslie Snyder

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.—Matthew 4:1

Our eyes often play tricks on us. Recently, my daughter was looking through a bag of candy and burst out in elation when she pulled out a “Health” bar. That’s right, a “Health” bar. She was so excited that candy could be healthy that she was ready to consume it in an instant. Of course, the truth was that it was really a Heath bar, a chocolate-covered toffee treat. Although I’m sure the makers of the candy would love for consumers to believe the treat was in fact, healthy, the truth was just the opposite.

In Matthew 4, we see Jesus handle this type of deception. After forty days of fasting and solitude in the wilderness, Satan arrives to tempt Him with three very basic desires: food, material possessions and power.

Knowing that Jesus was hungry, Satan suggested, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” I can only imagine that Jesus was actually insulted by this. Of course, He could command the stones to turn into bread! I’m sure He had already thought of more creative ways to feed Himself. But His answer came directly from Scripture. “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Deuteronomy 8:3)

The second invitation came after Satan took Jesus to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple. Eugene Peterson’s Bible paraphrase, The Message, reads, “The Devil goaded him by quoting Psalm 91: ‘He has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you so that you won’t so much as stub your toe on a stone.’” I love what follows. Jesus again quotes directly from Deuteronomy, “Don’t you dare test the Lord your God.”

The last temptation gave Jesus the offer of material wealth and power if, and only if, He would bow down and worship Satan. Jesus curtly replied, “Away from me Satan! For it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only!’”

Satan is described throughout Scripture as the Deceiver, that crafty old serpent, and the Father of Lies who comes only to steal, kill and destroy. What is our best weapon to fight against him? It is the Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…” The catch is that we must know it to be able to use it.

Today, when the opportunity to believe a twisted truth presents itself, look again. It may not really be as “healthy” as it looks.

GOING DEEPER:
Temptation is all around us. When you are tempted, how often do you use the Word of God as your defense?

FURTHER READING:
1 Corinthians 10:13; Ephesians 6: 10-18

Hi, are you ok Charlene? You're probably a busy young lady. I remember those days!! I still have some days like that. This morning was busy for me. I saw the urologist and then after that we went to visit a couple we're friends with. We just got home a little while ago! Whew! We're both pooped and we'll be sitting back in our recliners real soon to take our naps!

I don't just give these to you to read. I read them too. This one speaks to me for sure.

Here it is.......

What Fruit Are You Growing?
This devotional was written by Robin Dugall

Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down. Why should it be wasting the soil?’ He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
—Luke 13:6-9

According to Jesus, there is only one way to see if something is alive – check its fruit. I don’t know where we got this misconception, but many of us really don’t expect much to happen in our lives as Christ-followers. We “signed up” for a relationship with God. We said “yes” to Jesus, but for many of us, we expected that would be the end of the deal. We would receive forgiveness of our sins and a ticket to heaven when we die, but anything beyond that was not part of our plan. Unfortunately, the Bible is clear: Not only does Jesus want to give us the promise of heaven and spiritual blessing, He wants to get involved in our lives. He wants to plant something within us that is going to take root and begin to change the way we live, impacting the actions, decisions and character of our lives. In other words, Jesus expects to see something grow within us as a result of His presence in our lives.

If you garden or are in the habit of planting things, you know that once you plant something, you expect it to grow. In fact, you expect a specific plant or fruit to come from your hard work. If you plant corn, you expect to see corn eventually. If you plant tomatoes, you expect to see tomatoes within a few months. That’s natural. Things that are alive grow and produce fruit. If your planting yielded nothing or something different than you expected, you would take decisive action. It is the same way with spiritual fruit. Jesus expects that once His Spirit has taken root in our lives, fruit will be developing and growing. Remember, things that are alive, grow! If the fruit of the Lord – traits such as love, joy and peace – are growing in you life day-by-day and year-by-year, something good is going on! If not, something is wrong. And according to Jesus’ parable quoted above, things are going to have to change! To fail to produce fruit is to fail to provide the people around you a witness to the presence of God in the world. Do you know you have huge fruit-bearing potential? You do! Once you believe this and allow God to do His gardening work in your life, slowly, but surely, you will see your life bear a steady crop of spiritual fruit.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How is God’s fruit growing in you? Do you see it? Do others see it?

2. What is preventing the Lord’s fruit from being more alive in your life? Ask Jesus to give you insight on those things in you that are resisting growth. Ask the Lord for a “huge” harvest of goodness and faithfulness in you this year.

FURTHER READING:
Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 5:3-16; Exodus 20:1-21; Matthew 7:17-20

It's very sad and it's a hard job too when babies are sick. I think it's especially hard for the mommy. I'm sure your heart goes out to the little one but at the same time it's not easy taking care of a sick baby. Please don't forget to take care of yourself when you can.
I remember many, many years ago when my kids were little. Don, the four kids and I all were either vomiting or had dirrarea or both. Don is wonderful at times, BUT when it comes to cleaning up this kind of mess he just can't. So, that left me! That was tough. Necessary but tough.
Take care. I'll send tomorrow's "mail" a bit later in the day. I'll probably be home by about 4:00. love, Darlene

I got this in an e-mail today and thought you might like it. I'll send the devotion a little later. I'm gonna take a nap now. love, Darlene
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Faith is the time when it feels as if we are walking in hip boots
knee deep through mud, when the fog is so thick you cannot see a step in front of you. as unsure as you may feel you are taking life one step and a time.

Today I know that it does not matter if I can't see the end of the road. I have faith and trust that I am walking in the right direction and that I am being guided along the way.

I found it right now, so here it is!

Choosing Faithfulness
This devotional was written by Robin Dugall

But Daniel made up his mind not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king.
— Daniel 1:8 (NLT)

I heard a pastor preach a message a few years ago that stuck with me. Several things he said during that half an hour have burrowed their way deep into my soul and have actually made a difference in how I live. He said something that is very dangerous for anyone to say. He told us to repeat these words after him,

“There’s not enough time to get it all done.”

Time management books, seminarists, even your co-workers and friends probably communicate a different message, namely, that there IS enough time to get it all done and the reason you can’t seem to make it work for you is that you are doing the wrong things. I have spent my entire life on a search for how to make all of life work. I want to be the best at everything that I do. If I’m not hitting on all cylinders, I feel defeated. I’ve been on a search for how to make life work because I’ve firmly believed that I had to get it all done. Do you ever feel this way? I have come to realize that it is just not possible – and that’s okay.

In the book of Daniel in the Old Testament, there is a story in the opening chapter that addresses these concerns. The story tells us of four young men who have had their entire lives turned upside down. They have been taken from their home, they are in exile in Babylon and they are having a new lifestyle forced on them. They’ve had their names changed and their whole lives upset by new standards and expectations. In the middle of the first chapter, Daniel has to make a choice about eating the king’s food. Amidst all the pressure to succumb to a long list of new expectations, the story tells us that Daniel chose to say “no more.” In doing so, he chose faithfulness to God and was blessed in the process.

Now, you and I face similar situations daily, not with food from the king’s table, but with our time. You and I have to decide daily who or what is going to be cheated and who or what is going to get our attention. The choices that you will make today will either bring you in line with the life and will of God, drawing you closer to His purposes or they will move you further from Him. I urge you, choose faithfulness to God. Invest in the choices that fulfill God’s purposes in you. And, for the rest, join Daniel in saying, “no more.” These are hard decisions to make, to be sure, but you, like Daniel, will find yourself blessed.

This one really speaks to me!! love you, me



GOING DEEPER:
1. What is the pace of your life lately? What are those things that are constantly looking for your attention? How do you feel about those things?

2. Is your pace of life drawing you closer to God or pulling you away from Him? To what can you say “no more”? How will you act on that today?

FURTHER READING:
Daniel 1; Mark 10:17-31; Hebrews 4:13

HAVE A GIGGLE FOR A CHANGE.

A lesson to be learned From typing the wrong email address!!!!

A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida to thaw out during a particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel where They spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier. Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. So, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday, with his wife flying down the following day.



The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an email to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her email address, and without realizing his error, sent the email.


Meanwhile, somewhere in Houston, a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. He had been a minister who was called home to glory following a heart attack. The widow decided to check her email, expecting messages from relatives and friends.


After reading the first message, she screamed and fainted. Her son rushed into the room, found his mother on the Floor, and saw the computer screen which read:

To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've Arrived
Date: October 16, 2005

I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here
now and you are allowed to send emails to your loved ones. I've just
arrived and have been checked in.
I've seen that everything has been
prepared for your arrival tomorrow.
Looking forward to seeing you then!!!!
Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was.

P.S. Sure is hot down here!!!!

i got this from the AAG forum.

about what Felix written down there. i'd read that too. sent by a friend of mine as a kind of jokes. funny. hehe..;-)

Hi Charlene. It's been raining here most of the day. It sure does affect my mood. I wish it wouldn't but it does. I try to remind myself that plants and flowers need the rain.
Here's today's "mail".....

Labyrinth
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

Be still, and know that I am God! I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. — Psalm 46:10

Prayer labyrinths have long been utilized world wide. These mazes do not offer dead ends, wrong turns, or endless complications. In fact, prayer labyrinths are designed to help those walking through them focus their minds and reflect on their own lives.

The labyrinth at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco has three stages. The first is purgation or releasing. As you enter the labyrinth the hope is that the details and distractions of life will be released and your heart and mind becomes open to God. The second stage is illumination or receiving. The center of the labyrinth is a place for prayer and meditation, a chance to hear the Word of God. The third and final stage is union, the act of returning to God with new empowerment and understanding.

The Psalmist in chapter 46 writes of the chaos and noise that surrounds him. This does not feel so far off from the world we live in today. It is so important to take time to release the pressures, chaos, fears and noise that can haunt and paralyze us. A part of being able to live in hope and confidence and hearing God’s voice is meditating on the power, greatness, and infinite wonders of God.

This world never shuts down. How can you take time to step out of the clutter and be still?

GOING DEEPER:
1. Why can it be difficult to be still?

2. What happens in your life when you get caught in the chaos? Take five minutes right now to be still, to be in awe of your creator.

FURTHER READING:
Deuteronomy 10:12-22; Psalm 77:11-20; Matthew 17:5

This is super for me!!!!!!! How about you Charlene? Wow!
love, Darlene

Hi Charlene, here's your "mail". lol
Some of these sure have been good!! This one is super good!! love ya, me

Attempting the Impossible
This devotional was written by Jim Burns

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." — Matthew 14:25-33

In this story Peter's lack of faith forced him to sink so that Jesus had to save him, but Peter is to be commended for stepping out of the boat and attempting to walk on the water. You'll notice the other disciples were not exactly fighting to join Peter! Living by faith sometimes means stepping out into the unknown and depending on God to carry us through.

I'm afraid that too many times I never step out of the boat, and in my comfortable lifestyle I miss out on the fullness of God. People who walk by faith aren't afraid to attempt the impossible. I hope you are a person who places your life in the hands of God and walks on the side of the impossible.

This statement by Dr. Carl Bates reminds me to keep away from the comfortable and attempt something greater than my ability:

There came a time in my life when I earnestly prayed, "God I want Your power!" Time wore on and the power did not come. One day the burden was more than I could bear. '"God, why haven't You answered that prayer?" God seemed to whisper back His simple reply, "With plans no bigger than yours, you don't need My power."*

GOING DEEPER:
1. How does today’s Bible passage challenge you to step out in faith?

2. Are you willing to be included among those who step out in faith and depend on the power of God?

FURTHER READING:
Daniel 10:12