Prayers urgently needed!

This was the scene last night at a wildfire that is burning very close to where we live. Yesterday, one day after Yavapai County ordered no burning whatsoever up here in northern Arizona, this wildfire broke out in Prescott, which is adjacent to where we live in Chino Valley. The Doce fire (aka Dosie fire) as it is called is about 20 miles to the southeast of us. All afternoon and evening we could clearly see the immense clouds of smoke from our front windows.

Although Rick and I and our neighbors and friends are not in immediate danger, we live in a very windy area. That wind made the fire spread quickly, which caused many mandatory evacuations yesterday. Right now it is very calm outside but the pattern for months has shown that the wind will kick up soon and continue throughout the day. The report this morning is that about 5000 acres have been burned so far.

Please pray for all the firefighters who are trying to contain this fire and for the emergency personnel who have been called to treat any injuries. Also, pray that there are no personal injuries or worse from this fire.

The Red Cross in Prescott has set up a shelter for evacuees, and since this is also horse country, they have also set up a shelter for their horses.

You can read more about the Doce fire and view more photos at:

http://prescottenews.com/index.php/news/current-news/item/21840-doce-fire-continues-to-spread-more-evacuations#axzz2WfiWowRb

Thank you for all your prayers! I’ll keep you updated as I learn more.

NCIS tidbits

Time to share another little tidbit about myself!

There are not many TV shows I like a lot but NCIS tops my short list. My sweet hubby doesn’t appreciate it as much as I do but he often joins me in watching it, bless his heart.

I guess what I enjoy the most about this show is the way the cast works so well together to make us believe they are actually the characters whose parts they are playing. In case you haven’t ever seen the show, NCIS stands for Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The series started as Navy NCIS but the name was shortened to NCIS in the third season, which makes perfect sense because having “Navy” in the title actually made it redundant: Navy Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Huh? Great move on the name change, CBS!

The outstanding cast:

• Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Special Agent in Charge, and head of the team)

• Michael Weatherly as Anthony DiNozzo (Senior Special Agent)

• Sean Murray as Timothy McGee (Special Agent)

• Cote de Pablo as Ziva David (Special Agent)

• David McCallum as Donald “Ducky” Mallard (Chief Medical Examiner)

• Brian Dietzen as Jimmy Palmer (Medical Examiner’s Assistant)

• Pauley Perrette as Abby Sciuto (Forensic Specialist)

• Rocky Carroll as Leon Vance (Agency Director)

I appreciate all the cast members but my favorites are Mark Harmon as forever Marine Leroy Gethro Gibbs (you really don’t want to be on the other end of a Gibbs head slap!) and Pauley Perrette as the tough/sweet forensic specialist who loves her team to pieces and does everything she can to decipher the sometimes impossible evidence.

Jimmy, Ducky & Abby in the Lab

Ducky, Gibbs & Jimmy in Autopsy

McGee & Gibbs in Afghanistan

DiNozzo, Ziva, Gibbs, McGee & Ducky at a crime scene

DiNozzo, McGee & Gibbs

NCIS  just finished its tenth season, and the season finale’s “Damned If You Do” episode is probably my favorite one. Click on the link below to watch the entire episode.

http://www.cbs.com/shows/ncis/video/E07A268A-9273-5DC4-C6CF-9CD5BD97D3C7/ncis-damned-if-you-do/

I can’t wait to see what season 11 holds!

…

So, how about you? Do any of you watch NCIS? If so, which are your favorite characters?

Mighty to Save

Happy Sunday!

If you haven’t yet heard the song, “Mighty to Save,” you will really be blessed by this today. The lyrics are wonderful and Michael W. Smith’s rendition is my favorite. Please enjoy this video of Michael W. Smith’s “A New Hallelujah” version of this from one of his concerts.

Here are the lyrics in case you have trouble viewing the video:

Mighty To Save

by Michael W. Smith

Faith is rising tonight
Faith is rising tonight
Faith is rising tonight

Everyone needs compassion, a love that’s never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness, the kindness of a savior
The hope of nations, yeah, everyone

Savior, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save
Forever author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave, yeah

So take me as You find me, all my fears and failures
And fill my life again
I give my life to follow everything I believe in
Now I surrender, now I surrender

Savior, savior, He can move the mountains
Our God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save
Forever author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave

Savior, savior, He can move the mountains
Our God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save
Forever author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave

Shine Your light, shine Your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing for the glory of the risen King
Jesus shine Your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing for the glory of the risen King

Savior, savior, He can move the mountains
Our God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save
Forever author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave

Savior, savior, He can move the mountains
Our God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save
Forever author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave

Shine Your light, shine Your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing for the glory of the risen King
Jesus shine Your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing for the glory of the risen King

Shine Your light, shine Your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing for the glory of the risen King
Jesus shine Your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing for the glory of the risen King

A lot to celebrate tonight

Shine Your light, shine Your light on me, shine Your light on me
Shine Your light on me, shine Your light on me
Shine Your light, shine Your light on me, shine Your light on me
Shine Your light on me, shine Your light on me

And all God’s people said… AMEN!

Happy Father’s Day!

Thought I’d share last year’s post about Father’s Day again…

Happy Father’s Day to all you fathers, dads, papas, pops… We love you!

Here are a few photos of my Dad:

Left to right: Dad, Kathy, Denise, Alan, me, Rick

Dad & me

Me & my sisters with Dad

Unafraid … Strong … Courageous

…I 

I am utterly thankful that the Lord my God will be with me wherever I go. How about you, Beloved?

…

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. —Joshua 1:9

God of Angel Armies [Reblog from Faithrises]

I love sharing posts from blogs I follow and today one hit me right between the eyes because the lyrics to this song keep running through my mind lately. This one from Faith at Faithrises: Discussions on faith and perseverance is awesome and I know you’ll appreciate the meaning behind the lyrics as much as I do. Thank you, Faith, for allowing me to share this here!

God of Angel Armies

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

You hear me when I call, You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night, It cannot hide the light

You crush the enemy, Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield, Though troubles linger still

Whom shall I fear?

My strength is in Your name, For You alone can save
You will deliver me, Yours is the victory

I know who goes before me, I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies, Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever, He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies, Is always by my side

And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I’m holding on to Your promises… You are faithful.

I know who goes before me, I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies, Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever, He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies, Is always by my side

The God of angel armies, Is always by my side.

From Chris Tomlin’s “Whom Shall I Fear”

…

God’s Peace

I haven’t been posting much lately but that’s because I’ve been busy with appointments and things outside my home. And because I can only accomplish so much each day, there’s been a lot of resting time for me.

As I wondered what to share with you now, I noticed my copy of Anytime Prayers for Everyday People. This book was published in 2006 and contains several of my devotionals. When I thumbed through it just now, I noticed a bookmark in the page titled, “When I want to thank God for His peace . . . I will pray.” As I read through it, I can’t describe the feeling of peace that just washed over me. I knew this was what I was supposed to share with you today.

When you live with pain on a daily basis, peace can be elusive. But I have found the only way to be peaceful in any situation and no matter how much I’m hurting. It is very easy to forget things I have written in years past, but I’m thankful that God brings them to my mind when I need them the most.

I hope this speaks to you as it did to me, on a day when I really needed it. That’s my treasure for you (and me!) today.

When I want to thank God for His peace

…

The punishment that brought us peace was upon him. —Isaiah 53:5

…

[Jesus said] I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid. —John 14:27, TLB

…

Following after the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace. —Romans 8:6, TLB

…

Let the peace of heart which comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body. —Colossians 3:15, TLB

…

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” —Luke 24:36

…

. . . I will pray

…

Kindest Lord,

Thanks so much for Your peace. I feel it pouring over me right now, absorbing my problems, clearing my mind, opening my heart to hear Your voice. I don’t know why I didn’t come to You sooner—too caught up in all the confusion, I guess.

It’s been quite a day—actually quite a week. So much has been going on. So many loose ends. I was feeling like an old, frayed shag rug until You came on the scene and settled me down. Now I feel as placid as a deep, glassy mountain lake.

Lord, I want You to know that I don’t take this peace for granted. I know that it comes from knowing You are in control of my life. When I come to You and give You my concerns, You take them and then say, “I’ve taken care of everything. Stay—rest a moment in My presence.”

I know that this peace I’m feeling was bought at a staggering price, and yet, it’s free to me for the asking. Thank You for letting me take it with me as I leave this sacred place and step back into the world.

Amen.

…

God is a tranquil being and abides in a tranquil eternity. So must your spirit become a tranquil and clear little pool, wherein the serene light of God can be mirrored. —Gerhard Tersteegen

…

…

…

[From Anytime Prayers for Everyday People. Copyright © 2006 Bordon-Winters LLC]

…

…

…

Cast Your Cares

Guest Post by Patricia Knight

“Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

 Some days we feel like gathering up remnants of worries and sins, all frayed from receiving such a vigorous workout, and seek a disposal means for them. Search no more–God commands us to turn all of our cares over to Him. There is a key word that indicates exactly how to conduct the transfer of our anxieties to Jesus. Very specifically, we are told to “cast” our cares on Him.

[Photo credit]

Cast is an active verb. God wants us to deliberately throw our troubles and cares at Him.  God is always ready and waiting to receive our miserable care package. Our Lord is constantly alert to our needs; it is not His wish that we be overburdened.

Have you ever observed the expertise of a fly fisherman? There is no hesitancy or reluctance to the art. Casting a fishing line is a powerful and decisive action accomplished with a quick flick of the wrist. Once the line connects with the surface of the water, it is energized and ready to accomplish its goal.

Just as the fly fisherman’s line is thrown with great purpose, we are commanded to give our worries, cares, and weights a resolute fling in the direction of Jesus. Then we are able to walk away with no intention of retrieving anything from our bundle of burdens.  It now belongs to Jesus to swoop up for disposal, patching, or complete replacement.  There is no better way to deal with troublesome occurrences in our lives.

The action of casting heavenward in prayer is in itself remedial. Knowing we have a Person who desires to accept our brokenness provides great encouragement as we forcefully throw our burdens to the Lord.

Casting our cares on God is not a singular event. Life is full of ongoing hardships and tribulations. Our goal is either total elimination or a solution for our troubles.  God stands ready to catch our continual flow of anxiety. If we hone our skills at casting directly at the heavenly Father, He then knows we are serious about giving up the burdens to which we so desperately cling.

Just as we admire the grace with which a fly fisherman plies the art of fly-casting, be reminded that God is imbued with grace; the author of mercy and compassion. He waits patiently to reclaim us from the petty or the monstrous cares that plague our daily lives.  If God wants to relieve us of our cares and we desire to dispose of them, why drag through life over-burdened any longer?  Let go and let God transform your life to His purpose.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me to the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

…

Pat, thank you again for sharing your heart with us!

Beloved, life is indeed hard. We live in such a stressful time that I am very thankful for Pat’s timely reminder to cast all our cares on God.

Our Rock of Refuge

This year I decided to do a chronological reading through the Bible, which I am really enjoying. A lot of  that reading lately has been in Psalms and this particular one really stood out to me the other night, especially this section:

In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.

In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
    turn your ear to me and save me.

Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go;
give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
    from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.

For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord,
    my confidence since my youth.

From birth I have relied on you;
    you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
    I will ever praise you.

I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge.

My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long. 

—Psalm 71:1-8

I find myself in a similar mode as David when he wrote this later in his life. When I am floundering in my circumstances, I can only see myself and my problems. But when I focus on my Rock of Refuge, it makes me look at everything He is doing in my life with new eyes.

Yesterday already happened.

Tomorrow I may not be here.

But right now I can rely on the Lord to be my true refuge…to guide me through the mountains and valleys in my life until He finally brings me home with Him.

How about you, Beloved? Is Jesus your Rock of Refuge? Will you totally trust in Him for everything in your life?

Oh, Jesus, we need You so much in our lives! We are so thankful that because of Your sacrifice on the cross, we have the hope of eternal life with You. We love you so much! And how can we ever thank You enough for being our Rock of Refuge? Help us to learn to rely on you daily … hourly … minute-by-minute. Amen.

God, Are You Enough? [repost from Melissa Taylor, Proverbs 31 Ministries]

I love Proverbs 31 Ministries. My daughter and I have been reading their daily devotions and sharing how each impacts us. Today’s devotion by Melissa Taylor really caused both of us to remember that God truly is enough. And since my 2013 theme for this blog is enough, I knew I had to share this with you.

Please visit Proverbs 31 Ministries when you get a chance, as well as Melissa’s blog: Real Hope for Real Life. You’ll be so blessed when you do!

Devotions | Proverbs 31 Ministries.

God, Are You Enough?

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV 1984)

God, are You enough? It’s a question my circumstances bring me to quite often.

Over a lifetime I’ve concluded not only is God enough, but He has to be enough.

It takes effort on my part to make sure my heart is staying in this truth.

As a young child, I didn’t realize my need for God, but I did realize I had a need that was not fulfilled. I was sexually abused when I was seven years old. My dad moved out of our home when I was eleven. Both circumstances left me devastated, and I didn’t understand then how God could ever heal my broken heart. So I spent many years trying to heal myself and make myself feel better.

Nothing was enough to meet my needs. Nothing worked.

As I grew older, I moved from being a Christian who simply believed, to becoming a Christian actively seeking and following Jesus. That was when my life began to change.

Because I was having direct conversations with God through prayer and consistently reading His Word, my faith grew. I learned that when the hard knocks came, and they would, I needed to ask one question: “God, are You enough?”

When a friend betrays me, “God, are You enough?”

When I need to forgive what seems unforgivable, “God, are You enough?”

When my child has issues out of my control, “God, are You enough?”

When my marriage is on the brink of destruction, “God, are You enough?”

When my mom is dying of cancer, “God, are You enough?”

When others don’t recognize my value, “God, are You enough?”

When I struggle professionally, “God, are You enough?”

When someone I love uses words to hurt me, “God, are You enough?”

When I am in debt and don’t know how I’ll pay my bills, “God, are You enough?”

When my past haunts me, “God, are You enough?”

When my health declines, “God, are You enough?”

When I am let down and disappointed in my life, “God, are You enough?”

Every time I asked “God, are You enough?” I opened my Bible and began reading, verse by verse. Though my doubts were strong in the beginning, God’s Word started to silence the thoughts paralyzing me.

Through promises fulfilled and promises given in Scripture, I discovered the answer was always the same when I asked: “God, are You enough?”

Yes, He is.

Nothing here on earth is guaranteed, except for one thing: Jesus is with us always. And when we understand who He is, our doubts begin to disappear.

The Bible tells us Jesus is sufficient; He’s enough. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (NIV 1984). I discovered this to be true. Every need, every doubt, every inadequacy, every fear was met, answered and removed by Jesus.

If I lost everything, I’d be okay because no one can take away my Jesus. Whether I live in a mansion on a hill or in a tent on the side of a swamp, I have my Jesus. Whether the world is for me or against me, I have my Jesus. When I am knocked down, I get on my knees and find my Jesus.

When life becomes more than you think you can handle, don’t quit. And certainly don’t believe the lie God is not enough. Instead, ask yourself, “God, are You enough for me?” Then plant His Word deep in your heart so you’ll always have the ready answer, that yes He is. He is enough for me, for you. Ours is the God who “… will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).

Dear Lord, help me to realize and remember the secret to being content in all circumstances is You. Help me to be aware of Your presence in my life at all times. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Jesus?

Scripture reassures us over and over that God is enough. Read over His truths in the new NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women, filled with 366 devotions from Proverbs 31 Ministries’ writers.

Visit Melissa Taylor’s blog for real hope for real life.

Reflect and Respond:
Honestly assess if God is enough in your life. Do you find yourself needing or wanting more? Remind yourself that God knows you inside and out. He loves you no matter what and He always will.

Is there a situation in your life you need to turn over to the Lord?

Power Verses:
Psalm 33:4, ” For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.” (ESV)

Isaiah 46:3b-4, “You whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (NIV)