Friday, August 22, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Day One of going through the ashes of our house. I took this picture and was struck by the framing of it. It's a picture when I was 17 years old playing with a local LPGA pro who came back in town to do a promotional golf exhibition. The man above is my old golf pro, the now deceased Bill Welch.
Most of my personal old pictures were in the closet where the fire started.
How do I feel about all that destroyed?
I'm not sure. I died to the dream of being a professional golfer years ago.
I trust I'm on the right path now being a wife, mom, and entreprenuer.
So I'm ok with this. Just poignant just the same.
Back to work now....to documenting from pictures, receipts, and video.
It's a total loss downstairs.
Could only be a miracle the house is still standing based on what I saw downstairs.
Tried By The Fire But Coming Out Gold
"The name of the Lord is a Strong tower,
The righteous run to it and are safe."
Proverbs 18:10
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who live it will eat its fruit."
Proverbs 18:21
Today is day two of my 40 day fast with my brothers and sisters all over the country. We are fasting from negative words, thoughts, imaginations...to the positive. A fast from the flesh to the Spirit.
Today is day ONE of the daunting task of doing inventory, making appointments, and taking care of the aftermath of my burnt home.
I am so glad I have the above verses as food for the spirit and the assurance of God's Presence by having peace in my heart. If you happen to be following this part of the journey with me here, I sure would appreciate your prayers. Thank you.
"Jesus, I trust this situation with the house, the work needed to be accomplished, Dave's work in LA, the finances, and the kids to your unfailing love. You are my refuge and my stronghold. Help me to look beyond my circumstances to see your mighty power. Help me to see with eyes of hope and heart full of faith to move the mountains of any despair and dismay. Help me to speak life and not death into this situation, over my children, and for our future. YOU are able to comfort those who mourn. Only you can bring beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning (loss), the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. As I walk through the ashes and the burned up house, remind me the fire of the battle can produce gold. What is temporal is not eternal. You are still LORD amidst it all."
Ok...here I go..
This will only be my second time viewing the devastation downstairs. I have my eyes of faith on....shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit. Armed and ready....to see God take back what the enemy stole.
"It's a new season, it's a new day. Fresh anointing...I can feel it. It's flowing my way. It's a season of power and prosperity. It's a new season and it coming to you.......The devil's time is up. No longer can he bother me. Because the controller of the universe He's a father to me. And it's transferable, your children will be free....It's a new season....If you don't know by now you need to know it's jubilee....your debts are cancelled and your children walk in victory...ALL THAT WAS STOLEN IS RETURNED TO YOU A HUNDRED FOLD. TRIED IN THE FIRE BUT YOU ARE COMING OUT GOLD!"
Song New Season sung by Martha Munizi on "The Best Is Yet To Come"
The righteous run to it and are safe."
Proverbs 18:10
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who live it will eat its fruit."
Proverbs 18:21
Today is day two of my 40 day fast with my brothers and sisters all over the country. We are fasting from negative words, thoughts, imaginations...to the positive. A fast from the flesh to the Spirit.
Today is day ONE of the daunting task of doing inventory, making appointments, and taking care of the aftermath of my burnt home.
I am so glad I have the above verses as food for the spirit and the assurance of God's Presence by having peace in my heart. If you happen to be following this part of the journey with me here, I sure would appreciate your prayers. Thank you.
"Jesus, I trust this situation with the house, the work needed to be accomplished, Dave's work in LA, the finances, and the kids to your unfailing love. You are my refuge and my stronghold. Help me to look beyond my circumstances to see your mighty power. Help me to see with eyes of hope and heart full of faith to move the mountains of any despair and dismay. Help me to speak life and not death into this situation, over my children, and for our future. YOU are able to comfort those who mourn. Only you can bring beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning (loss), the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. As I walk through the ashes and the burned up house, remind me the fire of the battle can produce gold. What is temporal is not eternal. You are still LORD amidst it all."
This will only be my second time viewing the devastation downstairs. I have my eyes of faith on....shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit. Armed and ready....to see God take back what the enemy stole.
"It's a new season, it's a new day. Fresh anointing...I can feel it. It's flowing my way. It's a season of power and prosperity. It's a new season and it coming to you.......The devil's time is up. No longer can he bother me. Because the controller of the universe He's a father to me. And it's transferable, your children will be free....It's a new season....If you don't know by now you need to know it's jubilee....your debts are cancelled and your children walk in victory...ALL THAT WAS STOLEN IS RETURNED TO YOU A HUNDRED FOLD. TRIED IN THE FIRE BUT YOU ARE COMING OUT GOLD!"
Song New Season sung by Martha Munizi on "The Best Is Yet To Come"
Thursday, August 14, 2008
The Battle Is Not Yours!
2 Chronicles 20:15b & 17
"Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's.....
"You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you...Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you."
Dealing with the aftermath of a house fire, arson, investigations and insurance is a battle.
But I hear the Lord, loud and clear, telling me to stand still and watch HIM be my shield.
At times it has been crazy. We have had our moments of pure frustration and exhaustion. The house stands with nothing done to it. The basement looks like a warzone. The rest of the house is covered with soot and ash. One entrance in to the house and you come out with a terrible burnt smell all over you.
Dave and I have both been through one investigation with the Insurance woman handling our case and our claim. WE have to jump through the first hoop involving a complete interrogation of ourselves first. It's arson so they assume we did it.
That step alone might take quite a long time. We have to release everything from bank statements to phone records. So much for innocent until proven guilty.
We are told the next step now is to be questioned by their lawyer. My goodness...
When we do get to the actual claim, I am not sure what they will do. We know that the house in pretty much smoked out and unlivable. Whether we will gut it out, tear it down, or try to clean it, that alone will take an enormous amount of time and effort.
With Dave and Williams' sinus problems, cleaning it up does NOT seem to be an option. We will fight that issue.
Overall, I have sensed the Lord's grace, strength and faithfulness through this ordeal.
That's the good amidst the bad. The testimony amidst the test. The miracles amidst the mess.
God is so awesome! Everyday I feel like He gives me a "present". It may be as small as a sunset or as big as Dave landing two huge jobs.
I keep being lead back to 2 Chronicles. Yesterday as I was waiting for the Insurance woman to call me to continue with my investigation part (we ran out of time Monday), I felt the Lord reminding me again of this chapter in 2 Chronicles.
What stood out were those two verses above. In the quietness of the motel room, the LORD spoke to my heart telling me not to fear, worry, or even try to fight this battle. (By the way the insurance lady called and said she was done questioning me that I would not have to be questioned for another hour!)
In verse 17, the Lord gave me my game plan. I needed to:
STAY IN POSITION (v. 17) - which means to remain obedient to God, stand in His grace, trust Him and continue in faith with the work he has put before me with marketplace ministry (http://ministry-marketing-strategies.com).
STAND STILL - which means to me not to rush into anything, whether that involves waiting for the right house (which we have finally found),not to panic, don't be anxious, and to be at peace in Christ.
AND TO SEE THE LORD'S SALVATION (RESCUE) - To speak faith, fixing my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith.
And amidst those actions, the Lord is telling me to keep my praise, don't lose the worship, and activate His Spirit to walk confidently through this time of trauma and testing.
Good game plan for this mom.
The kids are back in school so the schedule of that is bringing some continuity to them as we continue living in a motel.
We do have our sights on a great home to stay for the next 6 months to a year that is actually a home owned by one of our drywall customers. Dave completed the drywall in this house! It won't be available until the end of August. I would love to call that house home...and praying for the details to work out.
Finally, I have to thank so many of you who have prayed and supported us. God has provided clothes for my kids, gift cards for things we need, and basically an amazing outpouring of love from friends and family.
Thank you. I cannot thank you enough. May God bless you for your generosity to us.
I'll be in touch. I hope you'll do the same.
"Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's.....
"You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you...Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you."
Dealing with the aftermath of a house fire, arson, investigations and insurance is a battle.
But I hear the Lord, loud and clear, telling me to stand still and watch HIM be my shield.
At times it has been crazy. We have had our moments of pure frustration and exhaustion. The house stands with nothing done to it. The basement looks like a warzone. The rest of the house is covered with soot and ash. One entrance in to the house and you come out with a terrible burnt smell all over you.
Dave and I have both been through one investigation with the Insurance woman handling our case and our claim. WE have to jump through the first hoop involving a complete interrogation of ourselves first. It's arson so they assume we did it.
That step alone might take quite a long time. We have to release everything from bank statements to phone records. So much for innocent until proven guilty.
We are told the next step now is to be questioned by their lawyer. My goodness...
When we do get to the actual claim, I am not sure what they will do. We know that the house in pretty much smoked out and unlivable. Whether we will gut it out, tear it down, or try to clean it, that alone will take an enormous amount of time and effort.
With Dave and Williams' sinus problems, cleaning it up does NOT seem to be an option. We will fight that issue.
Overall, I have sensed the Lord's grace, strength and faithfulness through this ordeal.
That's the good amidst the bad. The testimony amidst the test. The miracles amidst the mess.
God is so awesome! Everyday I feel like He gives me a "present". It may be as small as a sunset or as big as Dave landing two huge jobs.
I keep being lead back to 2 Chronicles. Yesterday as I was waiting for the Insurance woman to call me to continue with my investigation part (we ran out of time Monday), I felt the Lord reminding me again of this chapter in 2 Chronicles.
What stood out were those two verses above. In the quietness of the motel room, the LORD spoke to my heart telling me not to fear, worry, or even try to fight this battle. (By the way the insurance lady called and said she was done questioning me that I would not have to be questioned for another hour!)
In verse 17, the Lord gave me my game plan. I needed to:
STAY IN POSITION (v. 17) - which means to remain obedient to God, stand in His grace, trust Him and continue in faith with the work he has put before me with marketplace ministry (http://ministry-marketing-strategies.com).
STAND STILL - which means to me not to rush into anything, whether that involves waiting for the right house (which we have finally found),not to panic, don't be anxious, and to be at peace in Christ.
AND TO SEE THE LORD'S SALVATION (RESCUE) - To speak faith, fixing my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith.
And amidst those actions, the Lord is telling me to keep my praise, don't lose the worship, and activate His Spirit to walk confidently through this time of trauma and testing.
Good game plan for this mom.
The kids are back in school so the schedule of that is bringing some continuity to them as we continue living in a motel.
We do have our sights on a great home to stay for the next 6 months to a year that is actually a home owned by one of our drywall customers. Dave completed the drywall in this house! It won't be available until the end of August. I would love to call that house home...and praying for the details to work out.
Finally, I have to thank so many of you who have prayed and supported us. God has provided clothes for my kids, gift cards for things we need, and basically an amazing outpouring of love from friends and family.
Thank you. I cannot thank you enough. May God bless you for your generosity to us.
I'll be in touch. I hope you'll do the same.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Peace Amidst the Pressure
Speaking LIFE After the Fire
"I will sing a new song to You, O God."
Can one find peace after almost everything you own is either destroyed or covered in grime and soot?
Yes, by God's grace yes!
I know many people are praying. I feel the presence of God in their prayers.
Late yesterday, I was sitting in my car outside the hotel at the window of our room. (Kids were watching loud tv)With the Word in my lap and a breeze of a summer storm keeping me cool, I felt the calm presence of God.
I have been "camping out" in Psalm 1 all summer. The Words came to life.
I have also been studying Nehemiah. And Isaiah 7:1-7.
When I was in Louisiana, I felt so pressed to do a "Keys To Be Free" Video ministry on Isaiah 7:1-7.
Now, seeing the video after an "enemy" in the camp tried to steal and destroy my house with fire, the words I speak in this video are profound and amazing.
You know what I see? I see a faithful God who had me armed (the Word) and ready (faith) for this vicious attack. (Two days before I was to go back home in Louisiana, I kept hearing the tune of that Rich Mullins' song, "My Deliverer is coming..my Deliverer is standing by...")
That is why I can say you can find peace amidst the madness of attacks in Jesus!
We have quite a day today. Major two hour interview with the investigator from insurance company.
I'm speaking peace and favor!
Below is the video. I shot it about one week before we arrived in Dawsonville to our burnt out home.
Find more videos like this on Christian Market Leaders OPEN On Principle Entrepreneur Network
"I will sing a new song to You, O God."
Can one find peace after almost everything you own is either destroyed or covered in grime and soot?
Yes, by God's grace yes!
I know many people are praying. I feel the presence of God in their prayers.
Late yesterday, I was sitting in my car outside the hotel at the window of our room. (Kids were watching loud tv)With the Word in my lap and a breeze of a summer storm keeping me cool, I felt the calm presence of God.
I have been "camping out" in Psalm 1 all summer. The Words came to life.
I have also been studying Nehemiah. And Isaiah 7:1-7.
When I was in Louisiana, I felt so pressed to do a "Keys To Be Free" Video ministry on Isaiah 7:1-7.
Now, seeing the video after an "enemy" in the camp tried to steal and destroy my house with fire, the words I speak in this video are profound and amazing.
You know what I see? I see a faithful God who had me armed (the Word) and ready (faith) for this vicious attack. (Two days before I was to go back home in Louisiana, I kept hearing the tune of that Rich Mullins' song, "My Deliverer is coming..my Deliverer is standing by...")
That is why I can say you can find peace amidst the madness of attacks in Jesus!
We have quite a day today. Major two hour interview with the investigator from insurance company.
I'm speaking peace and favor!
Below is the video. I shot it about one week before we arrived in Dawsonville to our burnt out home.
Find more videos like this on Christian Market Leaders OPEN On Principle Entrepreneur Network
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