Friday, December 6, 2013

This is TOO GOOD!!

After eight years of single-mom-hood, I re-connected with a high school classmate who turned out to be the LOVE OF MY LIFE!  For eight years I prayed to my GOD and argued about HIS words in Genesis where HE saw that it WAS NOT GOOD for MAN to be alone and thus HE created WOMAN.  And GUESS WHAT??!!  SHE was NEVER alone :)  Adam was already there.  Well you see who finally won that argument AFTER SHE surrendered to HIM all the baggage being divorced had left her holding.

As part of my love's life, I also inherited two SONS.  I had only had daughters before so I truly did not know the blessing I was receiving.  Baby Boy had been lost in a life of drugs for six plus years at the time of our marriage.  Hubby had not spoken to him in that length of time.  It was a sad, sad story and thus I began to pray for my God to heal Hubby's heart and mend the broken relationship between Hubby and  both boys that happened as a result of their loss of Hubby's first wife to a three year battle with Cancer.

Finally after TWO YEARS of prayer, my GOD put Baby Boy in jail at the end of his rope needing help with Hubby and I his last resort.  He was only looking for a way out and had used up all other avenues possible.  Because of my GOD's divine intervention I now have a SON who needs me and I can look him in the eye and tell him how much I love him and will always be here for him, even when I don't like him and the stupid choices he is making.

Baby Boy and I had lunch yesterday and I am in AWE of the words God put in my mouth to speak to Baby Boy.  Baby Boy has not accepted JESUS as his personal Savior and is seeking his "revelation".  He wants to come to church Sunday.  I love him and want him to see how much My God loves him and wants to bless him if he will only BELIEVE.

God is amazing and truly at work here.  I would so appreciate your prayers on his behalf.  I have a reminder to help you remember to pray for Baby Boy.  Ask me when I see you to give you one.

Awed by HIS mercy and grace,
Arla

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Going Deeper with God


I love the way God works knitting all the pieces of life together!

Currently I am participating in an online bible study with Proverbs 31 Ministries, Yes to God. One of the questions posed this week is "What is holding you back from going deeper with God?" Is it just chance that my personal readings with God had me in James chapter one this week as well?
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." (James 1:5, 6 ESV)
Let me throw a little of my perspective on this. I am currently in a season of life where our family is facing a lot of trials. These are situations over which I have no control. I didn't cause them. I cannot cure them. My heart is heavy with the pain and suffering those close to me are suffering. I feel... I really don't have a word to describe.
In my heart, I am a Yes Lord Girl. I want to follow Him. I want to be a living example of Jesus. I want to be the hands and feet of love to others. Yet in this season I find myself internalizing and withdrawing. I feel helpless. What am I to do? What is the right thing?
Today's Proverbs 31 devotional by Lysa Terkeurst was a beacon of light. Lysa spoke of Daniel who continued to pray prayers of THANKSGIVING when commanded not to pray. This spoke volumes to me connecting the James passage with my current situation. 
When life brings its trials, and it will, I am simply to continue to pray...prayers of thanksgiving in the knowledge that God has not changed. HE is still moving. HE has everything under control working HIS mighty plan.
Too often I let fear of the unknown keep me from going deeper and being more of what HE intended. HE has a purpose for everything HE allows in my life. If I will hold on to the truth and knowledge of HIM, I will come out on the other side more blessed. HE is the victory. HE is in control whether I feel it or not.
What keeps me from going deeper? Self doubt, past failures, feelings of unworthiness. I know my past. I know when I have said yes and the going got rough so I quit, gave up, lost out. Then, I remember...it is not by my might nor strength. It is not because I am worthy. I am not responsible for the outcome. I am only responsible for the obedience. Whatever YOU want me to do, I simply say YES and trust YOU to make whatever YOU want happen. I simply open my hands, palms up and say "Not my will but thine be done!"
Trusting..... "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6 NASB)
Knowing..."And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose," (Romans 8:28 NET)
Believing...."I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13 ESV)
When I lay it at HIS feet, I leave it there. I give my life an offering, a daily sacrifice to HIM because it is all about HIM any way.
Yes Lord Yes...to your will and your way!
Awed by His mercy and grace,
Arla

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Whatever God says Do, Do it!

Have you ever been in that place where you heard God speak and tell you something to do and you listened and obeyed? Then you know the sense of awe and amazement, the wonder of being the hands and feet of Jesus.
I was able to witness God's remarkable love yesterday. A dear friend of mine whom I have known only a short time was given a gift of a book yesterday. The giver had purchased the book for a reason unbeknown to her. The book arrived yesterday just when she encountered my friend in a tender moment of need. The book is a wealth of information on the subject at hand. God filled the need and answered the questions my friend has struggled with for I don't know how long.  He is an amazing God!
I had a situation which seemed negative and forced me to go to a business at a time when I didn't have time. Yet in line ahead of me was someone who needed hope and encouragement. I found myself in a conversation I do not remember how started. Yet as I left that business I knew I had encountered one of those God ordained moments.
He is real and alive and walking among us today. Look and see and be a part of what HE is doing...don't miss the opportunity!!
Awed by God's amazing love and grace,
Arla

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

He is still God!

For this moment I prayed....

Two years ago my journey on this path called Life took a turn.  I took a step in Faith and God blessed with an answer to a prayer long prayed.  I cannot even begin to remember how long I prayed for this Love called Husband who entered my life that day.  For him, I am truly blessed and thankful.
At that moment, another prayer was born in my heart for hurts he had suffered and wounds that still needed healing.  There were relationships that were broken and only God could mend.
Today marks the beginning of the answer to that prayer....
Years ago I prayed a prayer very specifically and God answered my prayer and later I regretted asking.  Today I still regret asking.  In this I have learned, God knows best!  He is God and He alone can see around the corner and over the mountain.  He alone knows what lies ahead.  He alone can see into the heart of man and woman.  He alone knows the free will choice another will make.  He is God!
This prayer that began two years ago...was not specific because I did not begin to know what the answer would look like.  I did not begin to know what it would take. 
I am often scared and then I realize I have let the enemy invade my thoughts. God is still God!
I participated in a Beth Moore bible study several years ago and took away several thoughts that I often repeat to myself in these moments....
God is who HE says HE is.
God can do what HE says HE can do.
I am who HE says I am.
I can do all things through Christ.
God's Word is alive and active in me.
I am believing God!
Those may not be the exact way the words were stated in that study; however, they are powerful to me in this way when I encounter these moments.
In this beginning to an answer to my prayer that I am praying...
I am believing God is who HE says HE is...God Almighty, the Holy One, Omnipotent Father, Refuge, Redeemer, Shield...
I am believing God can do what HE says HE can do....mend the broken hearted, give rest to the weary, bring home the wandering child...
I am who HE says I am....HIS child, Joint Heir with Jesus....
I can do all things through Christ...endure this moment of pain and heartache and see the victory on the other side...continue to walk in faith and trust KNOWING HE has this under control...
God's Word is alive and active in me as I walk this path in FAITH with head held high trusting in the moments and not doubting or living in defeat.
I am beliving God and claiming HIS promises...HE will never leave me nor forsake me...HE will hear and answer my prayers...HE is Jehovah Jireh...the GOD who provides...Jehovah Rapha the God who heals....The Lord Almighty who saves, heals, protects, delivers...HE is GOD!!!
Awed by HIS mercy and grace,
Arla

Friday, June 28, 2013

Side Effects

Yesterday Joyce Meyer's Ministries posted on Facebook "God's light shines more through 'cracked pots' than those who seem to have it all together." As I thought about those words, I thought about the examples in God's word that inspire me.
David is said to be a man after God's heart and we all remember the sin he committed with Bathsheba. He suffered the consequences of the sin, yet he also wrote so many beautiful Psalms where he poured out his heart to God. He inspires me to remember how much God loves me and can use me in spite of myself and my mistakes and how willingly God forgives my sin.
Hannah was tormented by her husband's other wife and childless for so long. She inspires me how she prayed to God and walked away as if He had already answered her prayer. God heard her heart and did answer. I want God to be my first resource when my heart is burdened and I want my testimony to be how faithful I believe He is as I leave my request at His feet.
God declared about Job there was not a more righteous man found upon the earth. I will never claim to completely understand this story. I see here that satan was behind all of Job's troubles and sin was not the reason. I believe God had something important to teach Job. When things happen in my life I want to be sure to examine my life for sin that could be the cause. I also want to remember God is always at work and see what He is speaking to me.
There are so many others in the bible I could name. You get my point from these. What I see in their life is not the perfection, no one on this earth is perfect. I see the hurts, the wounds, the healing and most important the blessing that is a direct result of their relationship with God and I am inspired to sit at His feet and draw near to Him like Mary.
My heart's desire is to also be an influence for Him. Relationships and people matter. I want to connect with those who are hurting and I want them to see my Savior, my King. He is my life and my hope. For this I am thankful to Him for "cracking me up" so long as the cracks can be used for His glory.
Awed by His mercy and grace for one such as I,
Arla

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Holy Spirit Rain Down



I love the way God ministers to my heart. HE knows and intercedes on my behalf, often before I even realize my own need. I love the way HE loves me...
God has truly blessed me with so many Christian friends. These ladies pray with me and for me. I know they are there whenever I need a sister prayer or hug and even to share some tears. This week has been no different. One of my dearest sister friends is so close to The Lord she often texts or emails me before I even ask!! Who but God could do that...put audible words and touch to HIS limitless love for me!?
During one such battle as I sought comfort and guidance from HIS word, I came across a sermon from several years back and the notes I had taken came alive for me that day. I looked to the scripture reference and began to memorize Psalm 91 and personalize it for me....She who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of The Almighty...I will say of The Lord, HE is my refuge, my fortress MY GOD in whom I trust! Yeah satan! How about that...you cannot touch me HERE...God is my refuge....
As I committed more and more verses to memory the fear, the stress, the anxiety was left behind...whom shall I fear? What can man do to me?? What is the worst that could happen...I am going to be okay. I didn't know what to pray....and then I sent an email to those dear to me whom I knew I could trust. One sister friend text me " go to Psalm 91 and read verses one to four. I laughed at satan. I didn't need to look those verses up! Jesus had already prepared my heart and HE was confirming it through my sister friend!
God often speaks to me in this way and for some reason it always comes in threes. I attended a funeral that same week and as the pastor spoke from God's word to comfort and encourage the family can you guess which passage of scripture he referenced? You better believe it Psalm 91. I sighed in peace and awe....only YOU Father, truly YOU love me this much. Never have I deserved it nor will I ever....YOU first loved me and I cherish that love!
May I ever and always glorify YOUR name... YOU alone are worthy of all honor, glory and praise...
Awed by HIS mercy and grace,
Arla

Friday, June 14, 2013

He Heals the Broken Hearted

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalms 147:3 ESV)

Recently someone dear to me has suffered a loss. It is not common knowledge. It was not broadcast or published and therefore most people would not know about the loss. I can see the pain and feel helpless. I have prayed about it and I know God is working. He has promised to heal and bind and He is a faithful God. I don't know whether to talk about it or just wait and be available. I am trusting the Holy Spirit to move and show me. I don't want to make matters worse.

I know He is answering. I can see there is no anger or bitterness...just traces of sadness over the loss and more compassion for others. Maybe that was God's plan all along... It wasn't the hurt or sorrow... Just the extended mercy and grace toward others... That's why we are still here right?!

Love you dearly friend!!
Arla

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Miracles Will Never Cease

Matthew 21:22 "and all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing ye shall receive."

As long as there is God there will be miracles. I don't begin to understand the how's and whys, why are some requests granted while others are not... God alone knows why and I believe when we stand before Him, He will be able to explain. For now I do not have to know, I just trust in simple faith that He knows best.
In my limited knowledge, I am not able to explain; however I do ponder... The story of Job... The bible states Job was perfect and upright, and one that feared God and eschewed evil. My dictionary says that means he deliberately avoided evil. Yet a lot of bad things happened in Job's life as a result of satan. Why satan was allowed to bother Job I know not. I do see the blame for all that befell Job lies with satan. He was allowed to torment Job with hopes Job would turn from God.
God knew Job would remain faithful and God blessed Job for his faithfulness. Still why did it happen?
Perhaps Job had a lesson to learn. Maybe he thought he was self sufficient in his walk without needing assistance. No where do I read where Job asked God for deliverance. Why? Would his torment have been shorter lived if he had cried out to God for deliverance rather than just accepting it as justly deserved?
Several years ago I had a bad health report and accepted it much the same as Job. If this was the master plan then I was going to rock it. I had my testimony planned...all the lives I would impact with my faith walk through this trial and then it was gone. The initial reports were refuted with further testing. Was I misdiagnosed or healed? Only God knows. Why me and not so many others? Again only God knows.
I love Laura Story's Blessings...."Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops?"

Here is one version I found on YouTube:

  • Blessings - Laura Story - LYRICS - YouTube

    www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mmgV6mPvb0
    Mar 21, 2011 - Uploaded by allyymichelle
    Cause what if your blessings come through raindropsWhat if your ...What if trials of ...


  • Again I don't pretend to know all the answers of the whys and why nots. I just know for me God has always been there. HE listens and answers and even in the "no" HE has only my best at heart

    Awed by God's unconditional love for one such as me,
    Arla



    Friday, June 7, 2013

    God's Grace and Mercy


    Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

    When God doesn't answer our prayer exactly how we expected or maybe it seems He doesn't answer at all we truly see how deep the well of our faith lies. Do I still believe HE loves me? Do I trust that HE knows what is best?

    In these moments when we struggle we truly have to be on guard and gather support of fellow believers to pray with us against the attacks of the enemy. These are the moments when satan speaks his lies and we too often believe them. Just as Eve was deceived in the garden, we too can be so easily deceived. The result can be significant as it hinders our prayers. 

    I want to encourage you to stand firm in faith and boldly proclaim out loud "I am a child of the Most High God! HE loves me so much HE sacrificed HIS son for me! HE will never leave me nor forsake me! Devil you may as well flee! You will have no victory over me!" Then, kneel at the feet of the God who loves you and rest in knowing HE always has your best at heart.

    Stomping my feet at the enemy and proudly proclaiming I am in awe of God who loves me so much!
    Arla

    Thursday, June 6, 2013

    Summoned by Name

    "But now thus says the Lord, HE who created you, O Jacob, HE who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. (Isaiah 43:1-3 ESV)

    How truly awesome to be called by God by name! To know that HE wants personal relationship with ME, unworthy as I am and HE will use any situation or circumstance in my life for HIS glory if I willingly allow HIM open access!

    I recently found myself in a situation where I totally wanted to freak out and did not know what to do.  I found myself stuck between two people I care deeply for and wanted to fix the issues they were having with each other. Listening to each my heart went out and I did not want to be forced to choose sides. I could see both sides and realized where both believed they were right. What do I say? What do I do?  How can I fix it?

    The great news is I prayed and stayed out of God's way. God put me in the situation where I could pray and that is all I was called to do! I planned out words of wisdom to speak truth when provided the opportunity and guess what? The opportunity never came! Before I had a chance to speak, before any of the gloom and doom I feared would come to pass happened, God acted and resolved the issue.  HE responded to my prayers. HE listened and HE acted.

    At first I was astonished and then I stood amazed, a little disappointed that I was not the vessel to accomplish a great feat.  What power had been initiated simply through diligent prayer! Now I look to other areas of my life where I am stressed by what may.  Where I am trying to play god! What am I worried about? God has summoned me by name! Nothing escapes HIS eye and when I pass through the waters HE has promised HE will be with me. When I pass through the rivers they will not overflow me and when I pass through the fire I will not be burned, the flame will not consume me. HE has it all under control....do I trust HIM? Do I believe HIM? You bet I do!

    One thing I have learned, I am not GOD and I do not know.  Honestly I don't want to.  It is truly beyond me to fix any situation and to manage people.  I think I will stick to what I do...pray and leave the rest to HIM.  HE alone is GOD Almighty!

    Awed by a God who calls me by name,
    Arla

    Wednesday, June 5, 2013

    God Speaks


    Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. (Jeremiah 33:3 ESV)
    Daily I am amazed by God who loves me enough to send His son to die for my sins. He loves us so much and He so wants relationship with us. In Jeremiah, He tells us to call to Him and He will answer us. He will tell us great and hidden things.
    I love to ask questions and hear Him speak. To see how He will show up next. When we pray and truly seek His guidance, He will amaze us as He works.  I love the way God works through anything and everything when we are listening for His voice and seeking His guidance. 
    Monday night I went to an event reluctantly as I was tired and it took me away from my family. The questions began, God am I suppose to be here? Really, the family needs me at home… At the event there were dishes of chocolates here and there, you know how we women love our chocolate. These particular chocolates are wrapped in foil and include a word message written on the inside of the wrapper. I opened my chocolate to the words "you are exactly where you are suppose to be.” 




    Call me crazy, but I believe God answered the question of my heart that night through chocolate! Now HE is speaking my language…lol.
    Awed and amazed by a God who loves me so much!
    Arla

    Thursday, May 30, 2013

    Trust

    “In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.” Psalm 22:4-5

    What am I trusting?  Each and every day as I live life, what is my constant?  Some days it is quite evident, other days not so.  As I have read through this book Stressed-less Living by Tracie Miles, I have found myself less stressed.  Is it because of this book I am reading or it is because of the commitment I am making to God?

    I would venture, the commitment is the answer.  Too often I allow myself to get caught up in the busy-ness of life and fail to acknowledge HIM and all HE is to me.  I fail to daily feed on HIS word and talk with HIM.  The further I stray, the more stressed I become as I pull further away from the source of my peace and joy.

    Has my life changed in the past eight weeks?  Same marriage, same family, same job, same address...life has taken some turns with our children.  We watch them struggle with hard issues in life.  There is no more, no less "things" in life about which I could stress; however, with the song of HIS praises and worship playing in the background, I find myself less stressed over the seeming impossible.  I know I have a hope, I have a future in HIM.

    "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

    I heard a new song at church that really spoke to my heart recently.  


    Here is the Link to a YouTube video:  Passion 2013 - My Delight is in You (Christy Nockles)

    Lyrics:-

    My delight is in You
    On Your word I set my heart
    You are peace, You are calm for my restless soul
    You light my way through the dark

    I want to know You even more
    Holiness is my desire
    Purify, burn in me, come and make me clean
    You refine me in Your fire

    Here I am, open arms
    Draw me close to Your heart
    You're my life, You're my refuge
    My delight, my delight is in You
    My delight is in You

    My delight is in You, Lord
    You're the treasure I have found
    You're the rock where I stand
    I will not be moved
    All my life is in Your hands

    Here I am, open arms
    Draw me close to Your heart
    You're my life, You're my refuge
    My delight, my delight is in You
    My delight is in You

    Here I am, open arms
    Draw me close to Your heart
    You're my life, You're my refuge
    My delight, my delight is in You
    My delight is in You
    My delight is in You
    My delight is in You

    Refiner's fire
    My heart's one desire is to be holy
    Set apart for You, Lord
    I choose to be holy
    Set apart for You my Master
    Ready to do Your will

    Here I am, open arms
    Draw me close to Your heart
    You're my life, You're my refuge
    My delight, my delight is in You

    Here I am, open arms
    Draw me close to Your heart
    You're my life, You're my refuge
    My delight, my delight is in You
    My delight is in You
    My delight is in You


    My prayer for your life and mine is our delight will always be in HIM alone.

    Awed by HIS mercy and grace,
    Arla

    Thursday, May 23, 2013

    WhatEVER


    Whatever...

    Funny how perspective changes EVERYTHING....

    Whenever I am focused on God and looking for all the good things, good ways HE is blessing me, life could not be better.  I see opportunities to share His love and speak His truth and feel like a vessel that is full and overflowing....

    Whenever I am focused on ME and all things happening wrong in MY WORLD and how I wish things were different...what if I had...what if I hadn't...why didn't this...what about that.... Oh how stressed I become!

    Life is full of bumps and curves...sometimes I take the road less traveled...Often I see so much when I do....and then there are days....when all I can do is cry, cry, cry... What makes things different?  Am I transported from one world to another?

    Yes, in fact I am...whenever I focus on Jesus and all HE has done, is doing, and will continue to do for me, I am transported to the presence of Jesus...and the scenery around me is different.  This world doesn't seem so bad for a temporary lay over....because you see...one day soon, I am going home!

    And some days I just can't wait to get there!

    Awed by HIS mercy and grace,
    Arla

    Thursday, May 16, 2013

    My Legacy

    Live, Laugh, Love

    Not quite two years ago God finally answered a prayer from my heart. This prayer began sometime in my little girl life. It morphed through the years until in my forties it became at times a desperate plea and others a whisper barely spoken...Father, what about me?
    In all my years of praying, I never realized what the answer would look like. I never dreamed it so well. I still cannot fathom He loves me this much. And I often stare my unworthiness right in the face. I am truly humbled by His mercy and grace...His relentless pursuit. No matter what...no matter how far...no matter how many times....He never gives up.
    Yesterday I was once again amazed and delighted as He spoke directly to me. For weeks now I have drug myself along this life feeling so discouraged and stressed...wondering where I am strayed from the path...knowing what I was feeling was not His will, not His plan....Why? Why? Why?
    I finally gave up my struggle and released all my "rights" and said "Okay, Lord not my will but Thine" no more complaining....I am done and I am sorry and it's okay. Just show me how....
    As I gave up the struggle, God began to speak in my heart and the words that are the theme of my marriage began to echo across my heart once again.  When my husband and I married just a year and some months ago, we decorated our kitchen with the Live, Laugh, Love theme...and we have truly LIVEd BIG......we have shared SO MUCH LAUGHter....and I LOVE him SO MUCH and feel LOVEd like never before in my life. 
    In the midst of it all, we experienced another crisis...a gut wrenching, heartbreaking crisis...and yet God spoke to me smack in the middle and whispered.....Live, Laugh, Love....what will you leave behind?  What are you going to do? He encouraged....Live, Laugh, Love I knew it was Him and I smiled in agreement.....
    And then I was able to attend a funeral with my husband and I was so blessed...as God spoke audibly to me in the words of the Pastor at the funeral....His message concerning His child who had passed... Live, Laugh, Love....what will your legacy be?
    Praise You Father!! No other words...just Praise YOU Father.....
    Awed by His mercy and grace,
    Arla

    Thursday, April 25, 2013

    Lessons from Life.....

    God is truly an amazing God. I love when He shows up Big and Real. When the girls were small my prayer was for God to reveal Himself to them in everyday life lessons. I wanted their relationship with Him to blossom for He is reliable, I am not. he is perfect. I am not. He is all knowing. I am not. He can and will go with them everywhere. I cannot.
    My favorite story of God truly at work came unexpectedly one day. Shanna had misplaced her retainer and knew it was costly to replace. I cannot remember if I even knew the retainer was misplaced. I remember on the way home just a short ways from our actual driveway, Shanna spied a pencil on the ground and ask if she could get out and pick it up. Since it was so close to home, I agreed and allowed her to walk the rest of the way home. She excitedly arrived to tell me that God put that pencil there to show her where she had lost her retainer. The retainer was lying on the ground right by the pencil. She knew it was God because she had prayed and asked that He show her.
    Her reliance and trust in Him grew that day and so did mine. Love it when He shows up....
    Awed by His mercy and grace,
    Arla