God knew I needed to hear this last night...to focus on today!

As a wife and mother, there certainly are some days that seem to swallow me up with the cares of...life!  I know that today I have allowed certain things to bring more cares and consternation than is legitimately needed.  I have spent the time reading and studying in my Bible...guess what the topic was...choices!  I have prayed.  I have listened to good music.  I have done what I need to do to take care of my family.  Yet...I am not feeling peaceful inside.  I am agitated...so it is to my room I go...to once again ask God for His help and His peace.  And then I am constantly interrupted...about non-important things by children who have only one focus...what they need right now.  Then the arguing...that can't be ignored.  Finally the rough-housing...inside...when it is beautiful outside..."GO OUTSIDE!  IT IS BEAUTIFUL!  GET OUT...TAKE A BREAK FROM SCHOOLWORK AND QUESTIONS AND NEEDS...GO!" (Dare I even admit...they have only been home from school for an hour and a half?!  It was time for them to do something other than school!  Ok...but what is my problem?  I had all day at home...and quiet.  Now...it is not quiet.)

Honestly, I told them to go as nice as I could...but I didn't feel that nice...peaceful and calm...on the inside.  They felt the snap at their last outburst.  Satan knows the weak spots on this beautiful, sunny day...I know...I feel the shade and surges!  It happens...it goes along with the role I play in our family.

 

Like a river glorious is God’s perfect peace,
Over all victorious, in its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way.

Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.
 
Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully all for us to do;
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.

I am thankful that I am not alone!  As I lean on Him...He gives me that peace I need to face the next interruption or disheveled spirit.

I don't get paid for this

I was listening, once again, to KNVBC.com this morning and heard a song that made me stop what I was doing.  I had caught part of it one other time.  I grabbed a pen and whatever piece of paper I could and started scribbling.  It is so frustrating when the tears are blinding your eyes while you try to write!  I only got the chorus.  Tonight as I sit in the quiet house, I started searching for the rest of the lyrics and found a recording on youtube...with the lyrics typed out!  (I don't even care that tomorrow is spelled wrong.) 
"Thank you, Heavenly Father for people who play Godly music that ministers to my heart every day, all day!"  If I didn't know better, I'd think that God is whispering the daily playlist to the station manager after listening to my heart's cries.  I am thankful that the Holy Spirit bears witness with my spirit, giving me the encouragement I need...often before I know I need it!

As I was listening to Rejoice radio from PCC...

as I drove, I heard a song that had me sobbing.  We cannot get this station in our home unless we use the internet, but we can get it in our vehicles.  I listened to the words and God used that song to minister to my heart.  God uses the ordinary things and people of this life to accomplish His will.  I know the writer of these words has made poor choices in his life, but at one time he or the co-author, had an understanding of how God works in our lives.

"Shepherd Boy"
Ray Boltz

One by one Jesse's sons stood before the prophet.

Their father knew a king would soon be found.

And each one passed, except the last, no one thought to call him.

Surely he would never wear a crown.


But when others see a shepherd boy, God may see a king.


Even though your life seems filled with ordinary things.


In just a moment He can touch you and everything will change.


When others see a shepherd boy God may see a king.



One by one problems come and dreams get shattered.

And sometimes it's hard to understand.

But things like chance and circumstance,

They don't really matter.  Our Father holds tomorrow in His hands.

Well it wasn't the oldest, it wasn't the strongest, chosen on that day.

And yet the giants fell, and nations trembled when they stood in his way.

My husband knows just what I need to fill my heart and mind with!

I happened to open a padded envelope...and found two music cds. 

Whoops! 

Part of Mother's Day gift...that I have enjoyed all week long...

most of the time with tears streaming down my face.

"I can trust Jesus! I can trust Jesus! He never once has failed to meet my needs!  He is my Strong Tower, the Strength in my weakest hour. I can trust Jesus, He takes care of me!"

God has used this family to minister to our family over and over.

We know that we are on the right track, and there are others that think the same way we do!

I look back over many of the events of the last year, and I know satan has been at work because he doesn't want God's Word to penetrate others' lives as it has us.  God can only work in the lives of those that belong to Him.  He doesn't put a strangle-hold on anyone.  He draws His children to Himself.

Last year, the encouragement was put out to fathers to "Let's Build A Wall" and satan went beserk.  I wish I could say he didn't gain any ground...but he did...in enormous ways...and people's eternities are the cost.

God didn't order these events, but He allowed them to happen...for a purpose.

I can't imagine what the purpose is...but we know that God's Word is still true. 

"God sees the storm from the other side...He knows the lessons learned...And just beyond the clouds He sees clear skies...He speaks peace to the raging storm when peace cannot be found...He already sees the rainbow...when we see only clouds!" 

We know that any time truth is proclaimed, people will bristle.  We know satan will work over time to seek and destroy homes...and when he has the home in chaos...

God's Word won't be read...much less heeded.

We have known some of the trials of this life...we have seen that satan stops at nothing...

and we know there are more challenges and attacks to come. 

It isn't strange that this will happen...God tells us it will!

But we have peace and confidence...

and we know satan will be defeated in the end....and we won't be on his side!

"He saw Daniel through the lion's den, the Hebrew children through the fire back then, He brought Joseph from a slave to Egypt's throne, He gave songs to Paul and Silas, brought Peter through the prison gates...He helped David kill the lion and bear, helped ol' Jonah get up out of there,  He took Moses through the sea to the other side,  He sent fire to Elijah, made the sun stand still for Joshua...

He's the same God today.  He will always be that way.  No matter what you are facing...He will carry you through!"

So we will keep reading and following God's Word...

and filling our minds with music that encourages and strengthens our home.

Want to be blessed?

www.FaithMusicMissions.org

Stephen Ray Nichols and Family

Stopped in my daily routine by this song!

Let my life make a difference, Let my love for Jesus shine.
Let the Holy Spirit mold me.
Let my life make a difference in someone else's life.
Let my life make a difference in someone else's life.

I recognize my life is like a Bible; and its the only Bible some will ever read.
So help me, Lord, to live a life that humble, only pointing them to Calvary.
Lord, I want so much to set the right example, for I know their eyes are watching me.
Help me stay in the narrow way, my life a sacrifice will be.

Let my life make a difference, Let my love for Jesus shine.

Let the Holy Spirit mold me.
Let my life make a difference in someone else's life.
Let my life make a difference in someone else's life.

A certain man lay bleeding by the roadside, he'd been beaten by some thieves who stole his clothes.
Two people walked on by and could have helped him;  but they chose the other side of the road.
Then a man comes by that made a difference, a Samaritan who chose the heart of God.
He bound up his wounds and he paid for his room.
Now there's a man who understands true love.

Let my life make a difference, Let my love for Jesus shine.

Let the Holy Spirit mold me.
Let my life make a difference in someone else's life.
Let my life make a difference in someone else's life.

Desiring to be a blessing...

 I am asking the Lord to do just that in my life.  I know it won't always be in big ways...and that is ok.  Someone has to do the little things.   God wants us to be faithful in the little ways first.  I know I can do the little things...and my prayer is that I will be listening and watching so as not to miss an opportunity!

"Make Me A Blessing"
Out in the highways and byways of life,
many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife
making the sorrowing glad.

 Make me a blessing,
Make me a blessing,
Out of my life
May Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love;
Tell of His pow'r to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
true ev'ry moment you live.

Give as 'twas given to you in your need;
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed;
Unto your mission be true.

God's Been Good!

Verse 1

Lately I've been looking back, along this winding road

To the old familiar markers of the mercies I have known

I know it may sound simple but it's more than a cliche

There's no better way to tell you, than to say



Chorus

God's been good in my life

I feel blessed beyond my wildest dreams when I go to sleep each night

And though I've had my share of hard times, I wouldn't change them if I could

'Cause through it all, God's been good



Verse 2

Times replay and I can see that I've cried some bitter tears

But I felt His arms around me, as I faced my greatest fears

You see I've had more gains than losses and I've known more joy than hurt

As His grace rolled down upon me undeserved



Bridge

For God has been my Father, my Savior and my Friend

His love was my beginning, and His love will be my end

I could spend forever trying to tell you everything He is

But the best that I can say it is this



Chorus

God's been good in my life

I feel blessed beyond my wildest dreams when I go to sleep each night

And though I've had my share of hard times, I wouldn't change them if I could

'Cause through it all, God's been good

"God Wanted It That Way"

If God wanted it that way, Daniel would have never known the lion’s den. And Joseph would have the throne without the prison David would have never known Saul’s jealousy and job would have never lost his family. Stephen would have never been stoned. And the beatings of Paul would have never been known.


But God wanted it that way. God wanted it that way. Every trial, every test was only for the best. It was always in His plan, though we may not understand. As the Potter molds the clay, God just wanted it that way!

If God had wanted it that way, no one would have ever known the Trail of Blood. And Tyndale would have the Word of God completed. Preachers would have never heard their children cry, as they walked alone to that stake to die. Nero would have never had the throne. Coliseums of Rome would have never been known.

But God wanted it that way. God wanted it that way. Every trial, every test was only for the best. It was always in His plan, though we may not understand. As the Potter molds the clay, God just wanted it that way!

In these lives we live down here, sunshine will always know the rain to fall. And each day can bring us joy as well as sorrow. Trials will always come from day to day. And heartache may cross our path along the way. But He holds our lives in his hands, and our hopes and our tears He will always understand.

For God wanted it that way. God wanted it that way. Every trial, every test was only for the best. It was always in His plan, though we may not understand. As the Potter molds the clay, God just wanted it that way!

It was always in his plan though we may not understand. As the potter molds the clay, God just wanted it that way!

As the potter molds the clay, God just wanted it that way!
Song by: Stephen Ray Nichols family

What A Savior And What A Master!

What a Savior and what a Master and What a friend is He!  Left His glory and went to Calv'ry,

Just to set me free.  To describe Him would take forever, so I'll just simply say...

What a Savior!  What a Master!  Do you know Him today?

There's a man who can walk on water and calm the raging sea.  He can bind up the broken-hearted and set the captives free.  He can heal you and He can fill you with love like you've never know.  What a Savior!  What a Master! He has made you His own.

Just imagine that we're in Heaven and all our troubles are gone.  There'll be singing and Oh, such shouting and how we're gonna carry on.  When we see our blessed Jesus.  I believe we're gonna say, What a Savior!  What a Master!  He took my sins all away.

THEN JESUS CAME!

One sat alone beside the highway begging,

His eyes were blind, the light he could not see;

He clutched his rags and shivered in the shadows

Then Jesus came and bade his darkness flee.

When Jesus comes, the tempter's power is broken;


When Jesus comes, the tears are wiped away.


He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory,


For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay.


From home and friends the evil spirits drove him,

Among the tombs he dwelt in misery;

He cut himself as demon pow'rs possessed him,

Then Jesus came, and set the captive free.


"Unclean! Unclean!" the leper cried in torment,

The deaf, the dumb, in helplessness stood near;

The fever raged, disease had gripped its victim

Then Jesus came and cast out ev'ry fear.


So men today have found the Saviour able,

They could not conquer passion, lust and sin;

Their broken hearts had left them sad and lonely,

Then Jesus came and dwelt, Himself, within.

We have been practicing a song...

I'm having trouble getting the notes, but I realized that I am having even more trouble with the words!  I think we often sing a song because "we like it", which to me is very shallow.  I believe music conveys more than just fuzzy, warm feelings!  The music we fill our minds and hearts with, the music we desire to listen to, the music we sing...flows from the abundance of our heart. I was reading in Luke 6...and came upon verse 39-46..."...for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."  The book of Proverbs and James are filled with verses on this truth.  You cannot sing the world's music all week long and then try to sing Godly music on Sunday and expect God to bless it!  And so I sit here...wondering...if my heart is right, my motives are pure, and my words truthful...as I prepare to stand and sing with other ladies...before our church congregation...but more importantly...before my Lord and Savior.  This song is making a statement...that I really don't think we take seriously!  "It's a nice song for Easter." And my heart sank.
Galatians 2:20
"I am crucified with Christ;  therefore, I no longer live.  Jesus Christ now lives in me... 
Embrace the cross where Jesus suffered, Tho' it will cost all you claim as yours.  Your sacrifice will seem small beside the treasure:  Eternity can't measure what Jesus holds in store. 
Embrace the love the cross requires:  Cling to the One whose heart knew every pain.  Receive from Jesus fountains of compassion:  Only He can fashion your heart to move as His.  O wondrous cross, our desires rest in you.  O Lord Jesus, make us bolder to face with courage the shame and disgrace You bore upon Your shoulder. 
Embrace the life that comes from dying:  Come trace the steps the Savior walked for you.  An empty tomb concludes Golgothat's sorrow.  Endure, then, till tomorrow your cross of suffering.  Embrace the cross."
But what about Galatians 2:21?
I guess, I find myself struggling with what I know to be truth...
I find myself struggling with what I see and hear...
I don't want to frustrate the grace of God.  I don't want to add to salvation.  I don't want to trample on the evidence of what God has done and is doing in my life.  I have been redeemed by the blood that Jesus Christ shed on the cross!  Romans 3:24  Because I have been bought, I am not my own!  Romans 6:14-23
My testimony is important!  Maybe that is why my heart sank...and why I continue to struggle with this song.

Can you sing the words to this song...and really mean it?!

What is most important to you?  Are you really willing to give it all up...for things that matter most to God?  He is not impressed with our achievements and our degrees.  How large our bank account is, doesn't impress Him.  He is not worried about our address and zip code.  What matters most...are the lives you touch each and every day!  How have you touched your family today?  Are they in your way?  Have you pushed them aside?  Have you encouraged someone else today or are you too obsessed with your troubles and desires?  Have you reached out to show the love of Jesus...with just a word or a smile?
We have lost sight of what is most important to God!  The only things that never die...are those people around you...and you can take them with you...to Heaven.

Things That Never Die

I can't think of any places I'd leave it all to go. I can't think of any thing I'd die to hold. The list of what is priceless is very short indeed. There aren't very many things I find I really need. So here's my simple plea...

Things that last forever, things that never die. I give my self each day I live, for what I know will never, never die. Yes, I will give myself away for things that will never die.

To know a love that's lasting, forgiveness without blame, peace that through the pressure still remains.  The simple joy of living, my family, and my friends.  Relationships that go on after space and time shall end.  I thank you, Lord, for them.

Things that last forever, things that never die.  I give myself each day I live, for what I know will never, never die.  Yes, I will give myself away for things that will never die.

To rescue someone dying, to lift a fallen child, to hurt when someone's hurting, to walk a second mile...
Things that last forever, things that never die.  I give myself each day I live for what I know will never, never die.  Yes, I will give myself away for things that will never die.

"Mom, when you sing again, can I sing with you?" asked Alisa.

When there is a willingness to use a talent for God...of course!  "Uh, I am on the schedule to sing this Sunday!  Is that too soon?" I asked.  She smiled and shook her head "No."

I had been thinking of two different songs...but they just weren't flowing.  Alisa asked me that question as I was listening to one of my favorite cds of late, "Alisa, are you willing to sing acapella with Mom?  I don't have the music...but God directed me to what song we will sing.  It is your testimony...our testimony of what God did for us a year ago."

My thoughts have drifted repeatedly to where we were a year ago at this time.  I have waves of emotion hit me at the oddest times.  The other night, I sat and read over the events of last February.  I am filled with gratefulness for God's direction in every situation.  I am asking God for strength of voice and control of emotions to be able to sing with our daughter.  As we practiced today, we talked about what God did in our lives last year.  We, personally, know the answer!  And don't ever want to forget His answer.

"Is Anything Too Hard For God?"

You say you trust God...do you...really?

It's out of your hands, you've done all you can do. You've given God the problem, it's no longer up to you. You prayed the prayer of faith.  You're standing on God's truth while you're waiting on the answer, He has a question for you.


Is anything too hard for God?  Who's got a problem beyond His power to solve?  Are there situations He's not the master of?  Is anything too hard for God?


Only believe.  Trust His word.  You'll see His plans are now unfolding, performing perfectly.  It is clear how much He loves you, look at all He's done. For all your questions there's really only one.


Are there situations He's not the master of?  Is anything too hard for God?

Another song sung by Mrs. Susan McGill that has touched my heart this week with conviction.  Do I really believe this truth?  Do I act like it in my daily life?  Do I talk about His power and provision in my life?  Do I point others to this truth by my words and actions?  By my attitude?

"All Along Your Hand Has Been Guiding Me!"

Time just drifts away and as I look back on the years, memories of happiness and bitter tears. Through it all there was a common thread that cannot be ignored. You were there teaching me to be Your servant, Lord.

All along, Your hand has been guiding me, shaping my life to be a beautiful song.
All along, You've lead me through things that You knew would make me strong.
Your love has been there all along...

Every joy and pain have a reason of its own, now I realize that I was not alone.
The changing seasons of my life were not left up to chance. Lord, I know You were working to fulfill Your plan.
All along, Your hand has been guiding me, shaping my life to be a beautiful song.
All along, You've led me through things that You knew would make me strong.
Your love has been there all along!

Tomorrow when I turn around and I look back at today, I will understand Your purpose and my thankful heart will say...
All along, Your hand has been guiding me, shaping my life to be a beautiful song.
All along, You've led me through things that You knew would make me strong.
Your love has been there all along!
sung by Mrs. McGill

We received an answer to prayer today.  God is still God.  He is still in control.  In the struggles of life, God hears our prayers and our petitions.  He is working all things together...I just need to remember that it is according to what He deems as good for us.  I still wonder why...why this way...but He knows what is for our good.  I am thankful for the Godly music I have been able to listen today that reminds me of this truth.

Is music part of your day?

Every morning, we turn on God-honoring music while we begin to move around sipping coffee, preparing, and eating breakfast.  This morning as I stood at the waffle iron, Ron Hamilton's voice came over the internet air waves.  We sang this song, The Secret Place, in choir before our director moved south.  The words are powerful and convicting.
 How often do we allow God to minister to our hearts?  How often do we listen to what He wants to say through His Word? through Godly music?  What we listen to...or don't listen to...sets the tone in our home!  Do you use godly discretion when you choose music for your home, office, and vehicle?  What are you filling your mind with each day?  What are you filling your children's minds with each day?  Are you even filling these minds with anything?  If you are not...you are setting yourself and your children up for satanic attack.  Oooo...we don't like to think of it that way, do we?  Satan is a roaring lion...seeking for ways to gain entrance into our homes and minds...never resting...never settling.
We want our home to be a quiet place of peace and rest...and we find that by spending time with the One who is the author of peace, power, love, and sound minds! (I Cor. 14:33, I Tim. 1:7) God doesn't want us to live in fear and confusion...because He is a God of order (I Cor. 14:40).  We don't leave voids...that Satan can come in and fill.  And we don't use the world's standards to be the guide for the music we bring into our home.  We use God's Word and wisdom from Godly men to teach us and train us to make wise choices.  If we are truly allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us each day, we know what music (and various other activities) are pleasing to God...and we don't have to spend time defending and arguing this topic.
 
Hebrews 4:12-13  "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."

It all comes down to the issue of the heart!  Who does your heart belong to?  The world...Your flesh...or God.  It is as simple as that!  Whomever holds your heart...is the one that you will please!  It is a daily battle...Galatians 2:20 "...yet not I, but Christ liveth in me..."

Today, He used the words of this song to remind me what He does for me...sometimes in the secret places as I spend time with Him...and sometimes...at a waffle iron!

The Secret Place
I've found a secret place


Of comfort & release,

A special place of healing,

A quiet place of peace.

And everyone who dwells there

Finds rest beneath God's wings.

In the shade of His pavilion

New strength He always brings.

- - -

I find hope, I find grace


Far away from the world's embrace.


He gives me rest; He keeps me safe,


I find His strength, I seek His face


In the secret place.

- - -

With every trial He brings,

My Lord will make a way--

To strengthen & protect me,

To help me face each day.

He leads me through the valley

To draw me closer still,

Knowing even in the shadows

I find his perfect will.

The Blessed Old Book...Have you spent time in it today?

It is a well of pure water, when I'm thirsty and dry,
And bread when I'm hungry and worn.
When the battle is raging, it is my sword.
It's a shelter from life's troubled storms.
It's a light to my pathway, it's a lamp to my feet
when this world gets so dark you can't see.
I've not made a change in one word that it says,
But it sure made a change in me.

This blessed Old Book, that I hold in my hand
is true from beginning to end.
It's the solid foundation where I firmly stand.
Sin kept me from it,
Now it keeps me from sin.

When I think what it cost just to hold in my hand,
I'm reminded that I owe a great debt,
to all the martyrs who go to the stake,
and quote it with their dying breath.
Now critics are many, and believers are few. 
One thing I found to be true,
If you find when you read it, that there's
something wrong,
There's something wrong with you.