Pondering...

Whenever I am asked to give a short devotion for a baby shower, I always refer to Luke 2:19, "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." (Pondering: to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply) Every new mom has sat in the corner while listening to friends and family chatter about the newborn baby. Those new moms are "pondering" the information they are hearing about their sweet new baby.

Todd 10 yrs old.   Channon 9 yrs old.

I have 5 children. The oldest is 27 and the youngest 10 years old. After December 25, 2009 I can attest that you don't have to be a new mom to ponder information about your children. This Christmas was the best Christmas I think our family has celebrated in many years. What made it the best? I know it wasn't the amount of money spent on gifts. I also know it wasn't the over abundance of gifts. It wasn't just because there was a lot of people in the house. (Even though there was 19 people.)

Mikayla 20 months old

What made it the best was the connection. There was a positive connection between sibblings and between children and parents. The greatest connection was between family and God. How God took broken lives and made them whole. We give God the glory and honor for bringing our family back together. No greater gift did I receive than to have my children to come up to me and put their arms around me and say, "thank you" and "I love you". Without any expectations or pressure, when my adult children left their seat to come and show their parents their love and gratitude.

Camden 6 yrs old

It's been many years since our oldest son spent Christmas with all the family. What a blessing it was when he sat on the same ottoman with me and put his arm around me and he asked, "How are ya Mom?" Tears flow down my cheeks just to type this pondered moment. If I could freeze time, I would have chosen that moment. My sweet boy wasn't looking for a hurried answer. He was genuinely concerned.

Brandon and Chaina

Having my son in-law get up and give me a hug and express sincere good wishes was a blessing. For our oldest daughter to suggest that we shake up our family tradition a little. Brilliant idea. To find the missing 2 year old in the bathroom brushing his teeth using his Papaw's toothbrush was priceless. Hearing our 20 month old grand daughter say "Hi" at least a million times was precious.

The Godfrey House

God is so good. I know God loves my children more than I love them. His way is always the best. My husband and I have been praying for our oldest son. Since early fall we even prayed for God to have a good woman where he works to catch his eye. Christmas Day he introduced his new girlfriend. Where did they meet? When did she start working there? You guessed it. She works in the same company and started working there in September. Oh my, only God moves and puts people in the right place at the right time for the right reasons.

4 Generations

When was your last pondering moment? Write it down. Keep it close. Never forget. Ponder often.

Breaking the rules of Tradition....Breakfast for Supper

Teagan 2 yrs old

Nephews: Cory and Nathan

Life Verse and Salvation Invitation

Run For Your Life

Change

"Change: 1.to make or become different in some way; 2.to put or take one thing in place of another; 3.to give or take one thing in return for another;"

We've all had times in our lives that we were afraid of change. We like things just the way they are. It's the way we've always done it. I've heard that before. Every new year we all try to "change" something about ourselves. By February we realize we haven't changed a bit.

The year 2009 has brought many changes to our country. There's been changes in the job market. There's a lot of talk about changing our health care policies. These and other events have brought changes to many families. Since the Presidential election of 2008, we aren't sure about change. What's going to change? How's it going to change? When is it going to change? Will it change me? Remember this last question..."Will it change me?"

I've lived almost 50 years. There's been a lot of changes in my life. My personal experiences has offered and sometimes forced me to change. My life verse is: I Corinthians 15:58; Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. I live with a purpose. I want my family and friends to know that I stayed true to my faith yesterday, today, and if I live 40 more years...that I stayed "stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding..."

I have benefited most in my trials when I've humbled myself at the feet of Jesus. And turn my cares over to Him. The more I fall as His feet the more I understand there's still room to be closer. I see how much I fail. I see how desperately wicked I really am.

My latest and current trial has been this car accident. When I wrecked on June 1, 2009 I thought I had died in the car. Through God's mercy my life was spared. God not only protected my in the crash itself, but also through the many doctors who did not or could not find what my source of pain was. This event hasn't only just pulled me to the feet of Jesus, but it has given me an eternal perspective I have never had before.

When my children were small. I wondered if I would ever talk with another adult again? Would I ever be able to influence another adult and have an impact in their lives for Christ? Now that 4 out my 5 children are either grown or almost grown I can look from the nose bleed section and see the past 28 years. I can see who the most important people were in my life. Those most important were my husband and 5 children, Chrystal, Brandon, Jamin, Brittnie, and Todd. Showing Christ to them should have been the most important thing I had ever done. I see that sometimes it wasn't. Sometimes cleaning the house was more important. Sometimes school was more important. Sometimes what other people thought was more important. Sometimes other adults were more important. And yes, sometimes even church was more important. I regret that.

I have one child still to raise, Todd. I want to finish with an eternal view. Because at the end of the day, the only thing that really matters is Heaven or Hell.

Change is uncomfortable. Change sometimes hurts. Mostly, change is scary. We are afraid of change. And as an Independent, Fundamental, Conservative, Baptist Believer...I put my robe of "I won't change!" on. Don't get me wrong, there are some things that we should never change. Thank God, He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. Thank God there's only one way to Heaven, through Jesus. ("I am the way the Truth and the Life." But I'm nowhere like Jesus. I have a long way to go. And as long I am still living, I still need to change.

A few days ago I was asked to answer some questions for someones psychology class. The question was; "If I could do one thing to change the state of the world today what would I do?" Not a small task. Money can't be the answer. If it was then then $800 billion would have eliminated the crisis. The only way to change the "state of the world" is to change the "state of the mind and heart of mankind". Live more for others and less of ourselves. Give more to others and less to ourselves. Think more of others and less of ourselves. Pray more for others and less for ourselves.
Really only God can change the heart of man. And He will only do that if we humble ourselves at His feet. Will the events of today change me? God....I hope so.

Change: 1.to make or become different in some way; 2.to put or take one thing in place of another; 3.to give or take one thing in return for another;"

When trials come I don't want to run away from God. I want to run towards Him. Run like a small child when they fall and need comfort from their Mom. Only when I fall at His feet with my hands open leaving all my sin, and my care on Him can I be changed. Will my recent event change me? God....I hope so.

Jeanne Robertson "Don't send a man to the grocery store!"

"Most" (Czech for "The Bridge" ) a man sacrifices his son

A Call To Anguish by David Wilkerson

Life Markers

In my daily devotions, I'm reading the book of Romans. Yesterday I read chapter 4. I was blown away in verses 18-22. Paul talks about Abraham and his faith. After re-reading that portion of scripture several times...I felt so convicted.

There have been events in my life where I know my faith strengthened and carried me through. Those events are my life markers. In almost 50 years I can recall 7 of those markers.

*My first marker was before I met my husband. I went to college and moved out of my parents house. The event was difficult for them and our relationship was very tense for 5 years. God is real.

*My second marker was the process of adopting our first adopted child. I spent 4 years praying, crying, and seeking God for another baby. In the 18 months of adoption waiting, we had 5 adoption to not go through. That was a very dark time for me. Then in Nov. 1991, God so graciously assured me that I WILL have a baby. Then in Jan 1992 we received a phone call, that our baby was ready to be picked up. He was born Nov. 16, 1991. God is good.

*My third marker was 7 years of dealing with extended family issues concerning the race of the child we adopted. That difficult time is over, forgiven, gone, and healed as if it never happened. That's a God thing. God is powerful.

*My fourth marker was the year I turned 40 years old. I tore my ACL in my right knee. In 3 months time I had 3 knee surgeries. The third surgery was very depressing to me. It took 2 years to gain full use of my leg. God is faithful.

*My fifth marker was when we got a collect call from the county jail. Our oldest son was arrested for drug possession. He served 2 weeks in jail and 4 months in rehap 500 miles away from home. I still can hear the sound of the chains as he led the chain gang into the courtroom. My heart was broken. God is strong.

*My sixth marker when our first grand baby was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder. I tried to be up for my daughter and her husband, but I was tore up inside. I cried everyday for 2 weeks. I cried every time I thought of that sweet baby and her Momma. I struggled with accepting and understanding God's purpose. I asked God, "What are You thinking?" God is loving.

*My seventh marker is a car accident I was in. One summer afternoon, life was good, weather was beautiful, and I was on a mission. Then out of nowhere, a 16 year old boy tries to cross the highway. And BAM, I hit his truck on the front passenger tire area. I thought I had died. When I came to and felt the enormous about of pain...I realized I lived. God is eternal.

Will I have more life markers? Oh yes! When? I hope no time soon. But I want to keep Abraham's testimony close to me.

The Bible says of Abraham...who against hope BELIEVED in hope... When there's no light, believe that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. When there is no hope, there is hope through Jesus.

And being NOT WEAK in faith... Abraham wasn't perfect. He made mistakes. But when God told him at 100 years old that he was going to have a baby.... his faith was never shaken. Verse 20 says, "he STAGGERED NOT at the promise of God" Wow!

What Abraham did was he stayed STRONG in faith, giving GLORY TO GOD, and being FULLY PERSUADED that, what He (God) had promised, He was able also to perform.

Wow! That's faith. Isn't that awesome? I want the faith Abraham had. I can have that faith. We both serve the same God.

Taste my Jesus

At the University of Chicago Divinity School each year they have what is called “Baptist Day.” On this day each one is to bring a lunch to be eaten outdoors in a grassy picnic area.

Every Baptist Day the school would invite one of the greatest minds to lecture in the theological education center..

One year they invited Dr.. Paul Tillich. Dr. Tillich spoke for two and one-half hours proving that the resurrection

of Jesus was false. He quoted scholar after scholar and book after book. He concluded that since there was no

such thing as the historical resurrection the religious tradition of the church was groundless, emotional mumbo-jumbo,

because it was based on a relationship with a risen Jesus, who, in fact never rose from the dead in any literal sense. He then asked
if there were any questions.

After about 30 seconds, an old dark skinned preacher with a head of short-cropped, woolly white hair stood up in the

back of the auditorium. “Docta Tillich, I got one question,” he said as all eyes turned toward him.

He reached into his sack lunch and pulled out an apple and began eating it. “Docta Tillich … CRUNCH, MUNCH …

“My question is a simple question” ... CRUNCH, MUNCH ... “Now, I ain’t never read them books you read” ...

CRUNCH, MUNCH ... “and I can’t recite the Scriptures in the original Greek” .. CRUNCH, MUNCH ... “I don't know nothing’ about Niebuhr and Heidegger” ... CRUNCH, MUNCH ... He finished the apple. “All I wanna know is: This apple I just ate—was it bitter or sweet?” Paul Tillich paused for a moment and answered in exemplary scholarly fashion: “I cannot possibly answer that question, for I haven’t tasted your apple..”



The white-haired preacher dropped the core of his apple into his crumpled paper bag, looked up at Dr. Tillich and said calmly, “Neither have you tasted my Jesus.” The 1,000 plus in attendance could not contain themselves. The auditorium erupted with applause and cheers.

Dr. Tillich thanked his audience and promptly left the platform.



“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him” (Psalm 34:8).

Gaither Comedy

Speaking on "Chosen Children"

Psalms 84:11

The Lord used this verse of scripture during 2 difficult times in the past 12 months. As I spent time the the Lord this morning, this song was a source in inspiration. Worship in your living room is a sweet time.

"Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)"

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine

Chris Tomlin - Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)

Chosen Children

The Life That's Chosen Me - Karen Taylor-Good

Dada / Rolling Over

Defense Wins the Game

I love sports. I use to consider myself an athletic person. When I was in school I ran in every relay team I could join. I played softball, ran in races, and I absolutely loved basketball. My kids laugh at my basketball half court stories. But I loved my half court sport. Now after 3 knee surgeries, age, and lots of joint pain my athletic days have boiled down to trying to get things down around the house without hurting myself. haha

Another way I have tried to stay around sports is by coaching community youth sports. I've coached 25 different teams in AYSO soccer and YMCA basketball. My new favorite sport is soccer. I truly love coaching soccer. I went to several classes to improve my soccer knowledge and coaching techniques. I even became certified as a referee. (Taring my ACL forced me to stop) I watch my children play sports. I've watched my kids cheer lead, play basketball, volleyball, baseball, soccer, and football. I consider it a privilege to watch them play. I try to stay active with their sports as much as I can. I participate in booster clubs and fundraising events.

There's nothing more exciting, in sports, than to see a team come from behind and win a game. Wow! How thrilling it is to work hard, listen to your coach, play from your heart, give all you've got and win. I recently watched the Lady Vols come from a 20 point deficient at halftime and win the game by 4. I've coached a young boys basketball game several years ago. There was 5 minutes left in the game. We were down by 10 points. I called a time out. I told the boys, (the number 10 sounds so big) "We just need 5 shots! Can you give me 5 shots?" All the boys yelled, "Yes, Coach!" My young boys won by 4. Another time was in a soccer tournament. We had won one game. We needed to win the second one in order to advance. With 10 minutes left in the game we were down by 5 goals. A tie would not help us, we needed a win. I made some player changes and it was exciting....we won by 1. The team advanced and won first place in the tournament.

As you can imagine, players, parents, fans, and yes, the coach was jumping with excitement. With every team I've coached, I've always stressed that "Defense Wins the Game". Of course a good scoring offense is good, but if the other team keeps scoring too, you will loose. Coaching in youth sports, I would often call back the offense so the score doesn't run up. But I'd never call off the defense. If the opposing team was going win they'd have to go through the defense.

Can you tell, I'm a little competitive?! I'm a good sport. I love to win and I hate to loose. So I try to coach to where I didn't loose often. :)

As a believer our faith is in a battle or a playoff game all the time. Have you seen players who would score and make a big show? Then the opposing team was able to quickly score. Why? Because the player spent too much time celebrating his personal victory and didn't stay focused that there was a game to still play. The player needed to immediately go back to defense.

Have you had a spiritual victory? A huge answer to prayer? Witnessed a miracle that only God could accomplish? Then soon after you felt discouraged or depressed. Elijah did that too. He just won a victory on the mountain against Jezebel's false prophets. God proved, in a miraculous way, that He was the true God. God threw a fire ball that burned up the sacrifice, stone, and water. Later we find Elijah under a juniper tree wanting to give up and die.

Elijah didn't go back on defense. Satan was ready for the next play and Elijah wasn't. I've done that many times. I've recently done that. I've been battling in an unjust law suit against me. Three years and almost 3 months later, I won in Federal Court. The celebration was powerful. The relief was a welcomed blessing. Yet, within a few days, I worried and wondered how we're going to pay the upcoming bills. How much groceries will I be able to buy? What happened? I didn't get back on defense.

See, the game is still on. I'm not finished yet. Heaven is where my part in the battle or game ends. Until then I must keep my eyes and my faith to Him. As players must stay focused on their coaches direction, believers need to stay focused on the Word of God. Remember, "Defense Wins the Game." Don't give up! Don't quit! Don't stop!

Maybe she'll play someday

Since music is so important to WS individuals, you can't introduce too early. She loves to watch you play. I can only play one song, she's my biggest fan. :)

Visiting her Mom-Mom and Papaw

Binding Together

Acts 12:1-19; Peter and James preached and stood for Jesus. Their message was not liked by King Herold and other religious leaders. King Herold thought he'd put a stop to such ridiculous talk. He had James killed and Peter arrested.

In vs. 5; ...but...prayer was made without ceasing for him. When was the last time I prayed for someone without ceasing?

My family has had some rather large issues that has had an financial and emotional influence over the past 3 years.

1. Finalized the adoption of our 4th child

2. Started and finalized the adoption of our 5th child

3. $20 million law suit filed against me

4. Loss of income

5. Teenage daughter needing residential counseling

6. Grand baby born

7. Grand baby being diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder

In our deepest financial and emotional hours my family has needed God. For the year 2009 I believe it's scriptural to bind together with believers and pray earnestly for one another.

vs. 5 Bind with believers

vs. 14 Be strengthened and blessed because we had a part

vs. 15 Be prepared for God to answer in His way and time

vs. 6-11 While we're praying, God is moving behind the scenes. When you are receiving the prayers you are responsible to....

1. vs. 6 Rest in your faith

2. vs.11 Acknowledge God is working

3. vs. 12 Let your fellow believers know God has heard their prayers

4. vs. 17 Continue serving God ... soon you will be a prayer warrior in behalf of another believer.

Results of binding in prayer, in this passage...

1. Peter was released from jail

2. 16 people died

3. Later King Harold was eaten alive by worms.

Results of binding in prayer for my family...

1. A resounding victory in Federal Court and the $20 million law suit defeated. :)

2. Grandbaby's physical needs are much improved

Believers need to bind together more often. I would like to be part of fellow believers who regularly bind together in prayer for one another. May I suggest you start with a small group from church or a Sunday school class. I look forward to 2009 and see God move victorious as a result of believers binding together.

To God be the Glory.

Christmas 2008 Memories