In Loving Memory

Betty Harden 

7-9-26 to 5-25-13

It amazes me the people that God has placed in my life.  I didn't know Mrs. Betty the way others did, but I know and love her daughter. I do know that Betty loved the Jewish people and was in love with Jesus.  Her husband, Paul, and her have left a legacy to anyone associated with them.  I had the honor of helping Heidi, her daughter and my very best friend, take care of Mrs. Betty for about 6 months.  My children and I went over there almost everyday.  She had such a gentle and fun spirit.  She even helped us realize that William has a passion for the elderly.  He flocks to them.  Watching him with my neighbor and with total strangers at the nursing home, is precious. 

At the funeral today, the spirit there was of fun and play, not sadness.  We know that she is in heaven praising her Jesus and standing with her husband again.  I was nervous allowing the children to get attached to her, but it has been a beautiful site.  My mom always said, "It is better to have loved, than to never have loved at all." We love you Mrs. Betty.  Thank you for sharing your heart to all those around you. Your legacy will be in our hearts until we meet again. 

Braden explaining what they were doing at the grave site

Pastor Brent giving condolences 

Mutiny of Excess

I never thought that I was a women of excess.  In fact, I believed that I was truly blessed by the things given or purchased very inexpensively over the years to fill our home.  I believed that I didn't have a lot, or that I was not a hoarder or a person of clutter.  When you walked into our home, you didn't see lots of things on every wall or an over indulgence of furniture every where.  Even if you looked into our closet, I believed that we wore the same things all the time and frequently gave to the local thrift shops.

As we started packing to move in December, reality hit me square in the face.  I guess you can argue that we didn't intentionally fast from things in our life, but the door was swung open and hard.  Every time I went through a section of our home and had to decide what stayed and what went, I began to weep and cry out to the Lord.  My heart softened and I realized that the world had been masking my mind.  I do have a lot and why? Why do I need to keep thousands of dollars worth of scrapbooking stuff, that at this time I hardly use due to time.  The mounds of things to give away from the kitchen, my bedroom, my closet, even under the sinks was unbelievable.  Even the loads of garbage, truly things that couldn't be reused was insurmountable   The questions that every one that witnessed this purging of my life and heart was, "Can I live without this?  Does my life have to have this to work?"  This process, though painful, started to open my eyes and before too long, I began to be joyful about it all.  I was excited to fill the van to it's capacity 4 times (with no children) from front to back.  We even still have another van full to finish carrying off.  Prior to all this we had an unsuccessful yard sale and hauled off two trailers and truck fulls, too.  So, my plea to the Lord was being heard.  To "fit" into our new home, to live comfortably without living around "stuff" and boxes, to minimize our lives to what matters most.  In my heart, I believe now that there is a place to give up and not have excess no matter who you are and what you do or do not "have".  The Lord wants us to live as he did, giving to the poor and oppressed.  Living with less, so that we can be abundantly given more.  What does he fill those voids with, not more stuff, but life, joy, and peace.

My prayer today Lord, is actually praise.  Thank you for filling the pain of "loosing" everything I held apparently so dear, with Life, Joy, and Peace.  You are all I need.  You have shown me that my husband, my children, basic shelter, food, clothing is all I need.  Thank you for knowing what I need before I even ask for it.  I ask that you continue to mold me and shape me into an obedient follower of Christ.  I want to make you say, "Well done good and faithful servant."  I love you, Abba.
Your Daughter, Amen.

Builders for Christ

As I lay in bed on New Year's Day, I remembered the sweet man that visited us on move in day.  As of today, we have suffered through the Flu, a stomach virus, and a job lose.  Yep, and it has only been 4 weeks since we moved into Grandmother's house.  I asked the Lord that night to remember me, to let the "first of the year" be truly the first of the year that they would call about working on the house.  Then on January 2nd, Rendel called at 10 am.  He came over that day and we began to plan the work on the ceilings.  So amazing.  So, we moved out of the house again (which this time everything we own fits into a single car carport).

The work began  January 14th.  Several men came out, including my friend's brother and by day one all the ceilings were tore out and construction began to restore them.  That night, while I was getting ready for bed, I asked Wayne if it was selfish to ask if they could raise the ceiling in the living room.  It stood at 6'8" and a little higher would be cool, right.  He said that he didn't know and to go with my gut :-) So, the next day Rendel came up to me and asked the same question! This was without me telling him a thing.  I know that God reached into his brain and asked him for me.

                                            

It's neat to think of the history of the house. My Grandmother lived here for 58 years, plus my aunt and my Daddy lived here their whole childhood.  We have heard so many stories over the years.  We got to add two to our belts during demolition.  One, we found a wick in it's box from a kerosene lantern.  Daddy said that it smoked up the whole house and that Grandma had to clean their skin (because it was black as night due to the soot in the air) before they could go to school the next day.  Also, the roof still had bark on pieces of wood.  Every piece of wood came from the saw mill that was local here.
                                                     

Now at the end of a long week, where God came to his promise of blessing us and my grandparents/parents, we have beautiful and structurally sound ceilings.  We don't have to worry about them falling in on us and they will last for another 60 plus years.  The living room is now 7' 6" too.  We actually have lights in every room of the house now :-) Rendel is not done with us either.  He told us Wednesday and Friday that he is praying for some more work to be done to the house.  In his words, "If a man doesn't help others, he just isn't worth anything."


                       

Lord, you have been so good on your word.  You gave me steps, I obeyed, and you came good on your promises.  I ask that you bless Rendel and everyone that helped this week, even those who came to give them food.  I ask that you give him freedom from the heartache of loosing his wife just some short time ago.  Lord, continue to mold us into the people that you want us to be.  Give us God moments to encourage others and a way for us to spill the beans of your love and compassion for us.  Thank you again for this home.  I offer it to you and ask that you lead us in a way that my whole family will grow closer to you.  You are magnificent and a beautiful creator.  You are my friend.  Thank you Lord for loving me...In Jesus' name, Amen.

Changes again...

My blog seems to be a distant source of expressing thoughts these days due to Face Book.  As I sit this early morning, I realized that I needed to update our family status and give some more testimony of how God continues to weave a journey for us.

When I came home to be with my children in October of 2011, I knew that we were going to have a tough time adjusting; financially and emotionally.  After 6 months, emotionally was over with and financially grew stronger.  We made a decision when Anna was born for me to be at home with the kids and to homeschool.  Through the years this has been tested, but always God showed us confirmation by caring for us.

During all this time, I sought the Lord for many things and one of them being to be debt free.  For our burdens to be lifted and for us to be givers, not receivers.  I thank God for the gifts that he gives through other people, but there comes a time in your life in which you want to be able to stand on solid ground and give to others.  I, so desperately, want this to be our time.

My grandmother moved out of her house last year and gave the home to my Dad.  Daddy tried to rent the house, but with no prevail.  I began thinking about downsizing and living below our means, so the freedom that I desired could be achieved.  Of course, when I mentioned it to my husband, he just shot it down.  What a scary though, right.  We would be leaving the home we built together that was the handy work of my father and grandfather.  We would also be leaving a very spacious home of 2800 sq ft and entering into a cozy 992 sq ft.  Yes, Wayne thought I had lost my mind.

As the months went by, and I continued to pray about these things, I began to hear the Lord tell me, "Obey me and I will bless you".  I increased the conversations with my better half even more regarding the switch.  I even made a spreadsheet (it's in my nature-Business Major :-) to show the difference in our month expenses.  Finally in November 25, 2012, we came to a gut wrenching decision; to put our house up for short sale (due to the economy-our house is worth way less than what we owe) and to rent Grandmother's house.  We cried and cried about the decision, but deep down we both knew it was the right thing to do. I then began hearing the Lord tell me to "do this, so I can do my work".  

So, for the last month we have purged everything.  We have given away 2 trailers (after a yard sale that we had in October, before even knowing we would take this path), 3 completely loaded van loads, and there is still probably about a van load left at the house to give away.  I prayed for weeks for the Lord to let all of us fit into such a small space comfortably and peacefully.  I do not like clutter and I didn't want to live out of boxes or be living around boxes.

We have moved officially last weekend, and as usual, the Lord has come through.  We do fit comfortably.  Yes, there is still some adjusting to be done- with 5 people, 2 dogs (labs, I might add), and 2 parakeets.  We are not living out of boxes or moving around them.  God gave me the ability to release the house and everything in it.  It is an amazing feeling actually to let go of things that didn't even belong to me in the first place.  I am living by today, not tomorrow or next year.  God is teaching me, through this trial, to lean more on him and not on my circumstances.  I don't actually feel like this is home, not yet anyway.  But I pray that I always know that this house is even His, not mine.

This house has much to be done in it, and this was the most overwhelming part.  God knew that and I prayed that he would honor us in our obedience   That He would allow us to give back to my parents and grandparents.  A total stranger showed up on move in Saturday, Rendal.  He is a friend of a friend of mine.  He is in charge of Builders for Christ.  The Lord brought him for that "giving" I wanted for my parents/grandparents.  He promised that he would be back after the holidays to fix the major problems of the house for FREE.  Yes, I said it.  This is such a confirmation that we were supposed to move.  This renovation is not just for us, right now, but for the restoration of my grandfather's handy work.  I really believe that this is just the beginning of some answers to our long awaited prayers.

What a blessing it is to have a God that cares about the little things in life.  What a blessing it is to have a home to go to; with a roof, heat/air, plumbing, and beds to sleep.   God, I want to thank you.  Thank you for my family that you have given to me.  Thank you for a sense of peace and restoration.  Thank you for Rendal and his team.  I pray that they can restore the major problems of this house for the future of the home.  Lord, I ask that you continue to show us direction and leadership in our lives.  We cannot live without you.  I ask that you heal our bodies.  You know that at this time, I have three sick children.  Give them comfort and peace.  Give them healing on their bodies.  Let them know Lord that the sickness is not going to last forever and that you will protect them.  Continue to mold us into your servants.  Lord, we want to be more like you everyday.  Allow Wayne and I to be the parents that we need to be, so our children will know that you are King of our lives.  I pray for blessings on my children's, grandchildren's, and grandchildren's children's lives.  Gives us a legacy that leads to you.  This day, I give to you.  Give me the words to speak and actions to do, to give life to someone else.  In your precious son's name, Jesus-Amen.

"God takes good care of me"

Last week was a hard one, but this week is just icing on the cake.  As my daughter and I started our way to Alabama, our newer car broke down.  It took almost two hours for a wrecker and my mom (all the way from Alabama) to recover us.  After we dropped the car off at the shop in Haralson (a local backyard mechanic that a lot of us use), my Daddy was insistent that Momma bring me to Alabama.  So, we set off finally in the direction we intended to go earlier in the day. 

As we sat in the car waiting for everyone to arrive, my daughter said, " Mom you sure are handling this really well."  I just simply replied that there was no since in crying or shouting or getting upset.  Doing any of those things wasn't going to bring the car back to life or make us get to our destination any faster.  So, we decided to play games instead (electronically :-). 

During the night, early Tuesday morning, we received a phone call that my Daddy's uncle had passed.  He had been battling pancreatic cancer for several months and finally received his peace.  I am thankful that we were there, so my Daddy wouldn't be alone and dealing with his emotions.  Then on Wednesday after surviving the journey to Fairburn for the funeral-which was prayerfully joyful and peaceful, we get a phone call that the asset damages to the car would be $900! That nearly choked me, silently.  I didn't know how I would pay the horrific traffic ticket, advalorem on the car, our mortgage, and the other few bills that we have.  I just told the Lord that he would have to handle this, because I was just plain tired of worrying about stuff. 

At church on Sunday, as I tithed, I asked the Lord to help us eat, pay are bills, and give us direction.  Tithing hurt way more that it usually did.  Ya know in a non-tithers mentality tithing doesn't make any sense and the budget never can be in the black (for most of us anyway).  So, this week was a particularly extra hard week.  I trusted him and kept my promise to the promised tithe.

Low and behold, he has cared for us.  First, Wednesday I called on the ticket to see how much it was.  I jokingly mentioned that I hadn't received a ticket in 11 years and the woman agreed.  She offered me a ticketed warning, which doesn't go on my record and only cost $30! God is so good!!!

Then today, Friday, my pastor contacted me and some anonymous person gave the church $400 to the cost of our vehicle getting repaired! Wow, right!

Then, Wayne called me today and told me he actually got 4 loads today at work.  He hasn't done this in weeks! Plus, he was given 4 bags of dog food.

Along with all of this, in William's school this week we were covering N-N-Nest.  The cue card for this sound states, "God takes good care of me".  Today we read out of Matthew, reminding all of us that even the birds of the air do not go without food, shelter, and clothing.  God knows what we need before we even ask.  The birds do not ask, but they receive.  So, we too shall receive his care because we do ask.

I know that you are awesome, God.  This week, even though it was rough, I trusted you.  I asked for your guidance and the finances for our situations, which you delivered in multiples.  Thank you for loving me and allowing me to be the daughter of the King.  The one who created us all to Love and to share this love with all around us.  I ask that you bless the person that wants there good deed to be secret.  I pray that you will give them 100 times the amount that they gave us.   I felt like the widow and her mite, but just like you blessed her-you have us.  Continue to allow us to follow what you want for our lives.  You know our hearts' desire and if they are yours then let them be.  I pray that our mechanic receives financial blessings from you as well and the heart of God.  He loves to help people and make sure that they are not "ripped off", and for this Lord, please bless him and encourage him.  Wrap his family into your arms and fill their hearts with your word.  Thank you, again, Abba. 

In Jesus' Name,

Your Daughter

Satan, You are not the Boss of me!

I am sick and tired of Satan trying to rain on my parade.  The past years he has tried to steal my husband, my relationship with my children, lie to me about who I am in Christ, and give me catastrophe after catastrophe. 

Satan, you may not have my life, or my families, or my friends life.  Get away from our vehicles, our children, and spouses.  You don't rule me or them.  You are a liar, a thief, and a destroyer.  But guest what, I have something is more powerful than you will every have-Jesus.  His blood on the cross, heals my body, gives me joy in uncertain circumstances, provision, and most of all peace.  You can never give me these things.  You give confusion, depression, mismanagement of God's money, and death.  I am God's Girl, as Jamie Grace puts it, from the top of my head to the souls of my feet.  Get away, but I will serve God all the days of my life.  NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO! Get back and stand in your place-HELL. 

Jesus, I come to you tonight on behalf of my friends, family, and myself.  You are my true leader, provider, healer, confidant.  I ask that you give us (Lord, you know everyone on my mind) peace and comfort.  Lord, I ask for direction in our lives, in our marriages.  Give us success and allow us to know that this is your success, however it looks.  Give us Lord your eyes and your words, to lift each other up in prayer.  I ask, Father, that you come right now into every home.  Heal wounds, Heal bodies, Heal words, Heal friendships, Heal relationships, Heal financial burdens.  I can only give these to you, because they are not meant for me carry.  In your name, all is glorified.  I pray that my life would show your compassion, your love, your faithfulness, your desires.  Mold me and allow my husband and children to feel your presence.  Lord help to be a family that is unshakable.  I want to recognize Satan for who he really is and bring your glory to our lives and circumstances. 

Jer 29:11-12 "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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

James 1:2 Consider it pure joy my brothers when faced with trails of many kinds , knowing the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be perfect and complete, not lacking anything.  
 

The Power of Ugly

 Some friends and I have reading through a book called "The Power of Ugly".   This week we were talking about "The Ugly Jesus".  It is not blasphemy, I promise (you would have to read the book).  But in the chapter, it talks about the ugly conception, the ugly birth, and the ugly death of Jesus.  How He lived such a lowly life, so ordinary.  He came here not as a king with worldly riches, but as a baby.  A baby that had to be cared for and nurtured, one that was vulnerable to mankind.  The author takes us back to the movie "The Passion of the Christ".  He writes about different things, but what stands out the most to me in that movie is when Jesus is being beaten beyond recognition.  Satan comes in the crowd as the form of an infant.  He distorts something so beautiful and mocks quietly into Jesus' mind, just as he does me daily: "Your not good enough", "You'll never please Him", "You'll never go through with it".  All the while, Jesus in his misery and pain continues to press on.  If saying..."I have already won.  I am victorious and you may not have any of them".  Wow! How amazing that I could never love someone to sacrifice everything I am and have, but He sacrificed all this for ME.  We always think of this towards mankind, but tonight I am dwelling on the peace that it was for ME!


On my ride home tonight, I just felt like the Lord wanted me to declare something publicly. I never had sister(s) with my biological family, but God has placed some truly special women in my life to give me a sense of sisterhood. Thank you God for Joe Heidi Tritt.  Lord she gives of herself to our family all the time. She is my oldest sister whom watches over me and loves me unconditionally. Thank you Lord for giving her hope to not only a future with her family, but with mine. Surgery is ugly and is not really wanted, but a good friend told me that those are just scars and reminders of who we are in Christ. Our trials set us apart. We live in victory because of Christ. Praise God that the report is 90% no cancer! Praise God that my daughter, who at the age of 7 didn't want surgery either, but can live to say that God was with us and still is today. She, too, has ugly scars that remind her (and will remind her for the rest of her life) of the ugliness of this world. We live on 70% of no re-occurrence. 

My sister in law is another special one.  She is the little sister in my life.  I get to pray with her and share in life with her the intimate things that sisters share.  We can talk for hours and still call each other the next day and have something to talk about.  I have loved her since day one and continue to pray for God to reign in her life.  

There are so many that God uses for different parts of my sister needs:Faith Phillips (my other side of my brain, most days), Angela Thrasher (who we offer each other so much support to one another), April Anderson ( girl you are my strong leader, to you I look up to)... Thank you God for these women...I am truly a blessed one.

Lord, there are no words to describe what you have done for me to be saved.  I can never say Thank you enough.  But I lift my life to you and ask that I serve you with my whole heart for the rest of my life.  You are my rock, my foundation...You are never surprised by my circumstances or my response to the them.  Mold me and shape me into the wife, mother, daughter, friend, sister, teacher, etc. that will glorify your name and nothing else.  Place people in my life that will serve as models and firm guidance in my walk.  Help me to pray for my neighbors, my family, my community, my children, my husband in a way that pleases you and brings victory to their lives.  Thank you Lord for providing sisters in my life that understand me and love me for me.  Protect these relationships and keep them from the evil one.  You are my comforter, the Peace maker...In you I have hope and look forward to a successful future.  In Jesus' name, Amen.