(Part 2) of Storms on the Horizon February 23, 2008

  This is Part 2 of Storms On the Horizon. Please be sure to read Part 1, which is down below this post first.

     I decided to make this a two part writing because there was a talk that came up in our bible study that i wanted to share with you all. I am an observant person for those of you who don’t know me personally. I tend to watch things that are happening and then later on i reflect back on them for one reason or another. I sometimes think that maybe this is how the Lord shows me personally His lessons in a way that will stick with me. So here’s what happened…

     In our Wednesday night group we talk about the verses we are studying and see how each other hear the Lord talking to us personally. It’s so cool how we all can come up with totally different things that i look back on and i’m like, ” Now why didn’t i see that it was right there before me.” One topic we were on for a while was this verse:

Ezekiel 1:28 …. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When i saw it, i fell face down, and i heard the voice of one speaking.

Ezekiel 2:2 As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and i heard him speaking to me.

     Last Sunday was my sister-in-laws baby shower for her second son. My nephew Isaiah had not had a nap and it was mid afternoon so he was a cranky lil’ boy. At one point he was so upset that he just slid down his moms leg and onto the floor crying. She bent down, picked him up then began to talk to and console him.

     As soon as we stared to talk about this verse it dawned on me that where did we get so big for our britches that we quit being that child before a Holy God?? Why when things are going wrong or even right have we neglected to be that child flat on our faces in prayer or worship before our Father? We’ve grown to big for Him i suppose. Good thing His feelings toward us haven’t changed. As children we fell to the floor in desperation, but as adults we’ve grown too fancy for that kind of humbleness toward our Creator. Shame on us! What do we think is gonna happen to us while we’re down there? I don’t wanna miss out on his comforting, consoling, wisdom or even just the opportunity.

     Tonight i was over at my moms and we were about to leave when she decided that we needed to pray for a friend who’s in need of a touch from the Lord. Well, all three of us were down on the floor face first. As mom prayed i couldn’t help but think that i actually liked it down there on the floor. In fact, maybe that’s gonna be the new place of “time-outs” away from my idols. I have known a few other people in my life that when they were wanting to hear from the Lord literally were down on their faces. An in my life they were dynamic, Godly people! We are supposed to come to Him with a childlike faith. (Mark 10:13-16) I.e. Humility, trust, receptivity and a lack of self sufficiency. I pray to be like my nephew but to my Heavenly Father. Humble, trusting, receptive and down on my face before Him.

     Well, another week has come & gone. I hope each of you, my readers, have a wonderful weekend. I ask for you to take a quick minute and pray for the following people:

• My on-line buddy Stacy’s father who is having a heart surgery this week- healing, recovery, and for traveling mercies on the kids.
• Mothers friend Brenda- healing, God-given strength & peace.
• Dr. C & K- business related.
• Wanda, my step mother- healing of knee after replacement & physical strength.
• Meryle, a friend- Father is not in good health and in hospice care.

Face first, Heather T

Below is just a little gift from me to you. It’s a song that i love and i think is appropriate for now.

    

(Part 1) Storms On the Horizon February 23, 2008

     Distractions, distractions, distractions… I have noticed that whenever I am hot on the trail to growth in Christ something always pops up. Does anyone else seem to have this problem?! This past week as i have been studying for my bible study (I Saw the Lord) I have been once again thinking about how this relates to me personally. We were reading in Ezekiel 1-2 (click on the blue/purple link there if you would like to read the passage) about when Ezekiel was in exile by the “drainage ditch” and had a vision from the Lord. This vision was like nothing humanly imaginable- creatures with wings, four faces, gyro-scope like wheels, there were clouds, lighting, a light that looked like fire. I mean this was wild. I did get bogged down in the wrong area and read to much into what all this was symbolic of. Which is exactly where i shouldn’t have been going with the study. It was hard not to become fascinated by these beings but i was really supposed to be looking inward to find out how the Lord was speaking to me personally about these verses. Finally, i wrangled myself back in from the deepness and sought out a lesson. That came to be…

• When on the path to hearing from the Lord am I easily distracted by what the devil throws up into my path? Yes. Things will be tossed up in my path-sometimes looking like a possible God-given opportunity, sometimes a hurdle, a life storm, etc. An i typically get to heads-y about it and wind up running down all those paths to “clear them up” or take them up. That’s me! As my mother calls it “executor of the universe.”
• Do i mistake the devils distractions as God’s will? Yes.

     Why is it that this happens? It’s shameful to say but i haven’t been close enough to my Jesus in my walk that i can always distinguish His voice & will from the devils sneaky tricks. This lesson and reading about Ezekiel’s vision at first will distract you with all the talk on the specifics of what the Lord showed him. The greater purpose in the passage is that here Ezekiel sat next to this drainage ditch of sorts, not the priest he had hoped to be, in exile from his home, and then Lord gave him a vision of His Glory and sent him- the little dust person- to change a rebellious nation. Cool, huh?!

     Even though i have been prone to distraction in the past i have elected that this time is going to be different or else! I am notgoing to get caught up in the distractions happening in my life that could potentially keep me from having a personal revival- in my life, any-day now. I am having a revival, i want a fresh vision of the Lord, and i want to hear His call to me. “Devil…POOF be gone!”

     With life storms comes a lesson, from a lesson comes knowledge, from knowledge comes wisdom, with wisdom we become more fruitful, our fruitfullness leads to praise, praise leads to worship, and well that’s what we were created for- God’s pleasure. I would say that many times i have not learned the lesson in the storm and hence caused strife in my own life & missed all the joy that comes with hearing the Lord. I pray this character flaw will be no more. May i learn the lessons, gain the knowledge, and reap the benefits of having a closer relationship with the Lord and knowing His voice above all others.

     Please scroll back up to read Part 2.

Is This Girl Loco or Just a Total Dork? February 12, 2008

     By the way, If your reading this blog i posted another one today and it should be below. Make sure you read it!     

     I thought it would be fun since i have several readers who know me from “afar” to have a getting to know you moment. So i have randomly selected to fill in a few gaps here & there and also tell you some funnies. I hope this will help you to figure out what or who i’m referring too sometimes as well. Here goes…..

My nicknames: The Heff, mousetail, Mrs. Maccaroni

Barry’s Love name: Roni

Our Feline Children: Mr. Kitty Bubba & Mr. Oliver

Do we have real kids?: No

 Heather’s Hometown: Cookeville, TN

Barry’s Hometown: Rochester, VT

Where do we live now?: Bradenton, FL- in Tampa Bay area

Barries hobbies: fishing, fishing, Nascar, fishing, UCF, fishing, picking on me

Where can I be found at @ 5-9PM?: On the computer

What are my passions?: Preventative Wellness, Interior Design, Architecture, Photography, researching, writing, reading, learning, seeking my purpose.

What does Barry do?: He supervises the shipping department of a large bakery- you probably eat their bread, little debbies, and pies. Been there since we graduated high school

Are we high school sweethearts? No, we went to the same school but didn’t know each other then. I worked with his sister later. Then years after that God just orchestrated us becoming friends. Later he snagged me. I couldn’t resist. What can I say!

Where did we get married? Was that a surprise?: Las Vegas, in a wedding chapel, at 12:05 AM on July 4th, 2004. This was very planned, no surprise. We wanted to do something really crazy & memorable. Plus, i’m not a prissy girl so the white dress thing freaked me out entirely. We did come home and have a formal wedding reception and tried to be somewhat predictable.

My most embarassing moment: About age six we went to a camp ground that had a pool in it. I was suited up looking like a professional scuba diver with my gear on then i set off on my mickey mouse raft … fell over and nearly drowned. The picture above is 10 minutes before my debarkation.

What am i most scared of?: Not making everyone proud.

What should i warn people about?: I’m a perfectionist, bold, a talker, and i take naps too much i’m told.

What’s the most important thing people should know?: I have a personal relationship with The Creator and i will be in heaven upon my departure from here. I would hate to not see you there as well. Get that taken care of if you haven’t already! If you need to, check out the FREE GIFT page on my blog and that’s a way to start.

     Hope you enjoyed this little time of fun. An of course the nutty picture of yours truly!

“Who Ya Gonna Call?…..Grampa” February 11, 2008

    

    I really needed to say a special thank you to my “Grampa Precious” for all of his answering of my bible questions the past few days! What would i do if i didn’t have him to call and enlighten me?! :-)  I have called him several times over the past few days having him answer my multitude of Q’s on 2 Chron. 34 the story of Josiah the youngest king.

     I must brag on my grandparents if i get the opportunity so let me say a few words about them both.

• Grandpa- Very Precious, knows more about computers than the Geek Squad of Best Buy, loves ice cream, likes to have gramma scratch his arms, has been part of  the Thursday night men’s prison ministry for 8-10 years now, is a sneaky little rascal who gangs up on his grand-kids with gramma, gives good tractor rides, has the coolest Christmas train set, and i better stop now otherwise i won’t get to talk about gramma.
• Gramma- Great cook, best bedtime song singer, aided in my love of reading, knows & shares all the family history, has pet lizards in her plants on the porch, doesn’t like the big blue heron on her pond, but loves every plant & bird God created, loves her grandbabies, awesome seamstress, and she ain’t about to let you win at any game. You have to be smart enough to beat her!

     I am very blessed to have them both in my life! I would never have enough time to tell you all the wonderful things about them. An God couldn’t have given me a better set. They are true lovers, servants of the Most High and a wonderful example to others who see their selfless love. I adore them both and look forward to every time i get to spend time with them. Even if Grampa makes me lose cards in Sequence and laughs at me or if gramma beats us so bad at Skip-bo we look like first timers. Love you both!xoxo

 

Another Godwink February 10, 2008

     I just thought I’d share a gift from God to me with you all. Tuesday’s are Barry & I’s special day off together. We just goof around and do something fun with each other. So this past Tuesday we went out on the boat to go fishing. Now you must know that when i don’t go with him everyone gets to see manatee’s and not one but 2-4. I hate that because i want to see a manatee that i can touch just once. We weren’t catching any fish because the tide was moving really fast that day. So i prayed that the Lord would bless us with some fun, fish, and maybe even a manatee or 3. Well, ya know how God knows what’s best for us?! He gave me what i like even better than the manatee’s. Little sea critters to catch and photograph. We rode up to a few islands after our failed attempt at fishing. An low and behold there were enough little critters for me to be enthralled with for hours. I had tiny horseshoe crabs, baby starfish, seashell purses, raccoon tracks, baby flounder, leopard rays, a shark, and the beloved hermit crab!!! I am obsessed with little things. I love it when Barry goes out with his guy friends and brings me back the tiniest of critter that were caught in the cast net. I have a collection going of seahorse, starfish, horseshoe crabs, and coral that looks like the alphabet. He tells the guys that if he doesn’t bring home his finds that he’ll be in the doghouse if he tells me he saw them. Ha, ha, ha! I was so thankful for God’s answer to my prayer even though it wasn’t what i originally asked for i was much more enthused with all the tiny things and they were great subjects for my photography. So thank you Lord for the beautiful pics up above i couldn’t have taken them if you didn’t share your sea treasures with me! XO Hope you enjoy!

Another Life Saved! February 10, 2008

     Hi Everyone! I know i haven’t written in a few days now but today is Sunday and usually i like to sit and write on this day. So I’m gonna be posting several blogs today that i hope you will enjoy!

     First, i want to share with you a happy moment that Barry & I had last night. It was really awesome! We ran into someone that used to be a patient of the chiropractic office i worked for. Back then he was married, had one son of his own, two step-sons, had a good job, and was kind of a wild man you could say. He picked up an old habit of using cocaine an elected to rob a home and wound up in jail…. divorced, child taken away, and lost. He was sentenced to 22 months in our county jail where he met Jesus! He proceeded to brag to Barry and I about how he got saved and how many bible studying certificates he got while he was in jail. He told us that he shared the plan of salvation with his son who is now 6 and this boy prayed the plan of salvation!!!!!!!!! This little guy was right there and proud to smile and nod yes he did accept Christ. He shared how his experience there in the county jail really gave him some perspective in life and an opportunity to get his life right- here on Earth and with the Heavenly Father! How cool is that?!! If only you could know how this made my heart smile! I saw this man before and i now have seen him after and i’m impressed! He agreed that his stupid choices allowed him an opportunity…. an opportunity that he might have passed up if he hadn’t got to the bottom of his personal pit.

     I was thinking last night that i just had to share this because it’s really awesome to see the before & after of a person that you thought might never change their ways! God is so cool! He wants everyone of us to get personal with Him. Even after we’ve trudged through the mire. Awesome! I told his son, “I’ve known you since you were a bitty baby and now I’ll get to know you when we live in heaven too.”

Who Were You? February 4, 2008

     I have asked the Lord to help me write this blog without crying but i have a feeling that i won’t be able too. I hope you’ll take a minute go get a drink, some Kleenex, and maybe even take a potty break too so that the video i posted above will load and you watch that before you read on past this paragraph. I promise you the time it takes for that to load if your on a slow speed will be well worth the wait. It’s about 5 minutes and a skit done to a song called “Everything” written & performed by Lifehouse. I first saw this skit on our local radio station 89.1 WSMR’s website on a recommendation from my niece’s mommy, Melissa ( Whom we dearly love and thank God for him sharing her with our family.) So now’s your chance for a quick break and then I’ll share below.

     This skit is such an accurate portrayal of the struggle in us all- between the world & it’s offerings for our pain and keeping our eyes focused on God & His promises to us all. Christ is our EVERYTHING just as the song says. When we’re weak, He gives strength. When hurt, He’s brings healing. When we stray off His path for us he’ll meet us there with open arms and forgiveness. If you think you could get lost in a cul-de-sac He can make a path outta there too. Hey that’s me! If I had to confess all the times the Lord has had to meet me on whatever path I’ve stupidly gone down you’d know i was to blame for any callouses on His feet. But I know that He’s met me, forgave me, and tried to show me His purpose in my life. Isn’t that awesome we could be loved and cared about that much!

     There are 6 important questions below that I’m gonna answer myself, in front of you. Some of you might be shocked at what you read, some not. I pray either way it goes you’ll see beyond that to what the Lord has done for me personally.  Because that is the moral of this story.

Who Were You?

A confused child, rebelling against what i knew because i could and i was angry. I was angry at life, angry with all 4 of my parents, angry at God for allowing things to happen to me because i didn’t realize it was with purpose, extremely anxious, full of anxiety, committing acts of willful stupidity, scared, scarred, hurt, jealous, promiscuous, partying, drug abuser, people pleas-er, liar, cheater, and lost.

 Who Was He?

The man upstairs who kept my parents busy at church more than paying attention to me and the things going badly wrong in my life,  he made me have to grow up in a broken home, he gave my mother breast cancer in my senior year of high school hence throwing my life into more chaos,  the man allowing me to be filled with these problems but not making life easy for me, the one who left me alone or what felt like was alone.

 What Happened?

After being kicked out of my parents house, many wrong choices, and taking up an offer to rent with a co-worker, whom I abused drugs with, and her night club bouncer boyfriend I was involved in an automobile accident that nearly cost me my life (although was not my fault).

 Where were You?

Waking up out of a coma many weeks after the accident in my ICU hospital bed. Alive… but immobile, speechless, clinging to life and very, very humbled. I didn’t know what happened to me but i was well aware that i should not have survived it.

 Who Are You?

Saved! Forgiven! Redeemed! Loved Infinitely! Scarred-But with purpose! Anxious-But for the exciting things God is gonna do in my life! Angry-At the devil for telling me lies! Humbled- At the awesomeness of how God would take me, a pathetic loser, and restore my life after what i was doing to destroy it! Grateful for His Grace! Healed! Purpose Driven! Vision Seeking! Jesus Lovin’ Freak!

Who Is He Now?

My Deliverer, Healer, Redeemer, Friend, Refuge, Strength, Forgiver of my sins, Joy, Peace, Lifter of my head, the One who walks with me when i’m in the valleys, Heartache Healer, Giver of the greatest gift, Promise Keeper, Soul Cleanser, my personal I Am, and most of all my Everything. 

     Whew! Well, now you know. If God can do a work in my life anyone else should be a breeze right?! That’s why i loved this video. It’s just a visual of the struggle we don’t see happening but God does. At the same time it’s so truthful about how we at our weak moments look at what the world offers us as a solution for the things we can’t handle. An we weren’t meant to handle anything alone but everything with the Lord.

A Sinner Saved By Grace, Heather T

Miracles In Progress~ Nate, Tricia, and baby Gywneth February 3, 2008

     I sent out an e-mail to you all about a month ago telling you of a family with a very touching story in progress. I hope that you actually clicked on the link and went there. But in case you didn’t I’m going to put the link in this blog for you to make it easy.

     The link will take you the husband’s blog. His name is Nate. There you will read in the same format as my blog back into the story of what’s been happening in his life with his wife, Tricia, and their baby, Gwyneth. I believe the baby was born at 25 weeks old and is the miracle baby of the NICU at Duke University and on another floor in the same hospital is her miracle mother preparing for a double lung transplant. She is in need of this transplant due to her CF (cystic fibrosis).

     I promise you that if you go there you will cry, laugh, jump for joy, and be on your knees every night for this precious family. I have been so blessed by their story and the strength of Tricia. She has a beautiful testimony on her own blog which will blow your mind. They could use all of our continued prayers as they continue on this journey the Lord has placed before them. 

     This April 19th there is a Cystic Fibrosis walk/run for the CF Foundation taking place on our beautiful Siesta Beach. Barry & I are planning on being there to walk on behalf of Tricia & my best girlfriends niece, Ella. If you’d like to join us I’m looking for a good team to walk the beautiful beach and show some support. It’s gonna be great fun! Join us if you like!

Nate’s Blog- To go there click on the words.

 Tricia’s Testimony- To go there click on the words.

Get ready for a blessing!

Birthday Wishes for My Daddy-O February 2, 2008

 

 Today is my dad’s birthday! I think he told me he was turning 35??! Plus 20 is probably more like it. Happy Birthday Dad! 

     Since today’s his birthday I’ll tell you some stuff about him and a funny memory or two. Currently he resides in my hometown of Cookeville, TN. He was originally born in Miami, FL he won’t admit to that though I’m sure. Since my families move to TN in the 70’s he’s fallen in love with the country life. If it’s deer season you can catch him up a tree in his gorgeous state park looking yard waiting for the “big kahuna” to pass by. Outside of his beloved hunting he has a new hobby… flying. He bought himself a snazzy lil Ultralite and keeps it in a hanger close his home. He’s flying on his own now which scares the tar outta the rest of us but there’s no stopping him- Mr. Determined. His favorite stress-or is his business, a thriving mechanic shop. It’s tough being the best mechanic in town! :-) I can brag on him he’s my dad right?! He eats breakfast nearly six days a week at a quaint hole in the wall place called “Maddie’s.” This is where he is known for the literal 1/2 cup of coffee so the other 1/2 can be sugar & cream. He married a lovely woman named Wanda who he’s lucky to have. She’s a keeper! An if he can’t find something for himself to do she’ll help him out.

     Now for a funny memory. When i was 14-16 years old i lived with my dad. Wanda would go away for business sometimes and leave us two helpless monsters to our own devices. Of course we couldn’t cook when she was away so the first night it was off to the Chinese place for some dinner. We ate entirely too much and by the time we got home we were running to the bathroom. That night dad got some bright idea about 3:00-4:00 AM to come downstairs to my room and flick on my light switch. That switch turned on seven light bulbs!!!!! Then he ran laughing his crazy laugh upstairs and hopped back in his bed. Well, obviously i couldn’t sleep after that so i just waited…. then about the time he fell asleep i crept up the stairs, down the hall, and FLICK. Now he was the one with the bright lights. He laughed and yelled at me. I couldn’t wait till Wanda came home to tattle on him. Then she would do her usual. “Tommy! Now why’d you do that!” This was probably my favorite teenage memory except for when we had a hose fight one night on opposite ends of the outside of the house. His hose was longer though since it could reach the garden and he came ALL the way over to my side and drenched me. It was on!! Even if i did have the shorter hose he was gettin’ soaked.

     Dad, I pray the Lord blesses you with another year of good health, wisdom, and memories. May this year be more wonderful than the last! Thanks for your love and the memories i have. I hope we’ll make lots more together this year. I love you! xoxo

 

Our 40 Day Prayer Challenge Journal February 1, 2008

    

If two of you agree…concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them. Matthew 18:19-20     

     For anyone who doesn’t already know Barry & I are reading a book called ”The Power of a Praying Couple” it’s new in stores. A great read full of actual testimonies of famous and not so famous people who share their experience in this challenge to commit to pray as a couple for 40 days. The first 40 days being only committed to because that’s apparently according to statistics the left of time it take to set a new habit in motion. Of course we will continue to pray together long after this challenge. It’s really a fun to do! Below we are journaling our 40 days as told to do by the author. This will allow us to look back and see what God’s done since we first started.  

      In my book it says that Barry & I need to keep a journal of things happening, things prayed for, and just a blurb on thoughts or not-icings. So here’s the log:

Day 1

Prayed for us to start this commitment and stick to it! Thanked God for the opportunity and the things He has in store for us. Read on Creation, Genesis 1. And Jeremiah 29:11

Day 2

Prayed for J, W, & I safety, salvation, protection, their future. Pray for M & A that the Lord would bring M back to Him and that they would become some of our dearest Christian friends, sure salvation of A, and that they would see us as an example of truth in action.

Day 3

Prayed for the devil to be kept at bay from tampering with our time together  and that we wouldn’t let other things get in our way. Thanked God for each other. Prayed again for the future of I and his ability to help bring J, W to Christ. Prayed for God to help me deal with D better and get over the hump with that. Long over due but desperately desired! Read in Matthew about the devil tempting Jesus. Also, Noah & flood.

Day 4

Devil Attack #1-Got the news about Dr. Flint. Very sad day. Prayed for the Lord to take away my fears with the loss of a great doctor. Prayed for God to direct us to a new surgeon. Prayed for our families, friends, and thanked him for another day. Read on Noah & family leaving the ark, God’s promise to never flood the entire Earth again.

Day 5

Praises to report- New Bed we needed and mortgage company sent us a check back and that we have the funds to share a special financial gift with a family in need. Thanked God for the nice day that we had together.

Day 6

Super Bowl Sunday… Yuk! We prayed for the families that would lose loved one’s this evening, for transplant patients waiting that their prayers of needed organs would be answered, and for Tricia’s lungs.

Day 7- Mon

Thanked God for a fun 1st day at the office. Begged for a revival in my life and that i would see Jesus, hear what He has to say to me, and know His peace. Prayed for God-sized miracles & vision for what to do w/ my life, passion, knowledge, and a mission that’s BIG. I needed to go help my neighbor w/ something but i really wanted to go to sleep. Then i remembered that what if that was what God wanted me to do and i was about to have a failed mission. So i ran down stairs as fast as i could. I’m thinking BIG like usual I prayed for in my mind what i think is not as easy as it sounds- a Christian surgeon! An I also prayed for Roni & I to have a special mission given to us from God during our 40 Days of prayer together. A mission that we will K-N-O-W is from Him. I’m sick of same-old, same-old going nowhere fast stuff. I don’t wanna be old before God starts really using me. I wanna be young and have that much more accomplished before i go leaping into heaven. I wanna be a Pastor Ralph- worn out and used up but with purpose. I want to hear the Lord talking to me and telling me what to do next. I’m asking…. and believing…. so now i’m looking for what’s waiting.

Day 8

 Thanked God for a fun day off and for bringing me the sea critters. Prayed for a special mission for Barry & I and a new revelation in my life.

Day 9

Thanked God for being able to go to the bible study and to please help me hear Him as i study.

 Day 10, 11, 12, 13

Prayed for the Lord to speak to me through what i was reading & learning. For me to hear Him talking. For Roni’s foot to quit hurting. For the Chron’s bloodwork and for the talk barry is to have with his boss. We prayed for our families. Thanked God for His failthfulness.

Day 14

Prayed for Roni & the talk, prayed for his foot. Thanked God for another day to live, and to please help me with the surgeon issue.