Steel Standing's Web Site

Steel Standing's web site transitioned to live status on Feb 1. Click here Steel Standing.

We are so excited, and the response has been incredible. So many people in our hometown and from our hometown in different parts of the USA, that know mother personally are anxious to read the about the journey.

It will be available in print and ebook formats March 1, and be purchased through the new web site, www.SteelStandingBook.com.

It's a captivating true story, as I witnessed and penned the book, recalling amazing discoveries, trials, tribulations, revelations, and victory!

From large evident miracles to the smallest of miracles... God's work was fluent, and continues to be, in so many ways. It is really difficult to fathom.

I look forward to updating this blog and we'll be adding "Patricia's Notes" on the new site in a few days with her personal insight to the struggles she faced. Also she will be sharing tips that were helpful to her, and could be to someone else.

We continue to give praise to God for His mighty healing as we are all so blessed!

InJoy!
Christa

Merry Christmas to All

 

Patricia with Christa - Mother and Daughter

February 2012 marks one year since my mother had her last hip revision surgery (02-11-11) followed by a mild heart attack (02-14-11)... yes on Valentine's Day, then had open heart surgery (02-18-11).


In the past ten months, she has continued to have strong faith in God to be healed through His ministering grace in her physical body.


I admire her ability to rebound, her undeniable will to return better than she was before the medical mystery and her love for the Father through every ounce of pain and conflicts which seemed endless.

My gift this Christmas was given to me last Feb 2011... actually since the medical discovery of her allergies to her metal implants over four years ago!


God has blessed our family, and we are eternally grateful!


Steel Standing continues to be prepared for publishing in eBook and print formats in 2012! Yet, another opportunity to share her courageous and true story to the masses.


We continue to give thanks to the Father for His greatest gift of all... His Son, Jesus Christ! May we all take the time Christmas Day to remember our Savior's birth.


Merry Christmas!

+ + +

A Vision in Victory!

Patricia Davis Harton - Steel Standing

Until my mother's downward health complications began taking her away from us each day until the medical mystery was revealed through prayers to the Father, I was glad and happy when miracles happened. However, I did not relish in the moment... stop in awe of God doing what He does all the time which is performing miracles every day!

Simple or universal... He is the One who is Magnificent when it comes to miracles.

"For You have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling that I may walk before God in the light of life." Psalm 57:13

Witnessing the incredible miracles of God's majestic presence, it could not be more evident than in my mother's life, physically and spiritually... she is one of His walking miracles. 

Patricia has endured, struggled, suffered, tolerated, preserved, adapted, and praised God with her every fiber during the last four years of her medical madness. The beauty of it is the beauty of her which He exemplifies as she embodies the Spirit of God in her temple, in her being!

Mother is like no other! That used to be something only her immediate family witnessed in other ways beside "steel standing" against the odds as death was obviously closer than we cared to acknowledge.

Every good thing I could say or write about Patricia can be summed up in one word: Love. She knows no other way to live. Her threshold for love is unfathomable, as is her forgiveness. May her strengths be passed to her children... this one in particular!

We are indeed excited to share Steel Standing with be available in ebook and paperbook in 2012! God, as the Author of all things, has made Steel Standing's miraculous story become available for anyone to be inspired by reading the incredible details of how one woman survived so many obstacles.

The true story of a new medical revelation will be shared with the world, scientifically referenced through our faith. Neither of us take credit for the paths and doorways God opened for her healing or the discovery of the culprit which created her health problems.

We rejoice in sharing about God's work in our lives beyond mother's recovery but how He is entwined in our every day life.

There is so much I have learned, and continue to learn. To become a writer of a book one day was a childhood desire when I was about 10 years old. Only God have provided the deep desire to tap my spirit to write about this incredible story. Otherwise, I don't know that I would have ever reached for my dream. I never imagined mother going through so much, but I never imagined writing about it until she was almost recovered from so many surgeries. God created the opportunity to share His healing through mother, and He gave me the desire of my heart to pen the story.

"Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart" Psalm 37:4

A book is more than a book! The amount of time invested, sources of information, realistic moments transitioned into story form, as the true facts on imminent dangers and blessings from implants are revealed for the first time from a very personal journey.

Indeed the great Author continues to provide the desires of my heart;

"Steel Standing," against the forces of the adversity;

"still" seeking Him in all ways;

and not allowing the enemy to "steal" away my joy as He blessed me with the ability to write.

Yes, we are steel standing strong, still praising God, as we steal away time from other things to seek the Father!

Hoo RAH!

More

I seek You

You seek me more

I believe in You

You believe in me more

I love You

You love me more

Everything I have come to understand as I look to You...for You...

You are always More.

Yahweh, You are simply and most powerfully... More!


*Inspired after reading Diane Sawyer's testimony in When Faith Meets Fame, pages 172-176, Guideposts Books, 2007.




By; Christa Carmell Davis

January 9, 2011

Sunday 12:28 p.m.

Turning the Corner

During our country's difficult economic times, so many Americans are struggling, suffering, needing and hoping. Many appear to have placed their hope in Jesus Christ. Others may feel a lost sense of hopelessness, despair, desolation to failure in our country's setback financially and moralistically. Large ideals can come tumbling down quickly, frightening the strongest believers when their world seems to have stopped turning and begun to evolve in an unfamiliar spin zone.

Existing may seem to be futile as the adversary would have anyone believe... "GIVE UP" "STEAL" "LIE" "CHEAT" "LOOK OUT FOR NUMBER 1!"

Jesus commands us to "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" [Matthew 23:39] In other words "Give to others who are hungry, need clothing, visit the sick, the incarcerated..."

In this day and time, how can anyone know if you're helping those who are trying to help themselves? The Scriptures tells us "God helps those who help themselves."

With so much need in our country literally on every corner, how can anyone be sure if giving cash to those holding out plastic cups or bare hands... How does anyone know it's not a scam?

My answer came when I prayed with discernment of such times. The consequences of the person "in need" or the people "in greed" is ultimately between the Father and His child whether they are a lamb or a scam. Every human being is a child of God. He certainly knows their heart and their intentions... genuine grace or wanton waste.

A few days ago, I experienced an opportunity to give to couple who looked a lot like me if I were standing in their shoes. They had on clean clothes, well groomed and were extremely humble. Most people asking for money that I've previously helped appear to have been exposed to more extreme times with rough exterior and shabby clothing. I'm not judging, just sayin... hard times are like a virus... they can hit anyone, anywhere at anytime!

As this couple stood side by side graciously receiving donations as their grateful expression was just shy of a smile. They were standing on a corner of a Wal-mart parking exit... and I began to think "That could be me!"

How blessed I am! How blessed they were that day as many others stopped to help, to give from their hearts. What the young couple didn't realize, was the blessing they gave in return something far beyond cents... but a sense in knowing God presented an opportunity to show love to my neighbor.

To my dismay, several cars passed by without looking towards the needy pair, not even a dollar to spare. Maybe they didn't have it to give. Maybe they did. Without hesitation, Mother and I gave a donation freely. Then we turned to the right, turning the corner to exit onto a fast paced highway.

I couldn't help but compare how many of us leave a spiritual parking until it's our turning point to move past the spiritual gate keeper's post. Will you or won't you help another today... show "love thy neighbor" when they are in need, give money for their power bill, food, existence? I don't see every opportunity that comes my way, but I'm grateful to God for blatant reminders!

Have you ever been the one humbled enough for the public to see the "Jesus" in you standing on a corner?

Have you ever been someone turning the corner and passed a chance to show "Love thy neighbor?"

Times are hard. Start a new direct path for a direct response, directly from your heart. Look into the eyes of the ones you are led to give hope and change... the change in your pockets. Share Jesus with them.

On that day, the young man said "Thank you! I was saved last week. God is showing me how we will make it." He stated from his directly, "Jesus Christ is in my heart!" He expressed his sincere gratitude humbly and profoundly. Yet, I didn't need assurance he was a Christian. He gave me the sense in knowing he was sincere.

Jesus said "You shall love your neighbor (ANYONE-Christian or Non-Believer) as yourself." Yahweh didn't stutter. Jehovah didn't mention the Scripture with "You MIGHT love... No. It was the second commandment given by Jesus Christ, the Comforter of all burdens, in the New Testament!

If you had been standing on that corner, looking at yourself... what would you have given yourself?

In turning life's corner, are you passing up chances or passing on blessings?

It's your turn.

Ditto Dana!

On Friday morning, October 1, 2010, I awoke with a "nudge" in my thoughts to contact one of my dear Christian friends. We first met in the fall of 2005 while I was living in the Atlanta area. She was a real estate agent and broker who worked for one of my cousin's Atlanta real estate agency.

At the time, I was in the midst of helping a family completely refurbish a house they wanted to sell. Since I had the experience from remodeling my grandparents' home place, I had developed a passion for an exciting interior renovation projects. So I coordinated all the details of this huge assignment overseeing the work. Once the house was ready to place on the market, I called my cousin Mike. He sent over two agents that were a tandem team. Dana and Leslie arrived.


Dana and I immediately bonded with kindred spirits since we both have outgoing personalities. At the time, she was making plans to be married in two weeks. The other highlight in her life was D.J., her 13 year old son from a previous marriage. Dana was bubbly, genuine, and quick witted, delightful, energetic, smart, and extremely personable. She was the ideal real estate agent, with the unique gift to relate to any one, any where at any time.

Shortly after we met, Dana and I shared our mutual passionate about God as we were seeking more about Him. She had recently become a Christian while I was renewing my walk with Christ. Our closeness transpired greater as we shared personal difficulties and triumphs seeking a closer relationship with the Father.

In the meantime, the housing market was flat. Nothing much was selling. But out of the blue, prayers were answered and the house sold in eight weeks! In that short time frame, we had become good friends, talking almost daily on the phone as she coordinated house tours.

We became closer friends as we remained in contact, following each other's paths through emails and texting. She was one of my heart friends... a truth seeking sister in Christ... someone I could share whatever was on my mind and in my heart knowing she accepted me with unconditional love, no matter the issue.


God had provided the rare gift of a true friend. Knowing we could relate to one another yet from very different backgrounds didn't seem to matter as Christians. The only precursor for being in a Christian friendship is that you both love Jesus Christ as He is in your heart with each breath.


Our friendship evolved into prayer partners. We shared the most intimate details of our lives. We were supportive of one another as we both had different vices to deal with and break away from with no reservations in becoming more Christ-like. She's the one who taught me the phrase...."There's a devil at every level." There wasn't anything we could not or did not share with each other, yet I never laid eyes on her again since the spring in 2006.


On July 23, 2009, it was Dana's son's 17th birthday. It was also the day she learned she had cancer throughout in her reproductive system and two lymphnodes.

Although we had been in sporadic communication with one another. The only distance we shared were earthly miles. January 5, 2010 was the last communication from me to Dana since my focus shifted solely on Mother's health issues. I had posted it on Caring Bridge. However, I was never notified of any updates all the while thinking she was improving as we prayed for God to heal her ailing body.

When Dana was placed heavily on my heart Friday morning, October 1, 2010, the sensing grew stronger as the day prolonged. By Saturday late afternoon, I had a deepened desire to get in touch with her. The sensing had increased incredibly strong!

I emailed her, but it wasn't the right path it seemed. Not knowing if her cell number had been saved from the data information transferred from my "puppy chewed" Blackberry to my new replacement, I quickly grabbed my cell. Sure enough, there was Dana's number. Instead of calling, I decided to text. "Hey, I have you heavy on my heart," I quickly typed.

Right after sending that text, I sat at my desk in silence awaiting her reply. I remember glancing at a crystal cross placed on a small shelf above my workspace. From where I was siting, it was aligned right in front of a framed print with the name "Jesus" simply and eloquently inscripted. As I continued to sit there, a stillness feel upon me. There was a sweet quietness in my midst. I knew at that moment Dana had passed on to be with Jesus. I could see a vision of her standing adorned in a whiter than white robe, radiantly glowing as a brilliant aura framed her face with a huge smile. I could see Dana's perfectly white teeth, as she looked healthy and heavenly. Dana had one tiny dark filling on a front tooth she had mentioned about getting fixed on of these days. Now it was fixed permanently. The odd part of remembering the vision is that one tiny spot on her front tooth had not crossed my thoughts in years. She looked perfect, happiness completely succumbed within her soul as her spirit filled encounter with our Father was ever more present.

When my cell rang, it was Dana's cell number! I thought, "Oh I was really mistaken! Whoa!" But the voice was not Dana's. It was her sister, Meredith. She said, "I'm so sorry to inform you that Dana passed away last night. (Friday, October 1, 2010 at 7:40 est). I had to ask her to repeat what she said because I knew it to be true but my spiritual knowing seemed to be way ahead of my brain or my heart accepting.

Several hours passed before I was able to adapt from a mixture of emotions. I cried as if I had lost a close family member, a strong prayer warrior on this earth. In my spirit somehow, I was assured by the Father that Dana was with Him. There was no doubt... but the magnificent reality of how I was contacted or "nudged" left an indelible mark on my spiritual growth chart.

It's difficult to express how deeply this affected me through sadness and gladness combined simutaneously. I immediately began grieving upon hearing the news and found myself tearing at odd moments the following day as an incredible sense of peace seemed to be a constant reminder "Dana is home."

Was it Dana's heart desire that her heart friends be touched by the Lord to know? After all she was at her parents' home in Florida versus her Atlanta, Georgia, home where she resided with her family. How else would I have known if not by God allowing the spiritual nudging in my heart? It was an awesome experience within the hours she was leaving this earth, I was reminded of her deeply.

It had been months, yet our spiritual connection endured because our friendship was based on Jesus Christ. Admittedly, I did beat myself up for not having been in touch since January. But I was soon reminded God had placed a mission on placed on my heart to help Mother. Then I realized one important aspect of this spiritual lesson was that time didn't matter. Dana and I connected and stayed in each other's hearts. We were spiritual sisters. Quite often the way God does when we drift away from Him. Yet we are still connected.

I was humbled by the Father's touch in my life in a multitude of ways, especially how He allowed me to know about Dana's crossing to the other side. I didn't have to wonder where Dana was any longer or what state of health she was in. She was healed from our prayers, in heaven.

It's important to follow the "nudges" we receive from God as He works through us.

Please pray for those souls who don't have a clue how Majestic the Father's power is within each of us when we submit ourselves to Him... not halfway but completely. It's not our way part of the time then His way some of the time. It's HIS way ALL of the time. I struggle with this every day but every day it does get easier!

"The fear of the Lord leads to life; Then one rests content, untouched by trouble." Proverbs 19:23 [NIV]

When difficulties come, and they will... remember to turn to Him for all things. That is what Dana did. That is what I try to do. My Mother is a living example of how powerful and miraculous our God is when we chose to place Him first in our lives.

"Ditto Dana"
She was bashful when it came to expressing "I love you" in our conversations. On rare occasions, I would type it in my emails. Once I just blurted it out on the cell after a great prayer time! She replied "Ditto." I didn't have to hear "I love you, too." I knew she did. Just as I know the Father loves me. Just as I know the Father loves you. Ditto, Dana, Ditto!

+ + +

A Lady, a Mother, a Victim, a Victor!

My Mother... Patricia Davis Harton

Being a caregiver is a full time job and something I had never really experienced before. But I would not trade the time I have spent with my mother in caring for her...for anything! She has been such a trooper through her knee revision surgery and rehab, after having her knee replacement removed.

For three years, mother suffered many sporadic health issues which did little to offer any common thread to link what was causing her to be so sick. As I witnessed her health beginning to decline, I prayed to the Father asking for the culprit to be exposed. Mother has always been healthy! It was just not the same without her wit and humor as she really didn't feel well for many months. 

In His time, the culprit or problem was not only exposed but removed! The metal in my mother's knee replacement (Cobalt-Chrome-Nickel) was causing metal toxicity creating poison to spread throughout her bloodstream in her once very healthy body.

Before the connection was made, she became dependent for help in caring for herself. She has always been a very independent lady, never complaining about much at all. This new journey in her life and my life, would give us time together to pray, read the Word of God and share quality time. 

We soon discovered there are very few people aware of what metal can do to a healthy body whether it is a joint replacement or dental implants. Extensive allergy testing defined what she could tolerate and what was detrimental to her life. This entire experience opened our eyes. Not only was my mother healed but I was healed in many ways, also. God certainly knows our needs better than we do.

After being so career focused during my 20 years in marketing and public relations, I had very little time to do anything. I was literally married to my work.

I don't regret coming home. Being a caregiver has been the hardest and most rewarding job I have ever done in all the work I have been fortunate to be a part of in many reputable organizations and leadership positions.

Life is so short. The ones you love need to know that you do love them by actions, words or both. So, take it from someone who already knew how blessed I was to have a great mother, and felt as if I almost lost her from this world... don't let another day go by without sharing how much someone means to you. You may never get another chance.

Soon, I plan to return to my writing space adding new insight Scripture based. Until then, remember no one is promised tomorrow. Make the most of this day!

Until we chat again!

Chris

"That's the fork I knew!"

There's a scene in the movie "Pretty Woman" where the character, Vivian (played by Julia Roberts) is sitting at a luxurious Beverly Hills restaurant. As she ponders what's on her plate, she realizes she doesn't know which utensil to use. Vivian politely leans over to her escort, Edward (played by Richard Gere) while in the company of two other gentlemen... and asked what's on her plate in a discreet voice. Edward replies. She was unfamiliar with Escargot much less how to eat it. She expected a salad, something she was familiar with... then replies "That's the fork I knew."

Vivian was confused thinking she knew which fork she was supposed to choose because she was comfortable with that type of fork.

I'm guessing most everyone has seen "Pretty Woman" since its debate was decades ago. Like the movie or not… it has a lot of great lessons if you listen versus just watching the movie.

The plot is based on a prostitute who befriends a billionaire visiting Los Angeles. As they learn more about the other’s way of life, Edward makes a comment later in the movie… “Vivian, you and I are such similar creatures.” He has loads of money and buys things to sell. She has no money and sells herself to buy things.

That is such a true statement. My dad told me "The world is revolves on selling."

Before I chose to completely reject my sinful ways, I was no different than a "Vivian." A sin is a sin…unless it's blasphemy, which is the only unforgiveable sin by God.

I was not a prostitute but maybe I was selling myself in other ways and not realizing it. Maybe I was selling my soul to be the best in my career without realizing the journey I was on as I sought the corporate world. I knew myself to be a Christian but was I align with God’s direction in my life? (I'll give you a hint: NO!)

Before Jesus Christ became the center of my life, it seemed easier. Now that I have been through an enormous amount of self discipline by God's active role in my day to day world through personal devotional time, it's not as easy to fall away from God. But it takes a desire to chose to obey God's way and laws based on the Bible.

The biggest advantage I have garnered is God's teachings for me to look at things differently. When I pray for God to open up my spiritual eyes... knock the scales off my eyes... dismantle my rose-colored worldly glasses... however you can best relate to looking at a new perspective... I now see the person I once was, living completely in my comfort zone! In other words "That was the fork I knew!"

In the movie, Vivian had recently learned which fork was more appropriate to use for a formal dinner as she was just beginning to learn something she knew nothing about. She chose to learn.

As we all learn more about God His teaching becomes contagious and the lessons are for a lifetime.

Giving your all to Him means staying on the straight and narrow path EVERYDAY. One day, week, month or year is not a commitment to God. Every day I get up with a renewed mindset to want to learn more. If you haven't experienced this, then fair warning: Your old self will subconsciously fight you inwardly as you are tempted NOT to do a daily devotional or make prayer time with God. You will have struggles.. we all do. But you will also learn a better way of life through God's perspective which is so much better than the one you think you are living.

"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'" Matthew 22:37 (NASB)

As I train myself to think more like Christ in EVERYthing I do and say, I sometimes think about "That's the fork I knew!" I’ve finally reached a point where I am eager to learn and remove myself from the lifestyle I lived as I see my comfort zone is diminishing more each day or each time I recover from a growth period as I enter into God's comfort zone.

It's easy to want to go back to old habits, but have you tried to move past "That's the fork I knew!" or your comfort zone?

I can't tell you how many times it seems the devil whispers in my ears... "Don't you miss "______" ? Fill in the blank for your own habits or anything that you refuse to give up because it's your choice.

If it’s your own determination to do it your way, then you are being stubborn and not even close to obeying God. That was the hardest part for me... admitting my way was not the best way.

Have you ever had one of your own children walk up to you and say "Mom, will you stop smoking because it's bad for you?" Or "Dad, why do you drink beer?"

Have you ever had one of your children go fetch a beer for you because you told them to?

Do you realize how much damage that creates when you are telling your younger generation one thing while you are doing another? That's where the term "generational curse" comes from. When you pass down habits that are not of God, you are cursing your child's future.

"All these curses will come upon you. They will pursue you and overtake you until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the LORD your God and observe the commands and decrees he gave you." Deuteronomy 28:45 (NIV)

"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV)

I use these common examples to illustrate that when Jesus Christ is the center of your life, you want... you choose... you desire... to please your Savior. Your body and mind becomes a Temple of the Body of Christ when you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior. So treat it as if you are borrowing it. Your life is a gift that will keep on giving if you take care of it.

But too often we all keep going back to the fork we knew... OUR own comfort zone. Choose God's comforting zone.

There is a fork... in the road of life... and then there's "That's the fork I knew" way of life.

As always, the choice is each one's to make. So choose to stick a fork in it. It's done when you give it to God and keep giving it to God. Matthew 11:28-30

+ + +

DriftWould

Driftwood is usually found on the shores of a lake or beach. Or those are the places I have found some beautiful natural sculptures from worn down weathered beaten wood washed up, particially washed up or drifting in the waterways.


Often times the wood I have discovered resembles a variety of things such as animals or people's faces or objects. Mostly what driftwood reminds me of... is time and weather. Driftwood is worn from the sun, water and wind with deeply entrenched lines or grooves sporadically placed throughout the surface on any side visible.


Driftwood comes in all shapes and sizes reminding me of people, places and things. No two pieces of nature's artwork are alike although similar as each traveled through different paths to get to a stopping or stalling point... at least long enough for someone to admire, or glance as while walking if noticed, seeing evidences of its traveled path. Sometimes driftwood becomes a souvenir... a part of someone's life displayed at home or in their office carrying memories of their enjoyable stroll along the water's edge.


Often times, I can relate to driftwood metaphorically speaking, showing scars or warn edges with indentions of time and weather. On my personal journey, I find myself soaked with burdens as I too, get weather beaten praying for the true Son to protect me and shield me from the elements of nature. Some days, I feel washed up. If I didn't have any guidance or direction ahead, I would feel just as driftwood... if it were capable of feeling... becoming accustomed to the wear and tear of emotional, physical and spiritual stress leaving marks on my life. Some pretty. Some not so pretty.

As humans, we might suggest calling subtitling ourselves "driftwould" at times in our lives. It is the “drift” that “would” lead us on a journey of choice... a way to God or away from God. Other than flowing along with a stream, river, lake or ocean guided by the force of the water's direction or sail through the winds or hazardous obstacles... that is how driftwood comes about on the shores until it lands where it does, unless retrieved, or moved. As people referring to ourselves as "driftwould," it's all about your will, whether it is driven or its drifts.


All of us weather storms, some lasting longer than we might anticipate or care to participate. We all have beautiful days in our lives if we stop long enough to notice the scenery. Even the storms teach us survivial skills.


Some of us endure a lot of rain, while others may interpret the cloud moisture overflowing as heaven drips upon us as showers of blessings. I think our journeys teach and shape our individual perspectives. It "would" be easy to drift along life's normal course following the crowd. I believe many in this lifetime have been drifters with or without knowing it, maybe never stopping long enough to view other alternative routes through life.


Life can be a "shore" thing if you are washed up, weary and tired of drifting from the storms of life in the seemingly everlasting body of water. Or perhaps, your drift would take you to the Body of Christ, where weathering life's storms are much easier with support from Christian brothers and sisters who endure stormy times in their lives.


"Driftwould" is a far better journey than driftwood. "Would" determines your choice or will in life. "Would" carries you all the way to the shorelines of an eternal home in Heaven! "Wood" is used for building things that eventually rots; burns; or deteriorates.



Words can sound the same sometimes, but have completely different definitions.


I encourage you, in these days of false promises, false prophets and false leadings, to know the God you are worshipping and what fellowship you are involving your precious time to associate with. Is it the true Body of Christ or does your current fellowships imitate the Body of Christ through habits and/or rituals as learned from generation to generation? Does your fellowship speak of Jesus Christ or just mention God? Do you ever learn about the Trinity? If not, ask! I wish I had years ago!


"'He replied: 'Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them.'" Luke 21:8 (NIV)


Many are deceived when praying to a "god" and it is not the ONE true Almighty God. Do you know if you are worshiping God or a "god?" Is your worship service truly aligned with the Word of God?

Is your denomination's mission statement based on the Bible... ALL aspects of the Bible? Are you sure?

Does the "God" you worship reflect the Word of God?


Do the leaders send you downstream and into another flow of words by ad-libbing what is not accurately based on the facts of the Holy Bible?


If you don’t read the Bible, then how are you going to know for yourself what you are told is truth?


If you don’t refer to the Bible, how do you know what organization you are a member of or associate with? "Wood" and "would" sound the same, but I know the difference. God and "god" sound the same but I know the difference! Which way are you drifting... following God Almighty or as in a dead piece of timber, incapable of being more than a stick in the mud or washed up.


Beware!


There is only ONE Bible, which "would" be God’s Holy Word. NO other Bible from any organization or denomination is a substitute for God’s Holy Word!


Read your Bible daily. Drift in the direct pathway of Righteous as Jesus Christ did, does, and would!

+ + +

Nothing Too Hard

“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)

Through prayer, we have the single most powerful connection to the Almighty God in Heaven. Have you thought about that incredible fact lately?

It goes back to the post about "My Father is into Plaid." God is a matrix.

God is omnipresent.

God is love.

God is truth.

God is everything to all people at the same time. Nothing is too hard for Him!

Love Him.

Share Him.

Exalt Him.

Worship Him.

Adore Him.

Get to know Him. He knows all about you, and you think you’re complex? He knows everything about everyone. Nothing is too hard for Him.

He is the Sovereign Lord of ALL! Nothing is too hard for Him. We make it harder on ourselves than we should each day. Pray to the Father for guidance. Nothing is too hard for Him.

Tell Him everything that concerns you. Nothing is too hard for Him.

Ask God to reveal what burdens you may need to release to Him. Nothing is too hard for Him.

Depend on Him to get you through anything and everything life throws at you. Nothing is too hard for Him.

With all the happenings in the world at one instance, God is in full control. Nothing is too hard for Him.

PRAISE GOD, and be extremely thankful for nothing is too hard for Him!

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How May I Serve You Today

Customer service is a big issue these days. The economy is so slow, when anyone walks through a retail door, or contacts a business for services; hospitality is a huge factor with first impressions.

But what about just “service” internally with other coworkers. Or how you interact with your friends? And the biggest challenge some day is your family members?!

Really a person’s outlook is transformed or mirrored by other people’s outlook on life. It can be contagious, whether it’s good or bad.

Let’s say you go to a store, ready to check out at the counter. You’re never greeted but just the opposite occurs! You’re completely ignored while the employee is busy on the phone.

If you were a patient person, you might wait until they were finished not interrupting. If you were in a hurry you might smile… or not smile.. and leave. Or you might hang around just to give them a piece of your “aggravated, tired, I have a life, too” attitude.

Have you ever thought that even though you are the customer your attitude may influence their life that day? Perhaps they are very rude and give you the pointer finger as if to say “hold just a moment; I get to you when I finish this call.”

Maybe you were in a hurry and anxious. Maybe their behavior is way out of line. Either way as customers, don’t we feel we have a certain privilege because… after all… we are spending OUR money towards their business!

Customer service is important but so is “client” service or client representation, or let’s just say it best... “Christ-like” representation. In my opinion, service is a two way street. It’s not any better acting aggravated and huffy instead of being patience or at least nice as long as you are close enough for someone to see the expression on your face or possibly hear your deep breathing not so silent “sigh.”

The employee is way out of line by not putting down the phone, but do you know if they were expecting an important call? Do you know if the other caller was someone who would not allow the employee be free to help those in person or maybe the person on the other line didn’t want to be put on hold? Do you know if their manager gave them instructions to answer the phone and wait on the customers?

The point is, often times we think we know more than we do.

But what are we as customers who are treated “rudely” based on our viewpoint of the situation to do? Is illustrating to others not behaving politely the best choice? As Christians are we not to teaching others by example?

Just because someone else is rude and not doing their job… no matter which side of the counter or desk you are on in the retail and/or business… the “counter attack” should be courteous.

What drives anyone’s attitude?

It’s their will… it’s your will… it’s my will!

It is totally and completely someone’s will to be rude, nice, polite, stuck up, lame, slow, peppy, childish, jovial or distraught!

Any of us can choose to be Christ-like whether we are a minister by profession or a Christian by faith (which we are called to be all ministers for God all the time.)

“If you decide that it's a bad thing to worship God, then choose a god you'd rather serve—and do it today. Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond The River, or one of the gods of the Amorites, on whose land you're now living. As for me and my family, we'll worship God.” Joshua 24:15

Basically, it’s your call or will. It’s your decision to serve God every morning when your feet hit the floor whether you are feeling great or having a “flesh” day. On the flesh days… tell God right then that you are having a bad day! Ask Him to guide you so you can set a better example that day for someone else. I’m sure you have heard this expression which is so true…”You may be the only living Bible someone witnesses.” Everyone, including myself...are so quick... instantly quick… to base everything about someone else on first impressions!

It’s an individual choice. It’s your will or His will.

It makes or breaks you every day how you determine to face the world. Seek God first in your life, always no matter how long your day lasts! I try my best every day and fall short, but I keep trying. When I hit the floor from my restful slumber, I wake up in a prayer state of mind. It has been a training process and an area of discipline for me, but it is wonderful to know I have God actively in my life!

Ask God to help you have a better attitude. Then ask Him, “How may I serve You today?”

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Scripture reference is MSG.

Psalm 91:1 Numbers for Safety

Psalm 91 is a favorite chapter of mine in the Bible. The Psalmist refers to the Scriptures as "Security of the One Who Trusts in the Lord."

One of my favorite verses is Psalm 91:1. The very first verse sets the tone of the ultimate safety zone for security in this life as our Great and Mighty God, the Utmost Highest, is always with us.

I often refer to Psalm 9:11 as the Numbers for Safety.

Our country has come to depend on 911 when calling for emergencies. But 911 also have a stark reminder of the September 11th invasion on our nation's homeland, as our own were struck down without warning.

Fear and terror can immobilize any of us from time to time, whether it's a small thing to someone else or a huge task many would shy away from, it is still fear.

The Scripture reassures us to rest in God as He protects us.

Nothing is too great for the Lord Almighty as we should always trust in Him to watch over us, no matter what we are facing or where we are feet trod.

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1 (NASB)

In seeking for God's protection as He watches over His people, stay close to Him. Stay within the Father's Shadow by communicating with Him in prayer, praise, song, worship, and journal your experience, thoughts or concerns.

Keep Him close in thought as you are always in His thoughts. You are the reason He exists and He is the reason we exist! You can't get any closer than knowing your very existence is what our Creator is all about! How incredible that He loves each of us so much. It's impossible to fathom His love, protection and safety He offers!

Image a huge solid oak tree about six or seven feet in diameter, rich in years with deep roots as the tree is tall. To stay in the tree's shadow as the sun beams down, you really have to be close to the base of the tree where the roots begin their descent into the ground.

That's where I try to stay; close in His Shadow... in the root of His Word where I find peace, comfort, trust and protection from everything else as God is my All! When I get away from the base of the tree, then I am the one who is "out on a limb!"

Stay grounded in the Word of God, keeping Him in your thoughts consciously every day. It makes life so much more pleasant and hard times or hot sun stricken days won't seem to burn you as much.

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