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!

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If You Can?

Jesus said, “'If You can?' All things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23

The New Testament story in the Book of Mark is remarkable!

A crowd quickly gathers around Jesus when father and his son approaches calling out “Teacher, I brought You my son, possessed with a spirit which makes him mute; and whenever it seizes him, it slams him to the ground and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth and stiffens out. I told your disciples to cast it out, and they could not do it.” Matthew 9:17-18

Did you notice the immediate illustration of faith the father of the child had in Jesus? It's the way he addressed Him... “Teacher!” If the father didn’t believe Jesus could heal his son, he would never address Him as Teacher. The Scripture further explains what happens to the man’s son when a spirit strikes him.

Today, in 2009, we might refer to such medical illnesses based on his symptoms as a seizure disorder. But do you wonder why can we don't see miracles in our present day as in what some refer to as "Biblical" days? I have witnessed miraculous healings through prayer. I have seen God’s mighty power heal several individuals afflicted with health problems and emotional issues. I believe deep seeded faith had everything to do with it.

Why don’t we don't see more miracle healings today? Jesus answers the question thousands of years ago which is applicable today...

“And He answered them, ‘O unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring Him to Me!’” Mark 9:19

Jesus speaks to those standing around as they call Him “Teacher” as the crowd continues to grow so eager to hear more of His knowledge on how to live their lives. Yet, they are an “unbelieving generation!” Is that not the same eagerness many of us have, yet the ones who believe, how deep is your faith? How far are you willing to shed your old ways of "unbelief" or barriers that may be blocking God's work in you or another you pray for?

Why do you suppose people do not relate to the Bible in today?

Many of us are a non-believing generation, which seems to be spreading down through the generations at a rampant pace. That's the sad part. The Bible is on target with today's problems and issues as it was WAY back then. Personally, I did not read the Bible as I should before I was mentored. I was draw to learn the Bible. It became passionate resource for when I needed guidance from God.

As a world that is becoming smaller with satellite communications, most would think our technology would help advance spreading the Word of the Gospel, witnessing unprecedented miracles of God. Instead, it seems to permeate the message versus enforcing it.

By not seeing grand miracles such as healings from cancer or seizures as a result of casting out bad spirits as in the times Jesus walked this earth, then we might ask ourselves if we have faith... a deep seeded faith... enough to pray with someone and believe with all your heart and soul they will be healed in Jesus Christ's name?

If we had deeper faith, walked the way the Lord would have us in each of our lives, I believe we would see the news headlines talk about more miracles and less mediocrity!

Could it be the media is a distraction to guide us as a nation into a trance, keeping our attention on the latest chaos? That is pure and simply the devil creating a distraction to keep us velcroed to our chairs. There is nothing wrong with watching the TV or listening to the radio, etc. But we need to balance our time wisely.

Do any of us give God as much time as you watch TV, or do any other hobby?

Miracles are happening all around in simple ways all the time. But when God lays it on any of our hearts to pray with someone or to pray for someone... are we sincere?

Do we really pray for one another with faith like it was our own life is at stake?

In the story... it was a father's child who needed healing. God bless all the little ones who suffer from such atrocities.

I had to examine my own faith and it was far from where it is currently, and I still have a long ways to go in learning more about God in every way!

If you have faith in Jesus with God's Word in your heart and believe HE will heal you from physical or emotional problems, He will!

But is it His will?

It's God’s decision if you are healed on earth or in heaven in you believe in Jesus, but God tells us He searches our hearts all the time. God makes that call as He sees the big picture, but I also believe God can change things if we ask, earnestly. Pray for God to heal someone if you believe and have faith. You doubt in your mind someone may not be healed then pray that they would be comforted by God as they struggle or their family struggles.

God answers prayers but what if we don't ask... how can He answer?

It may be a health or emotional problem you're facing is a mission for God to work through you as demonstrate strong unwavering faith in Him. Max Lucado's devotion was in a similar topic this week. It is faith that makes or breaks your belief. Lack of faith dwindles or diminishes your belief.

Every day, we should awake refreshed with greater faith in our Father in Heaven! Believe and watch miracles unfold all around as you pray to the Father. Ask Him to open up your spiritual eyes! Ask God to show you how to deepen your faith in Him.

Jesus cast out the demon in the boy because the child's father believed Jesus could heal him. The last verse... Jesus answering His disciples when they asked “Why could we not drive it out?” Jesus replied “This kind of cannot come out by anything but prayer!”

Pray to God for your faith to be strengthened by Him!

Believe when others doubt!

Rejoice over the smallest of miracles. God will place bigger miracles in your life as you pray to Him, praise Him, and please Him by showing others you have unwavering faith in God!

Be a believer from the tip of your toes to the top of your head and everything in between. Then and only then will you be able to experience faith in God in a new and deeper way!

If You can?

Do you doubt healing by Jesus thinking “if He can?” Then perhaps all of our prayer to Jesus should be “Yes, You can… through me!”

Believers cannot be believers if they don’t fully believe.

It’s all or nothing for God.

Believe, pray for faith, and the possible will happen!

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*Scripture references are NASB

Faith, Family and Country: First Things First

“Thinking outside of the box” is exactly what the United States of America’s Founding Fathers did to create our country for freedom.

Freedom of religion speaks right to the very core of my heart as all the freedoms we are so privileged to enjoy in this great nation! Our country was founded on “In God, We Trust; Almighty God; Creator of the Universe; and the Father of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior; and as a joint heir, my Heavenly Father.”

How fortunate we have been for so many years to be abundantly blessed! How close we may be to losing the very freedom we have always known as it appears the U.S. laws of this nation land are quickly changing through with major recontruction and change we as a country can not literally afford to live with.

Just like anything else, freedom can be abused, creating deception; or freedom can exist with respect to do the right thing.

This afternoon I witnessed a Christian, who is a great leader in my humble opinion, take a stand for what is right. She is not running from anything. I believe she is running for God's directives as He is opening new pathways for Sarah Palin to help jolt America into action. I believe God is listening to sincere prayers from citizens who are hurting, begging for leadership from Him. Whether Sarah ever has another working title or not, she is entitled as a joint heir walking with the most precious title a soul could ever have for all eternity. She is a Christian.

She is in the process of giving up a title of political leadership. That doesn't maker her any less in the Father's eyes. Perhaps she will be blessed with a higher title with more responsibility, should she choose to run for public office again. Or if she decides to be a spokesperson endorsing what is right for this country! Whatever her aspirations, as long as she places God first, she will succeed no matter how many oppose her. When God protects His own, no harm will come to you.

Today, as I listened carefully to Sarah Palin's* speech, she aims to go beyond precendented limitations which seem to have confined her abilities to a political office of four walls. Or better said, a box! As I have watched, listened, and read a great deal about Sarah, she makes it clear that she is not content with doing business as usual; the same old ways of doing politics. What I sensed today was Sarah Palin stepping out on faith!

This blog or testimonial space will not be a forum for political insights or opinions, but for viewpoints when I see Christians from all walks of life, walking the walk and not just talking the talk!

Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska (like her or not), is a Christian who is boldly speaks her heart, her mind, and constantly speaks of God, prayer, and faith!

Based on the media reports and reading her statement, Sarah Palin will resign from her current position effective July 26, 2009. By not completing her full term as Governor of Alaska, I believe she is stepping out on faith to allow her to return to the freedom she a civilian. That makes perfect sense in choosing to speak on the eve of July 4th. It's about her having the freedom to speak out so this country will hopefully be able to continue to speak out. Whatever course of action she is led, Sarah's mission is to wake up America from the trance which seems to be more of a curse.

As a country, we have allowed our nation to be damaged by "politics as usual." This process started long before the current administration was voted into office. But it’s time to stop it! It’s time someone stepped out on faith and stepped up to speak out on what is ethically and morally going bad with our country.

I support her as I have no doubts she will put her best foot forward, whatever her political aspirations may be or not be. Why? Sarah chooses to place GOD FIRST!

“I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your loving kindness and Your truth from the great congregation.” Psalm 40:10 (NIV)

Can you name anyone else in public office who speaks of God, prayer and blessings?

I sense her decision based on her statements, to be truthful and from her heart. In her closing remarks today Sarah stated, “I gotta put First things first”... “look north to the future. God bless you!”

As she places God first in her decision making, Sarah is allowing God to guide her steps and direction, politically connected or as a spokesperson for what is right and truthful.

“He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart.” Psalm 15:2 (NASB)

Sarah is in a position through God’s immense blessings of spiritual wisdom and knowledge, to help turn our country towards the very foundation in which it was created.

Our nation’s foundation of morals and ethics are diminishing quickly as if we were standing on sand instead of the Rock of Jesus Christ. If America does not return to what is Biblically right diverting from what is severely wrong... we as a nation will continue to be our own worst enemy.

In Sarah's decision to take an unusual direction by complete surprise, she broke the mold of what is politically correct "according" to every one's else rules!

Isn’t that what God asks each of us to do every day in shedding our old ways? To do what He lays on heart even if it's not a "normal" way of doing things?

“…knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin...” Romans 6:6 (NASB)

Sarah does not believe in corruption which is sin. That doesn't mean she is perfect, but she illustrates strong Christian values. She took a stand today for ethical values as she is putting a stop to government wasteful spending. Sarah could not do her job as governor stating that she was spending 80 percent of time on her job not doing what the residents of Alaska voted her to do.

Instead, she accomplished in two years, what was a four year agenda. How is that possible? Sarah Palin said it best... “I put my faith, family and country first!” She has her priorities in the right order!

I believe, Sarah gets blasted and ripped by so many people because it is a spiritual conflict. Many are drawn to her strength, yet many want to drain her to dust. I believe it is because Christ is within her which draws enormous crowds and also draws enormous amounts of heat. She is strong in her beliefs. She is a threat to the “old ways of doing things!” She is refreshing!

She has strategically positioned herself to “think outside the box.”

In thinking outside the box, have you ever thought the “box” could be your coffin? Why continue living like everyone else which may be dead ends in life, instead of new beginnings?

Have you ever thought how God can show each of us in our individual territories, small or large, many alternatives to get things accomplished versus “going along with what’s expected”... or “going along with the crowd,” just because it seemed the thing to do?

Until we, as a nation, decide to educate ourselves and quit listening to what the media is placing in front of us and read the facts, deception will create scales over our eyes versus seeing the truth of God. I know based on my vision before God knocked the scales off my eyes, I saw things my way. I was probably looking through rose colored glasses and didn't want to see or be educated on how life really is once you completely decide to allow Jesus in your heart. No more compromises, only commandments of God are allowed when a Christian prays to see things God's way.

“Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again... Act 9:18 (NIV)

Although I do not condone cursing, Palin said one of her kids voted yes stating “Hell, yeah!” As she asked for their votes of stepping away from the office as governor, or stay in a battle with a relentless badgering which was garnering nothing for those who depend on Alaska, within the state and outside the state.

Sarah Palin was recently in Iraq on a visit. What comes to mind... and this is only my thought… if she were able to communicate or visit with her oldest son, Track, who is currently serving in Iraq for the United States Armed Forces, perhaps those were his words. I’m guessing Track is in a war zone a.k.a “hell zone!”

Track might see more than any of us could fathom. He puts his life on the line, as thousands of other troops do each day, for our freedom! I believe he would support his mother in anything that was right. It appears Sarah's goal is to get the attention of the American people to realize things need to be different than they are in this world. I base this on her outspoken views before and after the current president of the U.S.A.

Think outside the box!

Think outside of the same ol' same ways of doing! Live as God would call you to live; to be free from the enemy’s traps and snares.

“Those who seek my life lay snares for me; And those who seek to injure me have threatened destruction, And they devise treachery all day long.” Psalm 38:12 (NASB)

Sarah did just that today by walking away from traps and snares. She is a hunter. She knows when to avoid battles that are useless and not for the glory of God as a servant to Him or as a public servant!

On a much smaller level, I also followed God. When I stepped out on faith, it was a shock to say the least to many of my friends and family. It went against the grain! The upheaval I faced when I did as God called me to follow His lead, is tremendous but once you obey Him, learn to live as He would call you to live, it is extremely worthwhile! Now, that is REAL CHANGE!

Sarah will come out better for choosing her battles wisely. I believe this to be true because God also blessed me as I continue to seek Him to lead my direction. This blog spot is a direct result of obeying His direction, otherwise my testimony or what I have learned would never be shared.

I believe the Utmost High is listening to His children's prayers as our country appears to be headed south, figuratively speaking. Palin said “...look north to the future...” and she is right. In more ways than some may comprehend, God is working in her life.

I implore you to pray earnestly to the Father to turn our country back over to His ways. One day, we may all wake up with NO freedom, or Independence, or anything else our wonderful country has been so richly blessed from sea to shining sea!

There was a time when the United States of America placed God first! It’s time to get back to the basics of God!

I pray for Sarah Palin and many others who represent our Lord and Savior in whatever work they do for our Almighty God, wherever He leads them!

May God bless America!

May God bless you!

Please pray for God to lead our nation back to Him as our One faithful God!

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*Photograph by The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman/AP