Pictures

The Hand of God

As I was getting ready to make a call on my cell phone.

I couldn't help but notice the picture.

Come on let's face it most of us have pictures on our cell phones.

The name of the picture on my cell phone is called "The Hand of God".

It has 1 hand reaching up and 1 hand reaching down.

As I went back to work.

I couldn't help but think of the hand that is always reaching down.

Then as much as I might like to admit that my hand is always reaching up. In all honesty I can't say that.

"For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."

Romans 3:23

"for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever would believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

"Every good and perfect gift is from above...."

"Greater is He who is in me than he that is in the world."

Then I found myself thinking of the picture once again.

God's hand reaching down, and my hand reaching up.

I must admit there is not one area in my life that I measure up to.

In fact I fall short in all areas.

Whether I deserve it or not one thing is for sure God's hand is always reaching down.

Okay sometimes he carries me.

All I know is I'm thankful that God's hand is always reaching down to me.

Perservance

As a child of God I must admit there's been rough times along the way.
I can remember when I wondered would I ever see a mountaintop again.
After all it seemed like I went from one valley to another.
Would I see a mountain?

Recently God has been using a very special lady to teach me.
Regardless of how she feels she just continues to minister to others.
This lady rarely asks for anything.
She just goes around encouraging everyone else.

This special lady is the Senior Pastor's wife.
Her right hip causes her a lot of pain.
Yet, she hardly says anything.
Instead of saying much she simply says "Call me anytime".
She will be the one to call you and see how you are doing.
Yet, she needs a hip replacement.
Even when she is in a lot of pain she continues to minister.
She allows people to leave before her.
In fact she will even try to help you.
Yet, she needs surgery.
The most important thing to her is God.
She treasures her relationship with God very much.
She married her high-school sweetheart and the rest is history.
He stands by her side faithfully.
Praying that she was not in so much pain.
Just to see how she ministers to others has taught me so much.
Then again I have been blessed to have her as a sister.
Grateful for her wisdom.
Wanting her to have the surgery.
Wishing that she was not in pain.
Yet this brave lady continues on.

Person of the Week

This week it is indeed a special lady.
Her name is Nancy Alcorn.
She is the founder of Mercy Ministries.
Every step of Mercy Ministries is done by faith.
People come to Mercy with various needs from substance abuse, physical abuse ectra.,...
The ones that come to Mercy must come of their own free will.
They come from all over and all ages.
Most find Jesus at Mercy.
Let's face it you don't have to far to find a person that is hurting.
Every 3 minutes a person goes through abuse.
Along with Godly counseling the ladies come to realize that they do have value.
For at Mercy they learn their value comes from their Heavenly Father, not man.
Let's face it there is such a difference.
Perfection vs. Imperfection
Upon graduation of the program which lasts about 6 months.
Many of the ladies that have been helped answer the call to follow God.
For some its a missionary, yet for others its to be a counselor.
This gives them a chance to help others that are going through what they went through.
They are able to offer them hope.
Above all the Gospel is shared.
For more information log-on to www.mercyministries.com

You Never Know Part 2

Where I go to Church the Senior Pastor's wife has a favorite saying "You Never Know"
It's easy to think that someone is mad at you when you are getting yelled at right? Wrong?
Just because someone yells at you doesn't mean that person does not like you.
Maybe the person yells at you because he or she actually cares about you.
After all that is what happened to me.
The other person was hurt because they cared.
I was wrong.
I don't mind telling you that I redicated my life to God once again.
It seems like the older I get the more I have to learn.
Once again the Senior Pastor's Wife is right when she said " You never know ".
I must admit I fell short of the mark.
Looks like I'm going to be a lifetime student.
After all there is always something that I can learn from each person.
It reminds me of a song. Don't worry if you havn't heard the song. Its a song that is being practiced where I go to Church.
"We are just a wreck waiting to happen, sin has us out of control."
How true this is.
Let's face it we're not perfect.

Never Too Old

I remember as if it was yesterday praying for my family to grow in their walk with God.

God does indeed answer prayers.

Allow me to set the stage:
-My Father has a tendency to get up early and listen to the swap shop.
That's when people call if they are looking to sell a item or buy a particular item.
That's where my Father got his brand new Lawn Mower.
Okay its used.

While I was at the Computer, I received a blessing.
God received a blessing as well.
I just thought Jesus had to be smiling Himself.

Daddy came home so excited about the brand new Lawn Mower that he just purchased.

In fact Daddy was so excited about the Lawn Mower that he forgot something.

So He called the person he bought the Lawn Mower back on the phone.

After all He just had a couple of questions to ask.

First He wanted to know if they had a home Church they went to?

He would like to invite them to Church.

The Senior Pastor's wife was right as usual when she said "Yvonne, you never know".

If I had been talking and not listening I would have missed the blessing.

Its always a blessing to hear others witness young or old.

I had to stop and thank God for the blessing.

Daddy may be in his 80's but he still witnesses.
He knows the plan of salvation.

I'm thankful that I was here to listen to Him witness over the phone.

When the New Wears Off

Do you remember how excited you was when you got a new car?
I do.
Okay mine was used but it was still new.
It seems like only yesterday .

How many of you have got new pets?
New kittens? New puppy's?

Sure most of us have.
It seems like only yesterday.
We recently got a new puppy.
His name is Blackie and does he love attention.
He is part lab/part chow.

We got Blackie shortly before Christmas last year.
He is so cute just coal black.
So we both slept in the den.
I slept in a Recliner and Blackie slept at my feet.
Which I must admit was one of my favorite memories.

So as luck would have it I'm a sound sleeper.
During the middle of night Blackie had to go to the bathroom.
You guessed it Blackie had to wake me up multiple times.
Needless to say I ended up with scratch marks on my face, nose, arms.
I know Blackie was just trying to wake me up.
When Blackie couldn't wake me up I had a mess to clean up.
When I woke up Blackie would just look at me.
As if to say its about time you woke up.
I've been trying for awhile now.

Now Blackie is 6 months old and He sure has grown.
My has Blackie gotten big and yes Blackie is still a puppy just not so small.
He can jump almost to my head and yes he still loves to lick.

My Father recently got a New Riding Lawn Mower.
Okay its not new.
Still its New to my Father.
So He is going to take real good care of it.
After all its new even thought its used.
To Daddy its New.

So what seems to happen when the new does wear off?
What causes it to be treated any differently?
Was it not new?

Remember when you got saved?
God does.
The Angels had a party in Heaven just for you.
The Angels love to celebrate.
I remember when I go saved.
I remember asking questions about scripture?
I often heard the remark "Oh you are a new Christian."
Even though I heard it. That didn't mean I understood it.
So far I've been a Christian for 17 years.
God still loves to hear my voice.
So whether you have been saved 50 years or 1 day.
God's love for you is the same.
Jesus love for you is the same.
Holy-Spirit's love for you is the same.
With God the new never wears off.
With Jesus the new never wears off.
With the Holy-Spirit the new never wears off.

You are just as precious to them today as you were when you asked Jesus into your heart.
Remember with God the new never wears off.
God loves to hear your voice for it is still new to God.

"He sends His love." quote from Point of Grace

Folds of an American Flag

First of all I would like to take the opportunity to say Thank-you to everyone who is a Veteran.

The Folds of the American Flag
Author: Anonymous

Our Flag and Do you know?

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21 gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you noticed that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies.

the 1st Fold of our Flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd Fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The 3rd Fold is made in honor and remembrance of the Veterans departing our ranks who gave a porion of their lives for the defense of our Country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th Fold represents our weaker nature, for as American Citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in war for His divine guidance.

The 5th Fold is a tribute to our Country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our Country, right or wrong."

The 6th Fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and the Republic for which it stands, One Nation under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th Fold is a tribute to our Armed forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our Country and our Flag against all her enemies, whether they may be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The 8th Fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of the day.

The 9th Fold is a tribute to our womanhood, and Mothers, for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th Fold is a tribute to the Father, for he too has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th Fold represents the lower portion of the seal of king Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrew's eyes, the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob.

The 12th Fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christian's eyes, God and Father, Son and Holy Spirit

The 13th Fold or when the Flag is completely folded, the Stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto "In God We Trust."

After the Flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that are meaningful. In the future, you'll see flags and now you will know why.

The Impact of Prayer part 1

It seems like only yesterday that we met at the Church to pray.
God has indeed blessed us.
Our cup runneth over.
We went from 1 service to 2.
Lost 1 Pastor only to be blessed by another Pastor.
Another Pastor answered the call finally to be a Missionary.
Yet I found myself "God, wait let me catch up."
God was pouring the blessings out from the East, West, North, and South.
We opened a coffee shop.
Attendance has continued to grow.
More people have started doing Care Groups.
More people are involved in Care Groups.
People have gotten saved on a regular basis .
Pastors have been baptizing people on a regular basis.
Still we grow.
I may not know everything that takes place in the Heavenly realms.
I know that Prayer Works
"The Prayer of a Righteous Man availeth much."

The Impact of Prayer part 2

Years ago the Senior Pastor along with His wife felt God had laid a burden on them.
To reach people that were far from Christ.
Night after Night they prayed.
They remained faithful.
The Senior Pastor had a Bible class.
This allowed him to put on paper what God laid on His heart.
They fasted on a regular basis.
They started praying in homes for about 6 months.
6 months later a big Sister Church called and met with him.
They left and went to the Parent Church.
After a little over a year at out Parent Church.
The time had finally come to put into action what God had laid on His heart so many years ago.
Was it a dream?
Was it reality?
Well it turned out to be a reality for so much time was spent in Prayer.
Now 2 1/2 years later we have started raising money for The Church.
God blessed the Church in abundance with land and resources.
Hard to believe that next week will be First-Fruits Sunday.
Especially after setting up and tearing down on a regular basis.
Yet as I sit here reflecting on where has the time gone?
I remember something the Senior Pastor's wife once said. "We prayed and cried and prayed cause it hurt too much."
As a result of their obedience and faithfulness.
I've been blessed to hear:
"People say if it had not been for the Senior Pastor and his wife I would not have a Church home."
Folks I have heard many say that.
It reminds me of "The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few."
For futher information Check out:
www.mypinnaclechurch.com

Letter from Jesus

While I was searching the Web I found this letter.
This is worth sharing with everyone.
Young or Old it is sure to be a favorite.
Okay its my favorite.

Letter from Jesus

Author: Anonymous

I love you!

I shed my own blood

for you to make you clean.

You are clean now,

so believe that it is true.

You are lovely in my eyes,

and I created you to be just as you are.

Do not criticize yourself

or get down for

not being perfect in your eyes.

This leads only to frustration.

I want you to trust Me --

--one step one day at a time.

Dwell in My power

and in My love and be free!

Be yourself!

Don't allow other people to run you.

I will guide you,

if you let Me.

Be aware of

My presence in everything.

I give you patience,

love, joy, peace and life.

Look to Me for your answers.

I am your shepherd

and will lead you.

Follow me only!

Do not ever forget this.

Listen to Me

and I will tell you My will.

Let My love flow from you

and spill over to all you touch.

Do not be concerned with yourself.

You are My responsibility.

I will change you,

and you will

hardly know it is happening.

You are to

love yourself and love others

simply because I love you.

Take your eyes off yourself!

Look only at Me!

I change....I create....,

but not when you are trying.

I won't fight your efforts.

You are Mine.

Let Me give you

joy, peace, and kindness.

No one else can!

Love,

Jesus

Do you want him/her?

One of my favorite songs says:
"Do you want him/her? Jesus, said Yes I want him/her."

Today I happened to look at the calendar and saw that it was Oct 16th, 2008.

In 12 days I will be a child of God for 18 yrs. Just in 12 days was when the angels had a party in my honor 18 years ago @ 12:03pm.

Allow me to set the stage
I went to Church arriving late as usual.
What's the point I thought.
There was not one Bible Verse I understood.
I never understood the meaning behind Easter other than the Easter Bunny.
Now that is saying a lot.

The Church was a small Country Church where they sang hymns.
It was the first Revival service.
The sermon was from Matthew 13
They sang "Just as I Am" as the invitation song.

The Revival Minister had everyone to close their eyes.
Okay I peeked
He then asked the question "If you were to die today would you go to heaven?"
Since I was peeking. I saw people raise their hands. I must admit that I did not understand how they could raise their hands.

So I went and asked the Pastor of that Church if He would mind praying with me.
We prayed.
No one told me that I was supposed to wait to the Pastor finished praying.
Since i was missing this piece of information.
I prayed at the same time the Pastor was praying.
I know could I not wait?
No.
In my prayer" I told God that if He would just let Jesus come into my heart that I would follow Him anywhere."

When I least expect the Holy-Spirit reminds me of that prayer.
I continually to walk by faith.
I'm thankful that when the question was asked
"Do you want her? Jesus said, Yes I want her!

If you are thankful that Jesus said Yes I want him/her?
Will you join me in thanking God, Jesus, and Holy-Spirit.

If you don't celebrate your Salvation Birthday. It's not to late.
Mine is Oct 28th at 12:03pm.
This year I will be 18 years old

1 person can Make a Difference

A wise person once said "When Good People Do Nothing Evil Prevails".

As time passes I have learned just how true this has become even in my own backyard.

I can remember going to school saying the Pledge of Allegance along with a prayer.

Today I see how thankful students have become for The National Day of Prayer.

Not too long ago God brought a special lady into my life and although I don't fully understand everything. God has taught me many lessons. I continue to learn lessons from this lady.

Allow me to set the stage

I was given the opportunity to meet this lady with a mere handshake. Months later she started working at the same location as myself. The friendship began to grow. As it grew I learned that she went through abuse on a regular basis. She once asked me could God love her? I must admit that broke my heart. Next I thought how many others have the same question? Yes, God loves you more than you will ever know. Allow me to repeat myself again. God loves you, for who you are ,where you are.

The most important lesson I learned is getting a person to safety is easy. The only thing that stands in the way of a person's safety is the individual and their mindset. When she told me that people knew she was a victim of abuse. The same people chose to remain quiet. It came as no surprise. This happens more than 1 might think. I don't think that I will ever understand how someone can remain silent.

Were there people who turned her away you bet. It only takes 1 person to say yes. It's as easy as 1-2-3 and the person is safe. What I run into next was people telling me you made us look bad. I went to Church the following Sunday as usual. When the Pastor's Wife asked me how my weekend was ? After I filled her in she calmly said "Oh, so you had a little drama ." The Pastor's Wife didn't hesitate but to help. But she is always reacing out her hand to people.

It really is easy to get someone to safety. I just couldn't stand, watch, and remain silent.

1 person can make a difference. Jesus did.

Remember you matter to God.

The wise person is wiser than he knows when he said "When Good People Do Nothing Evil Prevails."

Every 3 minutes someone goes through abuse for the first time.

For further information:

http://www.mercyministries.org/

Remember Jesus shed His blood for all. Regardless of a person's actions, language, attitude ect...

Remember 1 person can make a difference. Jesus did.

You Never Know

You Never Know

You Never Know Where I go to Church the Senior Pastor's Wife has a saying "You Never Know"

You Never Know when God will give you a blessing.

You Never Know when God will decide to use you as a vessel.

You Never Know when you will meet a person that needs prayer.

You Never Know when a person needs an encouraging word.

You Never Know when an opportunity will arise to lead someone to the Lord.

Just by looking at the person You Never Know the valleys and mountain tops he/she has had.

You do know that God loves the person and Jesus shed His blood for the person.

I guess the Senior Pastor's wife is right You Never know and Jesus shed His blood.

You do know that God is the unveiler and God loves you where you are.

The Eyes

The eyes most everybody has 2. At first glance you might think they say so little when really my friend they say so much.

Ah yes the eyes some can see some cannot yet they still reveal so much.

One person's eyes shows love yet another shows hate.

One person's eyes shows emotion yet another shows no emotion.

One person's eyes shows gentleness yet another says you'll nver get close to me for it shows a protective wall.

One person's eyes shows acception while another shows rejection.

One person's eyes say its so good to see you while another says when will you leave.

The eyes can show the fruit of the spirit or it can show what the world has to offer.

The eyes can show clean or unclean spirits.

Yet it's the same pair of eyes. Oh they may change colors if a person is wearing contacts. Then again the eyes can look different if the same person wears glasses.

Then they were the eyes of Jesus who sinned not. Jesus always thinking of others and always wanting to glorify His Heavenly Father first. Being a servant definely showed in His eyes and well the list is infinite. After all it's Jesus eyes.

Ah yes the eyes?
What shows in your eyes?

Then there was eyes of Jesus who knew all and they showed_______________.

Discern yourself and then fill in the blank or blanks.

Makings of a Hero

"For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned."

Matthew 12:37

Ah yes words.

I was taught growing up that sticks and stones would hurt me but words never could.

What I was taught and what I learned were two different things.

It's important to tear down words and replace it with God's word.

Mindset is just as crucial.

That's why this person says Love God, Love People.

This person knows the power of words.

This person knows God.

After all every one is different.

This person says it again "Love God, Love People"

"Again he said, "what shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade."

Mark 4:30-32 (Parable of Mustard Seed) NIV

This person knows the power of words and the power that is found in mustard seed.

His faith makes mine seem weak.

Allow me to set the stage

He is in an area where there is not a Church every 5 miles.

Not everyone praises God.

Not everyone looks to God.

Many are not saved.

Many have not heard the Gospel for the first time.

He continues his walk and says once again "Love God, Love People."

This person has it.

He is in an area where over 95% of the population are unchurched.

In fact He is a Pastor in an area where they are not many churches.

He is in an area where people are thankful for a church.

I know your probably thinking that this is a remote area. Right? Wrong?

He is in an area that's closer than you might think.

He is in what people consider the greatest country in the World.

You guessed right. The USA.

There are other locations in USA that are like similiar to this.

His favorite saying is Love God, Love People.

Not only does he say it but He lives by it.

That's how the Gospel was spread and is spread today.

"Love God, Love People" is what he says.

I've been blessed to hear him preach.

Will you join me in lifting him up in prayer?

For more information be sure and check out http://www.thefoundrytucson.org/

As one of my missionary friends says it will change if only you will pray.

Again he says "Love God, Love People."

My saying is "And Jesus Shed His Blood"

Speak it for 21 days

I know who created me.
I know where I am from.
I know who I belong to
I know I am nothing without God
I am only a moment God is eternal
God is worthy of all the glory
I never want the day to end without praising His holy name.
He is worthy. God alone is worthy.
I claim every promise in God's written word.
I speak victory over my life.
I can make a difference to God.
I can make a difference to Jesus.
I can make a difference to Holy Spirit.
God created me to be a blessing.
I thank God for the divine favor that God has for my life.
I will grow closer to God.
I will grow closer to Jesus.
I will grow closer to Holy-Spirit
by reading His written word.

A Childs point of view

I normally help serve in Elevate Raceway K-5 on a regular basis.
Every Sunday it seems like I learn a different lesson from a child.

I made the mistake of telling Eli little Eli(short for Elijah) (Jeff n Beth Ingersoll's youngest child).
Next thing I know Eli is giving me a spelling lesson and needless to say His parents made me take a Spelling B.

1. ELI spelled E-L-I ELI
2. Yes spelled Y-e-s Yes
3. No spelled N-o No

I asked Eli if he knew any other words. He simply told me No spelled N-o No.

Then he told his Dad (Jeff) Dad I taught her how to spell.

Both Jeff and Beth made me take a Spelling B at Church.

Well as luck would have it the following Sunday I learn another lesson from a different Ingersoll son.

The kids have started a project in Elevate Raceway to be showcased this fall.

Well needless to say I lost my place. Next thing I know Aaron (the middle child) is correcting me we are here not here. I can read I'm in the first grade. How right He is. The Senior Pastors wife just does an awesome job. Both the Senior Pastora and his wife just want to minister to others.. It is a blessing just to sit at their feet.

Mirror

The following is what I have written on my mirror.

These words have recently taken a new meaning.
Thankful more than ever that God is speaking.

The Bible clearly states that God's people must do God's work in God's way according to God's word or they will not succeed regardless of how good their intentions are.(taken from Echos of Mercy By: Nancy Alcorn founder of Mercy Ministries)

Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galations 6:9

God is the Center of My Life

Words lead to Thoughts.

Thoughts lead to Feelings.

Feelings lead to Decisions.

Decisions lead to Action.

Action leads to Character.

Character leads to Destiny.

A very wise person once said "When good people do nothing evil prevails."

WOW

Man, once again Senior Pastor's wife knew what to do. One of our sister Churches came today and served us. It was indeed a blessing. Normally every Sunday I help out with Elevate Raceway k-5. It has helped me grow so much to see the Bible from a Child's point of view.

Well this particular Sunday Shonda said I could go into the service.

God has indeed blessed Assistant Pastor with such an annointing.
He has such a heart for God. Worship was awesome.

I must admit Senior Pastor nailed me on the sermon as He usually does.

Final Exams (Tests) scripture Genesis 22
-God Tests Abraham

Recently I had the rug pulled out from me. When I shared this with a very wise person. He said maybe Yvonne is not supposed to do anything. How right He is.

I don't mind sharing that I just sat through the entire sermon crying . I realized I was more thankful for God's voice now more than ever before.

I may not know how everything is going to fit together but God is still speaking.

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Man what A Day!

This past Friday was a day!

I recently had my car worked on the starter had to be replaced.
Well needless to say the mechanic kept it longer than normal. I'm not sure if he forgot to call.
I've been meaning to take the mind reading class but keep forgetting.
There are indeed days that it seems the mind reading class would pay off.
The only drawback is I keep forgetting.

So I go and pick up my car Friday after work.
Next I plan to have my car inspected.
Only to find out that I failed the inspection because my car was worked on so I must drive 100 more miles so that the computer chips can reset itself.

When they told me that I said Do what?
After all my car was supposed to be inspected in August. Oops.
So I only have 75 more miles left to drive and then I can have my car inspected.

What had happened when my car was being worked on the battery had been disconnected too long.

Not to mention what happened at the gas station next.

I'm not sure if there was a full moon out Friday.
This past Friday sure was interesting to put it mildly.
I even found out that my Daddy who is 82 years old is mowing a widow's yard on Friday for free. He used to get paid for mowing people's yards.
Oh well I must admit He needs that companionship.
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