God Answers

A week ago, I awoke to feelings of fear and worry. As I was writing in my journal, I began to pray to God through my writing. Through this process, I really did hear an answer to my prayer.

Dear God, I need to focus on serving You to the best of my ability. You are God Almighty who was and is and is to come. Manificent Creator. Guardian of my heart, Healer and Comforter, the Great I Am. God who makes the wind to blow, the sun to rise and set, the warmth of a fire, the sound of a baby, the reassurance that life begins again as one fades, God who sent His Only Son to provide the way for forgiveness, salvation, reconcilation and eternity with Him instead of apart from my Creator. Praise You Lord God for Your Holy Presence who dwells among us. Your guidance, Your still small voice, hope when things seem hopeless. You provide the faith because I am too weak. Bless You, Lord God, bless Your Name. I lift Your Name, Jesus Christ, in my inner being, the center of my heart where You dwell. I life Your Name and worship You.

And, then God spoke to my heart--

Quit holding on so tightly to the things of this world.

I will provide for you.

Worry and doubt have no place in Your heart where I dwell.

Let faith and compassion lead you.

I will provide all that you need.

Take My Hand this day and walk where I lead.

You will not be afraid.

It's joy that I wish for you today.

Express happiness to those you encounter,

And You will received happiness in return.

Let go of old hurts and distrust,

it does not serve you well.

Replace it with gentleness and kindness.

I will flow through you.

You have no need to know what the future holds.

I have all in my control,

and will show you wonders beyond your imagination.

Enjoy the moment, every moment.

I made it just for you.

Today, lean totally on Me

and I will teach you the true meaning of faith.

It may seem hard,

but the goal is much greater than the toil.

My burden is easy

if you let me carry it for you.

When you walk in fear,

I can't fulfill all I need to do in your life.

But, if you will relinquish the fear,

I will fill you up to overflowing with creativity

and wealth of spirit.

Give me all of you

and I will restore your heart.

I am your God. 

I know you.

I hear you.

I love you.

Let me into your heart, mind, body and spirit.

I am the Alpha and Omega.

I am the one and only God.

Yahweh.

Jehovah.

The Great I Am.

The Everlasting Counselor.

God, the Father.

God, the Son.

God, the Holy Spirit.

As I pondered all that God had just spoken to my heart, I saw a vision: I saw my fear as a big ball of black ooze. I asked God to remove it from me, from all parts of me. I handed it over to God and it was as if it just exploded into light and dissipated.

I believe God heard me cry out to Him in fear. He answered me with a path for me to follow. I share this with anyone who might read this as encouragement. These words might be just for me, but if they speak to your heart, then I pray that you ask God to dwell in your heart and that He answers your prayers, too.

Praying Girl

Today's My Birthday

Today is my birthday. I understand from my Mom that I was bald and fat when I was born. I guess by the time this photo was taken, I had sprouted a bit of hair!

I remember when this photo was taken with my brother. This guy just came by our house with a pony and headdresses. You really can't tell so much in this photo, but we had been playing outside all day and we were filty!

Here I am a prim and proper 5 year old on my Grandparent's front porch. This house has long since been torn down, but I still remember loving to go to my Grandmother's house. She was a fantastic cook and I was the only girl, so I always got to sit by Granddaddy at the dinner table. Loved them and that house.

This is a late 60's glamour-type shot. I felt like a model when I went in for this photo shoot. All of the photos were in black and white so that tells you how long ago this was taken.



Guess I'm being a bit nostalgic today on my birthday. I started gathering these photos this week to start a memory book for my Dad. He's in a nursing home and suffering from vascular dementia. He still knows me, but life for him will never be the same. Great sadness surrounds me when I think of him, but these photos remind me how grateful I am that he and Mom were such good parents. I always felt loved and safe. Life has dealt me a lot of pain and suffering over the years and unbelievable joy. God has blessed me in so many ways that I can't complain.

As I start another new year in my life, I know God will strengthen and guide me in whatever lies ahead. He didn't promise me that it would be easy. He did, however, promise me that He would be here with me every step of the way.

So I am thankful for one more birthday. Thankful for this wonderful gift of life.

PG

Tomorrow's the Day

One might ask why is tomorrow so important? Well, I'm not going to tell. Nope, not today. But tomorrow is the day!

What I will share today is a stupid pet peeve. Yep, I really can't stand it when someone opens a new sleeve of styrofoam cups but leaves the wrapper still intact. OK, I realize this is really an insignificant peeve. Just really bugs me. Why take the time to open a new sleeve and not take the time to remove the entire wrapper. It's like eating just one-half bar of chocolate. Who can do that?

I'm sitting here listening to one of my favorite singers, Bette Midler singing You Gotta Have Friends and now You are the Wind Beneath my Wings. Just love that unique voice.

Bette wins over the pet peeve any old day!

Don't forget, tomorrow's the big day!
PG

My Dad, a living example of God, my heavenly Father

I knew this day was coming, but it is extremely difficult. Dad's dementia is worsening by the day. The last meaningful conversation I had with him was a few months ago in April. We were talking and he said, "I just want to tell you I love you before I don't know who you are anymore." That was a profound day because he also said, "I don't know if I'm going up or down," and he pointed up and then down. That's the day I baptised my 86 year old Dad. My 28-year prayer had finally been answered.

I love my Dad and I've always been a Daddy's girl. He's a flawed human being, but never in my entire 58 (nearly 59 years) have I ever doubted that he loved me. I know for a fact that he would walk through fire for me. My Dad is a living example of God, my heavenly Father. Now, I seek God's direction and help in making sure that my Dad knows that I would walk through fire for him.

The dementia has stolen my Dad's mind but not his beautiful spirit. I know one day, he will be restored and we will sit down in the heavenly places, under a tree, once again having wonderful conversations.

Dear God,
Thank you for helping us as we walk this difficult road today. And, thank you the incredible love and sacrifices my Dad has made for me all of my life.

Praying Girl

Ebenezer Stone

I've had this stone in my car for a couple of years. It sits on the console so that I see it every day. Hunter, my grandson picked up this stone on one of our many trips. He loves rocks and I have his collections from the time he was just a little tyke. He's now nearly 10-years old.

This particular stone has always intrigued both of us because it looks as if it is a living rock because it has veins. We've never researched what type of stone it is, but it has always been one of our favorites because it is just so darn interesting. Every time Hunter gets into the car with me, he always picks it up, handles it, smiles and puts it back in its familiar place.

I read an interesting devotional from last Sunday's Our Daily Bread about the word Ebenezer.  It refers to a stone that Samuel called Ebenezer that was set in place between Mizpah and Shen symbolizing a time when the people turned from their sins and God gave them victory over their enemy the Philistines.

Today, I decided that this stone, that we have kept for so long, is going to be called our Ebenezer Stone.

To read the devotional by David McCasland, click on the link.

http://tinyurl.com/37h3dwj

Here's a photo of our Ebenezer Stone which has been returned to its place in my car so that we can remember that God is with me and Hunter always.
Perhaps you'll find an Ebenezer stone of your own. Happy rock hunting, and may God's blessing be on you and your loved ones.

Praying Girl


Man With No Shirt

Vic is my husband and we attended a downtown, elite, upper class church for years. Although we never fit into that category, we loved the church. My husband served as an Usher. He was much loved by everyone because he is such a "people" person. In addition to being an Usher and serving in many leadership roles throughout the years, he was also the Boy Scout Scoutmaster.

One Sunday morning, a downtown homeless man, entered our church after the service had started. He ambled up the center aisle and sat down in a pew next to an elderly woman and amongst many of the matriarchs of our church. This man was dirty and didn't have a shirt on. My husband was sitting next to me and watched the whole thing. Vic quietly got up and I thought he was going to go ask the man to leave. Instead, my husband walked out the back doors. I was shocked.

My husband's father had just recently died and I thought he was sad and left to compose himself. I kept pondering whether I should go check on him. After a few minutes, my husband entered the back of the church and started his way down the center aisle. The priest had already started his sermon, but my husband just kept walking down that aisle as the whole church watched. When he got to the man with no shirt, Vic stopped and put his hand gently on the man's shoulder, the man looked up into Vic's eyes, and then Vic handed him something.

Vic quietly started walking back down the aisle and returned to the seat next to me. My eyes went back to the man. He quietly raised his arms and put on the Boy Scout T-shirt that Vic had handed him.

As tears streamed down my face, I saw the sermon unfold before my eyes. No words were ever spoken more eloquently than the humble gift of a simple T-shirt and the regained dignity that my husband gave that man that day. I know I'll never forget that day.

Matthew 25:40 (King James Version) And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Praying Girl

Goodbye Pouncer Cat

To my little Pouncer Cat:
I pray God gives you plenty of Tuna to eat, robust chin scratches, a warm fluffy bed on a pedestal, a beautiful yard to explore with plenty of green luscious grass to munch on, fluttering butterflies to chase, a glorious sunrise and a gentle sunset. I shall miss you my sweet, sweet girl. Until we see each other again. Goodbye.

I found this pitiful kitten 15 years ago. She was shivering and soaking wet hiding under a car. She wrapped herself around my heartstrings immediately. She's been my constant companion ever since. How will I live without her curled up by my side. It's a sad, sad day at the Ham house. It was time, but it just came too, too soon.


Dear God
Thank you for bringing Pouncer to me and enriching my life. We had a wonderful time together. Please take care of her now. I know she will make you smile.

Amen,
Praying Girl

Gold in the Temple

I've been reading in 1 Kings about Solomon and the building of the Temple. It's amazing how much gold was used in building the Temple. It must have been beyond beautiful.

Jerusalem

I had dinner tonight with my friend Kay who was on the trip to Israel a few years ago. The conversation turned toward that wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime trip as it often does. We were marveling that scripture comes alive so much more after having walked in that wonderful place. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity.

This was the place where David picked up the stone that killed Goliath.

I walked on the stones where Jesus may have walked.

Praying Girl

Direction For Today

KNOWLEDGE
His spiritual wisdom and understanding

WALK
Bearing fruit

STRENGTHENED
With His power attaining steadfastness, patience, joy

GIVING THANKS
For inheritance

DELIVERED
From darkness and transferred to His Kingdom

REDEEMED
Forgiven of my sins



Praying Girl

Moon Rising

The world goes round and round. The moon comes up and the moon goes down. Night after night I witness this miracle and forget that it truly is a miracle. Tonight I will look up at the sky and give thanks to my Creator for the beauty and magnificence of a moon that appears every night. Sounds pretty silly, but then again it doesn't. I'm working on filling up my mind with thanksgiving for all the things, like the moon, that I take for granted every day. Afterall, what would happen if the moon just suddenly disappeared? How long would it take for me to notice? Just a thought on a hot Summer afternoon. I'm looking forward to seeking the magnificance of the moon tonight, with a new appreciation for my Creator.

Praying Girl

Survivor 2

New painting: Survivor 2
24" x 48" Acrylic Mixed Media on Wood Panel
Click here to view larger image

I Am A Survivor

Lord Jesus

You placed Your name

Upon my forehead

Your hand is always

Upon my head

Your name is

Upon my lips

Your arms encircle me

Continually

You place my feet

On the right path

You send

Your holy angels

To fight on my behalf

You hold back those who

Would destroy me

You are God

There is nothing to fear
Even if armies camp

All around me

And thieves break in to

Steal those who are

Precious to me

You, only You, are in the

Midst of my terror

You will lead me through

The wilderness

If all turns black

And dismal

Your voice will bring me

Comfort

If the world screams doom

And destruction

You promise to bring me

Peace and even

The elusive joy I

Miss in my inner being

When I remember...

When I remember

It's Your name on

My forehead

Your Hand on my head

Your name on my lips

Your arms

Your guidance
Your protection

That brings light into

My world

When all around me

Seems to collapse in fear

I drop to my knees

Fix my eyes on You

My God

My Savior

My Holy Spirit

The only One who

Died for me

Rose from all that would

Destroy You and

You forever triumphed

Why did You do that

Act of love for me?

When things are easy

I forget You

I squander my time

Here on earth

Then when things are

Shattering all around me

I cry out to You

Why did You die for me?

One who abandons you so

Quickly and easily

You love me with a love

I will never comprehend

And the miracle is that You love me

even when I forget that I have

Your Name written

Indelibly upon my forehead and Your Hand

Is on my head

And I hear Your Name

Spoken with disrespect

Even when I don't feel

Your commanding presence

When you enfold me in

Your arms

When I am deep in fear

I forget Your guidance

And Your army of angels

Encamped all around me

When I forget to seek Your Face

And ask for your guidance

Even when I forget all that...

You still love me

And you never

Abandon me

Although to the world it seems

I am alone

I am lost

I am destroyed

I am afraid

I am weak

But because of what You

Did for me on the cross

You are victorious over everything

Because of You

My dear loving

Victorious

Savior...

Because of You

And You alone

I AM A SURVIVOR!

by Donna Louise Ham

copyright 2010

Tea Party Member Stuns Crowd!

At peace

Work became frustrating this morning, so I took a walk around the nearby pond. I pondered all the reasons why I was feeling so annoyed when I suddenly slipped and twisted my ankle. I limped over to a tree and sat beneath the shade. Geese were all around as I sat there upset that I had slipped and hurt myself, feeling pretty sorry for myself.

The longer I sat there, though, I noticed that all of the tiny Goslings that I had watched grow over the last few weeks, were right before me. They were no longer tiny, yellow fuzzy babies. They were larger and fending very well for themselves. Of course, the mommas were still near by. I counted at least 22 Goslings.

As I arose and tried my weight on my ankle, it felt better and I continued my trek around the pond. As I neared the end of the walk, I looked back across the pond and the momma goose was swimming quietly along with all 22 Goslings trailing behind her.

I admit the worries of my life have really taken a toll on me over the last few weeks, but in that moment they all disappeared. I realized that I am going to have worries and hurts, but God in all His Wisdom placed this wonderful spectacle before me to remind me of His Presence with me.

I am at peace.

Praying Girl

Gosslings

Babies taking an afternoon siesta with Momma & Poppa watching over them.

Tears

This is an acrylic painting on a 36" x 24" canvas. I titled it "Tears".

Tears are healing and God knows every tear that we shed. There is comfort in knowing that God intimately knows our suffering. He accepts our tears as an offering when they are given to Him for healing.

I've Never Seen So Many Baptisms

I was invited to a baptism service for a friend on Friday at Parkview Baptist Church. He is a young man in his thirties with a son who is nine. They were baptised together. How wonderful as I watched children and their fathers being baptised together. Then, on Saturday, I attended Life Church, a non-denominational church and witnessed 15 or 20 more people of all ages being baptised. Praise God.

This weekend, I saw more people baptised than I believe I have witnessed in my whole life in the Episcopal and Anglican Churches!

This was the first baptism service in a Baptist Church that I had attended since I was baptised 45 years ago! I still remember vividly the freezing, cold night when I was baptised at Trinity Park Baptist Church in Dallas. My family didn't attend church, so at 13 it was the first church where I belonged. Throughout all these years, I still recall the night I completely and totally turned my life over to Christ. I went under the water and emerged a new person for all eternity.

Recently, my husband and I have been just wandering around visiting many Tulsa churches. It's amazing how extraordinarily different yet extraordinarily the same all of these churches are. I still am in awe that in one weekend, I witnessed around 40 people of all ages turning their lives over to Christ and being baptised. I thank God for all of these new Christians. It's worth great rejoicing. What a witness to those seeking and for those who have belonged for many years. God is present in this world! I'm so thankful I was present to rejoice with the angels and all the company of heaven.

Praying Girl

Pitchers & Cup Painting

Trying my hand at painting realism in oils. After all these years of my love of abstract in acrylics, this is a new challenge.

Oils always intimidated me, but I'm thoroughly enjoying learning how to paint with oils. I know I have a long way to go, but here's my latest attempt.

God gave me the talent. Now it's up to me to work hard, practice this art a multitude of hours and I will be able to give this gift back to God as an offering of love.

Praying Girl

New Every Morning

It's a new day. Nothing has changed since yesterday except a good night's sleep. All the problems and challenges from yesterday remain. They seek to cloud my mind, fill me with fear and disappointment. And, yet...I am happy.

It's a miracle and not a small one in my understanding. I woke up this morning and started to go down that familiar and comfortable road of mentally listing all my fears and challenges. Somewhere along that path, however, I stopped. I turned my focus toward God. No matter what challenges I face, His Almighty Hand is already upon me. He will help me by either fixing the problems, changing the circumstances or changing me. That's a miracle to me. I am thankful that I know Him and His lovingkindness.

"My soul still remembers
And sinks within me.

This I recall to my mind,

Therefore I have hope.

Through the LORD's mercies

we are not consumed,

Because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness

'The LORD is my portion,'

says my soul,

'Therefore I hope in Him!'

The LORD is good to those who

wait for Him,

To the soul who seeks Him.

It is good that one should hope

and wait quietly

For the salvation of the LORD."

Lamentations 3:20-26

On this glorious Sunday morning, I eagerly await the mercies of the LORD and look forward with hope because His steadfast love never ceases and His mercies never come to an end. They are indeed new every morning.

Praying Girl

The photo was taken in front of St. John Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Summer of 2009.

A Good Samaritan Tale (or Tail)

We found this dog wandering our neighborhood last Sunday. I had seen him earlier in the week and realized he was either lost or abandoned. When we got home from church and he was heading out of our front yard, I called, "Here, boy!" and he came bounding toward me with his tail wagging.

He was quite thin, so we put him in the back yard and for a week we have been fattening him up. Every day he wrapped himself a little tighter around my heart strings. I tried desperately to find his home, but to no avail.

Yesterday, I was thinking about what name to give him. The temperature was supposed to drop to 30 degrees and I was going to bring him inside, give him a bath, and make him a part of our family of pets--a dog, a cat and a bird.

Little did I know that he had other ideas. When I arrived at home last night, he was gone. I will always wonder where he went, how he is, if he's warm and fed, and if he found his home.

It's a Good Samaritan tale of sorts. If I had left him running loose, was I doing my duty to protect God's creatures? I know the Good Samaritan story from the Bible, Luke 10:29-37 is about people, but for this one week, I think it was about this dog. I could have easily passed him by or called the Animal Shelter to pick him up (and I nearly did this, but my Grandson wouldn't hear of it!).

I learned that it's not always easy to do the right thing, but in the end it feels so good. I will miss this sweet black dog. I hope he found his way home.

Praying Girl

Star Shepherd

Star Shepherd
Acrylic painting on canvas
24" x 48"

This painting was inspired by a December 22, 2009 devotional reading in Our Daily Bread and listening to Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb of God CD.

Scripture inspiration:
Isaiah 40:25-27
"To whom then will you liken Me,
Or to whom shall I be equal?" says the Holy One,
Lift up your eyes on high,
And see who has created these things,
Who brings out their host by number;
He calls them all by name,
By the greatness of His might
And the strength of His power;
Not one is missing.
Why do you say, O Jacob,
And speak, O Isreal: "My way is hidden from the LORD,
And my just claim is passed over by my God"?
King James Version