WE WILL NEVER FORGET

Last week I saw the movie “World Trade Center.” I didn’t know if I was ready to relive the tragedy or not; but I wanted to see it. It is one of those movies that brings you right back to that moment in time and this time around I was right there at the WTC instead of watching it unfold on TV. It reaffirmed my belief that we need to stand strong in our war against terror.

We need to remember what happened on that day and how it changed our lives forever. I am so grateful and thankful for heroes that emerged that day who did not stop to think about themselves but so valiantly charged forward to help those in need. Many of those heroes lost their lives that day.

Today I want to honor all of the heroes of that day by sharing a writing that was read on Focus on the Family. Some of you may not remember John Wayne movies; but I remember them~ my Dad is a huge fan!

May God bless our US Military and their families, President Bush, and our beloved United States of America!

PEGGY NOONAN

Welcome Back, Duke

From the ashes of Sept. 11 arise the manly virtues. Friday, October 12, 2001 12:01 a.m. EDT

A few weeks ago I wrote a column called "God Is Back," about how, within a day of the events of Sept. 11, my city was awash in religious imagery--prayer cards, statues of saints. It all culminated, in a way, in the discovery of the steel-girder cross that emerged last week from the wreckage--unbent, unbroken, unmelted, perfectly proportioned and duly blessed by a Catholic friar on the request of the rescue workers, who seemed to see meaning in the cross's existence. So do I.

My son, a teenager, finds this hilarious, as does one of my best friends. They have teased me, to my delight, but I have told them, "Boys, this whole story is about good and evil, about the clash of good and evil." If you are of a certain cast of mind, it is of course meaningful that the face of the Evil One seemed to emerge with a roar from the furnace that was Tower One. You have seen the Associated Press photo, and the photos that followed: the evil face roared out of the building with an ugly howl--and then in a snap of the fingers it lost form and force and disappeared. If you are of a certain cast of mind it is of course meaningful that the cross, which to those of its faith is imperishable, did not disappear. It was not crushed by the millions of tons of concrete that crashed down upon it, did not melt in the furnace. It rose from the rubble, still there, intact.
For the ignorant, the superstitious and me (and maybe you), the face of the Evil One was revealed, and died; for the ignorant, the superstitious and me (and maybe you), the cross survived. This is how God speaks to us. He is saying, "I am." He is saying, "I am here." He is saying, "And the force of all the evil of all the world will not bury me."

I believe this quite literally. But then I am experiencing Sept. 11 not as a political event but as a spiritual event.

And, of course, a cultural one, which gets me to my topic.

It is not only that God is back, but that men are back. A certain style of manliness is once again being honored and celebrated in our country since Sept. 11. You might say it suddenly emerged from the rubble of the past quarter century, and emerged when a certain kind of man came forth to get our great country out of the fix it was in.

I am speaking of masculine men, men who push things and pull things and haul things and build things, men who charge up the stairs in a hundred pounds of gear and tell everyone else where to go to be safe. Men who are welders, who do construction, men who are cops and firemen. They are all of them, one way or another, the men who put the fire out, the men who are digging the rubble out, and the men who will build whatever takes its place.

And their style is back in style. We are experiencing a new respect for their old-fashioned masculinity, a new respect for physical courage, for strength and for the willingness to use both for the good of others.
You didn't have to be a fireman to be one of the manly men of Sept. 11. Those businessmen on flight 93, which was supposed to hit Washington, the businessmen who didn't live by their hands or their backs but who found out what was happening to their country, said goodbye to the people they loved, snapped the cell phone shut and said, "Let's roll." Those were tough men, the ones who forced that plane down in Pennsylvania. They were tough, brave guys.

Let me tell you when I first realized what I'm saying. On Friday, Sept. 14, I went with friends down to the staging area on the West Side Highway where all the trucks filled with guys coming off a 12-hour shift at ground zero would pass by. They were tough, rough men, the grunts of the city--construction workers and electrical workers and cops and emergency medical worker and firemen.

I joined a group that was just standing there as the truck convoys went by. And all we did was cheer. We all wanted to do some kind of volunteer work but there was nothing left to do, so we stood and cheered those who were doing. The trucks would go by and we'd cheer and wave and shout "God bless you!" and "We love you!" We waved flags and signs, clapped and threw kisses, and we meant it: We loved these men. And as the workers would go by--they would wave to us from their trucks and buses, and smile and nod--I realized that a lot of them were men who hadn't been applauded since the day they danced to their song with their bride at the wedding.

And suddenly I looked around me at all of us who were cheering. And saw who we were. Investment bankers! Orthodontists! Magazine editors! In my group, a lawyer, a columnist and a writer. We had been the kings and queens of the city, respected professional in a city that respects its professional class. And this night we were nobody. We were so useless, all we could do was applaud the somebodies, the workers who, unlike us, had not been applauded much in their lives.

And now they were saving our city.

I turned to my friend and said, "I have seen the grunts of New York become kings and queens of the City." I was so moved and, oddly I guess, grateful. Because they'd always been the people who ran the place, who kept it going, they'd just never been given their due. But now--"And the last shall be first"--we were making up for it.
It may seem that I am really talking about class--the professional classes have a new appreciation for the working class men of Lodi, N.J., or Astoria, Queens. But what I'm attempting to talk about is actual manliness, which often seems tied up with class issues, as they say, but isn't always by any means the same thing.
Here's what I'm trying to say: Once about 10 years ago there was a story--you might have read it in your local tabloid, or a supermarket tabloid like the National Enquirer--about an American man and woman who were on their honeymoon in Australia or New Zealand. They were swimming in the ocean, the water chest-high. From nowhere came a shark. The shark went straight for the woman, opened its jaws. Do you know what the man did? He punched the shark in the head. He punched it and punched it again. He did not do brilliant commentary on the shark, he did not share his sensitive feelings about the shark, he did not make wry observations about the shark, he punched the shark in the head. So the shark let go of his wife and went straight for him. And it killed him. The wife survived to tell the story of what her husband had done. He had tried to deck the shark. I told my friends: That's what a wonderful man is, a man who will try to deck the shark.
I don't know what the guy did for a living, but he had a very old-fashioned sense of what it is to be a man, and I think that sense is coming back into style because of who saved us on Sept. 11, and that is very good for our country.

Why? Well, manliness wins wars. Strength and guts plus brains and spirit wins wars. But also, you know what follows manliness? The gentleman. The return of manliness will bring a return of gentlemanliness, for a simple reason: masculine men are almost by definition gentlemen. Example: If you're a woman and you go to a faculty meeting at an Ivy League University you'll have to fight with a male intellectual for a chair, but I assure you that if you go to a Knights of Columbus Hall, the men inside (cops, firemen, insurance agents) will rise to offer you a seat. Because they are manly men, and gentlemen.

It is hard to be a man. I am certain of it; to be a man in this world is not easy. I know you are thinking, But it's not easy to be a woman, and you are so right. But women get to complain and make others feel bad about their plight. Men have to suck it up. Good men suck it up and remain good-natured, constructive and helpful; less-good men become the kind of men who are spoofed on "The Man Show"--babe-watching, dope-smoking nihilists. (Nihilism is not manly, it is the last refuge of sissies.)

I should discuss how manliness and its brother, gentlemanliness, went out of style. I know, because I was there. In fact, I may have done it. I remember exactly when: It was in the mid-'70s, and I was in my mid-20s, and a big, nice, middle-aged man got up from his seat to help me haul a big piece of luggage into the overhead luggage space on a plane. I was a feminist, and knew our rules and rants. "I can do it myself," I snapped.

It was important that he know women are strong. It was even more important, it turns out, that I know I was a jackass, but I didn't. I embarrassed a nice man who was attempting to help a lady. I wasn't lady enough to let him. I bet he never offered to help a lady again. I bet he became an intellectual, or a writer, and not a good man like a fireman or a businessman who says, "Let's roll."

But perhaps it wasn't just me. I was there in America, as a child, when John Wayne was a hero, and a symbol of American manliness. He was strong, and silent. And I was there in America when they killed John Wayne by a thousand cuts. A lot of people killed him--not only feminists but peaceniks, leftists, intellectuals, others. You could even say it was Woody Allen who did it, through laughter and an endearing admission of his own nervousness and fear. He made nervousness and fearfulness the admired style. He made not being able to deck the shark, but doing the funniest commentary on not decking the shark, seem . . . cool.
But when we killed John Wayne, you know who we were left with. We were left with John Wayne's friendly-antagonist sidekick in the old John Ford movies, Barry Fitzgerald. The small, nervous, gossiping neighborhood commentator Barry Fitzgerald, who wanted to talk about everything and do nothing.

This was not progress. It was not improvement.
I missed John Wayne.

But now I think . . . he's back. I think he returned on Sept. 11. I think he ran up the stairs, threw the kid over his back like a sack of potatoes, came back down and shoveled rubble. I think he's in Afghanistan now, saying, with his slow swagger and simmering silence, "Yer in a whole lotta trouble now, Osama-boy."
I think he's back in style. And none too soon.
Welcome back, Duke.

And once again: Thank you, men of Sept. 11.
Ms. Noonan is a contributing editor of The Wall Street Journal. Her new book, "When Character Was King: A Story of Ronald Reagan," will be published by Viking Penguin this fall. Her column appears Fridays.

Jacob looks at me with his twinkling eyes and a smile that could melt the sternest hearts and tells me that he wants to dance. We are about to have lunch at “Fairyland Ballroom”. All the tables are placed around a beautiful wooden dance floor and the lights are twinkling inviting you to come and dance.

Jacob’s enthusiasm is bubbling over and he can hardly contain himself. He goes out onto the dance floor and there is no music playing; at least not the kind that adults can hear. Jacob was listening to the music that plays in his heart and in his soul. His dance was filled with pure unadulterated joy. Jacob will tell anyone within hearing distance “that he has moves”. His dance was a combination of gymnastic; ballet; freestyle; and some tap dancing moves. Mind you Jacob has never had a lesson in any of those. His dance was so exuberant that you just have to stop what you are doing and smile.

Even though Jacob was the only one on the dance floor; he was not embarrassed, only filled with delight that comes from dancing.

After the meal Jacob begged me to dance with him; he may not have feelings of awkwardness, but his Mommy did. Finally, I thought to myself I don’t have a good enough reason not to dance with my son. Of course, I didn’t go out into the middle of the dance floor but oh how we danced. I’m not sure how many more times my precious son will want to dance to the music of his soul with his Mommy but I wasn’t going to pass up this opportunity.

I happened to glance up and observe the people around us. Many of them were smiling and chucking a little but in their eyes was a longing. When was the last time that you truly danced with delight? When was the last time that you did anything out of character for the pure bliss of just being alive? When was the last time you listened to the music of your heart and your soul?

Don’t get stuck in a rut and lose the joy of all that life has to offer. I could have missed out that day by thinking that I would look foolish; but now I have a precious memory to cherish of dancing with Jacob. Can you hear the music playing……….

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10 (NKJV)

Father God enfold your heart with mine;
Give unto me the grace that is truly divine.

Lord, my heart is hurting like so many times before,
How can I go on and forgive once more.

Look to the Cross and look deep into the eyes of my Son,
The pain, the love, the despair that was His as I left him alone there to pay for your sins, that for you the Victory over life and death has been won.

Give me your pain, your deepest sorrows, the hurt that causes grief almost too much to bear; I will remove all of it, do not let anger and bitterness grow. In its place I will give you joy, hope, peace, and love~the world can offer nothing that can even compare.

Thank you Jesus, my struggling is done. Your hands are capable, you are all I need. When my heart is filled with you, we are one.

“My soul finds rest in God alone." Psalm 62:1

“You have a growth on your left ovary the size of a tennis ball, and there is a smaller growth on your right ovary.” I looked at my Doctor and tried to comprehend what this would mean. Dr. Donnelly looked at me and said, “I know that this is a lot to take in and it is a shock to you. You have to have surgery, I do not think that it is ovarian cancer but at this point we do not know what it is…. You need to make some very important decisions in a short amount of time. We will have a pathologist in the operating room with us and they will be able to determine right away if this growth is cancerous or not. If it is cancer what do you want me to do? I know that you would like to have another child… I’m so sorry to be asking you all of these questions right now.”

I took a deep breath and asked God to give me strength. As the tears flowed down my face, I knew what the answer needed to be and what Troy would want me to say as well. “I need to think about Jacob first, not about some child I may or may not have. If it is cancer please remove everything and do what ever else you need to do, Dr. Donelly, I trust you.”

The surgery was only a week away and as I drove home I felt numb. I found Troy and I sobbed as I told him of the decisions that I had made. Troy supported every single one of them.

I struggled with the thought of what if it was cancer and what if I died. I’m not afraid of death because I know that I will be with the Lord. But my thoughts kept turning to Troy and to Jacob, I was selfish in my thinking, I didn’t want anyone to take my place. What if they would love that person more than me…? I couldn’t bear to think those thoughts. I wrestled with my mind and my emotions…. Until finally I was too exhausted to even think about it anymore. It was during that time that I clung to God’s Word and the message that I kept hearing over and over again in my heart. Michelle, I love Troy and Jacob more than you do and it will be all right. Let me carry your burdens for you, do not worry. After that I felt at peace… I still cried but I knew that God would take care of everything.

When I went into surgery the staff asked me why I was so quiet and I simply told them that I was praying. They let me be and I did not even have to count backwards I fell asleep praying and resting in my Savior’s arms.

When I awoke from surgery they told me right away that I did not have cancer but that they were not able to save my left ovary. We would have another chance at possibly having another baby of our very own.

Dr. Donnelly told us that we did not have much time to waste and that we needed to “get busy” trying to get pregnant again.

During surgery they discovered that I had endometriosis and that it would only be a matter of time before I might have to have surgery again.

It had been 11 months since my surgery and we were beginning to think that maybe it was time to start talking about adoption. In our hearts we grieved but we were excited about the possibility of adopting a little girl from Korea. It was close to Easter and we decided that we would look into what we needed to find out after the Holiday. On Good Friday I began to suspect that I might possibly be pregnant. I did not want to entertain the thought for to long because I had thought this before only to be disappointed. On Easter Sunday after we came home from church, I could no longer contain my curiosity. I took the test and my heart leapt for joy when it showed that I was pregnant. I was crying as I came down the steps and told Troy that by Christmas we would have a special present that would not be found under the Christmas tree. We knew that I needed to have a blood test taken to make sure and so they next day we anxiously awaited a phone call from the lab confirming what I knew in my heart to be true!!!! We had to make sure that everything was okay because I had a higher risk for a tubal pregnancy.

Joy began to blossom in my heart and I knew that this precious little one was a miracle from God. This was confirmed even more when I saw the Doctor for the first time… he told me that my chances of becoming pregnant had been very small. My Doctor is a Christian and we marveled at what God was able to accomplish as a precious gift.

On August 1, 2004 we had a level two ultra sound done because of my age. We had decided that we wanted to know the sex of our baby. I was hoping for a little girl and so as we were there and the Doctor helped us to discover what our baby was going to be…. There on the screen we saw clearly that we were going to have a little boy. I fell in love with his image and it did not matter to me that this was not a little girl. As we walked out of the room Troy and I both looked at each other and we knew that we wanted to name our little boy “Matthew Robert”. We had talked about names and after seeing our baby we knew that was the name he would be given.

On December 18, we drove to the hospital to start labor. It was a long tiring day and I had terrible back labor. I clung to God’s promises and repeated them over and over again as the waves of pain rolled across my back… and at times I could barely catch my breath as the pain just continued on an on. I could only stand to lie on my side but the nurses were concerned because every time that I did that Matthew’s heart rate would drop. Finally I consented to have an epidural because that was the only way that I could lay on my back to ensure that Matthew’s heart rate would not go down.

Everything moved fairly quickly after I received the epidural and Matthew came out into the world looking blue because the cord was wrapped around his arm. We held him for one moment and than they rushed him off to be under oxygen because his cry did not sound right. His pediatrician assured me over and over again that she felt that everything was going to be ok…. But my Mother’s heart was filled with concern over my precious little one.

Troy’s parents brought Jacob to see “Maffew Rabbit” for the first time. Jacob announced to anyone that would listen that was his baby in there. He was quite indignant that his baby was not wearing socks. We finally convinced him that it would be okay and that “his baby” was warm enough.

The nurses assured me that I could call and ask them how Matthew was doing during the night and depending on how busy they were I could come and in and see him. I awoke at 1:00 a.m. and called to ask if I could come and see him, they told me that I could help hold him as he was about to receive his first bath.

Holding him for the first time in my arms the tears fell unashamedly down my cheeks, our little miracle baby was finally here.

We discovered a couple days later at the University of Iowa Hospital that Matthew made the strider sound because his vocal chord was turned a little bit. During that time God kept reminding me that he love Matthew more than I could imagine and that we were all in God’s hands. I clung to God’s promises and felt the peace that can only come from Him.

God promises that He will never forget us. 15 "Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. 16 See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands. Isaiah 49:15-16 (NKJV)

This past week we celebrate our 39th Birthday. Some of you might be curious as to why I made reference to “we” and “our”. You see I am blessed to have a twin sister, Jimella.

Growing up I never lacked of having a playmate and a best friend, because Jimella was always there with me. Of course I had two other siblings so there were not too many dull moments in the Moorhead household.

We are identical twins and so we did not have to try to hard to create confusion for our family and friends growing up. To this day our family has to listen closely to figure out which sister they are talking too.

Jimella is one of my best friends; we have had many adventures and journeys together through the years.

I’ve made up a little poem using Jimella’s name to describe how I see her:

J for Jewel yet to be discovered; I could search the world over and not find a gem as precious as her. Jimella is as rare as her name and truer friend would be difficult to find.

I is intelligent. She is an intellectual and loves to study and read. She is like sponge when it comes for soaking up knowledge and she is always seeking God’s wisdom for her life and her family.

M is for My Sister, my friend, my confidante, my counselor, my cheerleader, my encourager, and my “Mella”.

Eloquent in speaking, singing, teaching, and sharing God’s love with all that she meets.

Love of God, Family, friends, and her church.

Lovely inside and out. Jimella has an inner beauty that shines out and it is from knowing and loving the Lord with her whole heart.

Amazing in being a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

Our relationship is not always perfect but at the end of the day we are blessed to know that God has given us a precious gift in each other.

“3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 thankful for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel thus about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Phil 1:3-11 (RSV)

Our oldest son Jacob just turned five this month….. I look at him and I’m astonished to see that my little boy is now not so little anymore. It was only yesterday……. that he was beginning to walk and not toddle about, learning to sing his ABC’s, discovering numbers, wearing big boy underwear for the first time, saying I love you for the first time, always wanting to hold Mommies hand, holding his baby brother so carefully and calling him Maffew Rabbit (Matthew Robert), and other precious memories that I have stored in the part of my Mommy’s heart that will always belong to Jacob.

Yes, tears of love and joy are falling down my face. They are filled with memories of discovering that I was pregnant, of hearing his tiny heart beating for the first time, and the moment that we were able to first gaze upon that sweet little face. The awe and the wonder of realizing that God had taken a part of me and a part of Troy and created this amazing little boy that we are so blessed to have as our son.

Time flies on and on and it does not stop even though we want to grasp just a few more moments of each stage that they go through. And yet we know deep in our hearts that there is a natural progression of watching our little boy grow up.

Now I know why parents like to watch their children sleep, it’s because we want to commit every tiny detail to memory of our little angels.

When we brought Jacob home from the hospital, I quickly discovered he loved to have me sing to him. I made up a little song for him and when Matthew was born Jacob insisted that it become Matthew’s song too. Jacob’s heart is often generous when it comes to sharing love with is brother; maybe not so generous when it comes to sharing toys. I sing these words to the tune of, “Children of the Heavenly Father”. The last little verse is from the book, “I’ll Love You Forever”.

Mommy loves her little Jacob,
He’s her precious little angel,
He was sent from God above
As our precious gift of love.

I will love you forever
And I will like you for always
And as long as I’m living,
My baby you will be.

Yesterday was my husband’s birthday and as a family we had a wonderful day together. As the moments slipped on by as they seem to do as I get older, I reflected on what a gift Troy has been to me. He is my soul mate and the love of my life.

I have shared earlier in a different writing that Troy and I share the same confirmation verse and that we used that verse for our wedding service. The Pastor a dear friend of ours also used the verse prior to our confirmation verse: “4 Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.” Psalms 37:4-5 (NKJV)

During the wedding sermon our friend talked about delighting in each other and reminded us to focus on the joy because God had brought us together. Troy and I love to listen to our wedding sermon and it has been a great reminder of what we need to focus on in our marriage.

This past year Troy and I have heard distressing news of two different couples that we know of that they are either close to divorce or have all ready filed for divorce. We were so devastated and heart broken that we were unable to sleep; because we could not understand how this could happen. Both of these couples had strong Christ-centered marriages that we had both admired. We never dreamed that we would hear the unsettling news that their marriages were over.

The Devil does not like strong Christian marriages because it is a threat to all of his evil plans to destroy Christian homes and families. We have seen other marriages fall apart that once were so strong and we are left standing with an ache in our heart for our friends and their families.

Troy and I have come to the conclusion that we need to pray for God to protect our marriage from all of the distractions of life. We need to make sure that we take time to talk and to listen to each other. Not just to pray for each other but to pray together. ( I will never forget that when we found out that my Grandma was dying from cancer and it was during the fall, one of the busiest times for farmers. Troy would come in exhausted from a long hard day but he would always take the time to find out how Grandma was doing; and to take time to comfort me. It would have been so easy for him to go straight to sleep but he knew that I was hurting and wanted to encourage my heart.) That marriage is not about our own individual wants but is about what is best for both of us and our family. And finally it is only by focusing on Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and making Him the focus and center of our life, that can make a marriage strong.

I was with some friends and we were discussing the book, “ The Power of a Praying Wife”. One of our friends spoke up and said she was disappointed at first to learn that the concept of the book is “it’s not about me.” We all laughed because we know that it is true. The only person that you can change is yourself.

I know there can be deep hurt and disappointments in marriage. And I will not pretend for one minute that I have all the answers to the problems and challenges of marriage.
However, I would like to share what Troy and I have learned that has been helpful and a blessing to our marriage. (These have been lessons learned from God.)

1. Do not go to bed angry at your spouse. “26 Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. Eph 4:26-27 (RSV). From experience I know that you will not be able to sleep because the devil will use this opportunity to harden your heart even further against your spouse. You don’t need to solve everything that night but at the very least get to the point where you can go to bed and sleep peacefully.

2. Realize that there are problems beyond your ability to solve as a couple. When you get to this point seek counseling from a Pastor or a professional counselor. Troy and I have done this several times and we have not regretted it. Please understand that it does not make you a weak person to accept outside help.

3. Pray together. Troy and I do this before we go to sleep. For some this might be difficult and uncomfortable at first. It is a blessing to be able to pray together with your spouse.

4. Do not try and change each other. You can only change yourself.

5. Do not assume that the other person knows why you are upset. Even if you think that it is the most obvious thing in the whole world. Your spouse is not a mind reader.

6. No one can live up to our expectations. A wise friend once told me: Expectations lead to planned resentment.

7. Apologize and Forgive. In God’s eyes it doesn’t matter who was right or wrong he wants us to reconcile. When your forgive someone it doesn’t mean that you are saying that what they did was okay, you are releasing it and letting God take care of it. Do not let pride get in the way. And only God can truly help us to be able to do this.

I felt compelled to share about marriage today because it has been placed upon my heart to pray for all marriages. It has also been the topic of many Christian radio shows that I have listened to this past week.

In closing I would encourage each of you to pray daily for your marriage (if you are married), and the marriages of family and friends. And finally I will leave you to meditate on this portion of scripture: “5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Prov 3:5-6 (RSV)

A few years ago I was surfing the internet and I happened to find an ad that talked about Zig Ziglar. Because of my love for Zig Ziglars’ writings and how he had impacted my life, I immediately clicked on the ad.

It turned out to be a business opportunity in where I would I become part of the Zig Ziglar Network. I had the opportunity to share his books and tapes and a special nutrition line with people.

I met some of the nicest people and I learned a lot about myself; and about building a business. I met Zig Ziglar several times for training and other events the company would have. I was always mesmerized by his speaking ability and his love for Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He seized every chance he had to share the message of God’s love with his audience and the people around him.

We had a contest that summer and if you earned enough points you could earn an all- expense trip to Cancun, Mexico. I was determined to earn that trip. I developed a plan to earn the points that I needed and I worked the plan. I was delighted to have earned the trip and I was so excited to go and spend time with the new friends that I had made.

Unfortunately, the trip was in October and for a farmer that is an impossible time to get away. I was disappointed that I would not be able to enjoy going to this exotic and romantic destination with Troy. Troy was very proud of me for earning the trip and wanted me to go even if he could not be there.

My twin sister Jimella had earned most of the trip and so we went together. The Omni resort was breathtaking and the food was divine. I loved visiting with the people that I had been working with over the phone and through the computer.

I had brought my book along so I could ask Zig Ziglar to sign it for me. And so I was waiting for the perfect opportunity to talk to him about it.

One of the nights we had a beach party and they had set up an extravagant meal for us on the beach. It was a beautiful night and moon’s reflection danced upon the water. The scent of the delectable food and the exquisite flowers they had everywhere filled the air. Jimella and I sat with our team and we laughed and shared our dreams with each other. There was a dance and so we all decided to go out and have some fun together. They started off the dance with some familiar favorites; and our group was have a great time together. They started the snowball dance where you would go and ask someone to dance and when the music stopped you would go and pick another partner from the group of people that were not dancing. I saw Zig standing with his wife and I decided that I would go and ask his wife’s permission to ask him to dance. Jean smiled and told me to go ahead and ask. I almost lost my nerve; here is this famous man who has spoken in front of millions of people all over the world. I went over and I told him that I had gotten permission from his lovely wife to ask him to dance. He smiled at me and took my hand and off we went to dance. Of course all of my friends gathered around and danced with him too. In all my dreams of someday meeting Zig Ziglar; I never once thought about dancing with him on the beach in Cancun.

The next morning I saw Zig and Jean eating breakfast. I had my book with me and so Jimella and I went over to talk to him. We both shared with him how his book had changed our lives and how we had enjoyed the course. I told him about winning the book and how I had always hoped to meet him so he could sign it for me. We talked for along time about faith in God, family and friends. It was a special moment; and I was struck by how humble this gracious couple was towards Jimella and I. They treated us like we were honored guests. The conversation flowed and I knew that it was because we all shared the same faith. We were connected by God’s love; a bond that cannot be broken or destroyed. Zig signed my book and he wrote, “Michelle, God loves you.” And he wrote down a scripture passage, John 14:6 “6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 (ASV)

When we meet face- to- face with God’s love it changes us forever. God used Zig Ziglar’s writings to change my life as well as the love of my family and friends.

We all have struggles as we journey through this world and we need to bring them before God’s throne of mercy and grace. We need to leave them there and let God’s love heal us and mold us into the person that He has created us to be.

As a young girl in grade school I was outgoing and generally made friends easily. The transition to Jr. High was painful and awkward for me. My sister and I were tall and we were very skinny and so that also meant that we were flat-chested as well. In 7th grade we also had braces and we had worn glasses for a couple of years. Everything seemed to change in relationship to boys and girls. Prior to 7th grade I had been friends with a lot of boys, we all hung out together on the play ground and had a great time. Of course there were the secret crushes but that is all that they were for us. We knew that we could not date until we were 16 years old.

I was not prepared for the endless tormenting that I received; I think I heard every flat chest joke that was ever invented. The cruelty of some of the students was almost unbearable at times and the actions of some of the boys would now be considered sexual harassment. At school I became withdrawn and I only really talked to my friends that I trusted. I felt ugly, stupid, clumsy, and inadequate most of the time. I really began to struggle with school and I had no desire even go.

Eventually I learned to survive and even joke about some of the teasing, though it hurt deep inside. My families love for me, my faith in God, and my friends became my anchor for me during that difficult time. At home and with my friends I was very talkative and outgoing but at school I became silent. I felt like I didn’t have anything important to say and I didn’t want to add anything else to endless list of what some of the kids teased me about.

In the spring of my sophomore year I had to take a speech class. I dreaded the thought of getting up in front of my peers and talking. But what they didn’t know and what I didn’t fully understand at that point was that I loved to talk and that it was as natural to me as breathing. Just ask my family….they could tell you a lot of stories.

My twin sister Jimella had done well in speech and of course I didn’t want her to surpass me in one of my favorite pass times.

I prepared for my first speech by rehearsing in front of a mirror over and over again. It was a good thing that we had two bathrooms in our house. I prayed and prayed and that God would give me the strength to be able to talk in front of everyone and that I would not mess up. I felt calm and peaceful and as I opened my mouth to talk it just flowed. I surprised myself, my classmates and the teacher with my ability to talk in front of people.

I even one best speech for the first round of speeches. I was thrilled and it was the extra confidence boost that I needed. The book that we studied for speech class was “See You at the Top” by Zig Ziglar. The book was about the power of positive thinking and I loved it. I would devour the chapters and eagerly write my next speech. For the first time in many years I was finally excelling in one of my classes. I could easily understand what Zig had to share with us and in time it became part of me.

At the end of quarter the class would always vote on who was the most positive person in the classroom. They would receive a copy of the book that we had been studying. I wanted to earn that title and I wanted that book. I prayed about it a lot… but some of my old fears came creeping back. I’m not good enough and I’m not one of the popular kids in school, this is beyond my reach. But then I would remember what God had to say about me and what I was learning about positive thinking from Zig Ziglar.

The big day finally arrived and because I had received the most awards for speaking and quite a few other ones I was an automatically put on the ballot. On the ballot was also one of the most popular boys in the whole school. I knew that I had done the best job I possibly could and that whatever happened I would be okay.

You cannot imagine the joy that I felt in my heart when I won the award and the class shouted and cheered. The boy that I had won against came and told me that he was glad that I had won and that he had voted for me because I deserved the award the most.

As I was presented that book I knew deep in my heart that God had helped me achieve this goal to show me that I was special and that I did matter. I also decided that someday I was going to meet Zig Ziglar and have him sign that book for me. My next writing I will share with you how I met Zig Ziglar….. The story will be entitled: "I danced with Zig!"

In closing I would like to share with your this scripture passage: "1 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. 3 For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. 4 Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you."
Isaiah 43:1-4 (NKJV)

Night lights of summer

I sat in awe and wonder as I watched the tiny night lights that sparkle like dazzling diamonds against the black velvet of the night sky. The dance of the fireflies captures my attention even though I am no longer a child. They are fascinating creatures and I cannot help but think that God created them for our enjoyment. There are over 136 different kinds of fireflies and you can tell the difference by the patterns of their lights. It is only the males that we see up in air displaying their lights and strutting their best moves in hopes to catch the female’s eye. The females in turn stay close to the ground and their patterns of light are the same and so if they are interested in they will flash a message back to the eager males. And so they will follow the rituals of their mating dance.

There are some naughty female fireflies that will mimic the lights of another species and the male will fall quickly into her trap; and instead of the delights of the mating rituals he is quickly gobbled up for a midnight snack instead.

My favorite scene of these tiny twinkling creatures is when they seem to be hanging over the fields like a blanket of Christmas tree lights. I cannot help but think of the verses from this Psalm

“9 Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth. 10 Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns; The world also is firmly established, It shall not be moved; He shall judge the peoples righteously." 11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; 12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the LORD. 13 For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with His truth.”
Psalms 96:9-13 (NKJV)

This week’s writing is in honor of my Father, James Moorhead. This week-end the Moorhead clan will gather in Minnesota to celebrate the 40 years of love and blessings my parents have shared with each other.

Dear Dad,

They say that King David was a man after God’s own heart because of his love for God. I can truly say that you have been a Dad after God’s own heart and for that I am eternally grateful. The Bible verse that comes to mind, “and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 (RSV)


At a young age I remember us gathering together after supper to do our family devotions. There were many times that I thought, oh I wish we could hurry up and get this over with we have things to do. But you taught us that nothing was more important than spending time together in God’s word and praying together as a family. You and Mom stood firmly together in teaching us “The Faith”. We never had to wonder on Sunday mornings if we would go to church or not, we always knew where we would be together in the Lord’s house on Sunday Morning.

I have so many fond memories of sitting and talking about God’s word. I knew that I could come to you and Mom with questions that I had about God and you always took the time to talk about my questions.

You and Mom were very strict and at times I thought it was so unfair; and of course as you know I voiced my opinions loudly. You never backed down on the decisions that you and Mom made. Now as I look back; I see it was another gift that you gave to us. I wasn’t mature enough to make those decisions and you knew it. Anyone can be a parent but it takes an exceptional person to be the parent that God has called you to be. You and Mom both knew that you answered to God before anyone else. The life of a Godly parent is filled with patience, wisdom, long-suffering, understanding, and the ability to love and forgive your child even when you do not feel like it. We saw the image of God reflected in the love that you gave us as children. Thank you for the example that you and Mom showed us day after day.

Thank you for loving and honoring Mom; we knew that you both deeply loved each other and that was a precious gift to us. As we gather to celebrate your Marriage, we know that it was something that you both had to work at. To many people walk away when things don’t go their way but you showed us the way that God would have us live.

You have taught us that loving God and honoring Him is far more important than the riches of this world. How many times did you give up getting a newer car so that you could provide for the needs of your children? I never heard you complain; you were selfless when it came for providing for your family.

I love you Dad. I’m so thankful for all of the lessons that you taught me about God and life. Thank you for being a Dad after God’s own heart.

The following Psalm reminds me of you and the lessons that you and Mom strived to teach us.

Love always,
Michelle

1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice. 3 O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. 4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces will never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him And saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them. 8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! 9 O fear the LORD, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no want. 10 The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing. 11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 12 Who is the man who desires life And loves length of days that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil And your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous And His ears are open to their cry. 16 The face of the LORD is against evildoers, To cut off the memory of them from the earth. 17 The righteous cry, and the LORD hears And delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. 20 He keeps all his bones, Not one of them is broken. 21 Evil shall slay the wicked, And those who hate the righteous will be condemned. 22 The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.
Psalms 34:1-22 (NASB)

My Grandma’s family lived in Wisconsin when she was little girl and her family was used to the finer things in life. They were considered to be quite wealthy and had money to buy the things they wanted and needed.

Grandma’s Father longed for more and heard there was farm ground in Minnesota that would yield wonderful crops and that would mean more money. So he bought farm ground in Northern Minnesota without seeing it.

When Grandma’s family arrived in Northern Minnesota they admired the beauty of their surroundings. Their delight soon turned to horror when they realized their farm ground was filled with rocks and that it would take countless backbreaking hours to make the ground tillable.

The luxurious lifestyle that they were accustomed too vanished and faded with all of the dreams and hopes that they had for their life in Minnesota. The children quickly learned how to work hard and did not waste energy on complaining. Their Mother provided encouragement to them and also provided a buffer protection against angry outbursts from their father.

Their garden was planted so they would have nutritious food to eat. Hunting became a means to provide meat for the table and to prevent starvation. Berry picking was not just a great adventure it was one more way to provide food for the family table.

The family found hope and joy in knowing Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They loved to sit in the evenings and sing and play various instruments. They found peace in spending time together and enjoying each other’s company.

Grandma met and fell in love with Sid Moorhead. Her family did not approve because he came from a very poor family. It was ironic as Grandma’s family did not have money either. They wanted better for Grandma so she would not have to go without. Grandma knew that she had found a true treasure in Sid; and so they decided to elope. Grandma often said they did not consider themselves to be poor because they were so happy in their life together. They always had food to eat and a place to stay that kept them warm. They knew that had more than what most people had during the great depression.

They lived in a one room house, which I have seen. It was not much bigger than a modern day playhouse. After my Dad was born they had to buy a dresser for him. They found one for $6.00 which was a large amount of money for them. They paid off the dresser 50 cents a month.

As a young girl it was difficult for me to comprehend on how they could survive on so little. Grandma and Grandpa always told us that God had provided for all of their needs. Their faith in God meant more to them than the riches of this world.

25 "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 28 "So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 "and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matt 6:25-34 (NKJV)

This week I’m honoring my Grandma who is 91 ½ years old. This past week has been filled with heart-stirring memories of long ago summers spent at my Grandparents house in northern Minnesota. They lived on the bank of the Rainy River not to far from where it flowed in to the mouth of Lake of Woods. Each summer we would spend at least a week at Grandma and Grandpa’s house, we were always filled with anticipation at the thought of all the adventures that we would have. We had cousins who lived close by and so we knew that we would have time to swim and fish with them. We loved to get prepared for a special hunt in which we would collect frogs and toads of all shapes and sizes. We would grab our buckets and run down the ravine as fast as we could to gather the frogs with our hands, it never occurred to us to use a net. It was a challenge to catch the slippery and sometimes slimy little creatures. When we would tire of the chase we would run to the orchard to see what we might discover amongst the branches.

At night-time we would sit and talk to Grandma and Grandpa about life, faith in God, and we would love to hear about the stories of their child hood. They taught us a lot about God and trusting in Him. They shared their love of nature with us and taught us how to respect God’s creation and to take care of it. All of these things coupled together with what they had taught our Dad and he shared the same lessons with us.

I have marveled this week at the memories that keep spilling to the forefront of my mind. Breath taking moments from so long ago but I can recollect them like it was only yesterday. These memories of my mind that I have held dear to my heart are so close that I can almost reach out and touch them.

My Grandmother’s mind is beginning to slip. The strong Matriarch of our family is now no longer able to stay by herself. My Grandmother is the oldest of 11 children. They lost their mother when they were young and so Grandma became the “Mother figure” to her siblings all of these years she has kept track of them, bossed them around, prayed and cried with them, and said good-bye to them as they left this earth to join their Savior in heaven.

Grandma and Grandpa had four children; and little Joan died when she was four month’s old. She was called a blue baby and there was nothing the doctors could do to fix her tiny little heart. Grandma and Grandpa spent all of their money trying to find help for their precious little one. There was no money to buy a camera or to even afford having her picture taken. They never had a little picture to remember their sweet little baby girl. They found comfort in knowing that their little lamb was in the arms of Jesus, and that some day they would be with her forever.

Grandma is always taking care of someone and now she needs the care. It will not be easy and it is more painful than words can describe how it feels to know that Grandma’s mind is not the same. I talked to her for a little while today and she kept saying how good it was to hear my voice. We talked and laughed together for a little while. There are some things she can remember and other things that she cannot.

Grandma knows Jesus as her friend and Savior and my prayer is that she can hold on to that sweet comfort and joy in the days and months ahead.

I will share some more ramblings and memories in my next couple of writings of an amazing woman, of whom I honored and blessed to call my Grandmother.

In the summer of 1986 I had the awesome opportunity to be a camp counselor at Lutheran Island Camp, in Northern Minnesota. I met amazing Christian young men and women and we all became good friends. We worked, played, laughed, cried, and shared the love of Jesus with our campers and with each other. That summer was a definite turning point in my life and I will never forget what I learned about true Christian friendship that summer.

The summer flew by and we knew that it would be difficult for us to say good-bye and that we would all never again be in the same place this side of heaven. Our Program Director, Wes Baumeister, wrote a beautiful poem that I would like to share with you.

Since that summer God has placed so many wonderful friends in my life. And I have had to say good-bye to so many of them and it has been difficult for me. This year two of my close friends have moved away and once again, my heart hurts to say good-bye. I share this poem in honor of all the friends God has given to me and the precious moments I have shared with them. I look forward to that day when we are all together in heaven celebrating forever.

Bittersweet

There are two sides to every coin.
One features the exciting newness of discovering another.
The cautious laying down of weapons
And discarding armor.
As each open up to the other
The protective layers of normalcy peel off
And fall away.
We taste each other’s experiences
Laughing at common blunders,
Crying at common hurts,
And helping each other grow.
It is sweet.

Yet when the coin reveals its other face
Our guts twist into a hurting mass,
For our time has run short
And our lives must now turn in separate directions.
Our minds our left at the crossroads
Questioning the will of God
And we stand very alone with teeth clenched
Stifling heavy tears.
The last hug is tight with frustration
And when we part our bodies scream, “NO……..
Please……
Just one more moment.”
And it is bitter.

How can such opposite realities occupy the same heart?
Both the sweet, tender comfort of a close friend
And the bitter, harsh reality of losing them
Give a certain unrest to life.
But the unrest is quickly discarded when
Bittersweet reality
Is replaced by the healing hope of the future.
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord,
Plans for good and not for evil.
To give you a future
And a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

This writing is in memory and in honor of all of those men and women who have served our country.

Every man must die, but only a few really live. We cannot evade death because it will eventually come; but how we choose to live our lives makes a difference every day. How many of us have the courage to truly live. How many of us seize the day? Make the most out of every minute of our life; so that we can impact and make a difference in someone else’s life. I believe that our country was founded by people who had the courage to live. They believed with their whole being in liberty and justice for all. They had a dream and vision for what they wanted for our country. Patrick Henry stated it best when he said, “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death”!

It was December of 1915; France, Britain, and Russia were struggling in their fight against the German Empire. A Canadian poet, John McCrae stood by as he watched the steady onward march of the enemy, and the almost hopeless heroism of his comrades to stay the German pressure. They were marching towards certain death and yet they courageously marched forward – fighting for their freedom and that of their countries. After watching this John, sat by the bedside of his dying friend, who had been wounded in battle; he then went on to write,

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row.
That mark our place, and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing fly.
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead, short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow.
Love and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.

Take up your quarrel with the foe
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.

Flanders Fields is now a U.S. Military cemetery in Belgium. Buried in this cemetery are the bodies of 368 members of the U.S. armed forces who died in WWI.

This poem is considered by many to be one of the most inspirational of it’s time. It was read from thousands of platforms in France and Britain to recruit more troops and to rally the spirits of existing troops. Once the U.S. decided to enter the war, the poem was read to encourage our troops as well.
When I look at the second verse…… “We are the dead, short days ago we lived…..” These men were willing to look death in the face and bravely the continued to march forward. They realized that they may not see their loved ones again here on earth and that their young lives would all too quickly end. That they might lose their ability to get up in the morning and thank God for another day. They died so that we might live another day in freedom.

Let us remember with honor today and every day all of the men and women that gave their lives for our country from Revolutionary War to the current war on terrorism. We have been given a precious gift to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

I encourage you to ask yourselves these questions. What do I do that makes a difference in other people’s lives? What impact have I made on society? Do I live my life for myself, or for others? When I die, what will people remember about me? Will they say, now there was a person who truly lived, or will they not remember much about your life? The choices is ours my friends, because remember….. Every person will eventually die, only a few have the courage to truly live.

Have you known sorrow in your life? Has your heart felt the deepest anguish of losing a loved one? Have you experienced a grief so devastating that it took your breath away?

If we are alive in this world we will experience sorrow because of the sin in this world. Please note that I am not saying that when we sin God fills our life with sorrow to pay us back. We live in a sinful world and because of that we face death and destruction all around us. It also needs to be said that sometimes our sins do lead to deep sorrow in our life. When we allow sin to entangle us there are often consequences that lead us to broken hearts and dreams.

God cares about every minute detail in your life; He wants you to share your heart with Him. He is always there for you and cares for you far more than you can begin to comprehend. A Bible Study leader shared with me recently that when we get to heaven and we see how God listens too and answers our prayers we are going to wonder why we didn’t involve God in every aspect of our life on a more consistent basis.

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. 9 On the very day I call to you for help, my enemies will retreat. This I know: God is on my side.” Psalms 56:8-9 (NLT)

God’s love is compassionate and empathetic; He knows and understands the deepest place of our hearts. He knows our unspoken fears, the dreams that we long to share with the world but are afraid that they might be squashed or shattered. God is our resting place where we can share with Him the struggles that sometimes consume our thoughts, He is safe and the best part is that we can leave all of them with Him in His capable Hands. Those same hands that bare the scars from the nails that bound Him to the cross but it was His divine love for you and for me that held him there.

You are the glue!

Do you ever play the comparison game? Wishing that your abilities included being the best at being able to sing, play musical instruments, athletic skills, or earn that six figure income that you know that you are worth.

Have you ever wished that things had turned out differently with your relationships with family and friends?

The first summer that I was a camp counselor, I got swallowed up in thoughts of self-pity. Because I spent way too much time wishing that I had the gifts and talents that other people had on our staff. I kept measuring myself against everyone else and I failed every time. The simple truth is that I was only failing in my eyes.

Mid-summer the program director met with each counselor to do an evaluation of how we had done so far. I was nervous but I really admired and respected Wes, so I knew that it would be okay.

He told me that I was one of the best camp counselor’s on his staff. I was stunned and filled with disbelief. I told him that I wasn’t athletic or very musical, and that I felt like I didn’t measure up. He shared with me that I didn’t need to focus on the gifts that I didn’t have, but that I need to concentrate on the things that I did well. I still didn’t understand. He told me that I was the glue that held the staff together. That in my own quiet way I was a leader. I lead by encouragement and accepting people for who there were. He asked me why I didn’t treat myself in the same way. I discovered a lot about myself that summer but more importantly I found the truth in God’s Word.

10 “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Phil 4:10-13 (NIV)
“3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Love
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:3-21 (NIV)

Dear Family and Friends,

I have decided that I will update my blog several times a week. I have really enjoyed sharing my writings with all of you and I value your feedback. I am working on some devotionals that I hope to get published. I will keep you updated on my progress.

Again, thank you so much for your support, it has been deeply appreciated.

In Christ,
Michelle

When Troy and I were dating, I discovered that we shared the same confirmation verse. 5 "Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass."
Psalms 37:5 (NKJV)
At that point we were not engaged but I knew that things were progressing in that direction. I thought to myself that if we were married, we would have that serve as our wedding verse.
We had that verse as the center of our wedding day but more importantly it has been the center of our marriage and family life.
Yesterday we celebrated Mother’s day. And that is always a special day as I reflect on the two precious gifts that God has given to us in Matthew and Jacob. It has always been the desire of my heart to be a Mom and when I look at them, I’m in awe of the amazing miracles that we have in them. I’m reminded of the devotion that our Pastor shared with us when Jacob was born. That in Jacob we have a little piece of Troy and Michelle created out of our love for each other. In Matthew we were told by my Doctor that he is our miracle baby, because by medical standards it should have been impossible for us to conceive. More importantly when we look at our children we are reminded of God’s love and faithfulness.
Nine years ago Troy and I had our first date! I didn’t realize it at the time. We planted seed corn of all things, but it was a memorable day. Each Mother’s Day I reflect back on our life together and I see God’s hand in every aspect of our life. God has brought us through days of joy and also of sorrow. Troy and I are able to handle these things not because of whom we are; but because of whose we are. God walks with us and He is at the center of our marriage and family. We have committed our love, family, and children to Him. We have learned to trust Him above all things and that in each and every situation He will keep us safe.

This writing is in honor of my Mom, Beverly Moorhead

As I look back through the eyes of a daughter who is now a Mother, I wonder how my Mom was able to do all that she did.

My Mom had all four of her children in 3 ½ years; with my Dad working a lot double shifts so that my Mom could be at home. My Mom did not have her driver’s license until my twin sister and I were 7 years old. So it wasn’t like she could pack us all up and go visiting to get out of the house for awhile.

There wasn’t a lot of extra money for babysitters and we didn’t have a lot of family close by that would be able to provide my Mom an extra set of hands on a consistent basis. She kept us all quiet while my Dad would have to sleep during the day when he would work the night shift. No disposable diapers were used and she did not have a lot of the conveniences that we have today.

We had a huge garden and most of the summer was spent tending garden and than canning all of the wonderful vegetables that God provided for us. Here is the variety of the tasty delights that Mom would work so hard on: tomato sauce, tomato juice, green beans, pickled green beans, carrots, corn, apple sauce, apple juice, strawberry jam, blueberry jam, rhubarb jam, beets, pickled beets, eggs pickled in the beet juice, assortment of pickles, and I’m sure that I am forgetting a few things! Nothing was wasted! And during those long days of canning my Mom still cooked us meals, baked bread and cookies and took care of all the other things that needed to be done. We didn’t have the money just to go out to eat because Mom had been to busy doing all of these other things.

As a young child I would get severe asthma attacks. This would require trips to the emergency room in the middle of the night. When we would get home Mom would have me sleep with her so that she could check on my breathing. I sounded like a leaky radiator, not a sound you would want to hear coming from your child as she is breathing. It was sometimes scary but knowing that Mom was right there was a great comfort to me.

In high school I was in a bad accident and it required me to stay in the hospital for 10 days. My Mom would come up every morning after she got the other kids off to school, to help me take a shower and get ready for the day. The nurse could have done it but I wanted my Mom. A young girl doesn’t want anyone but there Mom around when they are in the state of undress.

One morning I woke up early and I saw this strange thing on my table. I picked it up and read that it was a catheter. It was only 5:00 a.m. and the nurse happened to come into the room to check on me. I asked her what is for and when she explained how it would be used, I was horrified. She told me that she would come back at 6:00 a.m. to collect my urine. I didn’t know what to do because I didn’t want anybody using that “thing:” on me. I called my Mom bawling and asking her to tell them not to do it. My Mom never complained about me waking her up so early; she calmed me down and told me that it would be all right.

My Mom was always there to listen and to encourage. Mom and Dad taught us to trust in God above all things. Whenever troubles or challenges would arise Mom was always there to remind me of how much God loved me and how He would give me the strength to get through the situation.

Mom was only a phone call away as I moved away for the first time. She listened to my joys and sorrows, my heart aches and my heart breaks, and to anything else that was going on...

My Mom is still only a phone call away. I treasure our talks and I still share with her my joys and sorrows. Now when she comes to visit I have to share her with my boys. It brings my heart the greatest joy watching her play and love my sons.

My Mom is my friend, my mentor, teacher, and a safe place. I thank God for her each and every day.

13 “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:13 (NIV)

6 Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. 8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. 10 "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, 11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:6-11 (NKJV)

If we could see people and life through Gods’ eyes, we would view the world differently.
In the difficult person who is hard to love; we would see a broken spirit and a troubled heart and mind. In the circumstances that leave us blinded with pain and reeling with grief; we would know that God is holding us and giving us strength for each moment.
When there is confusion and chaos, we would see the big picture and how God can work for the good in all things.

Pray for understanding and guidance as you walk through each day. Ask God to help you to love and forgive as He has done for us.

Finally remember, that God’s word is far more powerful than what we can even begin to imagine.

1 My children, listen to me. Listen to your father's instruction. Pay attention and grow wise, 2 for I am giving you good guidance. Don't turn away from my teaching. 3 For I, too, was once my father's son, tenderly loved by my mother as an only child. 4 My father told me, "Take my words to heart. Follow my instructions and you will live. 5 Learn to be wise, and develop good judgment. Don't forget or turn away from my words. 6 Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. 7 Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And whatever else you do, get good judgment. 8 If you prize wisdom, she will exalt you. Embrace her and she will honor you. 9 She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown." 10 My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. 11 I will teach you wisdom's ways and lead you in straight paths. 12 If you live a life guided by wisdom, you won't limp or stumble as you run. 13 Carry out my instructions; don't forsake them. Guard them, for they will lead you to a fulfilled life. Proverbs 4:1-13 (NLT)
This scripture reminds me of how my parents raised me. We had a little joke in our family that Dad was always right! And the truth of the matter is that most times he was right. As a young girl I would always want to try to do things my way and my parents would offer their advice and counsel. There were times when I thought that my knowledge was a little more superior and many times I was humbled. I had yet to discover the truth that with age and life experience comes wisdom.
My parent’s wisdom came from their love of the Lord and His holy word. They took very seriously their job of raising us to know and love Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
The important life lessons that I learned from them as a child are still with me today as I raise my own children.
Our Heavenly Father, longs to impart His wisdom to each of us. I encourage you to take time in the Word daily, as that is where true Wisdom begins.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. 1 John 3:1-3 (NIV)
The love that the Father has lavished on us, to me means He held nothing back from us. God is extravagant and has bestowed an overabundance of His love, for us His children. We are not just the creatures that He created, we are His children. The love that He has for us is hard for us to comprehend or even begin to wrap our minds around. We are unable to love in the same way because of our sinfulness.
I don’t know about you but do you ever have those days where you feel unlovable. There are days when my mistakes seem unending, my actions unloving, and my words are unkind. On those days it is not like I wake up and say, “I’m going to have a rotten day and I am going to do my best to make sure everyone who crosses my path will be miserable too.”
You and I do have choice though; we can choose how we will respond the unpleasant circumstances that come our way. Let us start each day remembering how we are God’s children and that His love for us is unending. Since we are God’s children we are reflections of Him. God will give us the strength to glorify Him in all situations, even when we don’t feel like it.
And I know there will be those days when we are overwhelmed by the trials and tribulations of life. At those times our prayer will be, “God please help me to walk by faith and to live by hope.” Amen.

Yesterday we celebrated Good Shepherd Sunday at Church. It is a day to remember that the Lord is our Shepherd and what that means to us in our life. A Shepherd would provide for all of the needs of his flock. His whole purpose in life was to protect and take care of his sheep.

There is a story of a little boy who was memorizing the 23 rd Psalm. His parents had just helped him with the first verse and asked him to repeat it on his own. The little boy stood proud and tall and with all the enthusiasm that a three-year-old boy could muster he said, “The Lord is my Shepherd, that’s enuf.” He meant that is all he wanted to say, but oh what words of wisdom he spoke. The Lord is our shepherd and that is enough. We have all that we need in Him. May you find your comfort, hope and peace in the Good Shepherd today and always.

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.
Psalms 23:1-6 (NKJV)

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you did not know God? It would be a life without hope. I don’t know about you but the hope that I have in God is what gets me through each day. No matter what has happened God is always there for me. I love the following portion of scripture. The book of Lamentations was written by Jeremiah. He is known as the “weeping prophet”; because of the many difficulties that he faced being faithful to God. He preached the truth and the people did not like him nor did they want to listen him. In spite of his trials; His hope remained steadfast in the Lord. May God grant us the same hope as we journey through our lives.

19 “I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. 20 I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. 21 Yet this I call to mind

and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." 25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; 26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. 27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. 28 Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it on him. 29 Let him bury his face in the dust--there may yet be hope. 30 Let he offers his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace. 31 For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. 32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. 33 For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.” Lam 3:19-33 (NIV)

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Heb 12:1-3 (NIV)

Do you ever grow weary? Do you ever want to throw in the towel? I know there are times that I feel that way. And yet I look at this scripture passage and the thirst of my heart is quenched.

I am encouraged as I read this portion of scripture. I’m not alone; I’m surrounded by the body of Christ. More importantly I have Jesus in my life and He runs with me. As I look at these words of wisdom I am reminded that my faith is continually changing and growing by God’s grace. God is allowing me to become the person that He created me to be.

So on those days when you feel like you cannot take one more step, fix your eyes upon Jesus. This reminds me of a verse from one of my favorite songs: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of this world will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”

While I was on the phone today with a good friend, my son comes in and he is sobbing like he lost his best friend. I quickly ask him what is wrong and I find out that his boomerang is up on top of the house. I can’t reach it, Mom.

I assured him that Daddy would be able to get his precious toy for him and that all would be okay. I went outside and he was standing there with his tear stained face which was made more obvious by the dirt that was smeared on his cheeks. He told me that he still could not reach it.

My heart broke at the sight of those tears and remembering what it was like to be little and to not be able to fix things on my own. As I thought about this for awhile longer I realized that as we get older we do not change in how we think about things.

How many times do we try to “fix things” that are beyond our control? How many times do we think if I could only do this one thing, I could make things better? Or here is a classic; I know exactly how to fix this problem, why don’t they listen to me!

We get frustrated with problems that our beyond our control. We worry about things that may or may not even happen. We are not alone in our problems and God does not need our help to fix things.

We need to soak up God’s word so that when the challenges of life come we know that the only thing that we can do is pray and to trust God above all things.

25 "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 28 "So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 "and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matt 6:25-34 (NKJV)

“The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:5-7 (NRSV)

Troy and I were blessed to have our rehearsal dinner on the family farm. His Mom thought that because of all of the young children that it might be easier to hold it at a place where they could run and play and not feel constricted.

My nephew Sidney was standing in line waiting to receive his food. Like most three-year-olds, he was full of energy and enthusiasm for life. However, the line was long and he was hungry, he wanted to eat so that he could go and play with all of the other kids.

My twin sister Jimella was standing next to him and she gently reminded him that he need to have patience. She explained to him that “Patience is a virtue”. That is a hard concept for an excited child to grasp. But he seemed to understand and continued his waiting without further whining.

After dinner they proceeded to stand in line so that they could make ice-cream sundaes. My MIL had every tasty treat that could tempt the taste buds of young and old alike to put on those Sundaes. So it took awhile for each person to make their masterpiece; you can only imagine the wonderfully creamy candy-filled concoctions that were created for our culinary delight!

Again, Sidney was impatient to have his turn at making his own desert. Jimella looked at him and asked him, “Sidney, what did I tell you about patience.” Sidney, looked up at her with his beautiful and innocent blue eyes and replied, “Patience will hurt you!” Out of the mouth of the young come words of wisdom. It is difficult to be patient in all circumstances; it is not just young children who have a hard time grasping this concept. We can look to the Lord, the giver all of good things and He can teach us about patience.

“ 7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9 Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10 Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” James 5:7-11 (NIV)

I would like for you to imagine that you are standing in a room filled with books. As you look up in awe at the vast number; you see books that are ornate and books that are plain. You see all shapes and sizes and your mind is filled with wonder because you were told that the same author created all of these books.

Out of the corner of your eye you catch a glimpse of a book that looks ugly and vile and you are drawn to that part of the room. As you come closer a putrid stench over comes you and your eyes began to water. Suddenly you look away and realize that there are quite a few books like this one amongst the beauty and splendor of the rest of the library.

Your mind is spinning as you try to conceive why would this author include these dark and obviously distasteful books amongst his life’s work?

Your curiosity can no longer be contained you take one of books off the shelf and you open the book to look at the authors name. You stare at the name and blink your eyes in disbelief and also in hope that the name will somehow magically change.

You hang your head in horror and shame and you weep bitterly because the author is none other than you. These books contain all of the words that you have ever spoken. How many of you would want people to read all of the books in your library? I know that I would feel a shame greater than what words could describe. I would only want for people to see my best words, my finest moments in life.

The following verses from James talk about the tongue:

“3 Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.” James 3:3-12 (NKJV)

I believe that God wants us to know and understand how vicious and destructive our words can be. But we are not alone in our struggle; I know that God can help us control what comes out of our mouths.

We also need to remember that when we come before God’s throne of mercy and grace and confess our sins, there is forgiveness.