The Pink Envelope that Motivated Me!

A few years ago I went to my mailbox to retrieve the mail. I don't even know what prompted me to, usually my husband is home before I am and he delights in getting the mail. (inside joke) Opening the door to the mailbox buried beneath the pile of bills, magazines, and coupon advertisements a pink envelope solicited my attention! I love the color pink, so naturally leaving the other mail inside the box, I reached for the pink envelope first.  I quickly flipped the envelope over and to my delight the envelop was addressed to me and written in the most beautiful calligraphy penmanship I have ever seen. In the top left corner the out of state return address was written in the same penmanship, but I didn't recognize the address or who it was from. My curiosity was heightened and naturally I couldn't wait to see what was inside so without delay standing in the middle of my driveway I opened the envelope. The inside flap was decorated with beautiful black & white velum paper meticulously decorated with pink, black and white glimmer jewels. It sparkled in the sun! The penmanship continued as the note read:

April 28, 2011

Dearest Polly,

You may be surprised to receive this letter from me, but I just couldn't resist. I guess I could have just as easily sent my message through Facebook or email, but I knew God was prompting me to hand write this for you. I will take the credit for the color choice and design of the card (I hope you like it and I hope your favorite color is still pink.) however the message is inspired by God. 
     
Polly, your love for God is strong, unwavering and contagious. Yet it makes you a great target for the enemy. In my prayer time today I was drawn to find this quote for you. I had to dig a little deep to locate it but I am so glad I did. I have penned it below. Reading it again for myself, it brought strength to my soul and joy to my heart. I hope it will do the same for you. 

     
Remember God has a great plan. My husband and I are praying for you, Torrey, and the children. No matter what you face today, don't every stop dreaming, don't ever stop trying, don't ever stop obeying, don't ever stop speaking....your destiny awaits. 

Love,

(Mrs. -------)

 Quote by Theodore Roosevelt

It’s not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the door of deeds could have been done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.

Deuteronomy 1:21

 "See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your fathers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

(Polly adds)
The pink envelope was a word in season. God always knows what we need and exactly when we need it. I hope this quote inspires you to keep moving forward. Many who jump on the ban wagon to criticize those who are actually in the arena, are only doing so because of the lack of determination and motivation they have within themselves.

Those who compare become critical. I have since learned people who are intimidated by you, will talk about you in hopes that others won't find you so appealing.....even so TALK GOOD ABOUT THEM! You will sow a harvest of good.

I am so thankful for my dear friend's letter to me penned with God's message. I hope it encourages you. Don't give up  my friend. You may be tired, weary and worn, but you are still in this journey and He hasn't forgotten about you.

Challenge: even through your struggle take a moment and send a note of encouragement to someone else. You will see even in its simplest form you are sowing good seed and you just may be the words of encouragement they need to take another step.

Blessings,

Polly

Everybody Needs a Time Out!

I recently polled one of our 4 year old students who attends the daycare at the church where we serve. I asked him the following question: "What does it mean when Mrs. Barbara or another teacher tells you to go sit in Time Out?" His response, "You get to go sit on the bench in the hallway and think about it." Folding his little arms across his chest and twisting back and forth he then added, "And I like sitting on that bench, it's quiet and my teachers are noisy!" Who couldn't laugh at that definition?

There's another kind of Time Out that happens within most sporting events. Coaches sometimes will specifically call a Time Out to gather their team in a huddle to call a new play, give direction or word of encouragement. Coaches also use Time Outs for the purpose of allowing team players to quench their thirst with a quick squirt of H20 with the attempts to get the team refocused and on the same goal.  Although only seconds in length that Time Out can sometimes be the much needed refreshment to get those team mates through the next quarter and playing at their best.

Time Outs are necessary because often times life can leave us feeling frustrated, overworked, depleted and unfocused.  It's important to step back from the day to day activities and refocus.  In America, we could refer to that as a vacation. Most everyone I know takes a vacation. Whether it's 1 day or 14 days you may have the privilege to enjoy, getting away for an intentional Time Out will result as productive and essential for you and your family.

My family and I just returned from our Time Out (vacation) in North Georgia. Our plan was to get away, relax, have fun, refocus and make memories together and ------- well, that's just what we did. We decided to do away with schedules and alarm clocks for an entire week and wow, did we ever loose track of time. One morning we laughed so hard because none of us could remember what day it was. We had to turn on our cell phone and check the calender to make sure we were on track.

We visited Helton Creek Falls and the Ocoee River:

Helton Creek Falls on our way up!

God's creation is absolutely breath-taking!
You will NEVER convince me there is no God.

We spent time on Lake Chatugue:

We even found a rope swing off Gibby Island:

and we spent time relaxing, playing uno, exploring the area and having some fun:

One of our favorite parts of the trip was the day we travelled up to our Alma Mater, Lee University! We were surprised to see how much the campus has changed. Torrey showed the kids our favorite places to eat, where we worked while attending Lee, where we lived as students and even where he proposed. (Awwweeeee!) It was a great day.

Hudson showing Noah & Karson the Student Center.
 It was amazing, especially compared to the previous one.

Lee University - Home of the Flames!
(Our Alma Mater)

I don't think we could have planned a better trip... to sum it up: PERFECT!

Are you jealous? Well maybe it's been too long since you have taken a Time Out for yourself. You should make plans today to enjoy a Time Out soon. Even if you can only get away for the day, it will be so worth it.

Thank you Lord for Time Outs, this one was very much needed. We came away refreshed, renewed and certainly refocused. You are an amazing God who knows exactly what we need and you are never late. We thank you for the provision to make this trip. Please bless the family who so graciously opened their "home away from home" to us. May they experience the blessing in return one-hundred fold and may their home continue to be a place of rest and enrichment, filled with your love and abiding peace for all who enter.

Amen

Rightfully Dividing God's Word

My husband and I were talking recently with a few Elders who serve with us at our local church regarding the decline of morality in the modern day church.  "Many choose to justify their sinful behavior as excusable. They distort God's grace believing He is merciful beyond measure. We need to rightfully divide the word of God, keeping those under our care on the right track." (Pastor Torrey) 


Rightfully dividing the word means we not only need to talk about God's grace but we must also include His judgment. It has become popular in this day for ministers to selectively choose what scriptures to preach leaning on the side of grace, leaving our congregations empty handed to defeat the enemy of deceit in their lives. As a result there is a generation who is rapidly being persuaded that sinning is excusable (change is not necessary), neutrality is affirming peace (peace at all cost), and conformity is Jesus' way (accept all religions and beliefs).

The word of God is the only infallible truth and it must be rightfully divided. It is our only hope for a lost and deceived generation. Without the truth rightfully divided, we are encouraging many to continue in their sins and damning them straight to hell. If God did not spare the angels when they continued to sin but sent them to eternal judgment, He will have to keep His promise and do the same for you and I. (2 Peter 4)

I beg you to consider the words of the Lord, to Jeremiah! If you serve in ministry as a leader among your community of believers, take a stand and rightfully divide the word of God. God didn't call you to be a man pleaser, He said if they rejected Him they will certainly reject you. Further more you are not doing any favors to those under your care by declaring "peace and we are safe" (Jeremiah 6:14). You are only tainting the true word of God and helping to assist the enemy in his cloud of deception, holding yourself liable for the many you lead astray. (Zechariah 10:2-3 and Acts 20:27-31)


Jeremiah 7 - New International Version
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: "Stand in the gate of the Lord's house and proclaim there this word, and say:

Hear the word of the Lord all men(women of Judah) who enter these gates to worship the Lord. Amend your ways and your deeds and I will let you dwell in this place. Do not trust in these deceptive words: "This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord." For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly execute justice one with another, if you do not oppress the sojourner, the fatherless, or the wide or shed innocent blood in this place and if you do not go after other gods to your own harm, then I will let you dwell in this place and the land that I gave of old. Behold you trust in deceptive words to no, avail. Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal and go after other gods that you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house which is called by my name and say, 'We are safe and delivered!' Only to go on doing all these abominations? Has this house which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I the Lord have seen it myself. Go now to my place that was in Shiloh, where I made my name dwell at first and see what I did to it because of the evil of MY people Israel. Now, because you continue to do all these things and when I spoke to you persistently you did not listen and when I called you you did not answer, therefore I will do to the house that is called by my name, and in which you trust and to the place that I gave to you as I also did to Shiloh. And I will cast you out of my sight as I cast out all your kinsmen and all the offspring. As for you do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them and do not intercede with me, for I will not hear you. Do you not see what they are doing in the cities (of Judah) and in the streets (of Jerusalem).

Jeremiah 7 --- The Message Version

Stand in the gate of God's Temple and preach this message. Say, Listen all you people (Judah) who come through these gates to worship God. God of the Angel-Armies, Israel's God has this to say to you:

Clean up your act, the way you live, the things you do, so I can make my home with you in this place. Don't for a minute believe the lies being spoken here --"This is God's Temple, This is God's Temple, God's Temple, God's Temple!" Total nonsense! Only if you clean up your act (the way you live, the things you do), only if you do a total spring cleaning on the way you live and treat your neighbors, only if you quit exploiting the street people, orphans and windows, and no longer take advantage of innocent people on this very site and no longer destroy your souls by using this Temple as a front for other gods. Only then will i move into your neighborhood. Only then will this country I gave your ancestors be my permanent home, MY TEMPLE. Get smart! Your leaders are handing you a pack of lies, and you're swallowing them! Use your heads! Do you think you can rob and murder, have sex with the neighborhood wives, tell lies nonstop, worship the local gods of pleasure and money, and buy every novel religious commodity on the market and then march into this Temple, set apart for My worship and say, "We are safe!" thinking that the place itself gives you a licensee to go on with all this outrageous sacrilege? A cave full of criminals! Do you think you can turn this Temple, which has been set apart for my worship, into something like that? Well think again! I've got eyes in my head, I can see what's going on, declares the Lord. Take a trip down to the place that was once Shiloh, where I met my people in the early days. Take a look at those ruins, what I did to it because of the evil ways of my people. So now because of the way you have lived and failed to listen or change, even though time and again I took you aside and talked seriously with you and because you refused to change when I called you to repent, I'm going to do to this Temple, set aside for my worship, this place you think is going to keep you safe no matter what, this place I gave as a gift to your ancestors and you, the same as I did to Shiloh. And as for you, I'm going to get rid of you in the same way I got rid of those relatives of yours around Shiloh, your fellow Israelites in that former kingdom to the north. And you Jeremiah, do not waste your time praying for this people. Don't offer another petition on their behalf or intercessions. Don't bother me with them. I'm not listening. Can't you see what they're doing in all the villages and in the streets?

Psalm 37-God's Got This.

We had an overwhelming response of contacts this week, asking for the scripture passage quoted by Pastor Torrey in the opening of (June 26, 2011) Sunday morning's service. Pastor Torrey concluded by saying,  "The enemy may appear to be getting away with his plans and schemes, but you can be assured, God's got this."

Psalms 37: 1-13

Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;  for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: 

He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;do not fret—it leads only to evil. 

For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity. The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.

David the little boy who killed Goliath, wrote these passages. What I find so amazing is God chose a little shepherd boy to take down the Philistine Giant and save his people. If God can use a little shepherd boy, He surely isn't limited in taking down the giant set against you, your family, your church, your community, your nation!

The enemy would like you to think otherwise, that's why he continues to make threats, just as Goliath did to the armies of Israel. John Hagee said about enemies, "A magnified enemy is one who likes to run his mouth alot, but in reality he can be defeated by one stone!" So do not be intimidated by the enemies threats. His public & private attempts to gain allegiance to his cause, are futile in God's eyes. 

All God needs is one little Shepherd boy who is willing to:

• Put down another man's armor and use his own.
• David told Saul he didn't need his armor. Which lets us know God had equipped little David with all he needed to slay the Giant. You don't need the armor of man when you have the armor of God? 
• Label the enemy.
• David had no problem labeling the enemy. As a matter of fact that's how he addressed him. He called him an "Uncircumcised Philistine"!  (T.D. Jakes said, He makes no apologies in labeling his enemies, because it's God's requirement for defeating them.) When engaged in spiritual warfare, call it what it is and make no apologies. The enemy doesn't like to be exposed -- You can count on it! 
• Pick up your sling and a few stones.
• Be ready to move forward when God says move...but not a minute before.

It's so exciting to be on God's team. Let Him position you on the field anyway He chooses; even if it is to move mountains, slay giants, and free nations! Don't doubt Him, He knows what He's doing.

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

“Through It All”

Jackson Stegall (My Dad) 1975

At 67, my Daddy is now handicapped by the brutal, and viciously aggressive disease, known as, Frontal Temporal Dementia. Although he will be unable to read this blog, or understand the Father’s Day card I sent him by mail, (which I am sure Mom will read to him.), I still want to say: Daddy, I love you and I am so thankful for the Father you have been to me.

In your own way you loved me, the best you knew how. Teaching me how to throw a new spin on my softball pitch or showing me how to change the oil in my car. Other outward expressions of love usually consisted of a tackle to the floor, squeezing my leg so hard and tickling me until I could no longer breathe and Mom would yell, “Stop Jack, before you hurt her unintentionally.” Your love was different: strong, reserved, lacking the normal emotions, but then again what’s normal. Through it all I knew you loved me.

As I’ve grown up and become a parent myself, I understand your story better. You started your childhood with the odds against you. Born to a young mother and a father twice her age, who worked in factories and made moonshine for a living. Walked bare foot most of your life (that was the country way)without a “pot to pee in” as you would say. (That still makes me laugh.) You experienced physical & sexual abuse, abandonment, rejection, and betrayal before the age of 11, and without much hope you ventured to the streets to find acceptance, but always looked out for one another. For you and your brothers the gang was your family, a “brawl” was something you had to do for a brother and whiskey was your bottled water.

Back and forth between Virginia and Maryland, you hoped to find acceptance with your father or mother, but to no avail, so you eventually transferred your pursuit to football. You were very athletic and had a mouth on you to terrorize any opponent, which landed you a spot as Linebacker on the Philadelphia Eagle’s farm team. It looked like there was a future for you ahead and the possibility of feeling accepted was hopeful, until you were injured which forced you to resign from the team.

I guess that’s when your pursuit focused on Mom. You use to tell me, “I sure don’t know how I ever landed her? I came from the other side of the tracks, your Mom had real silver spoons, white carpet and a full-time maid named Mrs. Loddie who worked in their home”, and then with the sigh of disappointment Dad would conclude, “I guess it was my unending persistence of asking her out, that landed me a date with her. ” (I agree Dad; you were a lucky man to catch Mom!)

Things didn’t get any easier when you married, the dysfunctional family drama you grew up in spilled over into your adulthood. I was old enough to remember some of the drama that broke your heart and caused you to burst out in anger and regret. I now realize it was the lifelong “rejection” that hurt you the most. As mom puts it, you had all you could take and then God stepped in. Sometime in 1971 you accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, and even going to church for the first few years, without us. But eventually by the time I was four we were committed to church and the Lord. I really don’t know life without the Lord, and I am so grateful! Your dedication to the House of God put your family on the right course leaving us with so much more than material possessions or political title. You left us with Jesus, the greatest gift I have ever received.

There were eighteen years from the time I was born in 1969 until I ventured off to college never to return home. Some of those years better than others, but Through It All ---- You taught me so much that has made me into the woman I am today.

You taught me:

§  How to change the oil in my car and to check the air pressure in my tires.

§  How to make fried potatoes in a skillet pan.

§  How to pick steamed crabs, quickly and efficiently.

§  That when you said it the first time, you meant it and I better listen.

§  At least 50 scripture verses including the entire chapter of the 23^rd Psalm and helped me to memorize all of them.

§  All 66 books of the bible and said I would thank you when I got older. You were right.

§  My dates (boyfriends) should show up to the door when picking me up.

§  To throw a mean fast pitch and to quicken my throw from shortstop, which earned me a spot on the Varsity Softball Team in 10^th grade and a few State Titles for our travelling team.

§  Perfection isn’t necessary.

§  Not to be afraid to voice my opinion.

§  To take care of others.

§  That we are never rejected by God.

But the greatest lesson I learned from you Dad, was the benefits and power of prayer.

I remember in high school, on Friday nights my curfew was 11:30 pm. Sometimes I would have to pass by the church on my way home and I would see your truck in the vacant parking lot. You spent most of your Friday evenings at the church praying after midnight and sometimes even into the wee hours of the morning. I witnessed your commitment extend into my college years and one time when I came home for the summer, Mom asked me to stop by the church to check on you or take you a Big Gulp drink. I remember that night a friend and I stopped in to deliver your drink, but it was very dark and I didn’t know if you were there or not. It was so dark we were a little hesitant to go farther, but when I opened the second set of doors to the church sanctuary I heard your voice. It was a cry like I have never heard before. Your prayers were strong, like you Dad! You prayed uninhibitedly, and without restraint! I heard you call out the names of your brothers asking God to save them and as I lingered a little longer, I heard you pray for me. It was life changing! I knew this was the LOVE OF MY FATHER! A father who wasn’t always perfect, but loved me enough to sacrifice many weekend nights interceding for me, Mom, Shelley and Erik.

Thank you Dad for the Godly heritage you left to your family! I am convinced the many, many prayers offered up for us and your lifelong commitment to God and the things of God are the reason I know Him as Savior and serve Him in fulltime ministry today. I know it won’t be long you will meet our Savior in heaven and He will show you the many other lives that you have touched, motivated and encouraged along the way.

So today Daddy, as you sit in your comfy blue and white chair in Maryland, staring out the window…unable to comprehend the words of my letter….. I will sit with my family on my sofa and------Thank God big-time, for you!

The vicious disease of Dementia has taken almost everything from you, but it WILL NEVER TAKE AWAY the promise that awaits you on the other side! I honor you today Dad, by singing the song that I grew up hearing you sing often. The words mean so much more to me today and as I sing them, I commit you to the Lord. 

I love you Daddy!

This songs for you:

Through it all, through it all ---I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God. Through it all, through it all ---I’ve learned to depend upon His word. I thank God for the mountains and I thank God for the valleys and I thank Him for the storms he’s brought me through. For if I never had a problem I wouldn’t know my God could solve them, I wouldn’t know what faith in God could do.

Lexy, Pop and Karson --Pop in his blue and white chair!

Pop (My Dad), Nana (my Mom) and grandkids, Zion, Noah, Taylor, Logan, Karson and Lexy

  

Polly

Who Does She Think She Is?

If we were there that day in the home of Martha & Mary and their brother Lazarus, we would have seen Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet. She was eager to worship Him because He had just performed a miracle for her; He raised her brother Lazarus from the dead. Out of her gratitude she responded by giving the best she could. Grabbing her Alabaster jar, the most costly perfume she owned, she extravagantly poured it out on the feet of Jesus. So much that it ran down his ankles and between His toes, the puddle overflowed onto the floor. I’m sure she felt a little embarrassed by what seemed to be a careless act, so she loosened her hair and quickly used it to absorb the excess.

No doubt the aroma filled the house and anyone present could not ignore her act.  Many looked on in disbelief while others showed their dissatisfaction of her behavior on their faces. “Why waste this expensive perfume? It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” Judas, reprimanded her. He saw nothing good in Mary’s act.  

Oh the sting of criticism and judgment!

Maybe Judas was right, she could have saved some of the oil and sold it to the poor. Now feeling irresponsible she gazed around the room to see all the others shaking their heads in agreement.

I can relate to Mary. What about you? Have you been there on the floor in the presence of your King pouring your jar of expensive perfume upon the Savior’s feet, only to hear the remarks of those who observe you? “Who does she think she is?”

Those are the voices of the envious, who desire to do the same, but are unable to make the sacrifices. Jealous of your unrestrained display of worship to the Lord they belittle you, for choosing consecrated prayer over lunch dates with the girls, family devotions over watching Desperate Housewives, monthly bible study over girls’ night out. They despise you for your commitment to His word, His house and the things of Him, because they find too much pleasure in their words, their house, and the things of the world.

Like Judas, they are quick to criticize publically, hoping to pull together an allegiance on their side, distracting distract you from your extravagant worship. Yet in the midst of their ridicule Jesus comes to Mary’s defense and commands, "Leave her alone! Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. ….I tell you the truth what she has done will also be told in memory of her forever."  Mark 14:6-9

Ah the truth bothers those who are filled with unfavorable motives and pretentious attitudes. Judas’s criticism was skewed and came from an ugly heart. He chose to judge Mary out of his own insignificance. He was angry she would choose better then him.

Sometimes the Jesus in us will bring out the devil in others. They don’t like it when we pursue righteousness while they lavish in worldliness.

But when you know the love of Jesus, when you experience who He really is, you can’t help but act different than the crowd. What seems costly and wasteful in the world’s view is ultimately beautiful, lovely, and acceptable in God’s view.

Don’t let their comments of judgment and secret ridicule of your consecration to the King of Kings distract you from your purpose. True worshippers will worship Him in spirit and in truth and will not be persuaded by the ways of the world who love Him in name only. Our King deserves our extravagant praise; He calls it beautiful!

Polly

Things I've Learned Along the Way

I celebrated my 42nd birthday this month. Forty-two seemed so much older when I was sixteen haa! So glad I was wrong about that, because forty-two is surprisingly an awesome age. On this journey of 42 years I've learned a lot, about myself, my family, people, life and my God. A few years back I was prompted to jot down tidbits of information in my journal entitled: Things I've Learned Along the Way. Keep in mind these "tidbits" are only my opinions, observations and lessons learned over the years. These come from life experiences that God has allowed me personally to walk through. These lessons have helped me to view things in a different way --- God's way. I am a work in progress but I seek to learn the lesson in every situation my God purposes for me. I hope this will inspire you to start your own journal and begin to jot down the lessons God gives you during your life journey. You never know who you may help when you share these with others, or periodically review them for yourself. Blessings, Polly
Note: I have over 400 entries in my Journal: Things I've Learned Along the Way. Below are a few from that list. 
I’ve learned that:

• What God calls, He also establishes.
• To be excluded isn't always a bad thing.
• You will find some people magnify public sins like adultery, murder, and theft, while minimizing private sins like lying, gossiping, fornicating, rebellion etc. God says sin is sin --- there are no different levels of sin. 
• Children need to see you live it more than they need to hear it.
• Slander, it's what the jealous do. (Joyce Meyer)
• A husband who follows after the Lord, is very attractive.
• People who make a way of life convincing you they are "humble" are really the most arrogant of all.
• The Jesus in me will most always bring out the devil in others.
• Marilyn Monroe's dress size was a 14.
• When a person shows you who they are the first time, believe them.
• Love bugs are known by Floridians but probably not by anyone else.
• God doesn't always bring correction right away...but He brings it.
• Money buys friends.
• Continual mis-use of God's time, will cost you.
• Family dinner around the table is priceless.
• A manipulative leader who leads using intimidation and fear, really isn't a leader.
• Evil corrupts good. (That's what the bible says!)
• The enemy has no real reason to bother someone who isn't producing fruit.
• If you lead and you aren't serving, then you really are disappointing God.
• Not everyone can sit in your front row.

• The enemy is so predictable he always works in cycles and repeats himself.
• Don't tell us you "love" in public when you "hate" in private. 
• Alzheimer's disease & Dementia are two different types of diseases that affect the brain---both are cruel. 
• Many hear the word of God but don't obey it ---there is a difference.
• Turning the other cheek is hard, but possible.
• Not everything in a garage is a car, no more than everyone in a church is a Christian.
• Every choice (yelp everyone) really matters.
• Fear of man is a snare but whoever trust in the Lord is always safe.
• Teenagers will always see through the hypocrisy no matter how much you try to cover it up....so just be real.
• Someone who continually criticizes the accomplishments of others is jealous.
• Would you invite Osama Bin Ladin to dinner? If you are a Christian living in America the answer is probably no. So why do we condemn others who are protecting their families by choosing not to interact with evil men and women. The scriptures are full of warnings about "avoiding such people".  
• There's really only one thing to do with a snake --- chop it's head off!
• It's never safe to promote your own agenda and call it God's will. 
• Weight is easy to put on but hard to take off.
• Two are greater than one.
• A real friend will tell you to your face, what others are saying behind your back.
• Boundaries are necessary!
• When you forgive, it doesn't mean you are admitting your offender is right and you were wrong, it simply means you are allowing God to be the judge.
• All these years I knew I had Cherokee Indian in my bloodline but I never knew there was Portuguese.
• We teach what we know and reproduce what we are.
• Consecrated time with the Lord is always productive.
• Sexual abuse changes many things. Those who have never experienced it often never understand.
• You don't always have to explain yourself. (That's what my husband tells me at least once every week. I am finally learning this lesson.)
• Never agree in prayer with someone who isn't already in agreement with you and God.
• A toothache needs immediate attention.
• Don't tell me you care, show me. Words are cheap!
• Two things you will never get back, your words and your time.
• Two things God will never share, His glory & His vengeance.
• You can tell a lot about a women by the way she dresses.
• Giving kids responsibilities in the home makes them more grateful.
• No one deserves my attention more than my spouse and kids.
• Raw cookie dough can cause death.
• Family devotions are priceless.
• Many under-estimate their potential.
• People may not always accept your apology but that's okay God sees it.
• Facebook can be a terrible distraction -- use restraint.
• A coward will never look you in the eyes and tries to avoid you. 
• Where you travel your kids will follow.
• There's no greater University than Lee University in Cleveland TN, I love being an alumni.
• Light and darkness will never mix. 
• Make the most of all that stays and the least of all that goes.
• The best type of communication is "face to face" other forms (text/email/vm) can easily be misinterpreted.
• There's always three sides to every story, his, hers and Gods.
• When my husband warns me about someone, I should listen the first time, he's usually right.
• Teenagers still like to snuggle on the couch with their mothers.
• Racial prejudice is still alive and what a shame!
• No weapon, demon or diabolic activity can cancel the will of God in my life, my ministry, my family unless God gives permission.
• Jealousy: the pretty act ugly, and the ugly act wicked.
• It's all fun and games until somebody gets hurt.
• You can tell an individual who won't "grow up" they spend most of their time engaged in High School activity.
• Wisdom --- requires being sought after.
• Joseph was hated by his own family members. They were jealous of the favor of God on his life and plotted to get rid of him. Man's attempts to abort God's purpose for my life and my family, will never succeed.
• Early on kid's can distinguish between fair & unfair.
• Diet Coke was making me sick!
• If you choose to not spend time with your children (grand-children) when they are young, they'll choose not to spend time with you when they are old.
• Good kindhearted boys make wonderful husbands. 
• You can tell much about a person by how he/she treats someone who really can't do anything in return.
• Many questions may never be answered, but God isn't obligated to answer my Whys!
• Honor has been lost in America -- who will find it?
• Team work, it makes the load lighter.
• A team player always looks after their team-mates. 
• My kids are not always the greatest and deserving of the most praise, but I'm determined to give it to them anyway.
• Regardless of what the world says it IS POSSIBLE to have an incredible marriage and still be married to your best friend.
• Coloring my hair is tedious but necessary.
• To make a choice without God's approval is consequential.
• Teachers are like preachers: often unappreciated. The only difference is rebellion and disobedience in the classroom results in a poor grade but in the church, eternal damnation is at stake.
• A man's needs are very different than a woman's.
• The color pink makes me happy!
• Wishing and praying for a difficult person to go away, doesn't always happen.
• Regardless.........God is in control!
• Little girls need their Daddy's and little boys do too.
• Air conditioning in Florida is necessary.
• When the going gets hard, don't sit down people will run you over.
• People in ministry live in a fish bowl. The problem is too many people can only see what the fish are doing but never hear what they are saying.
• When you really know God, it's very easy to obey Him.
• What goes around always comes back around --- so be careful what you send out.
• Some people never were meant to be in your circle of influence. Don't be devastated when they go -- Jesus only had twelve. 
• Our children need home to be a safe place.
• When it comes to your influence over children, you better make sure you don't cause them to be offended. The bible says it would be better for you to tie a milestone around your neck and jump into the sea. 
• Dog poop is easier to scoop up after a day or two. Likewise it's easy to deal with a pragmatic person a day or two later. 
• Not everything good is beneficial to me.
• Keeping my eyes on heaven changes my perspective of earth.
• God doesn't encourage me to let everyone in my circle. There are many, many times in the bible he says to "avoid such people".
• Many may say you can't, only God has to say you can.

But God Says...

I didn't know what time it was when I abruptly awakened and I sprang to my feet. It was still dark outside, it felt like I had only been asleep an hour. I glanced down at the clock, 3:22 am? Seems like more often these days, God is waking me a lot earlier. Sometimes I go back to sleep; other times I retreat to the couch. Still not sure what to do, I headed to the kitchen to refill my glass of water and then He spoke: (not in an audible voice but in my spirit):
God:  "You can do it Polly!" 
Me:  I can?!  
Still, not fully awake yet to understand the point of this conversation, I made my way to the couch in the dark, just me God and my glass of water. I have noticed this has been happening more on a regular basis, so sometimes I read, sometimes I pray, and sometimes I just listen. 
Me: Couldn't you just tell me this in the morning? -------(pause) I'm super tired.
I chuckled out loud at God, because He gets me! He understands that my flesh wants to go back to my comfy bed to rest, but my spirit longs to stay because my time with Him is so real, so incredible, so intoxicating! He knows I'd wait all night on that couch for Him to speak to me!
God: "Go grab your journal and pen first!"

Me: Okay Lord I'll be right back.


and this is what He said...
God: My sheep know my voice and they follow. Too many voices are competing for your attention, I need you to come sit in my presence so you can hear me. 
The smile on your face was a cover up for the pain you are carrying inside. I hurt when you hurt and I am moved when you are in need. Don't worry about  the environment around you my child, for I will finish what I have started. You keep your eyes on me, look to hear my voice above the rest. You can do it! 


Me: I'm not sure God, I doubt my abilities.
God: Why? Who told you that you couldn't?
Me: I just don't see any progress. 
God: Don't be convinced by what you see, faith is in the unseen. It is the enemy you have taken notice of. He has told you, it's too late, but I control time and seasons. He declares you are defeated, but with me you are more than a conqueror!  Satan says, look at your past, but my child, I control your future. He mocks, where's your God now? I respond, right here beside her! He plots and plans behind the scenes, but I will expose him. He says, your finished, but I say, you have just begun. He yells, you can't and I whisper, oh yes you can! He says you loose, but I say you win! 


You must keep your eyes on me, focused and attentive to my voice. Choose today to ignore the voice of the enemy, his words fall on unstable ground, but my words remain forever. I love you My child, You can do it Polly!
I love you,
God


My friends, I know God specifically spoke these words to me, but He also intended for you to hear them too! Otherwise I could have gone back to sleep at 3:22 am, but He desired I write them down on paper and share it with you. He loves you, He is for you and He is in control! Don't be thrown off course by what it looks like in the "natural" for God takes the super and adds it to the natural; and works in the "supernatural"! (LOL) ---His ways are higher than our ways, His plans are better than we could ever imagine. He sees the beginning, the end and every single step in between. Drown out the voices that seek to pervert His plan for your life and listen to the one who gave you life!


In His Love ---
Polly