Monthly Archives: December 2009

Uncategorized

Surprises

Leave a comment

IDOK DEVOTION FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2009

WOW Conference
January 29 and 30, 2010
Limited Seating – tickets on sale now. 
Email me for information and tickets – $25.00.
 This is an Eastern Shore Women’s Ministry, Inc. Annual Event
Don’t miss it!
I think it was about September of this year that I decided I wanted certain kitchen items, if we could afford them.  So I gathered information and discovered that to purchase these coveted items would require a loan for an amount that would buy a better than a clunker automobile.  And with that revelation I determined a reasonable facsimile was the way to go.  And so we looked and we shopped and we waited and we shopped and then finally in mid to late October we made a purchase.  I was in love!  And so very satisfied with my facsimile; and then it happened!  On a certain Saturday an unbelievable gift was offered.  You guessed it!  Those very items!  Not new, of course, but nonetheless with some cleaning and scouring and proper care will last long enough for granddaughters to use them some day!   I tell you now, you cannot convince me other wise: my ABBA is AWESOME.  And He loves me and pays attention to every thought that goes through my little pointed head!  In the words of my dearly loved Beth Moore: Why are You so nice to me?!  It must be love! Gracious, woefully undeserved love; but I accept!
A new set of Salad Master cook-ware would not have required ‘elbow grease’ before cooking up a pot turnip greens (also a gift from a precious sister-friend) but a new set could never compare to these!  You know what I mean?  Invest a little time thinking about the ‘Surprises’ that have come your way this year.  I suspect you will be saying to ABBA too: “Why are You so nice to me?!”  And you will come to my same conclusion.  It must be love; gracious, woefully undeserved love!
Matthew 7: NKJV
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Praise Reports and Prayer Requests
Updates:
ABBA, all of a sudden I am without words, how do I begin?  This piece was so fun to write and I hope our IDOKs will enjoy it and I hope it will cause them to think about how good You are to them too.  I hope it will lead them to praise You for the surprises You have given them.  I pray each of us will be so very aware of You and Your goodness to us.  I pray we will be so aware that You are DADDY to us.    And like always we are asking You to protect and keep safe our IDOK Troops.  Thank You so much for allowing us the wonderful privilege of praying each day for them.  Thank You for allowing us the wonderful privilege of praying for each one listed here.  We want Your best for each of them.  We want them to experience You and Your Goodness.  And, ABBA, I want peace for Israel. I want to see Israel blessed and see them safe and secure in the land that You promised them through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Thank You so much for this study of the Patriarchs that we are about to finish.  Thank You for revealing such great studies in Your Word to Beth and for her obedience to write them down for us.  I pray for her, whatever she needs, ABBA, please make sure she gets it.  It’s been a good day; thank You.  I pray now for rest and peace for all our IDOKs and our Readers.  Wake us up ready to worship You at just the time You want to meet with us individually and collectively.  We want to love You more and more ABBA.  We want to be just ‘crazy’ about You.  We want to be so heavenly minded that we are way over the top in doing earthly good in Jesus name.  Amen and amen.  
A Specific Unspoken.
Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about.
Children and/or Grandchildren about whom Moms (& Dads) are concerned that their salvation profession may not be true. 
La Juanna. Ed G. Tammy and family.  Ms. Page.  Donald N.  Vanessa. W.C. and family. Mary M.  Danny and Tina. Ken and Della.  Art and Sula.  Rudon.  Kelly C. Henry P.  Dana and Joey and Children.  Tracey M. Vicki and Bob.  Brady and Chloe.  Patti and family.  Joyce, John & children.  Sparky.  Sean.  Susan R.  Kay B.  Rusty & Romney.  Johnny McK and family.  Katie H.  Amber Johns. Joe-Ann. Vickie and Family. Dennis and Lisa J. Jack. Melanie and Jay M. Alice T. Elaine W and Family. Joni and Todd. Roy and Julee. Glenn R and his family. Holly. Donald 2. Debra B. Jon E. Brian. Donald 1. Loyce McM. DeLois. Mollie B. Marzelle. KC. Neolle T. Mary F. MH and J. Caleb and his family – Rob, Vaughn, Whitaker and Donoghue. Dora. Mattie. Brenda and her family. Joshua A. Martha McC. Tamra and Family. Suzi.  Rachel and family. Joe and Rose. Darlene’s Sister, Leona. Tammy B and Family. Brian T. Ricky M. Linda and Family. Joe. Michael H. Linda W. Debbie W. Natalie. Jacqueline and Sons (River and Jackson). Sandra. Dot B. Julia O. Ann C. Stan and Jowanna and Family. Susan D. Melissa and daughters. Jason A and his mother. Wayne B. Melinda H. Brennan and his family. Joshua. Heather and Brandon. Darlene and Torkel. Maggie and Family. Katelyn (H). J Lloyd. Janet and Steve. Bay and family. Bill and Judy.  Larry and Claudia and family. Callie. Ruth. Cynthia. Allyson and Glyn and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Chuck. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Mollie and family. Andrew and Daughters.
Shay and Emma’s Kids (orphanage in Zambia) Ministry
Ryan, Sarah, Josh & Caleb Bedenkop – missionaries in Arizona.
The Ministry of IDOK
The Peace of Israel.
Revival in America.
IDOKs Military Families.
IDOKs Troops (foreign soil) – Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Brant W. Christopher R. Joshua M. Brent. Justin G. Michael K. Bay N. T. Palin. Bobby G. (added 12/16/08) Tommy T. Kyle N(3/09). Jessica D. (4/09) Sgt. Vince Barrientos (5/2009)  Bill H.  (added 9/24/09) Brandon B.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Joey H.   10/21/09.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Shaun. Bay. Lee. George. Travis N. Hawk. Justin G. Tommy W.
Injured: Lukas S. (11/30/08)
Military at home, specifically those emotional-spirit wounds that only God and Time can heal – Adam M. Captain Tran. Josh. John L. Drew. Richard M. Matt P.  (added 9/24/09) 

As I post this it is 45°F and partly cloudy in Balad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 7:27 AM AST and on December 9, 2009.

Uncategorized

Haste

Leave a comment

IDOK DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2009

WOW Conference
January 29 and 30, 2010
Limited Seating – tickets on sale now. 
Email me for information and tickets – $25.00.
 This is an Eastern Shore Women’s Ministry, Inc. Annual Event
Don’t miss it!
 This time I was so glad I was not hasty.  Taking a drawstring pair of pants out of the dryer I saw only one drawstring and I was sorely tempted to grab that thing and yank.  My mind was already envisioning getting a safety pin to fish that thing back around the waist.  And that thought did not make me happy.  Can you tell? A split second before grasping the end of the drawstring I saw tucked right there at the mouth of the other side’s drawstring opening the other end of the string!  I was SO delighted!  I fished it out and came straight here to write you a note.  Sometimes haste is good like in Luke 2:16.  Luke 2: 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
And you know what, that may be the only time haste is a good thing — when we are running to Jesus.  Otherwise, we might wanna wait a little bit to see what He has to say about it before we do it.   However, least I give fuel to certain beloved IDOKs who have a propensity to procrastinate, once ABBA says this is a good thing to do, then do it timely!  Love ya’ll.  Pace yourselves; and I’ll do the same.  :~)
Romans 8:1 (New King James Version)
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
P.S. Let me paraphrase a great statement I heard today by Sara Hickey (don’t know her married name): we must not use the excuse of our personalities (for bad behavior); our personalities are not a problem to Jesus; it’s all about us making better choices. 
Wow, is that to the point or what?!
Praise Reports and Prayer Requests
Update: We don’t have a grade, of course; but our oldest red-haired daughter was great giving her Capstone.  I confess I could be prejudice but I do believe she is of professor caliber.
ABBA, I am so glad You are You; so grateful for the way You operate; Holy Spirit thank You so much for playing Romans 8:1 right away for me when I woke up this morning.  You are so very good!  Thank You for lessons in simple everyday things and thank You for those times I do not act hasty and at the same time help me to be quick or so very quick to run to You.  Thank You for this new day that is on its way to us.  Holy Spirit thank You for bringing Roy and Julee to mind; the last word I had he was ‘closer to Heaven and earth’ which tells me he could already be with You and if that be so and whenever it is so, comfort Julee and the family.  Thank You for Roy, do Your loving thing, Lord, I pray.  We continue to pray for Suzi, for Your will to be accomplished in her, spiritually and physically. We pray too for the other listed here, even if we do not call each one or each circumstance individually by name, we trust You to know our hearts and theirs and to minister to each perfectly.  We pray for our IDOK Troops that You will again today keep them safe in spirit, soul and body.  We pray for Israel’s peace and safety.  We pray for America’s repentance.  We pray for the President and his Administration; Abba, You know my heart; keep me straight for Jesus sake.  I did not want him to be president but I trust You; I don’t want his health care bill to pass, but I trust You.  I don’t want him to sign away the sovereignty of America, but I trust You.  I know You birthed America and I know You love us, I pray for mercy, for grace and space to repent.  As we post this edition, bless each IDOK and Reader, give us all courage and grace to act timely, not hastily and run quickly to You. Amen and amen.  
A Specific Unspoken.
Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about.
Children and/or Grandchildren about whom Moms (& Dads) are concerned that their salvation profession may not be true. 
La Juanna. Ed G. Tammy and family.  Ms. Page.  Donald N.  Vanessa. W.C. and family. Mary M.  Danny and Tina. Ken and Della.  Art and Sula.  Rudon.  Kelly C. Henry P.  Dana and Joey and Children.  Tracey M. Vicki and Bob.  Brady and Chloe.  Patti and family.  Joyce, John & children.  Sparky.  Sean.  Susan R.  Kay B.  Rusty & Romney.  Johnny McK and family.  Katie H.  Amber Johns. Joe-Ann. Vickie and Family. Dennis and Lisa J. Jack. Melanie and Jay M. Alice T. Elaine W and Family. Joni and Todd. Roy and Julee. Glenn R and his family. Holly. Donald 2. Debra B. Jon E. Brian. Donald 1. Loyce McM. DeLois. Mollie B. Marzelle. KC. Neolle T. Mary F. MH and J. Caleb and his family – Rob, Vaughn, Whitaker and Donoghue. Dora. Mattie. Brenda and her family. Joshua A. Martha McC. Tamra and Family. Suzi.  Rachel and family. Joe and Rose. Darlene’s Sister, Leona. Tammy B and Family. Brian T. Ricky M. Linda and Family. Joe. Michael H. Linda W. Debbie W. Natalie. Jacqueline and Sons (River and Jackson). Sandra. Dot B. Julia O. Ann C. Stan and Jowanna and Family. Susan D. Melissa and daughters. Jason A and his mother. Wayne B. Melinda H. Brennan and his family. Joshua. Heather and Brandon. Darlene and Torkel. Maggie and Family. Katelyn (H). J Lloyd. Janet and Steve. Bay and family. Bill and Judy.  Larry and Claudia and family. Callie. Ruth. Cynthia. Allyson and Glyn and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Chuck. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Mollie and family. Andrew and Daughters.
Shay and Emma’s Kids (orphanage in Zambia) Ministry
Ryan, Sarah, Josh & Caleb Bedenkop – missionaries in Arizona.
The Ministry of IDOK
The Peace of Israel.
Revival in America.
IDOKs Military Families.
IDOKs Troops (foreign soil) – Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Brant W. Christopher R. Joshua M. Brent. Justin G. Michael K. Bay N. T. Palin. Bobby G. (added 12/16/08) Tommy T. Kyle N(3/09). Jessica D. (4/09) Sgt. Vince Barrientos (5/2009)  Bill H.  (added 9/24/09) Brandon B.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Joey H.   10/21/09.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Shaun. Bay. Lee. George. Travis N. Hawk. Justin G. Tommy W.
Injured: Lukas S. (11/30/08)
Military at home, specifically those emotional-spirit wounds that only God and Time can heal – Adam M. Captain Tran. Josh. John L. Drew. Richard M. Matt P.  (added 9/24/09) 
As I post this it is 59°F and Light Showers Rain Mist in Baghdad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 3:25 PM AST and on December 8, 2009.
Uncategorized

A Little Late this Monday Morning

Leave a comment

IDOK DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2009

I am way late but I am here; have not been up long and as I begin, we are in the midst of Jerry preparing for work so allow me to give you a quick hello and share with you what Max Lucado had to say yesterday in his book Grace For the Moment, page 371.  It may be just right for today too.

A Heavenly Affirmation
2 Corinthians 6:18 (New King James Version)
18 “ I will be a Father to you,
      And you shall be My sons and daughters,
      Says the LORD Almighty.”
Each of us has a fantasy that our family will be like the Waltons, an expectation that our dearest friends will be our next of kin.  Jesus didn’t have that expectation.  Look how He defined His family: “My true brother and sister and mother are those who do what God wants” (Mark 3:35).
When Jesus’ brother didn’t share His convictions, He didn’t try to force them.  He recognized that His spiritual family could provide what His physical family didn’t. . . .
We can’t control the way our family responds to us.  When it comes to the behavior of other toward us, our hands are tied.  We have to move beyond the naïve expectation that if we do good, people will treat us right. The fact is they may and they may not – we cannot control how people respond to us. . . .
Let God give you what your family doesn’t.  If your earthly father doesn’t affirm you, then let your heavenly Father, take his place. . . .
[And] don’t lose heart.  God still changes families.   He Still Moves Stones.
Thankfully this may not apply to all of us as to families and if not let us praise the Lord.  But you know, even if all is well within the home there are offices and school rooms wherein we have people with whom we rub elbows 5 days a week – they may not always be kind. They may not always appreciate or approve.  They may even expect more from us than we can or should give.  When that happens, remember Jesus and move on. 
I love you all. Thank you for your patience.  Sweet Heavenly blessings on you today!
Praise Reports and Prayer Requests
Update on Suzi:  my last word is the surgery appears to be successful and she and the family are waiting to see how recovery comes along.
ABBA, You know our needs; thank You for meeting them within families, within offices, within school rooms and every other place our IDOKs may be this day.  Thank You for Suzi’s surgeries and we pray she will recover and be whole.   Thank You for our IDOKs and I pray for them today that each will know that they know that they know You are with us and in You all is well even when all does not look well with our health, our families, our finances, whatever anyone of us is experiencing, You are God and You are doing all things well for we Your people.  Thank You.  Please protect and keep safe our IDOK Troops today and bring each of them home safe and sound and more in love with You than when they deployed.  Thank You for the privilege of praying for each specific unspoken, each general unspoken, Moms and Dads and Grandparents who have children and grandchildren concerns and every other person listed here by name, ABBA, we pray For Your Will to come upon each in Jesus Matchless and Holy Name.   Amen and amen.  
A Specific Unspoken.
Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about.
Children and/or Grandchildren about whom Moms (& Dads) are concerned that their salvation profession may not be true. 
La Juanna. Ed G. Tammy and family.  Ms. Page.  Donald N.  Vanessa. W.C. and family. Mary M.  Danny and Tina. Ken and Della.  Art and Sula.  Rudon.  Kelly C. Henry P.  Dana and Joey and Children.  Tracey M. Vicki and Bob.  Brady and Chloe.  Patti and family.  Joyce, John & children.  Sparky.  Sean.  Susan R.  Kay B.  Rusty & Romney.  Johnny McK and family.  Katie H.  Amber Johns. Joe-Ann. Vickie and Family. Dennis and Lisa J. Jack. Melanie and Jay M. Alice T. Elaine W and Family. Joni and Todd. Roy and Julee. Glenn R and his family. Holly. Donald 2. Debra B. Jon E. Brian. Donald 1. Loyce McM. DeLois. Mollie B. Marzelle. KC. Neolle T. Mary F. MH and J. Caleb and his family – Rob, Vaughn, Whitaker and Donoghue. Dora. Mattie. Brenda and her family. Joshua A. Martha McC. Tamra and Family. Suzi.  Rachel and family. Joe and Rose. Darlene’s Sister, Leona. Tammy B and Family. Brian T. Ricky M. Linda and Family. Joe. Michael H. Linda W. Debbie W. Natalie. Jacqueline and Sons (River and Jackson). Sandra. Dot B. Julia O. Ann C. Stan and Jowanna and Family. Susan D. Melissa and daughters. Jason A and his mother. Wayne B. Melinda H. Brennan and his family. Joshua. Heather and Brandon. Darlene and Torkel. Maggie and Family. Katelyn (H). J Lloyd. Janet and Steve. Bay and family. Bill and Judy.  Larry and Claudia and family. Callie. Ruth. Cynthia. Allyson and Glyn and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Chuck. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Mollie and family. Andrew and Daughters.
Shay and Emma’s Kids (orphanage in Zambia) Ministry
Ryan, Sarah, Josh & Caleb Bedenkop – missionaries in Arizona.
The Ministry of IDOK
The Peace of Israel.
Revival in America.
IDOKs Military Families.
IDOKs Troops (foreign soil) – Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Brant W. Christopher R. Joshua M. Brent. Justin G. Michael K. Bay N. T. Palin. Bobby G. (added 12/16/08) Tommy T. Kyle N(3/09). Jessica D. (4/09) Sgt. Vince Barrientos (5/2009)  Bill H.  (added 9/24/09) Brandon B.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Joey H.   10/21/09.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Shaun. Bay. Lee. George. Travis N. Hawk. Justin G. Tommy W.
Injured: Lukas S. (11/30/08)
Military at home, specifically those emotional-spirit wounds that only God and Time can heal – Adam M. Captain Tran. Josh. John L. Drew. Richard M. Matt P.  (added 9/24/09) 
As I post this it is 56°F and haze in Al Asad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 5:13 PM AST and on December 7, 2009.
Uncategorized

Tea Cups

Leave a comment

IDOK DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009

As I was driving across the Bay on Tuesday mulling over recent days a picture formed on the wall of my mind and I want to share it with you.  I want to share it because I really believe the Holy Spirit of God gave it to me for me and for you.  I believe it will help us. 
When we first begin to bring our thoughts into captivity unto Christ; you know what thoughts I am speaking about.  Those thoughts that Scripture calls fiery darts; those that begin with ‘what if’; those thoughts that can send us into an emotional heap – those kind! And so when we first begin (or maybe, begin again) to resist those thoughts rather than laying in an emotional heap beneath them, it can FEEL like we are standing before the mouth of hell with a teacup of water trying to put out the fire. And as we are about to pitch that teacup of water on the fire, we are hit with more fiery darts, like: ‘What’s the use? Who do you think you are? And what good do you think this is going to do?  This is too much, you can’t win this.  You can’t put this fire out with a teacup! And then what he hopes to be the clincher: You know if God really loved you, He would not allow you to suffer this way!’  Please refuse to listen to that trash!  Please don’t give up.  Let us keep on keeping on with our teacup of water pouring every drop we got on those raging fires and the Holy Spirit WILL come in and He WILL turn our teacup of water into a FLOOD and He WILL extinguish those flames.  And YOUR victory will be oh so sweet!! 
Here are some verses to put in our tea cups.
Psalm 27: (New King James Version)
 13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.        
What a confession is this one!  The Psalmist knew unless he believed, he would lose heart, he knew he had to keep on keeping on with his ‘teacup’ until he SAW the Goodness of the LORD in his ‘here and now’.
 14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!  Look at that promise!  If we will wait on HIM (and the wait means trust, rest upon, lean back on; curl up in His Lap, so to speak, and rest our head on His Heart), HE shall, not maybe, but SHALL strengthen us.
Hebrews 13: (New King James Version)
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
Deuteronomy 31: (New King James Version)
6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Philippians 4: (King James Version)
 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Psalm 37:(New King James Version)
 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
         For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
Amen! Stuff is going to happen and we are going to get cut and bruised and wounded BUT we shall NOT be utterly cast down!! AMEN!          
 25 I have been young, and now am old;
         Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
         Nor his descendants begging bread.
I’ve seen the time that this one got me through some really lean times but in HIM we knew we would NOT starve.  And today you and I can know, we may not always be comfortable but in HIM we will get through any hardship, even debt and financial losses. Amen!  And this one.  Now this one in years passed I wrote it and others out on index cards and taped them over my kitchen sink, the bathroom mirror and various other places, as well as carried them around with me so I could read them again and again.  Sound radical?  Maybe so but when one is desperate, desperate measures get the job done.  And at the time I didn’t even know Beth Moore.  :) I’ve since learned she does the same.  
This one I particularly like in the NASB  Psalm 145:
17 The LORD is righteous in all His ways  And kind in all His deeds.
18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.
This one said to me that even though what I was experiencing was not right and certainly was not kind that my GOD was Right and He was Kind even though He was allowing me to stay and stay and stay in that season.  If I had not chosen to believe those two verses moment by moment, I don’t believe I would not have kept on loving Him in that season of my life.
Today we may want to pick up 17, 18 AND 19 to put in our tea cup.
  19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them.
As I complete this writing I am so excited about it that I am having to curtail myself to keep from posting it early.   I so want you to have His Word to sustain you, encourage you and lift you higher than you have imagined.  I love you all, my dear, dear IDOKs.
A P.S. from later in the day from page 209, day 4, week 9 (The Patriarchs by Beth Moore): Remember, the goal of all true discipline is to disciple.  God never chastises His child past the point of teaching.  He never punishes just to punish.
As I post this it is 43°F and partly cloudy in Baghdad, IQ (Airport) and the time is 7:24 AM AST and on December 3, 2009.