Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

This month we are spending the HOT month of July here at Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Next month we will meet up with Laurie of Women Taking A Stand and in September we will share our thanks with Iris of Grace Alone. 

Hi Everyone. So glad you joined me to give praise and thanksgiving to our Lord. Over the weekend I enjoyed celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary and visiting with my childhood friends.

It was a blast. We reminisced. We laughed. They all reminded me about some of the trouble I got us all into. I guess I was quit ornery. Sheesh!  

The story of lighting the backyard on fire was relieved. YEP, knew THAT would come up as well as a few others that I sure would like to forget. However, it was so much fun to remember our childhood. My heart grew full with love as we renewed our friendship as "grownups."

So, today I give thanks that the Lord allowed me to return to my childhood home and say to these precious people for the first time in 30 years, "I love you."

 God is indeed Good.

Who is He calling you to telephone or visit and say these precious words, "I love you." Don't put it off. Call right now and let love flow into a past friendship which you treasure.

I can't WAIT to read your post this Thursday. 

Honor Jesus with your thankful heart.

BIG hugs, Lynn

PS. Because we were celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary, I took a moment to ask Rosie what the secret was to a 50 year marriage. Find out what she said at Laced With Grace and read, The Best Wedding Advice EVER!.

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

This month we are spending the HOT month of July here at Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Next month we will meet up with Laurie of Women Taking A Stand and in September we will share our thanks with Iris of Grace Alone. 

Hi Everyone. So glad you joined me to give praise and thanksgiving to our Lord. 

I have so many things to be thankful as we start the second half of 2010. SAY WHAT?  Half the year has rushed passed already. Whoa!

I must pause on this July 1st to give thanks for the privileges of living in America. As we celebrate our 234th birthday, I do pause to ask all of you to pray along with me for this nation, it's leaders and especially the people and animals affected by the Gulf oil spill.

On another note, I want to share one of my favorite people with you. Okay, he's not a people but he thinks he is.

 

This is Peanut.

Believe it or not, I learn a great deal about unconditional love and loyalty from this mutt. I also see so many parallels in living for the Lord as this little pup lives for the joy of our family.

Peanut was born a happy, playful and pretty much a giddy little dog. He was sweet and curious and always up for adventure. He would prance around the kitchen when he received a dog bone and he would race to the front door when it was time for a walk.

But..... life happened to Peanut.

Early in his life he slipped away from the safety of our home late at night. He was met, we think, by one or two coyotes who were looking for a meal. I don't know how he escaped but he limped home, torn, bleeding and full of fear.

Five days later I visited Peanut at the veterinarian hospital and the vet pronounced, "I think Peanut has decided to live."

Whew! We took the little guy home. But that's not all. 

He tore his foot open at the park. Another vet visit

He was jumped by a big dog on a walk. Gash in the side, Another visit to the all night animal hospital

Seizure. Another late night to the Animal hospital. Etc.

I have spent more money on this dogs injuries than all of my other pets I have own my entire life combined. There is a brand spankin' new addition to the vet's office that is named after the Donovans *grin*.

Sheesh!                                                              

The many traumas this little guy has experienced has changed my dog. He is often frightened. Won't go outside for long. He trembles over any loud noise and is jumpy and hesitant. I've watched as fear has taken up residence and squashed his once adventurous spirit. 

He has learned the hard way, much like we do, that we live in a dangerous world at times. He has also learned that under our protection he is safe well cared for and receives enormous amounts of pets on the back each evening.

I think about the times I ran away from the Lord during my prodigal years. How I encountered danger and struggle. Those dark years were often scary and uncertain. I made bad choices and today, bare the consequences of my actions. There were wolves disguised in sheep's clothing waiting to tear my heart apart......

However, I returned home.

My Lord doctored me up. Invested enormous amounts of love and care into my healing. His Son paid a heavy price to have a mansion built for me. 

So, as I look down at my little Peanut tonight and smile at him with love and stroke his back to give him comfort and security, my big imagination comes to life. I see my Lord, reaching down with a gentle smile, a hand of comfort and a heart of grace as he gently speaks soothing words to the broken places in my soul.

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 

I read this passage this morning as my dog sat with my on the couch during my quiet time. Tears flooded my eyes. He indeed, heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

and..... those of little dogs as well.  

Be blessed, Lynn

What are you thankful for. Write your Thankful Thursday post, then link up here, visit a few of the others and mostly offer praise for the Lord is good and He is faithful. Hugs, Lynn

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

This month we are meeting with Iris of Grace Alone. We will meet back here in July.

I'm a tad behind with my Thankful Thursday post and just have a quick moment to share something before I rush out to the courthouse to report for Jury Duty.

Today my mind is drawn to this scripture 2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind.

I recall Lysa TerKeurst speaking about this passage a few weeks ago. It still is present in my mind how we must stand of the truths we know and reign in our emotions.

I believe this passage became absolutely real to me in the past several weeks. I am so thankful for the truth of God's Word and it's ever present power in the life of an ordinary woman.

What are you thankful for? 

Be blessed, Lynn

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

This month we are meeting with Iris of Grace Alone. We will meet back here in July.

Well, this is the last week of school here in California. Yep, the school year is long, well into June and it's a short summer as the next school year begins August 11th. Sheesh. My daughter is fit to be tied. 

Thoughts of school flood my mind. All of the firsts. It was my daughter's freshman year of high school. I am thankful mostly that the Lord stood by her side and she grew a little more into the woman she is going to be. 

So today, I am thankful for teachers. The teachers in our very large high school, for the most part, are amazing. My shy daughter blossomed under the direction of her Performing Arts teacher. It was so cool to watch her change into a confident young woman. Thank you.

Awards ceremony: Performing Arts

I am thankful for all teachers. Those who teach our children and those who taught us when we were small. I am thankful for those who continue to teach us even as adults. 

One of my goals has always been to learn something new everyday. I do. 

I give thanks to the Lord for teachers. Happy Thankful Thursday. Be Blessed, Lynn

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

This month we are meeting with Laurie at Women Taking A Stand and then in June we will share our thanks over at Iris of Grace Alone. Back here in July.

Well my schedule has slowed a tiny bit and this past week I was able to spend some time in my garden. Wow, things are growing. It is a delight for me to walk through it everyday and watch as God's creation changes before my eyes.

I am thankful for my garden. lettuce, red potatoes, gold potatoes, corn, zucchini, pumpkins, peppers (all sorts) tomatoes (yum, salsa), herbs, sunflowers (seeds). All of it in a small patch of earth. Yipee!

  

Romaine (above) and tomato blossoms. 

 

Corn... It's looking like it will be knee high by 4th of July. (who made this saying up anyway????)

Oh, and that is Doo Doo below in the last photo. He's a hoot! He guards my potatoes. Not doing a very good job of it either as the horn worms are having a field day.

Happy TT. What are you giving thanks for this week? Be blessed, Lynn

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

This month we are meeting with Laurie at Women Taking A Stand and then in June we will share our thanks over at Iris of Grace Alone. Back here in July.

So many thoughts crowd my mind as I am thinking upon my blessings.

• My daughter's opening night performance in the High School Musical, Bye Bye Birdie is tonight. I can't wait to watch her sing and dance across the stage.
• My husband is crazy busy at work. I am so thankful he has a job.
• My Mom is visiting from Colorado. Wow, we always have the most amazing talks. 
• Life is finally slowing a bit and I hear the Lord calling me to pray with intensity for many marriages. I count it a privilege to stand in the gap.

I am deeply thankful for all these things and so much more. I am thankful for all of you my friends. What are you thankful for this week? Hugging all of you, Lynn

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

This month we are meeting with Laurie at Women Taking A Stand and then in June we will share our thanks over at Iris of Grace Alone. Back here in July. Wow, are we talking the hot months of summer already.

This week I have been richly blessed by all the speakers from A Woman Inspired, One Marriage Conference. It was a time where I was able to see God alive and well and working in our marriages. 

I am thankful for my husband. That man loves me and I adore him. We have over come so many challenges and I see growing old together as a great and grand gift.

The Lord is good. He has done great things in the life of an ordinary woman, an ordinary wife.

What has the Lord given you through marriage? Be blessed, Lynn

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

I am thrilled to be hosting Thankful Thursday in April. Next month we will meet with Laurie at Women Taking A Stand and then in June we will share our thanks over at Iris of Grace Alone.

Can you believe five weeks have past us by? Say WHAT? 

What happened to April? 

WOW, what a month. I shared with you my multiple neighbor encounters of God dealing with my pride while I was out walking the dog and how I was a chicken in the grocery story. 

This month you lived my discovery of the baby bird egg and our Living Hope.

And on the first of April you joined me and a bunch of my friends for our Passover seder. 

 

 

Wow, I’m humbled and thrilled to count you as my TT buddies and friends. Thank you for sharing your life with me. One day in heaven about 100 years from now, we will all sit together and talk about our many Thankful Thursday adventures. I can’t wait for that day my friends. I surely can’t wait. I have a bear hug for each of you. 

I now pass the hosting on to Laurie at Women Taking A Stand. We will meet there next week and I still plan to participate, and will catch up with you then. But for now, I leave you with some coming changes, events, a new series and a miracle. 

On May 3rd we will launch our new blog design. I love the rings and grass my friends but it’s time for a change. You will love our new look. Stop back on Monday. 

On Tuesday, we are launching a new series, Friendship With God. What does that really mean? How are we supposed to fear God as the Bible says yet be His friend. What does that friendship look like in 2010 and ultimately we will discover together a friendship so profound, we will never, ever feel alone again. How cool is that? God is writing this so stop back. 

On Wednesday, I am sharing a personal story of the supernatural. It really happened but it is so weird and different, I’m not sure what you will think. Please let me know if you get goose bumps or do an eye roll….. It’s fantastically strange. 

Finally on May 10th I am going to share my personal story at A Woman Inspired Conference, Who Killed Cinderella? You will want to see what really happened to our Princess. I hope you can tune in.

I am deeply thankful that God held my hand each day of the month of April. He is always near, teaching, correcting, astounding me and loving me to greater heights in His Kingdom. 

What are you thankful for this week? Write you post, link up and give glory to the name of Jesus for all He does in your life. Hugs, Lynn

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

I am thrilled to be hosting Thankful Thursday in April. Next month we will meet with Laurie at Women Taking A Stand and then in June we will share our thanks over at Iris of Grace Alone.

Wow, here we are and another Thursday. This week I don't have a "Neighbor Encounter" to share with you but I'm sure I will in the very near future. God is up to something and I bet I will learn a thing or two in the process. 

I stepped outside to walk Peanut this afternoon, just minutes after it rained. I brought my camera along in hopes of a experiencing a tiny love note from my Savior. He's like that you know. Love notes and all. I was breathless to take in the beauty of the sky and breathe in the fragrance after the rain.

Look what I found while walking.

 

A baby bird must of hatched in the tall trees above where I found this half shell on the sidewalk. 

Sometimes, tiny encounters like this humble me and delight me at the same time. The fragrance after the rain, the brilliant blue sky sporting clusters of dark and rumbling clouds and the fragile shell that shouts of spring and new birth.

Neat! 

Have you had a tiny encounter with Jesus this week? Post about it at your place and let's praise Him. 

Thank you for the beauty of spring and mostly Lord, thank you for new birth. We have been born again into everlasting life and a living hope. I worship you Lord, Jesus. Amen

1 Peter 1:3  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

What are you thankful for this Thursday. Be blessed, Lynn

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

I am thrilled to be hosting Thankful Thursday in April. Next month we will meet with Laurie at Women Taking A Stand and then in June we will share our thanks over at Iris of Grace Alone.

-----

I am preparing to speak at a retreat this weekend. I ran out of time and wasn’t able to get around to visit everyone this week. Boo Hoo…. I hope to stop by and visit everyone early next week. I truly love reading your praises and catching up with you. 

Most of you read my story last week about my challenging neighbor. (Does it strike you that perhaps I am the challenged one?) In fact, I believe our God is intentional when He is working on our character. This has proven to be so once again in my life this past week. Here we go…. 

I went to the grocery store Sunday afternoon to pick up some fresh veggies, fruit, milk, and bread. As I rounded the corner and looked down the potato chip aisle, I spotted – him. AGAIN. (If you missed this story, scroll down to last Thursday’s post.) 

Yep, it is my Harley ridding, tatted out, neighbor I have purposely avoided, until last week. 

Remember, God told me to get over myself and start acting neighborly toward this guy, so I did. 

Well, God wanted to make sure I wasn’t going back on my promise. Here I was in the grocery store, staring at him from the top of the aisle. “What are you going to do, Lynn?” The Holy Spirit whispered. 

I gulped and started toward him not really sure what I would do. He was looking over a bag of chips. I walked down the aisle, resolute that if he saw me, I would talk with him. But, he never looked up and I passed him by. I chickened out. I didn’t say a word. 

I finished shopping. Perhaps it was okay that I didn’t tap him on the shoulder to say hello. I whispered to the Lord, “I will chat with him on my next walk around the block.” 

God would have none of my excuses. 

As I unloaded my cart in the checkout lane, guess who pulls up right behind me? Yep, it’s him. 

Okay, Lord. I’m busted. I get the message. I surrender. Forgive me. I am hearing you loud and clear. 

I stood straight up. Turned away from my groceries, looked him in the face and with a smile I said, “Hey, how are you?” He smiled back. Then with a gentle chuckle said, “I almost didn’t recognize you without your little dog.” 

He grinned sheepishly. I grinned back. We laughed. I finished my check out and as I was about to push my cart away, I turned around to my neighbor and said, “Well, I’ll be seeing you later.” Inferring that I will be around with the dog as usual. 

We smiled then I walk to the car. 

I grined to myself as I prayed and loaded groceries into the car, “Lord, you are at work here and I am a slow learner. Help me to see what you see and let me be prepared to interact with anyone and everyone you choose to send my way.” 

How utterly patient is the Lord. He relentlessly pursues me. He pushes me out of my comfort zone so that I will be conformed to the likeness of Christ. 

I am fascinated by these encounters and I expect you will hear of several more this month before my turn is over hosting Thankful Thursday.  

God is at work in the life of this ordinary chicken. (better not lay an egg *grin*)  

What do you think? What are you thankful for this week? What is God working out in your life? Be blessed, Lynn

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

I am thrilled to be hosting Thankful Thursday in April. Next month we will meet with Laurie at Women Taking A Stand and then in June we will share our thanks over at Iris of Grace Alone.

Just a few minutes ago I was stumped about what to share with you on this Thankful Thursday. Often when I am stuck without a word from God, I will go for a walk. So this afternoon, like I do around this time of day, I leashed my little dog and went for a walk. 

I kneeled down and prayed, “God, what are you words. What is it you want to share?” 

Little did I know I was about to receive a very personal and powerful message. 

I started toward the neighborhood park a couple of short blocks away. I know many of our neighbors and wave to them as they see me jogging in the morning or walking in the afternoon. As I crossed the street, I looked up and there I spotted – him. 

Our neighbor over the fence and three houses up. He moved in a few years ago and has been known, on occasion, to host loud parties in the hot tub with “medicinal” smoking into the wee hours of the morning. At four in the morning, I was not a fan. 

Couple this, with the fact that his teenage daughter has nearly collided with my car on three separate occasions because she drives way to fast and texts at the same time. I am definitely not a fan! 

I have ignored this man who always arrives home from work minutes before I walk down his street. I walk on the other side of the road pretending he is non-existent. (This is starting to sound like the Good Samaritan story but I’m not the Good Samaritan----am I) 

I don’t want to wave and give him a warm smile. What I want is to give him a piece of my mind. 

Well several months ago, my husband was out walking the mutt and the guy stopped him, “Why don’t you ever say hi?” 

Gulp! 

My husband chatted with him then came home and told me our neighbor asked why we were ignoring him. 

Well, I didn’t think much about it until today. Until I spotted him. I knew in an instant God was putting the smack down on my attitude. 

“Lynn, I love this man. You are to wave to him every day from this day forward and one day a conversation will develop. I have used you with your other neighbors. Why are you being so judgmental?” 

Gulp! 

Well on our return trip my little mutt, Peanut and I, walked down his side of the street and in fact, he was out front watering his lawn. I knew what was coming. 

I shuffled by with a smile on my face, “Hi, how are you? It’s great weather this afternoon since the wind died down.” 

He looked at me without response. Was it stunned silence? 

He gathered his wits and replied, “Hi, ya.” 

“Your yard looks great.” I encouraged. 

No reply 

I walked on. 

Then, “Yeah,” he called after me as I walked down the street. I think he recovered from the shock that I smiled and spoke with him. I could hear a smile in his words as he shouted down the street to me, “It’s really great weather.” 

I know there are more conversations ahead and they won’t be about a piece of my mind. 

O Lord, forgive me for my arrogant, unforgiving, and judgmental heart. 

I am so thankful God does not leave me unchanged. I have attitude and He fixes me. I have arrogance and I get a much-needed smack down. I have pride. He works it out. 

Thank you God. Thank you.

I have a free ticket to give away to the One Woman Conference May 10-12th. Expect a few stories, some giggles, and powerful truths from God’s Word. If you are thriving in your marriage or want to thrive, this session is for you. I hope you will join me as we honor the Lord within our marriages. Leave a comment here to enter. Hugs, Lynn Drawing on Monday. Enter on our Facebook Page (click here).

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

I am thrilled to be hosting Thankful Thursday in April. I have been crazy busy and plan to jump back into blogging this month and earnestly look forward to visiting all of you are reading your praises. Next month we will meet with Laurie at Women Taking A Stand and then in June we will share our thanks over at Iris of Grace Alone.

As I prepare this post it's Wednesday. The middle of the Holy Week. Also, the observance of Passover coincides with the week leading up to Easter. It would have been on a Wednesday that Jesus and his disciples sat for a Seder meal.

I became quite curious about the Jewish traditions of Passover and began chatting with a friend, Kathryn, who describes herself as a Christian with a heart for unity between Jews and Gentiles, who provided me with insight into the ancient customs. After speaking to her, I decided I wanted to experience some of the traditions and how they point to Christ with my small group from church. So I did. You can see the photos below (Thanks Tanya for grabbing my camera and firing off a few photos).

The following is from Kathryn:

I'm so glad you are blessed by this! That would be very meaningful to share the matza and juice with your group. 

Because the seder has always been done in the same order (the word seder means order), we can know at what point Jesus did what. 

For example, before the seder begins, there is a ritual washing of hands. That's when Jesus washed his disciples' feet. 

It's overwhelming to me that Passover rituals that have been kept for millennia point to Jesus. He had it all in place before He came. Even the matza used for the seder is kept in a special linen with three compartments, and is called "echad" which means one. Three in one. Jews have no explanation for it. That's the way it's always been done. And why break the middle matza, wrap it in linen, hide it away, then redeem it and partake of it? Just tradition, they say. 

Jesus didn't bring a new meaning to Passover. 

It was about Him all along. 

It's always been about Him. 

If you're interested in knowing more, I recommend reading Christ in the Passover by Ceil and Moishe Rosen. You might also want to browse around my website at Precious Holidays. Hugs back, Kathy

It is true. I am overwhelmed as well and delighted to share this life changing week with my small group and now with you my friends who participate in Thankful Thursday. This week I give thanks for the Resurrection. It's always been about Him! AMEN!

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

In this beautiful month of early spring we are gathering to give thanks at Laurie's place, Women Taking A Stand. Find Thankful Thursday here in April and back to Grace Alone, with Iris in the lovely month of May.

Need I say more of the Glory of our Great God! I praise Him and give thanks for the beauty of His creation. Happy TT, Hugs, Lynn

Periwinkle in my back yard

Sunshine on a stick

I have no idea what this is but an entire bush full of flowers. Neat.

Apple blossoms

Lily

Matthew 6:28 And why do you worry about clothes? 

See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

We are meeting this month with Iris of Grace Alone and in March we will be at Laurie's place, Women Taking A Stand. Find Thankful Thursday back here in April.

In a few months I will be turning the big five oh. I decided that my profile photo was out of date seeing that is more than six years old. I needed a new photo and called up my friend, Prema of The PB Style. 

She took this ole' gal's face and captured the essence of me in some of her photos. I thought I would share a few with you today. Help me choose.

These are only the proofs. I will upload my profile photo in a few days when I receive the original on CD.

 




Isn't Prema awesome? I adore her and my other photographer buddy, Iris Nelson of Grace Alone. So, I hope to update my profile photo in a couple of days. I am tired of that old one. 

I am thankful for my friend and sister in Christ, Prema. God has gifted you with an amazing talent. Hugs, Lynn

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

We are meeting this month with Iris of Grace Alone and in March we will be at Laurie's place, Women Taking A Stand. Find Thankful Thursday back here in April.

Did you hear the great news? Jesus lives!  

Did you hear the other great news? Because He lives, we have the power to overcome our struggles and live the abundant life. 

Did you hear the other, other great news? The former Blogger’s Retreat renamed, Sisters of Faith ~ To The Ends Of The Earth Retreat has opened registration. *grin* 

Did you hear the old news? Attending the retreat last year was one of the most profound spiritual experience of my life. God showed up…. My husband got a job…. My relationship with my sister was healed….. My husband’s salvation journey intensified…. Dineen and I are writing a book. God did all that in two days.

I AM CONVINCED the Lord met me there and set in motion all of these events which happened within six weeks of the retreat. The women at that retreat prayed…. God heard and He was honored. 

Oh, won’t you please plan to join me there this year? Start saving. Start planning. I can’t wait to see all the Lord sets in motion. 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him for my dear friends who are giving so much to put this retreat together, Angie Knight, Susan Baldwin, Lisa Shaw, Edie Moore. 

Hop over to Sister’s By Heart and take a look around. Happy TT. Be blessed, Lynn

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

We are meeting for the month of February with Iris of Grace Alone and in March we will be at Laurie's place, Women Taking A Stand. Find Thankful Thursday back here in April.

One of my passions is leading a small group of women in Bible study. I have led a bazillion Beth Moore small groups. Love our amazing Beth Moore. Also, last fall I led two groups through The Love Dare, Lies Women Believe, and several others over the years. 

To sit among 10 other gals and discover together the truths of living life with joy and abundance through the study of God's word, is one of the blessings of being a child in the Kingdom of God.

Today I am leading a group of women who are the leaders of my home church women's ministry retreat team. I feel inadequate but completely excited. We are using a relatively old study, The Celebration of Discipline. Sounds like an oxymoron, celebration and discipline in the same sentence, but I can't wait.

It will be a privilege to lead our group on the discipline of Meditation. Meditating on God's Word coupled with prayer tipped my world upside down, spun me sideways and left me breathless. It changed me forever and it was GOOD! It was life-changing!!

Can I get an AMEN?

Today I have the chance to share how our great God used His powerful word to change an ordinary gal like me. It is my hope that each of the women there will discover a fresh enthusiasm for the study, reflection, and the power available in the Holy Word of God.

For this profound privilege, I am deeply thankful. Thank you Jesus, I love you. 

Happy TT. Looking forward to reading about your week. Hugs, Lynn

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

January sure flew by in a flash. My month for hosting ends today. Let's all meet next week over with Iris of Grace Alone and in March we will be back at Laurie's place, Women Taking A Stand. Find Thankful Thursday back here in April.

I have loved, LOVED, visiting all of you this month. With my crazy schedule sometimes I only am able to visit my friends on Thursdays. Your wisdom, grace and humor have delighted my heart and inspired my soul.

THANK YOU!

Such a strange thing has happened. My daughter received a tropical fish aquarium for Christmas from her Uncle. This aquarium has been a great gift..... for me. I have thrilled watching these beautiful fish and aquatic frog move about and chase each other. The colors and grace are mesmerizing. 

 

Such an unexpected joy. I am thankful with a full heart for the unexpected joys the Lord places into my life. What unexpected joy has the Lord brought you?

This week, how about we all visit at least five other TT participants, leave a comment, and celebrate our amazing community of Christ followers.

One more thing, over on our Facebook Fan Page, I am giving away the book, I Dared To Call Him Father. This is one of my favorite books and a compelling story to the power of Christ. I have two copies to give away so head over there and just leave a comment. You are entered. I will pick two winners Friday. 

Also, if you are a writer or speaker or even a wanna be, watch for an exciting and awesome give away over on our FB page next month. Click over and join.

Spiritually Unequal Marriage on Facebook

I love each of you. Thank you for spending your precious and limited time with me today. I will be by your place soon. Be blessed, Lynn

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

January I'm am privileged to be hosting this awesome event. Next month we are meeting with Iris of Grace Alone and in March we will be back at Laurie's place, Women Taking A Stand. 

I am a tad surly today. Bear with.. 

The best of plans sometimes go awry. And today, this was my life. So I have decided I won’t sit down and cry. I think it’s best to laugh and start fresh again tomorrow. 

I woke at o’ dark hundred. The alarm clock was in the off position. Yikes, I am already behind schedule and it’s only 5:30 am. 

I looked outside, my morning “jog and praise” was called on the account of rain. Sheesh. Then my daughter needed extra help with her lion’s main of hair. Yikes, more time lost. 

I arrive home after making the run to school and I’m ready to sit at my computer and type. But, lo….. (I mean no) I decide to fill the bird feeder. I stepped outside. I froze in my tracks, my hand raced to cover my mouth and nose. My person is assaulted by the most hideous stink. I almost launched right there on the patio (sorry, perhaps a bit graphic *grin*). 

I ventured slowly forward. I spot the thin tail of a rat under our spa. It was obviously dead and smelling up our entire neighborhood. Rat poison does work. 

I scream for hubby. He opens the bottom of the spa. I find a plastic bag and have to pull the thing out. Sick, I tell you. It was sick. I held my nose with one hand, the bagged rat with the other and trot to the garbage, all the way I am praying asking for forgiveness because I killed the rat. 

Hubby begins sweeping up the mess. 

I return and reach for the hose to dispel the smell. Water gushes out and sprays the residual rat guts back at me, which of course, covers my face. 

I look up at my husband, shock is written across my face. He busts out laughing. I start to giggle, which morphs into howls and belly laughs. I’m sure our neighbors are convinced we’re nuts. I have giggled all day. Well at least from the time I had a shower. I feel much better now. 

So, this post is likely the only writing I will do today. There’s always a fresh start tomorrow. 

I am thankful for a sense of humor, a God who loves to laugh and I especially thankful that I always have a fresh start in my future because I serve a God of unlimited chances. What are you thankful for this Thursday? 

Can’t wait to read your “rat” story. *grin* Hugs, Lynn

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

January I'm am privileged to be hosting this awesome event. Next month we are meeting with Iris of Grace Alone and in March we will be back at Laurie's place, Women Taking A Stand. 

I love Pizza.

I love a great cup of coffee.

I love my husband.

I love my dog, Peanut.

I love praise music.

I love apples slathered with peanut butter. Chocolate??? Not so much.. I know I'm weird.

I love Jesus.

Do you think the power of the word "LOVE" has been lost? We use this tiny word to describe so many things. Pizza and puppies. Apple pie and Jesus. 

We use many words, including love, to describe our Lord. He is awesome, amazing, great, kind....

However, there still is one word we use to describe God, which is ascribed to Him, alone.

HOLY

Our God is Holy, above all others.

I am thankful our God is holy, all-powerful, our protector and redeemer. This Thursday I am in awe of a Holy God who would see little ole me. Who cares deeply about my everyday life and has set me on a path of discovery and adventure with Him.

What are you thankful for today? Can't wait to read about what you love. Be blessed, Lynn

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

January I'm am privileged to be hosting this awesome event. Next month we are meeting with Iris of Grace Alone and in March we will be back at Laurie's place, Women Taking A Stand. 

This week an email arrived with an astonishing and powerful prayer from my BFF, Angie Knight, of the Knightly News. It included an excerpt from the book, My Heart’s Cry, by Anne Graham Lotz. It is awesome. Thanks Angie!

This very day, we are sitting on the precipice of many adventures in the year ahead. The Lord our God has so much He wants to give us in 2010. He wants us to receive healing, to know authentic and never ending love, to conquer the anxieties in our life. 

He wants us to live in joy.

So today become empowered by the Holy Spirit. Read this prayer aloud this very moment. 

"I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. 

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. 

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power. 

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. 

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go 'til He comes, give 'til I drop, preach 'til all know, and work 'til He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me-my banner of identification with Jesus will be clear." 

Now tell me did you feel the spirit rise up in you? If not, read it again and this time - out loud. 

Let this attainable power lose in your life and watch things begin to change today. 

Isaiah 43:19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. 

Tell me what you are expecting to do in the Kingdom this year? AND DREAM BIG! We serve a very BIG God! 

Happy Thankful Thursday, Hugs, Lynn

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

December we are meeting at Women Taking A Stand. In January we will be giving thanks in the new year, right here at Spiritually Unequal Marriage. I can't wait.

_____

Wow, the last day of 2009. What a year it has been. Many of you have shared the fantastic and divinely appointed journey of the Donovan Clan. We experienced many extreme challenges and struggles. We faced some deep fears and financial setbacks. 

 But! 

 ~Don’t you always love that there is a but in the story? 

God proved His faithfulness. Mostly He showed this broken and messed up bunch of people just how mighty and awesome He really is. God astounded us with answers to prayer and miraculous provisions. 

Yet, as I sat with Him this morning instead of feeling joy, I felt pain. I felt the sting of rejection and unworthiness. 

Why is it after all these years walking with Jesus the actions of people still can hurt so deeply? 

You see, I wasn’t included. I wasn’t asked to the party. The party was discussed around me but I was left out. And I was left out by the very people who are suppose to love and care about me. 

I think the Lord showed me this pain to remind me of how many of you feel pain. You feel pain because you weren’t invited to the party. You were left out. You were talked about, disrespected, and then left by the wayside. 

If you read my story over the past year and felt anger or hurt because your marriage has not changed. If you are wounded because your husband remains distant and hostile to Christ, I know you. 

I see you. I feel your pain. I will never forget all the years of crying for my marriage and the pleading for salvation of my husband. 

The LORD will never allow me to forget. Do you know why? 

Because I know how you feel and the Lord knows I will never stop praying for you. 

My journey is certainly not finished. As I talked to the Lord this morning about my pain, He reminded me of the vast amount of work still to be done in my heart and character. This pain was necessary to keep my mind on all of you and my focus on Jesus Christ.

I am thankful. 

Happy New Year! I love you. Lynn 

PS. Please join us for the week of fasting that begins Sunday. Stop back tomorrow for more information. This week will make a difference in your life for the entire year of 2010. That’s a promise! 

Don't forget, join me next Thursday as I will host Thankful Thursday for the month of January! Hugs.

*Update: It's funny. Just as I hit the publish button, an email arrived with a party invitation. God is too cool and it's nice to be asked!  

Welcome to another Thankful Thursday! This month we continue to meet at Women Taking a Stand. I'm (Dineen) filling in for Lynn this week, which is majorly cool because I get to tell you what I'm thankful for. Can I have more than one? LOL!

First and foremost, I am thankful for Lynn and for her obedience to God to start this ministry. And she let me join in! Yes, I am truly blessed. Which brings me to the second thing I'm thankful for.

YOU!

If you're reading this blog, I am honored to the tip of my toes to serve you. Some of you leave comments that bless me beyond words. Sometimes your comments are what carry me through the day or week because you remind me I'm doing what God has asked me to. And on the rough days, especially some recent ones with my daughter, you were a bright spot in a difficult day. THANK YOU!!!

Now, how about some Christmas Traditions? What traditions make your Christmas extra special? I hope you'll read my post over at Laced with Grace about the Miller Christmas Traditions. Would love to hear about yours!

Praying and believing,
Dineen

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

December we are meeting at Women Taking A Stand. 

This Friday our church will host Sarah Kelly, Grammy nominated entertainer, at our annual Christmas Dessert. This event is the pinnacle of our women’s ministry at my church.

The first Friday of every December our worship center is transformed. Tables are set up and the women of our church bring to bear their creative talents and turn a simple round table into a work of art. Once finished the tables are elaborate, tasteful, simple and even sometimes gaudy, in a fun way. The lighting is soft with flickering candles. You will find snowmen, nativity sets, candy canes, feathers, ornaments, and every color of red and green.

It is mesmerizing.

It is one of my most favorite times of the year.

So this Thursday, I give thanks to my BFF, Pam Dvorak, Women’s Ministry Director, for bringing me on board to assist with all things in our Women’s Ministry. I am thankful for Katie Hougen who is our event coordinator. Pam and I would be lost without her. She is truly GIFTED in hospitality. Pam and I stand in awe each year when the doors are opened and the event goes off without a hitch.

I have served now for a year in women’s ministry at our church. This in itself is seemingly impossible. Most churches would never consider bringing a woman on staff who is married to an unbeliever. But, thanks be to God and to a few wise servants, they see past my mismatched marriage and see my heart for Jesus.

I am deeply thankful to serve Sunridge Community Church.

Be blessed, Lynn

PS. One amazing thing you may not know. I met Pam Dvorak while I lived in Las Vegas, before she was saved and during my prodigal years. We both worked at the bank together and became great friends. We lost touch when I moved to California. However, several years later I spotted Pam in our local Target.

“Pam, what are you doing in Temecula.”

I was astounded. Our friendship instantly reignited and today we serve the Lord Jesus Christ together in Women’s Ministry at our church. God wastes nothing and you never know why you might meet someone… NEAT!

This month we will meet at Grace Alone. December we will return to Women Taking A Stand. 

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After 14 years of serving God, the pastor of my church, Greg Sidders, will be leaving. Waaaaaah!

I am sad and happy.

The teaching I received under the Holy Spirit inspired words of Greg have changed my life. His words have certainly changed eternity for many. In heaven I can imagine Greg will have thousands in his line as many thank him for reflecting Jesus. I will be one of them.

Greg is now heading into a new direction with writing and speaking and likely other adventures yet unknown. I will miss his teaching, his leadership, and his passion for seeking and saving the lost. I see Jesus in Greg.

I now look forward to the new opportunities for our church with anticipation. God is a God of change. The ride can be scary and fun and everything in between but it is NEVER boring.

God bless you Greg as you move forward in your service to the Kingdom. Thank you for making a difference in the life of an ordinary woman, me.

What are you thankful for this week? I can’t wait to read your posts. Be Blessed, Lynn

Greg Sidders Blog

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

This month we will meet at Grace Alone. December we will return to Women Taking A Stand. 

My heart feels like it could burst right out of my chest with joy. Joy placed there by dwelling with the Lord Jesus Christ. His displays of love and favor overwhelm me. Here are a few things for which I am earnestly thankful.

• Men and women who serve or served in our Military. Thank you.
• God's Holy Word. The transforming, anchoring power of speaking God's word in prayer.
• Psalm 91
• Psalm 119

• Especially Psalm 37:4

• My husband
• My daughter's first performance in her first school play. It was fantastic. She's turned out to be a neat kid despite my zany influence *grin*.
• Thanksgiving in Colorado with my Mom. ~Mom and Kayla, I can't wait!

• One year ago on Tuesday, was the day my husband was given notice he would lose his job. One year later, we are living better than we could ever expected. I am changed. My husband is a new man (more about that later), I appreciate the gifts of God more than ever. Our bills are paid. I don't know how God does it but month after month, I just trust Him.

I am so thankful to have friends who stop in and care about our lives. I love you deeply and care with all that I am about your life, your family and your heart. I can't wait to read your thankful list. Be blessed, Lynn