What do I know??

I have sought your face. I have counted the cost. I have rushed to conclusions. I have made mistakes. I have felt the loss. Now I am still; but what do I know of HOLY???

I love this song. It has touched me deeply.

Just an old cat!

When I Am An Old Cat


When I am an old cat
I shall wear a diamond collar
and leave footprints on white couches;
I shall drink my cream with a touch of brandy
and spit out my vitamins;
I shall sit on the laps of dog people just to irritate them;
I shall nap on top of the neighbor's petunias
and perch on the top of birdbaths
and grow charmingly chubby.

But for now I must tolerate the dog
and use my litter box
and not sharpen my claws on the sofa,
so no one can doubt the truth
that cats are superior to dogs.

But every once in awhile I wonder
if I should be naughty now and then
and nip a few toes,
so my humans won't be too shocked
when suddenly I become an old cat
and start to wear a diamond collar.


--author unknown


This is by far one of my favorite poems ever!

Spitting Fire

The last few days something has taken hold of me. I am so darn angry. I don't really know why. Of course I can spout off circumstances that are looming and are totally out of my control. But it goes deeper than that. I am trying desperately to hold my tongue; to not say things or make decisions that I will regret. The truth is my life is beautiful. I am so blessed. My love is home. My children are precious. I have every material thing I could hope for. I live in the place of my dreams. I have seen more beauty than my mind can comprehend. I have amazing friends who would drop everything and come running if I needed them. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME? I just wanna scream today. But I know that, "Temper tantrums, however fun they may be to throw, rarely solve whatever problem is causing them." ~Lemony Snicket

O, Lord help me to have joy. Let joy be the breath on my lips, the bounce in my step, the strength of my bones. Take this anger from me. Make my path clear.. take control of the uncontrollable.

Is it the red hair?

Funny Story:

My little red headed 8 year old (whose birthday is not until Nov) decided that he wanted to have his birthday party at WalMart (not that there is one in Germany anyway). Nevertheless, He said that way we could pick out all his decorations and eat whatever he wants. Also if anyone came without a gift they could just buy one really quick. Then after the party if he did not like his gifts, he could just return them. Humm? It must be the red hair!

What a week!

What a busy week it has been. Wes had his surgery on Monday. Everything went wonderful. The surgery itself was quite long. We arrived at 1300 and did not get back home until 1900. Wes slept most of the day. His physical therapy started on Wednesday. We are so thankful that he is being allowed to have all his treatments off post. It is very encouraging. We expect a full healing in his knee. He is looking forward to being able to run and play with our kids and join us on our family bike rides. He will have physical therapy until 14 July. He will also begin a cartilage replacement therapy next week. That will last for 5 weeks. In the meantime, his exercises at home include skateboarding.. yes skateboarding! Here is my skater dude in action:




We are on hold still as far as his deployment status which also puts the children and I on hold for moving back to the states. We are hoping to have some answers by the end of the month.

The waiting, wondering, and creating possible scenarios in our mind has been exhausting. I am such a checks and balances girl. I want to know all the details ahead of time and make my list to be checked off. I am slowly learning that it impossible to do in the army. It will leave you confused and simply frustrated. I am trying my best to surrender it all.

I happened across this verse yesterday; it has given me a new hope. It is Psalm 139:16 (NLT) "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day passed."

How wonderful is that. I do not know what my future holds. But I do believe that weather tragedy or triumph awaits me, that God has written it. He will not leave me forsaken. I am trying to rest in that and enjoy each day that I am given. I do not want any regrets. I want to live and experience this wonderful place that we have been brought to. I know one day we will call the states home again, but until then I pray that I make the most of my time in Germany.

On another note, our little Hermann came full circle.





This was Hermann on day five. He had fully risen and produced two little babies to begin new Hermann's.












This is Hermann ready to go into the oven.
















Now this is Hermann ready to be enjoyed. We made him into four flavors. One was plain and we put chocolate icing on him. One was brown sugar and raisin. One was cinnamon crunch and the last one was banana nut. They were all delectable.

Farwell D-Wing

What a joy it has been for the to work with the teachers on D-wing this year. Each of these ladies are precious. I learned so much from them. It is hard saying goodbye. But we are full force into PSC season. Several of the teachers are moving to various parts of the world. Though we will be separated by miles and oceans, I hope that we can stay in touch. Who knows when the army will bring us together again.




On another note, we are day 4 into raising our little Hermann. He is growing quickly. Just a few more days and he will have babies and then we can bake him and eat him.

Here Hermann!

Well-P, we got us a Hermann today thanks to my sweet British friend Lisa.

For those of you who do not know Hermann, he is a bread starter that has been leaving little babies everywhere here in Mannheim. I suppose it is like Friendship Bread. This is my first one ever. The kids are excited about it.

There was some hilarious confusion at first that I must share with you.

When Lisa called to tell me she was bringing over our little Hermann, I told my children that I would be right back I was going to get them a surprise. I returned with a little plastic jelly jar filled with milky liquid and introduced them to Hermann. My little red head was quite excited. But when I began to explain his care plan, He became confused. I told the children that we would feed it, it would have a couple of babies, then we would give the babies away to friends and cook what was left of Hermann. My red head started sobbing saying that we could not eat out pets. It took forever to re-explain that Hermann is not a pet... he is bread.

The whole thing was quite amusing.

Baring it all!

Form this point forward I will be shifting gears a bit in my blogging. Up until now, it has mostly been about fun and eventful happenings in our life. I have not been very consistent in my blogging. I purpose to do better.

Twists and turns in an army life are quite the norm. In our short three years as part of this army family, we have seen our fair share. I suspect will we see more. In the coming days I will embark on a journey that I thought I would never in my life face. That is the journey of deployment. But before we get to that point, I must first walk through this trail of yet another knee surgery with my love. It is a surgery that could in effect keep him from fulfilling his duty. BUT we are praying and believing for total healing! We have no doubt that God called my love to serve the military. We will not back down, we will not give up.

We have already seen God move mightily on Wes's behalf concerning this situation. We are seeing it again. For those of you who deal daily with the military medical system, you know how frustrating it can be. You also know that nothing happens quickly. But God does have a plan for my love and has moved swiftly to answer his prayers.

Through the grace and favor of a friend, my love was sent to a German orthopedic doctor. He had a same-day appointment that followed with an MRI just 2 days later. He was seen today for the follow-up. The doctor reviewed Wesley's MRI results and concluded that surgery is his best option. Wes is scheduled for surgery Monday, 8 June at 1300. Following surgery, Wes will begin physical therapy on Thursday, 11 June. The doctor recommended 14 days of convalescence leave to recover. He did not give Wesley an end date for the physical therapy. I am sure it will depend on his progress.

Wes came home this afternoon with the biggest smile on his face. He is so encouraged. He knows that The Lord has put this doctor in his path. He is expecting a full healing in his knee before the end of block leave.

We are both fasting and praying through this whole process. We believe that Wes will be fully healed and running by the end of this month. He will be able to lead his team into battle and they will all come home victorious! AMEN!

I can't wait to see the look on the faces of his company when Wes runs to formation lean and trim with no crutches. What a testimony of God's grace, favor, and healing it will be. Our prayer is that God will use this to open the hearts of those who need to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior! My heart races and my eyes fill with tears just thinking about it. Hallelujah!

So as stated in my title, I will be baring it all. The ups, the downs, the failures, and the victories of this Army life.

I hope that you hang in there with me and that through my journey you find hope and grace in your own life.

Peace and Love of Christ be with you~
Stacy

Need a Chef?

As you may already know, I have recently become a Pampered Chef consultant.

I made the decision to begin this little business for a few reasons. The number one reason, is that I love to cook and entertain for my friends and my family. Being in the kitchen with my children brings me joy and takes me back to sweet memories of the wonderful women in my life who instilled this love of cooking in me.

So, if you are looking for a chef for the day, please consider hosting a Pampered Chef Cooking Show for me. I will provide all the food, do all the cooking, and even leave your kitchen cleaner that I find it. We will have a blast and you will earn lots of Free Pampered Chef jewels for you own kitchen .

Check out my website and begin making your wish list today.

http://www.pamperedchef.biz/stacykilgo

Thank you & God bless you,
Stacy

Just a rose will do.

As duty calls, I am spending yet another wedding anniversary without my love. Yet I am utterly thankful for his love and his sacrifices. I am also more madly deeply in love with him with each passing moment. I woke up this morning to a scavenger hunt that led to my present and the delivery of 13 white roses. My heart is beaming and my eyes are dripping tears of love! Thank you, Wes!



SHMILY ;0)

Big Girl Panties

Thank you to all who have spoken encouraging and uplifting words to me during the past few weeks. My heart has been in a million places. From fear, to excitement, to anger, to regret, to hope. I have been full circle in my emotions. So thanks for sticking with me.

So here is the deal pickle. ;0)

We are staying right here where the army has sent us.

Yes, the comfortable place is in Sweet Home Alabama. Yes, maybe the children would be happier to live there than here. But is happiness the goal or is growing into the vessels that God intended us to be the goal? Growing is painful. It is not always easy. But it is WELL worth it. So, I will put on my big girl panties and walk through this valley because I know that even in the valley... there is a river of living water to sustain me.

In The Valley

Well, as you know I have been praying and seeking what to do during this time of deployment that awaits us. My heart has been utterly torn. I felt a few weeks ago that we had reached the decision that the children and I would move back to the states for the duration of the deployment. I felt relief in that decision. However, it will not be through the avenue that we first thought. I do not know what is to come. I really have to just let it go and give it to The Lord, but this is easier said than done. So the journey continues... The questions unanswered....

This morning I woke myself up singing this song.

Here are the lyrics.

If You Want Me To Lyrics
Artist(Band):Ginny Owens

The pathway is broken
And The signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

Chorus:
Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
so if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will walk through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone


So When the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I go through the valley If You want me to

Good Morning, Spring!

Ahh. Spring is finally officially here. Now I realize that the technical first day of spring is in March, but for me it does not begin until Easter.

I love Easter it is my favorite Holiday. It brings back so many wonderful memories for me. As a child I spent each Easter with my Nanny. She loved Easter so much. She was never "religious", but she clung to the name of Jesus with her every breath. (well, expect in parking lots, on the highway, or when someone didn't make her food right... then other names seemed to roll off her tongue a little easier) Any-who, she was a vibrant portrait of southern hospitality. She cooked huge Easter dinners for anyone who would come. Every inch of her home was covered in spring charm. She loved making and receiving Easter baskets. I can still see her face in the kitchen getting everything just perfect for all her little bunnies.

My basket always had a marshmallow egg and a new pinwheel. FUN!!!

O. I how I miss her! How I wish I could kiss her squashy cheeks and hold her gentle hands. Tears roll down my face just thinking of her. How blessed I am to share the name and heritage of such an amazing woman. I can't look at a bunny, an easter egg, or a brightly covered pinwheel without seeing her smile and her beauty shining through it.

On this Easter pull close the ones that you love. Hold them, cherish them. This world is fleeting. It is only a vapor. Today is a gift, unwrap its beauty. Allow your heart to dance through fields of buttercups and let your pinwheels turn in humble gratefulness of THE ONE who has given us new life.

Thank You, Jesus! Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for my family. Thank you for not leaving me orphaned. Thank you for my Nanny. Kiss her for me this morning.

Plucked

Well, I am attempting the impossible. I am letting my brows grow in hopes that I can repair the damage of being Plucked... (tweezed.. for you sophisticated readers) This is a nearly impossible task for me because I am OCD about hair. It is a sickness really. LOL. Anywho, be on the look out for the new, less plucked me. Please be knd and tell me if I start to look like burt and ernie.

Exhale...

Ahh... It has been a while since my last entry. We have been in high speed preparing for the biggest shift in our lives to date. So my mind, my heart, and my thoughts have been a jumbled mess. Wes and I have been in earnest prayer over if we should stay in Germany through this deployment or if we should return to the states. Finally, today we had a breakthrough and can exhale for a minute.

The children and I are indeed going to seek to move back to the states. We do not know what God has in store for us, but we are walking in Peace.

Please, pray for us as we begin this process.

Pocket Memories

Last night was one of those nights that you just want to wrap up and keep in your pocket to pull out every time you need to smile.

My precious Ashlynn is growing up so fast. Right before my eyes she is becoming a lady of her own. It honestly scares me. Yet at the same time, I remember the days holding her chubby little hand when I imagined this very moment. The moment when she looks at me as more than her mom, but her friend.

I have never had that type of relationship with my own mother. I instead have created a world of mother's throughout my life that surround me and walk with me during the times when I needed a "mom". I am truly thankful to each of them.

Now back on point... I decided to change things up a bit with my look. I got a new hair-cut yesterday and am changing my style. Ashlynn loves my new craZy look and is ready for a change herself. So last night we mapped out a plan.. a shopping plan. (woot woot) But not before we danced down memory lane at my expense.

Ashlynn found my high-school yearbooks and was more than amused at the hair, the clothes, and even more so the autographs in the back. She could not wait to rat me out and tell daddy about the 'love' letters in the back.

Together we laughed until we were exhausted.

I know that raising a God-fearing daughter will not be easy in this fallen world, but when the trials of teen years come.. I will pull this memory out of my pocket and smile.

7 Dollars

Face Me, Please

You have a job to do.. So get Busy!

No matter what you believe... it is our job to support and pray for our President.

1 Peter 2:13-15 (Amplified Bible)

13Be submissive to every human institution and authority for the sake of the Lord, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,

14Or to governors as sent by him to bring vengeance (punishment, justice) to those who do wrong and to encourage those who do good service.

15For it is God's will and intention that by doing right [your good and honest lives] should silence (muzzle, gag) the ignorant charges and ill-informed criticisms of foolish persons.

Jesus,
Let your hands be upon our President and those whom you have set to make decisions for us that are beyond our control. May Obama be driven by a righteous fear of You. For the fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom. May we as your children be humble and pray, seeking your face and getting ready for your return.
Amen!

2009 Foundations and Declarations

Kilgo Home 2009 Foundations and Declarations:

We are healed. No sickness, No injury can come near us!
Isaiah 53:4-5
4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows[a] that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
5 But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
Psalm 107:20 (New International Version)

20 He sent forth his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.

Isaiah 40:31 (Amplified Bible)

31But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.(A)





We know our Purpose!

Hebrews 12:1-3 (Contemporary English Version)

1Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. 2We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side [a] of God's throne! 3So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won't get discouraged and give up.

Romans 12:1-2 (New Living Translation)

1 And so, dear brothers and sisters,[a] I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.[b] 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.




We are chosen for greatness!
1 Peter 2:9 (New International Version)

9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Deuteronomy 7:6 (New International Version)

6 For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.


We walk in provision and prosperity!
Psalm 144 (New International Version)

1 Praise be to the LORD my Rock,
who trains my hands for war,
my fingers for battle.
2 He is my loving God and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples [a] under me.

3 O LORD, what is man that you care for him,
the son of man that you think of him?

4 Man is like a breath;
his days are like a fleeting shadow.

5 Part your heavens, O LORD, and come down;
touch the mountains, so that they smoke.

6 Send forth lightning and scatter {the enemies};
shoot your arrows and rout them.

7 Reach down your hand from on high;
deliver me and rescue me
from the mighty waters,
from the hands of foreigners

8 whose mouths are full of lies,
whose right hands are deceitful.

9 I will sing a new song to you, O God;
on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you,

10 to the One who gives victory to kings,
who delivers his servant David from the deadly sword.

11 Deliver me and rescue me
from the hands of foreigners
whose mouths are full of lies,
whose right hands are deceitful.

12 Then our sons in their youth
will be like well-nurtured plants,
and our daughters will be like pillars
carved to adorn a palace.

13 Our barns will be filled
with every kind of provision.
Our sheep will increase by thousands,
by tens of thousands in our fields;

14 our oxen will draw heavy loads. [b]
There will be no breaching of walls,
no going into captivity,
no cry of distress in our streets.

15 Blessed are the people of whom this is true;
blessed are the people whose God is the LORD.


We are Favored!
Exodus 33:12-14 (New International Version)

12 Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.' 13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people."
14 The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

Proverbs 8:35 (New International Version)

35 For whoever finds me finds life
and receives favor from the LORD.


We will excel and promote to places of authority!
Psalm 132
1 Lord, remember David

and all that he suffered.
2 He made a solemn promise to the Lord.
He vowed to the Mighty One of Israel,[a]
3 “I will not go home;
I will not let myself rest.
4 I will not let my eyes sleep
nor close my eyelids in slumber
5 until I find a place to build a house for the Lord,
a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel.”
6 We heard that the Ark was in Ephrathah;
then we found it in the distant countryside of Jaar.
7 Let us go to the sanctuary of the Lord;
let us worship at the footstool of his throne.
8 Arise, O Lord, and enter your resting place,
along with the Ark, the symbol of your power.
9 May your priests be clothed in godliness;
may your loyal servants sing for joy.
10 For the sake of your servant David,
do not reject the king you have anointed.
11 The Lord swore an oath to David
with a promise he will never take back:
“I will place one of your descendants
on your throne.
12 If your descendants obey the terms of my covenant
and the laws that I teach them,
then your royal line
will continue forever and ever.”

13 For the Lord has chosen Jerusalem[b];
he has desired it for his home.
14 “This is my resting place forever,” he said.
“I will live here, for this is the home I desired.
15 I will bless this city and make it prosperous;
I will satisfy its poor with food.
16 I will clothe its priests with godliness;
its faithful servants will sing for joy.
17 Here I will increase the power of David;
my anointed one will be a light for my people.
18 I will clothe his enemies with shame,
but he will be a glorious king.”

We are wise!
Proverbs 9:9-11 (New International Version)

9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still;
teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.

10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For through me your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.

2 Chronicles 1:10 (New International Version)
10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?"

1 Peter 2:11-15 (New Living Translation)
11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. 13 For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. 15 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you.

People with evil intent are under of feet!
Isaiah 54:17 (New Living Translation)

17 But in that coming day
no weapon turned against you will succeed.
You will silence every voice
raised up to accuse you.
These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord;
their vindication will come from me.

I, the Lord, have spoken!

Psalm 30:1-3 (New Living Translation)
1 I will exalt you, Lord, for you rescued me.
You refused to let my enemies triumph over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
and you restored my health.
3 You brought me up from the grave,[a] O Lord.
You kept me from falling into the pit of death.

Is it snowing in your world?

Hello my sweet friends.

Thank you so much for your prayers for me as I prepared and spoke to the women of PWOC. God is good. Through your prayers God covered me in peace and allowed me to deliver His message to His daughters. Now that I have spoken the word, I would like to share it with you as well.

God began giving me this revelation in July 2008. Most of you know that last summer was a very difficult time in my life. I was physically very sick, spiritually dry, and emotionally drained. There were a ton of challenges and circumstances going on in my life that led me to a place of utter desperation. I have learned that when you are wanting to hear from God, being desperate is a really good place to start.

I began praying earnestly that God would speak to me. I prayed that He would give me a clear answer to all the questions in my heart. I needed provision, direction, and to know exactly what my purpose in this place was. That night in July I feel asleep praying and I had the strangest dream. In my dream I was in a house that I did not recognize and I was talking on the phone to Wes. I looked out of the window and yelled excitedly to him, "Wes, it is snowing in August in Alabama!" Then I woke up. I knew that dream was a word from the Lord and that He would reveal its meaning to me. Over the course of the last several months, God has done just that. I feel like this is a word for us all.

The word is, "IT IS SNOWING IN AUGUST IN ALABAMA and we need to check our flow!"

Let me share its meaning with you.

Isaiah 55:8-11 (King James Version)

8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

11So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

We will focus on three words: SNOW, AUGUST, ALABAMA.

First word: Snow

Snow symbolizes two things here.

One meaning is provision, "just like the snow covers the earth and provides seed to the sower and bread to the eater". Our father know exactly what we need when we need it. He tells us in Matthew 6:31-33, to not worry about what we need. He already knows.. He will provide. In this time when the world is screaming RECESSION... as children of God... we need NOT worry. God IS our Provision. We will PROSPER!

The second meaning God showed me is that snow symbolizes purpose, "his word will not return void, it will accomplish what He sent it to do!" God will fulfill the purpose of his word.

So what is it?
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (New International Version)

16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.


As a teacher's assistant for children with special needs... it gives me great joy to teach them. Seeing the "light" turn on in their eyes when they grasp a new concept or skill, is thrilling. But there are many school days when I have to rebuke and correct more than I teach. It is not easy, nor is it fun. But it is necessary. Then there is the training. One of the examples I think of when I hear the word training, is when my little ones are preparing to go home for the day. It is cold here in Germany. So all the little ones have not only coats, mittens, and hats, but they also have snow pants, snow boots, scarves, and many other layers. (I fully expect one of them to tip right over at any moment!) It would be so "easy" for me to dress each of them myself and then hurry them out of the door, but I must TRAIN them to do it themselves. It is hard on me as the teacher to see them struggle, but I know that the struggle is necessary for them to learn. I believe that God sees us in the same way. He sees us trying to put on all the "layers". He wants so baldly to step in and solve the problem for us. But He must allow us to go through not only the loving teaching moments, but the rebuking moments, the correcting moments, and the training moments. This is the purpose of His word in our lives... to teach, to rebuke, to correct, to train.

Friends.. we must STOP trying to fit God into our plans... and we MUST submit to His!

Second word: August

August is a time of transition; a time of transformation. It is when the summer ends and a new school year begins. It is the busiest month of harvest. You see the leaves begin to fall from the trees and the year begins to shift.

Romans 12:1-2 (New American Standard Bible)

1Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.



We often beg God to show us His will for our lives. Friends, it is not a secret. But is does have a prerequisite. We must first submit our lives to him. We must be willing to be transformed by His word.

Third word: ALABAMA

Now you all know that I love Alabama. So I thought I had better prove to you its meaning, or you just might think that I was joking because I do believe that it is the Greatest of all 50 US states. ;0)

The word ALABAMA means:

Alla, the Maltese term for "God."

Allah (الله), the Arabic term for "God."

Hebrew

Strongs #01117: hmb Bamah

Bamah = "high place"

Ala "GOD" ; bama "high-place" = Alabama - "God's High-place" ;0)



When I think about God's high place, I automatically think about being on the mountain top. Being on the mountain is refreshing. The air is clear. You can think and hear clearly. Funny thing about mountain tops.. they are usually covered in snow! Covered in provision, covered in purpose. But just like the disciples, we can not pitch a tent and stay on the mountain top. We must go down into the valley. O but there is good news for the valley. You see snow on the mountain top produces water in the valley.

John 7:38 (Amplified Bible)

38He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water.



You see friends, the valley is in our souls. Is it dry? Or is it flowing with rivers of living water? If you are living a defeated life then your river.. your valley is dry.



Job 38:22-23 (King James Version)

22Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail,

23Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?





We are in a war friends. In the natural world war surrounds us. All we need to do is turn on the TV to see its devastation. Many of us have husbands, brothers, sisters, friends, who are literally at war right now. But there is a greater war, a more dangerous war. It is the war for our families, the war for our time, the war for our health, the war for our children, the war for our marriages, the war for our finances... O the list goes on and on. But the casualties of this war will not be on your Tv or in your newspaper. No! This war is fought in the valley in the spirit.

Ephesians 6:12 (King James Version)

12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.


Friends.. you can have victory today! Enter into the storehouse of snow. Allow the rivers of living water to flow through you!

Check your flow today... Friends, you can have victory today! Enter into the storehouse of snow. Allow the rivers of living water to flow through you!



It is snowing in August in Alabama.

GOD'S PROVISION, HIS PURPOSE

IN THIS TIME OF TRANSITION OF TRANSFORMATION

IS FOUND IN HIS HIGH PALCE!



I love you all and I am overwhelmed with joy to be able to share this word of The LORD with you.

Living In HIS Grace,

STACY

Would you run?

One Sunday morning the congregation of a mega church gathered for service. There were more than 2000 people in the service that day.

Just when all the people had made their way to their seats, two masked men carrying assault weapons walked in. They chanted and screamed, "Who is willing to die for Christ today?"

Immediately people began running for the doors. The entire choir left, the deacons left, all but about 20 people fled the building.

When only the 20 remained.. the masked men uncovered their faces, laid down their weapons, and then looked at the Pastor and said, " Ok, Pastor you may begin your sermon... ALL the HYPOCRITES are gone!"

What would you do?

Faith is Action- Rodney Turner

Faith Is Action!!
Written by: Pastor Rodney Turner

Faith is an action. A process of living our lives on a daily basis one day at a time; sometimes living it one hour or even one minute at a time.
Faith is not the church or being a member of a religious organization. The Bible (Gods instructions to all men & women) tells us that,
“Faith comes by hearing and hearing (understanding) by the
Word of God.” (Rom.10:17)

Faith is putting the Word of God that we know, that we really know,
into action in our everyday lives. The life we live Monday through Saturday, not just the one we “put on” when we get up on Sundays!!

“For by Grace are you saved through FAITH…. It is the gift of God”
(Eph. 2:8)
The same way we started our journey with God, “by Faith”, is the same way we must continue every day when we get up for a new day.

Hebrews 11:6a tells us, “without FAITH (I didn’t say this God did) it is
IMPOSSIBLE to please God..”
We (my wife Monica & I) have determined in our life that we need
“Faith In Action” to be pleasing to our Heavenly Father.

On New Years Eve of this past year 2008, my wife Monica and I decided to go to our church in Chelsea, Al. (where we are the Children’s Pastor) for some food, fun And fellowship. We decided to travel down with another family from here in Cullman. As we were getting on the road my wife Monica prayed that our journey would be
easy and safe there and back home. We all agreed and said, AMEN!
The time of food, fun & fellowship was great. Everyone had a good time celebrating the coming of the New Year…2009!!
As we journeyed back home from Chelsea to Cullman, We were on
I-65 North just past Finley Ave. @ about 12 midnight. Monica was
seated behind the driver, I was seated in the middle beside her and the couples son was seated on the passenger side of their Ford Explorer.
Monica was on her cell phone sending a text message to our son in
Cullman when a bullet came through the window of the vehicle, spraying glass everywhere, hitting her in the center of her chest.
The first thing out of her mouth was somebody just shot me call 911.

Then, FAITH was Activated! Monica began to speak out of her own mouth the word of God and the very promises that the Heavenly Father has promised to all that will believe and receive them.

Isaiah 54:17—“No weapon that is formed against me will prosper”

Ephesians 6:1—“Children OBEY your parents and honour your parents…
So that it will be well with you and you will have LONG LIFE on the Earth.”

I have obeyed and honored my parents, the promise of life is MINE!!!

As she was proclaiming the promises into the atmosphere of that car
Each one of us was joining our Faith with hers and agreeing with her
for her victory!
Deuteronomy 30:19—“I the Lord call Heaven and Earth to record this day, that I the Lord have set before you life & death, blessings & curses; therefore CHOOSE LIFE that you may live.”

Monica began to shout, “I choose LIFE, I will LIVE & not die on this day. I didn’t go all the way to Africa 3 different times to come home
And die here tonight. I will Live and TESTIFY of the power of Jesus!”

John 10:10—“The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy; but Jesus you said that you came to give us LIFE, to give to us ABUNDANT LIFE”

Tonight I/we (Monica & Rodney Turner) recognize the enemy and we
choose to have the Abundant Life of Jesus!!!

During all this time (about 3 min.) we are trying to get off the interstate to a truck stop/ travel center to get help. Ms. Bobbie is driving the car, Talking to the 911 operator and listening to my directions to the travel center…. And praying with the rest of us!
When we get to the travel center and as the emergency personnel get to the scene to take Monica out of the car and put her in the Ambulance, she turns and looks at me and says “listen to me”,
I said I’m listening. She said these POWERFUL words….

“I FORGIVE the person that just shot me. Do you hear me?
I FORGIVE them and release them right now!!!”
I told her that I agree with that they are FORGIVEN.

Matthew 6:14—“if you forgive…. Then your Heavenly Father will forgive you.”
Verse 15 says, “if you do not forgive.. then your Heavenly Father will not forgive you”

“FAITH IS ACTION!!”

We left the travel center and went to UAB ER. As we traveled to the hospital, we began to call and send text messages to several of our friends, families and prayer partners at Daystar Church, at Chelsea Community Church, at Simcoe Worship Center, at Christ Fellowship Church, at Destiny Church and at Abundant Grace Church
And many others at other churches across the USA and world to be in agreement with the Word of God concerning what had just happened to Monica. We wanted them to stand with us in FAITH!! Praying and Believing the Word!
People from America, Africa & Germany were praying and believing. People were called to pray in Cullman, Chelsea, Birmingham, Hartselle;
In Florida, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, New Mexico, Oregon.

At the hospital, after all the tests and x-rays (and finding NO bullet) and close observation; the ER Dr’s & nurses would just say that Monica was “LUCKY” because most people that are shot in the chest don’t survive the shooting; but every time Monica would say,
“I AM BLESSED and HIGHLY FAVORED”

She told them that the Power of God was what brought her through this situation and every circumstance she/ we have faced in our lives.
They were in awe that she would even consider forgiving the person that shot her only a few minutes after it had happened, but she just told them that God had forgiven us, so why couldn’t we forgive those that hurt or harm us? FAITH IS ACTION!!

After a total of 12 hours at the hospital we left and came home. ALIVE!!!

Some, not many, have said it wasn’t a safe trip like you prayed for
because you got shot on your way back home. However, what is a gun shot wound to the center of the chest (that most people don’t survive), some swelling, bruising, discomfort and pain for a short period of time that will soon be gone… compared to the price that Jesus paid so that today I can stand up and say with my own mouth; I AM ALIVE!!! The only reason; because I/ we activated the Power of our Faith.

FAITH IS ACTION!!!

Just like it worked for Monica & me, it will work in your life when you begin to proclaim and speak out of your own mouth the Word of God!
I/ we are not any more special than you. We are not more perfect than anyone else, matter of fact no one is perfect. We all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God. But, when the pressures of life are all around us (finances gone, marriage trouble, family problems, jobs gone, need new direction in life, new decisions to be made and even death & pain), we must act on the Word of God. The Word of God works when we SPEAK IT out of our mouths!!!
We must put our….

FAITH IN ACTION!!!

“Faith is the substance of the things hoped for,
the evidence of the things not seen.”
(Hebrews 11:1)


This is our personal testimony of how speaking the Word of God makes
tremendous POWER available for anyone to help in every situation that we have to face. Nothing that we have to go through and face in our lives is a surprise to our Heavenly Father. Neither has it caught him off his guard when we face the “Big Deals” in our life.
God has promised to always be with us and that he would never leave or forsake us –plus— He promised to never put more on us than we could bare or handle. Another of our favorite scriptures to speak is..

“IT CAME TO PASS…”

And this too shall come, not to stay,
But it shall come to pass!!

Thanks for ALL the prayers of FAITH!!!
Keep speaking the Word of God.

Stupid Devil

Hello my sweet friends,

Most of you know my friend Monica Turner.. (she and her husband are pastors in Alabama and missionaries to Africa) On New Years eve she was shot in the chest by a random bullet while driving in downtown Birmingham. She is alive... the bullet missed her heart. Please... Please Pray for her and her family. Pray that she will quickly heal from the wounds in her body and her emotion. I wish that I could hop on a plane and be there with her today. She is such a warrior for Jesus.. so the devil was pretty stupid to mess with her! My mind can't comprehend all the GOOD that will come from this... VICTORY BELONGS TO THE LORD! One of the first things that Monica said after being shot was.... "God I forgive and release who did this to me" She is amazing and the devil just started a fight that he has ALREADY LOST!

I love you all... Thank you for praying.

Stacy