He Gives Me Breath

I pray this song ministers to you as much as it has me. God is our Sustainer. He is the One Who revives us!

 

God's Provisions

For the last 17 1/2 years, "Mr. Cartwright" and I have experienced amazing provisions from the Lord. So many times I could kick myself as I acknowledge my lack of trust.


Since "Hoss" left and went to Agape Boarding School, finances have been even more unsteady. My faith has failed so often. But I praise my Savior that His provisions do not depend on my faith. It surely is unmerited favor and unbelievable grace.


Since the time the "Cartwrights" started their lives together, we have kept a journal of some sort for our family to remind us these truths. This list started with the gifts of salvation given to us. The first three years of our marriage were blessed by the following:

1978- "Mrs. Cartwright’s" conversion

1989- 2 mystery men (providential messengers)

1990-"Mr. Cartwright's" conversion

1991- Lord delivers "Mr. Cartwright" from death

1993- Delivered from serious injury in red Nissan accident

1993,94,96- Faithfulness and lovingkindness in  "Mrs. Cartwright’s" surgeries (back, endometriosis)

1993- The "Cartwright's" meet

1994- Wedding of the "Cartwright's"

1994- Comfort through  "Mrs. Cartwright’s" miscarriage

1995- Stung by wasp and delivered from death

1996- Delivered from death in auto accident

1996- Received down payment for first house from fellow believer (3,000)

1996- Received anonymous 500.00 to help out with Christmas

1997- Provision for "Hoss'" adoption (10,000)

1997- "Hoss'" adoption

1997- Faithfulness in  "Mrs. Cartwright’s" hysterectomy

1998- Failed adoption gave opportunity for gospel presentation

1998- "Hoss" delivered from death after taking pills

1998- Grant of 3,900 for exact amount of "Little Joe's" adoption

1998- "Little Joe's"adoption

1999- Purchase of Dodge Caravan

2000- "Marie’s" adoption

This is just a sample. God's Faithfulness and Mighty Acts of Provision is an ongoing list. When my faith fails, I pull this out and get down on my knees in repentance and submission. My Master confounds me. I am thankful.


This week we were able to add to this list. We were notified by the Athletic director for our homeschool group, FISH, that an anonymous donor paid for "Little Joe's" basketball season. Praise Him!


Amidst an emotional week concerning my mommy's heart and loving my son from afar, God provided through "Grandpa Cartwright" for David to take a trip to see "Hoss" in April as well as extra spending money. Dad and son will be able to have two and one-half days to themselves to talk and enjoy their time. We are, again, awed, and brought to our knees in thankfulness.


Most of all, I want my children to see my faith at work. I want them to "see" what the Lord has done for us. 
He is Mighty. 


Mighty to Save.

Proverbs - In Simple Form

I just finished reading, Simple Secrets to a Happy Life, by Luci Swindoll. As I read through each small chapter, I couldn't help feeling like I was reading a practical how-to of the book of Proverbs. Each chapter is titled with a five word admonition for life. It's a very easy read, yet at times challenging.


This is my first time reading anything by Miss Swindoll, but I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. She has a witty way to challenge us in our walk both physically and spiritually. It's amazing that she is entering her eight decade of life. Yet, this is what gives her the permission to help us to live better. For Christ. There are beautiful, funny stories of her life that helps depict what she is explaining. These were very enjoyable.


Our life on this earth shouldn't be focused solely on being happy; but to bring Christ glory as we live it out. Miss Swindoll reminds us, though, of so many truths from God's Word that help us to live this life to the fullest. Proverbs, itself, is a book of contrasting the foolish and wise lives. 


Wise living does bring happiness. Remember happiness isn't all about feelings. As Luci reminds us in one of the chapters, "Allow Yourself to be Sad", these times can bring inner happiness.


This is how I want to live to the end.


I received a free copy of this book as part of the Booksneeze Blogging Group.

He is Our Refuge

He will not delay. He has a plan. He will come through. We may not know. 

 So, I trust.

 

I am Dead. (Or Need to be.)

"For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf." II Corinthians 5:14,15


Selfishness. Pride. Control. Self-righteousness.


Paul nails these sins. As I read these verses this morning, deep conviction came. 


Does the love of Christ control me? Sigh....not often enough.
Do I live for myself? Sigh....way too often.
Do I get this whole thing of emptying myself and living and loving for Him? Sigh....such a battle.


If I really understand the Gospel and what Christ has done on my behalf, namely, dying my death and living the righteous life I could never live, my life would look different. I would give a whole lot more of myself; even die to self.


I desperately want this. Holy Spirit, empower me to do this. Grant me repentance on a daily basis to give up.

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!

God has provided what we needed for our son. He is able to stay at Agape Boys Ranch. Our months will still be living by faith, but our hearts are content as the future of the one we love is now secure. We are thankful to those who are loving on our son; taking our place while we love him from afar. They have made a decision to allow him to stay and had favor on us as well.

Thank you for your prayers.

God gives grace for each moment of each day.

Praise be to our Father and Master.

He is Working....In Me!

God speaks. I am certain of it. Though it most often is not in an audible voice, he speaks in so many other ways, namely His Word. Yet, at times he uses others to say what we need to hear.

This week I have been fighting anxiety over my boys and where he is. His year date is coming up. The Lord provided in amazing ways for the ability for him to be there this last year, but those funds end soon. He wants to stay; we want him to stay. We are seeking God's direction and provision. So, I fight the feelings of "what if".

I fight the thoughts of "if not".

Today, I opened one of my devotional books and read, "When something in your life or thoughts makes you anxious, come talk to me about it." (Jesus Calling, pg. 64)

That's the key. I need to bring my supplications to the Savior in Thanksgiving and talk to Him, not mull over them or fret. This mind battle is so hard. It is a fight. 

I am also going through Stormie Omartian's book, The Power of a Praying Wife. Today's prayer????

"Lord, I commit our finances to You. Be in charge of them and use them for Your purposes.......I pray that my husband will not be anxious about finances, but will seek Your kingdom first, knowing that as he does, we will have all we need." (pg.57-58)

These are my fighting words today.

Psalm 37:25 "I have been young and now I'm old; yet, I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread."

Philippians 4:19 "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus."