Away From Home

So we're told, "He knows why he's here."

We do too.

And yet, we wish He were here.

Home. A safe place where love is lavished on all who reside.
Home. A secure place where each member knows about Our Great God.
Home. Two parents who strive to live each day loving each other and the Lord.
Home. Home. Home.

I often wonder when he will be able to say, "I'm glad I'm home. This is my home. I'm thankful for my home."

I wish I could read his mind and make him believe. But I can't!

So I keep on knocking. My knuckles hurt. So I put on my boxing gloves and fight as I knock.

Fight against self and my wants.
Fight with the Word against the powers of the world and darkness.
Fight for our Son, which he will be forever.

The Spiritual Realm

I woke up yesterday. The clock looked back at me. 4:50 a.m. The sounds of clanging in the kitchen were heard as my hubby prepared for his day. 


I knew the alarm of my love's touch was supposed to awaken me at 5:30, so I tried to keep my eyes closed. I immediately started praying for certain situations in my life and those around me. I ventured somewhere between the conscious and subconscious. I continued praying and am not sure whether I was dreaming or awake when I became aware of a spiritual battle that encompassed me. 


I found myself in a room praying with others. As I prayed I saw a woman coming around the corner of the doorway. I couldn't see all of her, only her hand was outstretched as if to say, "Nice to meet you." I went to place my hand in hers and found myself looking into the eyes of a witch. A grotesque, wrinkled hand with long nails took my hand in hers. She told me she wanted the soul of the one in which I was praying. 


I immediately awoke, or at least opened my eyes. You must know, I am very leary of claiming to see visions and dream dreams. I don't believe God speaks this way much anymore. I think the Western Church has taken horrible liberties to push their own agenda in these matters, mostly for wealthy gain. But I do believe there is a spiritual battle ensuing around us. This could have been just a dream I had. To remind me of this battle. Whatever it was I was stirred. And shaken.


I do believe evil exists. 


But I do believe God is stronger than any evil.


I awoke and went to my knees for the remainder of my quiet time and  prayed. For all those in my life who find themselves in the middle of spiritual darkness. For those who may be involved in evil.


Ephesians 6:1-13 reminds us: 
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the ruler, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Please stand in prayer with our family. We are fighting deep battles right now. We are fighting with the Most High Warrior. And we know He is the Victor!


Praise to His name.

Prayers for Mom

As most of you know, my mom, Wendy Stebbins, was diagnosed with lung cancer in May of 2008. She fought well and has had clean check ups every 3 months since then. This last week she had her latest check up and they found a mass in her chest cavitity along with several nodules in both lungs. She will be having further testing next week and then see her doctor for prognosis and treatment options. She is a fighter. Most importantly, she is a fighter because Christ is with her. She has ministered to so many people through her struggle, including family and strangers. I know Christ will give her the strength she needs but I would covet your prayers for her: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Please also, keep my father, Marty, in your prayers as well. Being one-flesh means he fights this fight as well.

Dad and Mom, I love you.

Jeremiah 17:7-8
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree firmly planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green; and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit".