May for Me

One of my blog friends, Tonya @ Hillbilly Handiworks, introduced me to the idea her and her friend @ Marcia's Crafty Sewing & Quilting to have the month of May for Me.

"May for Me" can mean many things to us. For me, this will be a time a renewal and refreshing my mind along with working on a few projects and therapy. I admit I am not good with schedules for myself. I am fine usually alone but when others are around my schedule never happens. Therapy and things I have the urge to do go out the window. I am a wife and mother who loves to take care of my family and others. However, I cannot do what I used to do and need some time to figure out what is best for me. So, with that said, the month of May will be a time to figure out what is best for me, leaning on God's word and direction and learning what is best. We will see how God uses this time in "May for Me". I will post some during this time to share with you all but also to keep me on track and remembering.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Romans 12:1-2

Have a great week!
God bless you and keep you,

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Potter's Hand

Praising God!
Visit Amy's post here or join with us!

Please say some prayers for my sister and brother-in-law and his family. They are dealing with the loss of his dad right now. I do not know all the specifics however they truly need to have prayer.
Also, short update on me, still sick and dealing with blood pressure (odd readings). Praising the Lord for great reading this morning and thanking Him for many things. Also my mother is visiting so I will not be around as much. I pray you all are doing well and may the Lord bless you this weekend!
Much love,

Have Thine Own Way

Have Thine Own Way

(old hymn)

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! 

Thou art the potter, I am the clay!

Mold me and make me after thy will,

While I am waiting, Yielded and still.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine old way!

Search me and try me, Master, today!

Whiter than snow, Lord, Wash me just now,

As in thy presence humbly I bow.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!

Wounded and weary, Help me I pray!

Power, all power Surely is thine!

Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!

Hold o'er my being Absolute sway!

Fill with thy Spirit Till all shall see

Christ only, always, Living in me.

A-men.

Psalm 51 - A prayer by David

"Have mercy upon me, O God,
         According to Your lovingkindness;
         According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
         Blot out my transgressions.
 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
         And cleanse me from my sin.
        
 For I acknowledge my transgressions,
         And my sin is always before me.
 Against You, You only, have I sinned,
         And done this evil in Your sight—
         That You may be found just when You speak,
         And blameless when You judge.
        
 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
         And in sin my mother conceived me.
 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,
         And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.
        
 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
         Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
 Make me hear joy and gladness,
         That the bones You have broken may rejoice.
 Hide Your face from my sins,
         And blot out all my iniquities.
        
 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
         And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
 Do not cast me away from Your presence,
         And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
        
 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
         And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
         And sinners shall be converted to You.
        
 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
         The God of my salvation,
         And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.
 O Lord, open my lips,
         And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.
 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;
         You do not delight in burnt offering.
 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
         A broken and a contrite heart—
         These, O God, You will not despise.
        
 Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion;
         Build the walls of Jerusalem.
 Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness,
         With burnt offering and whole burnt offering;
         Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar."

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

An old but great hymn!

Agnus Dei by Darlene Zschech

Alleluia, Alleluia
For the Lord God Almighty reigns
Alleluia, Alleluia
For the Lord God Almighty reigns
Alleluia

Holy, Holy are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb

Praising God!
Visit Amy's post here or join with us!

"Return to Me"

"Return to Me oh faithless one! And I will heal your faithlessness (backsliding)" Jeremiah 3:22a

Return to God with all your heart, your whole heart. Admitting any wrongdoings in your life, admitting that you have turned away from God in any part of your life. All my life I have had a stirring inside of me but before I knew what I was doing I had Warnings, flashing signs, caution lights, like when you are going the wrong way on the highway. Sometimes ignoring the signs either to busy or curiosity of what was ahead. Many years gone by, 2007 started the turning point.

"Return to Me" I thought that I had messed up, that there was no way God would ever forgive me for all I had done. I started to go back but I was still half-hearted, still unsure, Still walking a path that was going the wrong way. November 25, 2009, there was a halt. I had reached the cliff and about fell. I had a stroke that should of killed me but God saved me, brought me back because He is not done. What a wake up call!

"Return to Me" I was like Judah, half-hearted, turned away from God, watching others wanting to be more like the world (accepted) instead of what God wanted. Saying one thing and doing the opposite. Going to church off and on. Jeremiah 7, God wanted Jeremiah to go to His house and speak. The people did not listen to Jeremiah. They would not listen through all the words God gave to Jeremiah to say to them. The warnings!

"Return to Me and I will not cause My anger to fall on you. For I am merciful, says the Lord; I will not remain angry forever. Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the Lord your God, and have scattered your charms to alien deities under every green tree, and you have not obeyed My voice, says the Lord." Jeremiah 3:12-13
God wants us to return to Him. He wants our whole heart. To completely give ourselves to Him. We don't have to end up like Judah and Israel, in captivity and having God's wrath upon us! As long as we Return to Him who is merciful and forgiving.

"O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, that you may be saved. How long shall your evil thoughts lodge within you?" Jeremiah 4:14
Our thoughts get us into trouble when they are not clean. Hatred, bitterness, thinking every thing is okay and not being ashamed of evil doings... How long before we change our thinking?

Jeremiah, appointed by God (Jeremiah 1:5-19) as a prophet, was saddened by all that was going on in his nation. "O my soul, my soul! I am pained in my very heart! My heart makes a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because you have heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war." Jeremiah 4:19
In verses one and two of chapter 5 God asks Jeremiah to show him one person who seeks the truth and He would pardon Jerusalem.
"O Lord, are not Your eyes on the truth? (faithful) You have stricken them, but they have not grieved; You have consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction. They have made their faces harder than rock; they have refused to return." Jeremiah 5:3
Jeremiah is talking to God about his people and how they are not returning. They refuse to be corrected for their actions. Will we listen?

During all this time, it made me think about our own nation and how society has accepted items that go against God. Are we not ashamed? Are we not saddened by going against God? In our government? In our schools? In our marriages? Will we return to God or end up in captivity/slaves to another nation?
"Hear, O earth! Behold, I will certainly bring calamity on this people- The fruit of their thoughts, because they have not heeded (listened)  My words nor My law, but rejected it." Jeremiah 6:19

"Return to Me" God loves us! Sending Jesus, His only Son, to  suffer and die for us. Believe in Him. He paid our debt for our sins, repent. We are not perfect but we are to learn and obey God's correction.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
 John 3:16

Will you believe and obey God's correction? Will you return?

If you have never accepted God's gift of everlasting life and follow Jesus, it's a gift, He wants to give, forgiveness, love, compassion. Ask Jesus to be your Savior, Lord of your life, to have a personal relationship with you and live in your heart.
Pray for His forgiveness and to guide you in the areas that need work. He loves you, will you listen and walk with Him?

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

"Your Grace is Enough" by Chris Tomlin

Needed this week with all that has gone all publicly and with my friends. Praising God!
Visit Amy's post here or join with us!

Crazy Day

When I awoke this morning I thought today was going to be an average day.

Today, we have floods happening in the Northeast, earthquakes and flooding in the West/Japan, in the Central plains wild winds with fires, in the South more fires. Crazy - I am sadden by all that is happening but through my faith and constant reminder, "Do Not Be Afraid", I will believe God has a plan. Pray for those overseas in Japan and our west coast areas. Fires in Oklahoma are on the east side of town, near Midwest City and Harrah, with evacuations. As of this afternoon, winds are very high and the fires are not contained. In Jacksonville, Florida another fire and NJ is dealing with flooding. Praying.

No matter what our circumstances are, no matter what is going on, keep our eyes on the Lord. God is our provider. He answers prayers in His time and He is never late. He knows what is best. Believe in Him. To His glory!

"Holy Is The Lord God Almighty" by Chris Tomlin

Sickies

               My hubby and daughter are sick. Not sure who started what but both are coughing and complaining of a sore throat. Not fun! Yesterday hubby came home with medicine and spent a good part in bed. Today, my sweet kiddo is at home, staying in bed, resting. Luckily neither one has had any fever and I'm still hanging on, praying I don't get sick. Not fun when half of you is still trying real hard to work on every day stuff to be sick.
              One of my challenges is dealing with the fact I can't do as much as I did pre-stroke. My hubby is sick and my child is too. I can't bend much, move too fast, bring food to them, fully take care of them as I would have. I try and if I can't, my voice becomes my care, my directions. I still depend on them to help me, while they are hacking up their lungs and hurting. I'm so thankful that they understand. They look to me for answers on what to eat, how to prepare the food, what medicine to take, keep eye on how long it's been since last dosage, and how to do every day activities at home, plus more. We are still learning together and being a close family. It was just 17-18 months ago that it was just me and Krista, my daughter. We are still adjusting as a family, dealing with the fact that I had a stroke and many changes. When they are sick it hurts, I can't lie, my heart breaks.

              I'm not complaining about the stroke, yes wished never happened, BUT I have had a great look at life differently, my eyes opened and many times thankful, excited about this new twist in the journey. God allows things to happen, for His purpose and we might not see all of His plans, and that's okay. I don't want to know all. I want to be surprised with what He has in mind for us. He allows, to bring us closer to Him! To depend on Him. He sure gave me a wake up call and a chance to start over. I'm so thankful!

"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, 

for My power is made perfect in weakness.'
 Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,

so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

Now I must go check on daughter. May God open your eyes to the path He wants you to take. May He bless you today. Much hugs and loves,

Prayer Requests 3/7/2011

Please pray for the following special needs:

Garren -continued progress to open eyes and respond to touch, sounds, any reaction; for guidance, wisdom and path to bring home Garren (soon!) with continued rehabilitation at home; his dad, Geoffrey Janes, has a blog with updates and specific needs.

Joanne - Her pain has increased; encouragement and her spirits lifted while dealing with all that she is going through and will go through when in full rehab; strength, courage, wisdom for her family and rehab team (doctors, therapists, etc.); Positive visit with neurosurgeon; see her blog for updates and her husband Toben's requests.

Stacy - please read if you have time, her last radiation day was 2/21, I do not have an update however we still need to continue prayer, lift her up to the Lord, pray for comfort or any way God leads you to pray, thanks!

There are pictures on my right to go to there story and updates.
If you have a prayer request please e-mail me @ sbatterton@gmail.com - sbatterton at gmail dot com

Thank you! May God bless you as you go through this journey!

 

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Started something new today, each Saturday will post a video/lyrics that either are inspirational or has special spot in my life or about anything that I want to share. Music has been a big part of my life so I want to share! 

I came across a blog by Amy,Signs, Miracles, and Wonders and really enjoyed the idea so I want to share along. I hope you enjoy and have a great day!

To go along with my post, Walking, and the idea from a comment that Kimberly from Mining for Diamonds, today I am sharing a lovely song that I learned growing up. Thanks Kimberly for the reminder of this song,

In The Garden, Words and Tune by C. Austin Miles 1912

The video from Youtube sung by Anne Murray

I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses.

Chorus: And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing;
And the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing.
Chorus

I'd stay in the garden with Him 'tho the night around me is falling;
But He bids me go; thro' the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling.
Chorus

Walking

It's the middle of the day but I'm in a great mood. Not that everyday I'm in a bad mood but today has been very special. Part of this journey has been re-learning how to walk especially my right, semi-numb side. Today, new growth going on, I tackled a big issue I have had the past 15 months.. going places with someone new and increasing the faith. Let me explain:
We have 14 steps outside our apartment and it is a challenge for me to go up and down the stairs. In the past, I always wanted my husband or dad to be there to walk with me. It's not that I don't trust others but there is this anxious side. yes fear. yes don't want to be a burden side. I was concerned. What if I missed a step? What if I stumble? on the stairs? walking? I didn't want to put anyone in the position or burden of caring for me or me hurt them in the process. My husband and dad are there for me, I know them, their capable but what if someone wanted to help that I didn't know. Well that stops today!
I have wanted to go to a bible study that meets on Thursday mornings. My dad took me last fall when he was here but he isn't here so the only way to go is have someone take me. I have prayed about this issue and this morning God allowed me the courage, strength and calmness to walk the steps and climb the stairs. To believe that I can do this no matter who is there or around and even the excitement that I can do this on my own if I had to walk alone. I used to think (know) but now I believe and know with all my heart that I may be slow but God is right with me walking!

"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God."

Philipians 4:6 AMP

Blessed