Well....this is a very exciting time. The first wedding of one of our 3 amazing sons, Andrew...he will marry Sarah on August 7th...
Parent's...many years ago in my singing days, I had the privilege of recording my one and only solo album at the Bill and Gloria Gaither studio in Alexandria, Indiana.
As I entered the studio, the receptionist lead me directly to the office of Gloria Gaither. I was very honored and excited to meet her. I was looking forward to incredible advice on singing and recording since that was what I was there to do...however, I was very surprised when I sat across her desk, she looked me in the eyes and said one thing...
"I understand you have a little boy"...I said "yes I do"..she then carefully and slowly said "always, always, put your children first, they are and always will be your first ministry..."
That was it! I was then excused and went into the studio to begin the project.
A couple of months later, I heard a pastor suggest that parents should begin praying for the future spouses of their children...even when they are babies...I also remembered a beautiful song called "Somewhere in the World Tonight"...by Wayne Watson.
So I have...I have prayed for Aaron, Andrew and Brandon's future wives...since they were babies...
PRAISE GOD! He has certainly answered my prayers for Andrew....Sarah is God's beautiful gift to Andrew and all of us...we are very thankful...
Parents...pray now...pray hard...pray everyday for the future spouse of your children...I always pray that whoever my son's end up marrying will be someone that will lead them closer to Jesus!
I encourage you...take this very seriously...God is with you...He is sovereign and He will answer!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The life and pain of fame
This man Michael Jackson was a gifted, caring human being. He was obviously very different in his lifestyle than me or anyone I know. However, there is no judgement here.
At the very young and impressionable age of 5, Michael Jackson was forced to perform in strip clubs, surrounded by porn and sin as well as many grown-ups who were in emotional pain themselves (or else they would not have been there).
He was forced to "pretend to be asleep" while his older brothers were having sex in the same room he was in....so much to deal with for a little boy.
He was beaten by his father on a regular basis if he "missed a step" while rehearsing.
He was "formed" and "shaped" in a very sinful, destructive and painful enviorment! NO WONDER!
Children live what they learn. And yes, I know some may be thinking..."he could have made better decisions with his life as he got older"...well maybe he did not have the ability to make the decisions we think he should have made....maybe he had a very disturbed view of what "normal" is. Maybe he truly thought everyone experienced the "sexual" exposure he did....
This is what I think....I think Jesus was present with Michael Jackson when he was a young boy. I think Jesus was so sad when Michael Jackson was misused, abused, misunderstood and even when he grew up and made some very bad decisions. I believe Jesus loved Michael then and now. I believe Jesus loves Michael Jackson's children. I believe Jesus was present at the memorial today. I believe Jesus cares about all of the people who are sad and hurting over the loss of this very gifted and unique person.
I pray I will never think that I am more loved or holy or right or better than anyone. I am blessed and saved by grace. I pray Michael Jackson was saved. I pray he found the Lord and asked Him into his heart before he died. I pray for his sweet children who will miss the only Dad they have ever known.
I pray for all children who are being exposed to the world and it's ugliness. I pray for children who are in abusive families and situations. I pray for children who are lost and afraid.
How many MJ's are here tonight in our midst...let's pray for them. Let's love them. Let's help them.
Too bad nobody did that for Michael when he was a lost, hurting and abused little boy....so sad....where was the church? Where were the Christians? Just thought I would ask...
At the very young and impressionable age of 5, Michael Jackson was forced to perform in strip clubs, surrounded by porn and sin as well as many grown-ups who were in emotional pain themselves (or else they would not have been there).
He was forced to "pretend to be asleep" while his older brothers were having sex in the same room he was in....so much to deal with for a little boy.
He was beaten by his father on a regular basis if he "missed a step" while rehearsing.
He was "formed" and "shaped" in a very sinful, destructive and painful enviorment! NO WONDER!
Children live what they learn. And yes, I know some may be thinking..."he could have made better decisions with his life as he got older"...well maybe he did not have the ability to make the decisions we think he should have made....maybe he had a very disturbed view of what "normal" is. Maybe he truly thought everyone experienced the "sexual" exposure he did....
This is what I think....I think Jesus was present with Michael Jackson when he was a young boy. I think Jesus was so sad when Michael Jackson was misused, abused, misunderstood and even when he grew up and made some very bad decisions. I believe Jesus loved Michael then and now. I believe Jesus loves Michael Jackson's children. I believe Jesus was present at the memorial today. I believe Jesus cares about all of the people who are sad and hurting over the loss of this very gifted and unique person.
I pray I will never think that I am more loved or holy or right or better than anyone. I am blessed and saved by grace. I pray Michael Jackson was saved. I pray he found the Lord and asked Him into his heart before he died. I pray for his sweet children who will miss the only Dad they have ever known.
I pray for all children who are being exposed to the world and it's ugliness. I pray for children who are in abusive families and situations. I pray for children who are lost and afraid.
How many MJ's are here tonight in our midst...let's pray for them. Let's love them. Let's help them.
Too bad nobody did that for Michael when he was a lost, hurting and abused little boy....so sad....where was the church? Where were the Christians? Just thought I would ask...
Monday, July 6, 2009
Sharing God's love with children
As we prepare in our churches for the summer time camps and activities, my prayer is that we ( all Children's Pastors and Directors) keep our absolute focus on the purpose of the hype and fun things we do.
Sharing Jesus Christ and who He really is with children is such a delicate and yet simple task. It is delicate because it must be shared in the light of fun, joy, happiness and peace...these are things children love and understand. It is very simple...because Jesus' love is simply given. It is simply available, and simply shared, simply proven and simply found.
I want to give children the brightest glimpse possible of who Jesus is...and who He can be in them, for them and to them.
How can I do this? By allowing Him to shine through me. By allowing the love light of Jesus to truly burn bright in my everyday life.
I fall so short of this every time, so I keep praying for the Lord to help me get it together and keep it together...not for me, for them....
VBS season is here....pray it up...plan it up....laugh it up....sing it up....dance it up....but most of all....love it up! Love them....show them love....give them love....share His love....have fun through, by, with, from and for His love!
Sharing Jesus Christ and who He really is with children is such a delicate and yet simple task. It is delicate because it must be shared in the light of fun, joy, happiness and peace...these are things children love and understand. It is very simple...because Jesus' love is simply given. It is simply available, and simply shared, simply proven and simply found.
I want to give children the brightest glimpse possible of who Jesus is...and who He can be in them, for them and to them.
How can I do this? By allowing Him to shine through me. By allowing the love light of Jesus to truly burn bright in my everyday life.
I fall so short of this every time, so I keep praying for the Lord to help me get it together and keep it together...not for me, for them....
VBS season is here....pray it up...plan it up....laugh it up....sing it up....dance it up....but most of all....love it up! Love them....show them love....give them love....share His love....have fun through, by, with, from and for His love!
Monday, May 11, 2009
When you know you are where you are suppose to be...
As Pete and I had dinner tonight...both very tired from a long couple of weeks and getting ready to move into another house here on SI...we looked at each other and both stated how we know we are in the palm of God's Holy Hand right now...
What an amazing feeling...oh this does not mean we think we are doing everything right...we just know this is where we are suppose to be at this season of our lives...
We love Gateway...we love Pastor Mercaldo and the entire staff....we love to see our Brandon growing in the Lord and figuring out his life...
We love the people of NYC who have gone out of their way to make us feel so loved and needed...
We had dinner with a family yesterday, who we have only known for a few weeks. They live in a house that is 165 years old! As the woman of the house and I were walking through the house together, we were talking about all of the years and families that this house had housed! Amazing!
Living in NYC as opposed to California or Hawaii, sure gives me a new perspective on how many people there are in this world, whom God loves just as much as He loves me....when you are sitting on a ferry or subway...you really see so many more people than when you are on a freeway in your own car...
You have the chance to look into the faces of many people from so many backgrounds and walks of this life...this is interesting, cool, sad, scary, and very humbling...you realize it really "is not about you".
"Thank you dear heavenly Father for allowing me the chance to be here at this time for this reason and season. I love you Lord".
What an amazing feeling...oh this does not mean we think we are doing everything right...we just know this is where we are suppose to be at this season of our lives...
We love Gateway...we love Pastor Mercaldo and the entire staff....we love to see our Brandon growing in the Lord and figuring out his life...
We love the people of NYC who have gone out of their way to make us feel so loved and needed...
We had dinner with a family yesterday, who we have only known for a few weeks. They live in a house that is 165 years old! As the woman of the house and I were walking through the house together, we were talking about all of the years and families that this house had housed! Amazing!
Living in NYC as opposed to California or Hawaii, sure gives me a new perspective on how many people there are in this world, whom God loves just as much as He loves me....when you are sitting on a ferry or subway...you really see so many more people than when you are on a freeway in your own car...
You have the chance to look into the faces of many people from so many backgrounds and walks of this life...this is interesting, cool, sad, scary, and very humbling...you realize it really "is not about you".
"Thank you dear heavenly Father for allowing me the chance to be here at this time for this reason and season. I love you Lord".
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Mother's Day - Just Not The Same Anymore
Well...year two without my dear sweet mom on this earth...
It is different this year... This year, I miss her even more. This year, I think about her even more. This year I appreciate her even more....this year is different...
My sweet Mom is with her Creator, God almighty...maker of the heavens and earth. She will dine with Him. She will sing to Him...She will be hugged by Him...
As I remember Bobbie Lee Pearson Nelson, I think of how she was transformed from a hurting, sad and broken young woman...to a loving, caring, soldier for God...
As I remember her smile, her laugh, her heart, her earrings and her beautiful nails...I love her even more...
I miss you Mom....Happy Mother's Day...I cannot wait to see you again someday....
From your loving daughter,
DeVonna
It is different this year... This year, I miss her even more. This year, I think about her even more. This year I appreciate her even more....this year is different...
My sweet Mom is with her Creator, God almighty...maker of the heavens and earth. She will dine with Him. She will sing to Him...She will be hugged by Him...
As I remember Bobbie Lee Pearson Nelson, I think of how she was transformed from a hurting, sad and broken young woman...to a loving, caring, soldier for God...
As I remember her smile, her laugh, her heart, her earrings and her beautiful nails...I love her even more...
I miss you Mom....Happy Mother's Day...I cannot wait to see you again someday....
From your loving daughter,
DeVonna
Thursday, March 26, 2009
New York is here!
Arriving in New York is by far one of the most intimidating days in my life. I have had the opportunity to travel to many parts of this world...for some reason...this is more overwhelming then anything I have ever done.
Maybe it is because I just turned 50...maybe it is because it is New York City...maybe it is because I know I am really not qualified to do anything...however....I am willing.
I am blessed to be married to a man who is also willing to move and change whenever the Lord calls....
So..."For such a time as this" we have come to Staten Island...we are ready Lord...here we go!
Maybe it is because I just turned 50...maybe it is because it is New York City...maybe it is because I know I am really not qualified to do anything...however....I am willing.
I am blessed to be married to a man who is also willing to move and change whenever the Lord calls....
So..."For such a time as this" we have come to Staten Island...we are ready Lord...here we go!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Moving
Well...here we go! "Yes Lord, here am I...send me..."
Packing, thinking, praying, hoping, shaking, crying, laughing, preparing, mapping, planning, journeying, singing, dancing, watching, holding...
This is what I am doing....I am MOVING!
Packing, thinking, praying, hoping, shaking, crying, laughing, preparing, mapping, planning, journeying, singing, dancing, watching, holding...
This is what I am doing....I am MOVING!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Yes Lord, I am listening
OK...I am up and awake...what is it You would like for me to do at this time of the night...oh I know...pray...so here I go...
"Lord Jesus...thank You for you blessings, thank You for you mercy and love...
I love You and I will always serve You, no matter where You send me...
I pray for a new home. A place of peace and rest, so Pete and I can focus on what You would have us do...we are ready to serve...we are ready to go...if this is Your Holy and perfect will.
Take care of those who remain here. We love them. We will miss them...we will pray for them...
Help us to be the best Ambassadors we can be...for heaven's sake...we want to share Your love with hurting families...we will do it...
I have asked, now I know you will answer...oh...about that home, please allow us to have an answer soon...thank You Lord...I love You...in Jesus precious name I pray....amentttt....."
"Lord Jesus...thank You for you blessings, thank You for you mercy and love...
I love You and I will always serve You, no matter where You send me...
I pray for a new home. A place of peace and rest, so Pete and I can focus on what You would have us do...we are ready to serve...we are ready to go...if this is Your Holy and perfect will.
Take care of those who remain here. We love them. We will miss them...we will pray for them...
Help us to be the best Ambassadors we can be...for heaven's sake...we want to share Your love with hurting families...we will do it...
I have asked, now I know you will answer...oh...about that home, please allow us to have an answer soon...thank You Lord...I love You...in Jesus precious name I pray....amentttt....."
Thursday, February 19, 2009
What Now?
What now....GOD IS GOOD...ALL THE TIME!
What now....I am so thankful for the true and real blessings of the Lord. He never fails us...never leaves us...never forsakes us...
What now...big changes are coming...are we ready for them...maybe not...but He is..."I AM WITH YOU"...is what he has spoken...even when we may make a decision that was not in His plan...He is with us...
What now...new things...new challenges...new hopes...new dreams...
What now... ? .....we will see
What now....I am so thankful for the true and real blessings of the Lord. He never fails us...never leaves us...never forsakes us...
What now...big changes are coming...are we ready for them...maybe not...but He is..."I AM WITH YOU"...is what he has spoken...even when we may make a decision that was not in His plan...He is with us...
What now...new things...new challenges...new hopes...new dreams...
What now... ? .....we will see
Saturday, January 3, 2009
It is a new year...God is Good....All the time!
Last night was a great night for me to begin a 2009...I had the joy of spending the afternoon and evening with several little girls from my church and their moms...we had an official "Anne of Green Gables" party! Seven hours of movie fun, popcorn, making carmel apples, pizza, dolls, laughter, some tears and just fun!
As I spent time with my dear friends Patty,Kim, Jen, Carrie, and Heidi...I realized what a special event it is each time we get to spend time with friends...it is rare to just focus on each other...I loved it...
My son Andrew is in Africa, my daughter-in-love to be is on the coast of Africa, my son Aaron is in Hawaii, and Brandon is here until next week when he goes to Utah...Wow! We are all spread apart...so it was great to be with friends...
I love so many of the lines in the Anne movies...one of them is" tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it"...well that is how I want to begin 2009...this is a new year with no mistakes in it!
I know the mistakes will come, as will the trials, disappointments, dumb choices and decisions...I also know the new joys and successes, victories and adventures will come as well...whatever it may be...it will be new and fresh...
God is here, He will see us through 2009...we must yield 2009 completely to Him if we want it to remain new, fresh and victorious...
I love the Lord, I love people...I love you if you are taking the time to read this....
Some good books to read:
1. "THE SHACK"
2. "REDEEMING LOVE"
3. "WHEN I LAY MY ISSAC DOWN"
Last night was a great night for me to begin a 2009...I had the joy of spending the afternoon and evening with several little girls from my church and their moms...we had an official "Anne of Green Gables" party! Seven hours of movie fun, popcorn, making carmel apples, pizza, dolls, laughter, some tears and just fun!
As I spent time with my dear friends Patty,Kim, Jen, Carrie, and Heidi...I realized what a special event it is each time we get to spend time with friends...it is rare to just focus on each other...I loved it...
My son Andrew is in Africa, my daughter-in-love to be is on the coast of Africa, my son Aaron is in Hawaii, and Brandon is here until next week when he goes to Utah...Wow! We are all spread apart...so it was great to be with friends...
I love so many of the lines in the Anne movies...one of them is" tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it"...well that is how I want to begin 2009...this is a new year with no mistakes in it!
I know the mistakes will come, as will the trials, disappointments, dumb choices and decisions...I also know the new joys and successes, victories and adventures will come as well...whatever it may be...it will be new and fresh...
God is here, He will see us through 2009...we must yield 2009 completely to Him if we want it to remain new, fresh and victorious...
I love the Lord, I love people...I love you if you are taking the time to read this....
Some good books to read:
1. "THE SHACK"
2. "REDEEMING LOVE"
3. "WHEN I LAY MY ISSAC DOWN"
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