Fishy Kisses

This week has been blissfully spent at the rather rainy Sunshine Coast.  We had a very special treat today at Underwater World, where both of the boys received a very special kiss.  I just had to share.

Jack grinned from ear to ear and loved being so close to this beautiful big seal.

Sam giggled, "Yucky, it tickles!"

Apparently the seal's whiskers were more than he could take.

What a beautiful experience, a great blessing, a memorable day :)

I've Lost My Way

These poems/verse/prayers that I write are a  part of my personal time with God.  They are simply sharing a little bit of my heart for God with you.  I only share them when he asks.  This post is a little longer than most.  So get comfy and settle in...

I've Lost My Way

By Nicole Watson

I remember days when each moment was a treasure,

Times when play and laughter, trouble and tears all held their own moment in time,

Not hurried, and swept and under the rug in my haste to move on.

Hot sunny days, crunchy grass, sprinklers filling the air with aqua haze,

Ice cream dribbling down my chin, stuck on my nose, laughter oh so sweet on the end of my tongue,

Riding barefoot on long dusty gravel roads, hair flying high in the breeze, scorching my face, I could fly, I could fly!

Rain racing upon the windows of the car, faster, faster, drops race and then out of sight, such delight,

Singing out loud to every song, I knew them all, so why not share, even if no one else in the car wanted to hear. 

Birthdays filled with wonder and anticipation, meaningful expectation, gazing in awe upon cake prepared with love. Sweet, sugary love from the heart of my mother.

All of these moments treasured like rolling a sweet candy around on your tongue, ensuring you get the whole flavour.

Too often today, I chew my candy.  Quickly tasted, quickly forgotten it seems.

When did I lose the ability to taste and savour this life?  Life that is so rich and beautiful filled with every good thing from heaven above?  When did I stop being thankful for each small thing, all now lost in a tangle of seemingly overwhelming circumstance. 

God showers his gifts upon us in a continual stream, beauty and meaning ever increasing.  It seems I have become numb under the constant stream of favour that flows from the throne of heaven itself.

When did I suddenly eat without savouring every bite, greedily consuming without reflection.

When did my body become imperfect, flawed it seems.

I remember being proud of my strong capable body, legs that could peddle fast, arms that could hug long and hard, hair that hung long down my back despite the tangles. 

Keep you eyes on Me…

When did I lose the ability to enjoy my family, friends, and all of life’s celebrations, all so busy, all so consumed with getting on to the next thing, no time to wait.

I remember when their was no one more important than family, complete trust, no hurt that could not be covered by forgiveness and kisses.  Celebrations were not a chore, a bore, a cover up for past wrongs and missed time.

Keep your eyes on Me…

When did I become so busy, must keep moving, don’t sit down, fit more in, still more to do yet.

Stop!  I have had enough already.  Where am I?  I have lost my way.  What is going on here?

Keep your eyes on Me, Keep your mind on Me, keep your heart with Me, the Keeper of your spirit, the Keeper of your soul, all will be well,  your life will be whole.

Oh!  The mercy of God is so great!  Forgive me…

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus-the only word that cover all wrongs.

Now my eyes are fixed on His face, I resolve to make each day full of purpose, savouring the most insignificant moments.  Moments filled with the twinkling of eyes and heart warming melodies of laughter. 

Moments filled with grieving tears and soul aching pain.

Moments now captured in time because I refuse to let them rush past unnoticed, unvalued, unloved.

Moments of awe when heaven reaches down and touches earth, that would have been lost except that my eyes have been opened.

So many of these lost moments, lost in the sea of memories, created by a world that does not value time or care to remember. 

How much more beautiful are gifts, when viewed through heavenly eyes.

Dazzling, blinding, each moment encased in beautiful love that cascades from the heavens. 

Moments like watching my son sleep, breathing soundly and deeply, I smell his warm sweet breath and I praise Him. 

Singing out loud at the top of my voice so He can hear me in heaven, with such joy and abandonment that I forget the neighbours can hear. 

Chase, me Mum!  Tickle me Mum!  Racing through the house, excitement and laughter filling the air, a pleasing aroma to God’s heart.

Inviting my friends to visit despite the mess, welcoming them into a home where hearts matter before the house.

Smelling the fresh rain upon the dusty ground and breathing in deeply, receiving the gift of a rainbow from God’s heart to mine.

I have found the way and it is not mine, but God’s.  Life in all of its rugged beauty and abundance comes from Him, the Creator of Gifts, the Creator of the Way, the Creator of Life.

I have finally found the way… time to start living each moment.

Two Years On

Tonight I have been thinking back to when Sam was born.  With the release of the book coming up, and thinking about NETS, it has brought with it some reflection.  In the picture below Jack was 2 and a half, the same age that Sam is now. Here he is holding his little brother.  He loved him then, and nothing has changed. In fact over the last year I have had the privilege of watching them grow into little mates. The only time they leave each other is to sleep. 

From the time Sam was a baby they have always had a bond.  They are so different in nature and yet they seem to complement each other because of it.  Jack is rough and active and only sits still long enough to eat.  Sam is more laid back physically but has fierce determination and thinks everything through. They are quite a formidable team.  No wonder I am exhausted at the end of each day.

As I look at them here in their super suits, I have decided that they are super.  Jack is super becuase he has stood through his brother through thick and thin, pain and laughter, when he's well and when he's not.  Sam is super because he takes everything in his stride with such joy and peace..oh and he has half a heart but lives life more than most of us do with a full heart. 

Father God please help me to live a super life, using all of the gifts you've given me. And help me to raise these boys to give you glory and fulfil your purposes for them.  Thanks for being our Super Saviour Jesus.

Jeff's Walk-NETS

Jeffs Walk Promo Long Version from Gary Schweikert on Vimeo.

I found this amazing man on Facebook tonight.  Jeff is walking across Australia from the East to the West, raising awareness and money for NETS (Newborn Emergency Transport Service).  Sam needed the NETS ambulance on the day of his birth to be transferred from the Women's Hospital to the Children's Hospital.  They were awesome.  He has already walked from the South to the North previously, raising funds for the Deaf and Blind association.  Check out his site and learn more about his journey and his compassion for those who need help.

Time to Soak

This past week has been a struggle for me.  On the outside I have been falling apart.  I am tired, have headaches and other aches.  The house has been a mess, the kids have been a mess, I have been a mess.  Yesterday I admitted to Don, that although women are meant to be able to multitask, I am not one of them.  I like to do one thing and do it really well.  Otherwise I feel like I am half heartedly doing too many things.  I was one word:

O V E R W H E L M E D

I stayed this way for the afternoon.  I was frustrated with myself, and was having a pity party with only one guest, me.  Parties are no fun on your own and so I went to God's word looking for some sympathy. 

I got none.

Instead I got in trouble.

God reminded me that I was trying to do too much.  My children don't need my input every waking moment.  And most importantly I just needed to sit and soak in his presence.

I liken it to sitting in a hot bath and closing your eyes.  This helps your physical body.  I needed a soaking bath in the Spirit of God.  I needed him to soothe my tired spirit and revitalise my soul.  If your spirit is not right then if affects, your soul (mind, emotions) and that then shows in your body. 
Oh when will I learn to recognise the signs earlier?  When will I learn that if I don't have Daddy/daughter time with my heavenly Dad regularly, this always happens?  I talk with God all day while I work and play but I need time regularly where I just hang out with him.

 Forgive me Father, I've missed you.

Thankfully today God has flooded my heart with living water from the river of life.  I feel refreshed and alive and because of that my head is more clear and my body is not so tired.  Knowing Jesus truly is the only way I can have life and have it in abundance.

Are You Fully Convinced?

I had two little tigers on my hands this afternoon, literally.  As I watched these two little boys tigers prowl through the courtyard jungle hunting and pouncing, God spoke very clearly to me. 

"You too must be fully convinced.  Having faith like a child means you must be fully convinced."

When children role play, they are fully convinced they are who they are playing.  This week we have had cowboys, superheros and tigers in our home.  Each time I see the boys become totally immersed in their play.  Sometimes Jack will say to me, "Don't worry Mum, it's just me Jack", when I pretend to be scared of join in the game. 

Faith is all about being fully convinced.  We must be fully convinced that we are children of God, born again by His Spirit, to live the life that God has mapped out for us.  If we doubt and don't believe whole heatedly that we are a new creation, we are not walking in the grace and power that God has purposed for us. 

As you read the following passage, hear it direct frorm the heart of God to yours.  This is not just writing on paper, it is his promise for you and for me.  So let's live according to our inheritance in Jesus.  Let's live and love like children of the King.

For you are children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.  There is no longer Jew and Gentile, slave or free, male or female.  For you are all one in Christ Jesus.  And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham.  You are his heirs, and God's promise to Abraham belongs to you. (Galatians 3:26-29)(Emphasis mine)

One of God's promises to Abraham was that all of the nations of the world will be blessed because of his obedience to God (Genesis 22:18).  God sent that blessing in the form of his son Jesus.  He saved us from death and gave us the gift of eternal life.  Are you living as a new creation; serving, loving, hoping, giving all that you have each and every day? 

Kit up!  It's time to be tigers for Jesus. 

Saying Thanks

Oh how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge!  How impossible is is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!
For who can know the Lord's thoughts?
Who knows enough to give him advice?
And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back?
For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory.  All glory to him forever.  Amen (Romans 12:33-36)(Emphasis mine)

Saying 'Grace' or 'Thanks' before eating is not something that is looked upon with much favour today.  To those who don't know God, it is seen as merely a religious routine with very little meaning.  To those who know God it is much more than that. 

In the above passage we read that 'everything' comes from God.  All that we wear, eat, do, work, love and live comes from God.  This means that we shouldn't just thank God for the food we eat, but for each and every blessing he bestows upon our lives.  Our lives should be lived in constant thankfulness for our good health, our warm bed, the chocolate in our cupboard, the running water from our taps, the friends and family whom you love and even those who test you patience.  God provides all things, not all of them may seem to be good at the time, but in the end they will bring God glory.  Sometimes it can be difficult to be thankful when you are having a rotten day.  Make a point of thanking God for at least one blessing each day.

Sometimes you can't see the rainbow because you are focusing too much on the storm.

This does not mean that while you are running a bath for the kids that you hit your knees in fervent prayer for hot water and soap.  If God leads you to, that's great.  The thankfulness I am speaking of is your soul's recognition of all of the blessings God has brought to your life.  God will bring little things to your remembrance, and when he does, thank him for them.  When I am bathing the boys I watch them laugh and play, and inwardly I thank God he created them just the way they are.  God is with you every second of the day, he never leaves.  Delight in the things he has blessed you with, and watch him smile with pleasure.  He is our Father.  All Fathers love to hear thank you and get a hug from their children.  Have you given your heavenly Dad a hug today.  He is waiting with open arms.

I Need Answers

When I wake up in the morning and I am still tired...God says

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

When I struggle to get out of bed because I don't feel inspired...I say to God

     Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
      for I am trusting you.
   Show me where to walk,
      for I give myself to you.(Psalm 143:8)

When I can't find anything to wear and  I look in the mirror to see that my eyebrows need waxing...God says

 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. ⁴ Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.(1 Peter 3:3-4)

When I am running late and the house is a mess..God says

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

When I am frustrated with my children because they always want my attention...God reminds me


... the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. (Mark 10:14)

When I am home alone at night and I hear a strange noise...I remember God says

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7)

When we need money for the rego, rates, insurance and mortgage all at the same time...God says

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. ( 1 Timothy 6:17)

When I am hurting from the harsh words someone has said...God says

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

God's Word, the Bible, is the handbook for life.  There is nothing that will happen to you in your life that will come as a surprise to God.  Therefore all of the answers needed to life's questions can be found in the Bible.  If you are looking for a reason to fault God, I'm sure you could come up with all sorts of questions that you would say there is no specific answer for.  For example I do not know specifically why Sam was born with half a heart.  But God's Word does tell me:

 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?”
 “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.. (John 9:1-3)

Translation:  It is not your fault that Sam has half a heart.  He was born this way so that I can heal him and bring glory to my name.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
      and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
      Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
      as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
 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 had passed (Psalm 139:13-16)

Translation: I knew Sam,  I know Sam, and I will know Sam forever more.  I love him more than you will ever know. 

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. (Matthew 15:28)

Translation: Keep on believing!  I will heal your son.

The Bible is full to the brim with God's works and promises.  So when tumultuous times come, I know my feet are planted firmly on a solid foundation, one that can never be moved.  The world has no absolutes to offer, no solid ground on which to stand.  And more than ever, people's lives are being shaken and stirred up, the reasons are endless; relationship breakdown, illness and disease, disasters, financial difficulty...

Look down at your own feet.  Where are they planted?  Are you standing on unshakable ground?

Fruit Bowl or Compost Bin?

When I read the the latest headlines on the news websites I often browse to the bottom to read people's comments on the stories.  More than ever the comments are becoming more offensive and uncaring.  Showing malice toward not only the story itself, but lashing out at the others who dare to leave a comment.  The same can be seen on our roads in the form of so called 'roadrage'.  There seems to be an ever increasing hostility in this world in which we live. When I was talking to God about it this week he reminded me it was no surprise that what is coming from people's mouths is often abrasive.  He started off by leading me to this scripture.

But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you.(Matthew 15:18)

This is very confronting isn't it?  In this passage Jesus plainly tells the religious leaders of the day, as well us us, that it doesn't matter what we eat. It doesn't matter if we follow all of the rules for cleanliness etc.  If our hearts are full of darkness that is what will come pouring out of our mouths. What does that tell me about the words coming from people's lips? It tells me the condition of their heart.  If I speak negatively then negativity is what is hidden in my heart.  If anger and abuse comes from my mouth, then anger and bitterness is what I have welled up in my heart. If lewd comments and dirty jokes is what comes out of my mouth then that is what will be found in my heart. 
If we claim to be children of God, born again by his Holy Spirit.  This is God's promise to us:

..and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.(2 Corinthians 1:22)

If we  truly have God's Holy Spirit in our hearts,  his Holy Spirit will convict us very quickly of sin in our hearts.  He will let us know when we hold unforgiveness, anger, jealousy, bitterness, negativity, unbelief etc.  Because where there is light, darkness cannot not exist.  God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5)

And also

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper  than the sharpest two edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow.  It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (Hebrews 4:12)
You cannot claim to know Jesus as your Saviour and live in the darkness.  You cannot profess to know Jesus as Lord of your life, and let words of condemnation and criticism spill from your lips.

Jesus says that we will know his followers by their fruit.  You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? (Matthew 7:16).  If God's Spirit lives in your heart and you spend time with him daily you will bear good fruit. You can read more about them in Galations 5:22.

Check your heart. Check out your fruit. Does it have a good aroma or is it fit for the compost bin?  This world is searching for answers, searching for God.  We need to make sure that we are showing the fruit of the Spirit so others will want to eat.  If we don't act what we profess, then all we are blowing is a lot of hot air.  God is in the process of checking hearts.  Make sure your heart is right with with him.  He is looking to make your life a fruitful vine, reaching into a world that needs light and life.

Win a Free Copy of Sam's Heart!

With only a month to go until Sam's Heart is released, I am offering a free book to my blog and Facebook followers.

• Simply recommend the blog or Sam's Heart Facebook page to a friend and when they join/follow, I will send both you and your friend a copy each!
• To enter, leave a comment (on blog or facebook) with you and your friend's name, and a short note telling me what you like about the blog or Sam's Heart.
• The winning entry will be drawn on Friday 25th March, 2011.  The winner will be posted on the blog and Sam's Heart Facebook page on this day.  Remember to check back to see if you've won!

Help me to spread the word of the upcoming release Sam's Heart, and share a story of hope in the process.


Blessings to you all

Nicole

The School Day Struggles

Home school is not easy.  I had an inkling to begin with, and now it is confirmed.  In fact there are days when it is very challenging.  This last week there was one day, when Jack would just stare off into space, and getting an answer from him was next to impossible.  He was tired just like all other Prep kids this time of the term.  Then there is Sam who is great most of the time.  He joins in when he wants to and then just plays while he waits.  There are some exceptions however, days when he wants my attention, and screams until he gets it.  It is usually the day when I am desperately in need of sleep because Jack or Sam were awake in the night wanting drinks and whatever else they can come up with.

Thankfully the good days far outweigh the bad.  All of the school work gets done and we have much fun and games in the process.  We do a myriad of things that you wouldn't do at school like make balsa wood aeroplanes, gardening, regular cooking and this week we even did meals on wheels for our local area.    And if we need to, we have a rest and know it will all get done some other time.  Jack now has an outbox and an inbox, so once he gets through his tasks for the day, our time is our own. 

I don't want to say it too soon, but I think we may be starting to relax and actually enjoy this home school experience.

Avoiding the Truth

And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic.  Yes these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately.  Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.  But this is only the beginning of birth pains, with more to come.  (Matthew 24:6-8)

I have had many people comment of late on the state of the world and the disasters that seem to be coming upon it.  There is a noticeable increase in the intensity with the chaos unfolding in various parts of the world.  Often when I remark that this is all to be expected, or that it is no surprise, I get an odd look from the other person.
'Ah, global warming they say, nodding their head.
'I say 'Ah no, Jesus has said this will all happen.  He said it  2000 years ago when he walked on the earth.'
I sometimes lose them there.  However of late I have noticed that there is also a great level of anxiety, fear and concern.  Before you leave this blog now, shaking your head in disbelief, I ask you to go and read Matthew 24 in a bible yourself.  While you are at it, also read Revelation Chapter 6.  It will only take 10 minutes.  It may give you the answer you have been looking for.

God is not a man, he doesn't lie.  When he promises something it always happens.  You can go back through the Old Testament of the bible and read the hundreds of promises God made to Israel in that time.  Not one of them was unfulfilled.  There are hundreds of promises in the Old Testament about Jesus coming to Earth to save his people.  Every single one was fulfilled when he came and died on the cross.  And now in the New Testament Jesus has given us many new promises, some of which have already come to pass, and some which are still to come. 

Our future is written.  Jesus is coming back to save all who know him. God is love, but he is also just.  He has given us a way to escape death, to have life eternal and yet many do no choose life.   He will not contend with unbelief for ever.

You know he has been knocking on your heart.  How long will you wait?
'Oh I will give him my life tomorrow', near the end, when I am really sure, so then my family don't think I am nuts and my friends still want to hang around.'
I know the voices, I've been there.  When I gave my life to God at age 16, it was not easy in the beginning, but now I would not give it up for anything. I have his love inside of me, spilling out to touch those around me.  I have his peace that remains, even in the darkest of situations.  And I know he will never let me go.

I will not avoid telling the truth.  I will not be silent when God has shown me how his heart aches for those who are still lost.  This is not about 'doom and gloom' but love and life.  God wants me to tell you that he misses you, that the time is growing short, all of these things that are happening to the Earth are going to increase.  You don't need to be anxious if you know Jesus.  The people in Christchurch did not have another day to make their promise.  The people in Japan didn't have another day to give God their life.  You don't know the plan that God has mapped out for you, so let him lead you.  God has given me such a love for all of you who read this blog.  My heart breaks for those of you who do not yet know Jesus.  He waits for you.

If you would like to know more about knowing Jesus and giving your life to him please visit http://www.samsheart.com.au/ and click on the HOPE button on the sidebar.  Send me an email if you would like to know more or if you would like me to pray with you.

Oh! To Be Like A Little Child

I know I have said it before, but I learn so much from my children.  God has impressed upon my heart to share a few of his lessons, learned through my boys.

It began a few months ago.  Jack and I were talking about Heaven while he tried to go to sleep. It is a bit of a routine with us, that goes kind of like this:

I lay down with Jack

Jack whispers, "Let's talk about Heaven hey?"

Ok darling, let's talk about Heaven

"What sort of animals will be in Heaven Mum?"

And so we go on to talk about all of the different creatures that will be in Heaven and how he will be able to pat them and ride them.  We talk about the river that runs through the city from God's throne and how you can't drown in it and it's never too cold.  We talk about how everything in Heaven will worship God, even the flowers and the grass.  We talk about how there will be no sickness and you will never get tired. 

I love these times.  After our most recent talks Jack gets frustrated that Jesus hasn't returned for us yet.  He prays for him to come quickly.  He told me he wants to go now.

In light of this I will now tell you about another event. 

We were at a busy shopping centre carpark.  Jack wanted to show me how brave he was and so he crossed the road by himself without waiting for me.  Thankfully there were no cars and he was safe.  When I reached the other side, this was our conversation:

'Jack, don't you ever do that again.  That is really dangerous.  You must always wait for me.  Do you understand.'

'But I was brave Mum.  Did you see me?'

'It was not about being brave.  You could have been run over by a car and got really hurt, even die.'

'Oh Mum.  That's ok, then I would be in heaven and Jesus would send you a new Jack.'

(Gobsmacked by a 4 year old)

'But Mummy would miss you so much.  You must promise me never to do that again.'

'Aww..ok Mum.  Don't worry Jesus would look after you.'

How can you be angry with that?  I have told my son not to fear death.  He knows where he is going is better than where we are now.  God has confirmed it in his heart.  He knows it is true. 

I want my faith to be this black and white.  I am no longer content with half believing God's word. I want to believe it all, and God is teaching my by  his Holy Spirit to no longer doubt.    More and more God is impressing upon me the importance of our unwavering faith.  God cannot move in our lives if we continue to doubt his promises.  Will you be bold enough to trust him and believe no matter what it costs you?  Our family's journey is not an easy one, but I wouldn't change any part of it.  For it is through our trials that we have learned God is the only steadfast thing we know.  All else may fall apart around us, but he remains unchanging, his love never wavers.  It is the reason I love and live each day.

Whispers To My Heart - I'm With Him

The time has now come when you can ask Father God for anything in my name.  I don't have to ask him for you, because he absolutely adores you and listens to your every word.  He loves you because you love me.  He loves you because of who you know, not what you do.
(Spoken to Nicole from John 16:26-27)

Don't you just love this passage?  We can ask God for anything and step into his holy presence anytime, because we know and are saved by Jesus.  We don't have to ask Jesus to go to the Father for us for anything,  because we are already known to Father God by our relationship with his Son.  We are eternally marked by grace, mercy, love and power because we are the children of God.  We are let into the throne room every time, not by the things that we do to try and please God, but because we have street cred with his son.  It doesn't matter what you wear, where you live, where you work or what you achieve.  If you are saved by Jesus, he can't love you anymore than he does right now.  His love is unconditional.  It doesn't wane because he already knows what you were going to do in the future anyway.  His love cannot grow any stronger because it is already perfect.  What an absolute privilege to have this kind of relationship with my Creator and Lover of my soul.
And if you don't know Jesus.  He waits for you to call on him.  He watches you lovingly and tries to get you attention in many different ways.  You know what I am talking about.  He can't wait to take you to meet his Father.  They miss you very much.
Do you know how much he loves you?

A Special Moment to Share

Last night something special happened as I tucked the boys into bed for the night.  As usual, I gave them a kiss and then we took turns praying to God.  Sam prayed first,and then I prayed asking God for his protection and blessing as they slept.  With my eyes still closed, I waited for Jack to pray and when he didn't I prompted him that it was his turn.  With his eyes still closed we had the following converstaion.

'Jack it's your turn, buddy.'

'Shhh..Jesus is still praying.'

My mouth drops open.  'Ok then'

We waited another 30 seconds or so in silence.

'Ok, Jesus is done praying.  Now it's my turn.'

'Jesus thanks for loving us and for letting me be a cowboy.'

'We love you Jesus' (Nicole)

'I love you Jesus' (Jack)

'I love you Jesus' (Sam)

I wonder if you have moment like this when all logic and understanding falls through the floor.  A time when a supernatural presence fills the air and you know you are standing beside angels.  There was great peace in our home last night.

I wanted to share this with you to show you how much God loves and reveals to little children.  I learn so much from my two boys.  When I went to bed last night, I shared my heart with God and then just lay there and listened.  I too wanted to see Jesus praying.  I felt his peace. I will have to learn to be more like Jack if I want to see Jesus.

Jack asleep with his drawn on moustache :)

But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me.  Don't stop them!  For the kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children. (Matthew 19:14)

Sam's Heart (The Book) -Pray and Believe With Me

Sam's Heart is now at the printers and is due for release in 7 weeks! I am so happy that all of that work is done.  Now it's time to pray and wait on God to do the rest.  This was always his project from the very beginning.  When God asked me to write our story, I kept putting him off saying 'I'll have more time when...'  In the end he was very insistent, he wanted this story told to glorify his name.  So I am expecting big things from God.  I am praying, you'd better believe it, but I am also expecting.  I am asking boldly for God to do all that he promised me he would do.   I wonder if you will pray and believe with me:

I believe he is going to touch people's hearts.

I believe that he is going to speak hope into other people's lives.

I believe that he will do what is needed to get this story into people's hands.

I believe that he is going save little lives, through a message of hope.

I believe that he is going to heal hearts and broken lives.

I believe that he will not put me to shame but that people will buy and read the book according to his purposes.

I believe he will bless my publisher for her faith in this project and her obedience to his voice.

I believe he will bless whoever reads our story with a special message just for them.

and...

I believe that through my obedience and by his grace that Sam will be healed and receive his new heart.

Are you bold enough to pray and believe with me?

Warning Danger Ahead

Warnings can save us much hurt and grief, if we listen to them.  When we are driving in our car and we see a sign warning us of a sharp corner, we do well to heed that advice, unless we want to end up well off the track.  It is just the same with God.  When Jesus returned to heaven he sent Holy Spirit to be our guide.  In John 16:13-15, Jesus tells it like this.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.  He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard.  He will tell you about the future.  He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.  All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, 'The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.'
I have had people over the years tell me that we cannot pretend to know the mind of God.  It is true that our minds are prone to all sorts of traps and snares but we can know the mind of Christ.  We may not yet have the mind of Jesus, but I know the One who does.  He lives inside of us and he knows everything that Jesus knows-he is Holy Spirit.  Jesus says in the book of John that he considers us his friends, not his slaves without privilege.  It is his desire that we hear his voice and follow the path he has mapped out for us.  In order to do that you must heed the warnings and advice given by Holy Spirit. 
These warnings usually come well before an event is about to take place in our life.  God does not leave us unprepared.  Let me give you an example.  Before I knew we were pregnant with Sam, I was given a dream/vision from God about our family walking through liquid fire.  It consumed everything in it's path but we walked through it and were not burned or scorched in any way.  It was accompanied by this scripture, 'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you...(Isaiah 43:1-2).   Almost a year later when we were in the midst of Sam's surgeries God brought that dream to my remembrance, and assured me of us walking through the trouble unharmed. You get the idea.
The most important lesson I have learned about hearing God's voice is to spend time listening to him daily.  If you wait until you are in the midst of a situation, it is easy to be deceived by the many other voices clamouring for attention in your heart and head.  It can be confusing and hard to know which way to go.  If we spend time daily with God, he reveals his path for us, bit by bit ahead of time, preparing us for what is ahead.  And when trouble comes, and it will, you will be at peace and be assured that he is with you every step of the way.  You will be confident in your ability to step out in faith because you truly know the heart of your Saviour.
Do you desire to walk a life of confidence in Christ?  It is possible, if only we would ask, listen and then obey.

Whispers To My Heart-Command the Mountains!

Don't forget God's promise to you!  Have complete faith in God.  You can command any obstacle blocking your path, to be removed.  You can say to this mountain, "May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea and it will happen".  But you must really believe that it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.  You can pray for anything, and if you believe that you have received it, it will be yours.  Don't listen to the lies of the enemy who comes to steal and destroy.    And remember, when you pray, come to God with a clean forgiven heart so that your sins will be forgiven too.  While you wait, God will increase your faith.  Praise Him while you wait for him to act. 
(Spoken to Nicole from Mark 11:22-25)

These words amaze me.  It is here that Jesus promises that we may ask God for great miracles, and life changing experiences, and they will happen.  There are two conditions to your prayers being answered as you ask:

• You must come to God with a clean heart-The only way to truly have a clean heart is to know Jesus as your Saviour and be born again into the Kingdom of God.

• You must ask, believe and then receive. 

Are you living your life, the way God intended?  Be bold and step out in faith.  God isn't backing you up, he is leading the way!

An Answer To Prayer

In the last few days Sam has started eating again.  It may be small amounts but that is nothing new.  I am just so relieved and excited and had to share the good news.  Now he just has to put on some weight.  Glory to God!