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April 30, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationPray Without Ceasing
Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV
The Lord has
been telling me to pray for the last two days. I keep wondering, what’s up Lord? But then this verse
reminds me that I should pray continually.
When
I’m working, resting, with family and friends, I should always be mindful of the Lord and at moments during the
day, silently ask for his guidance.
There’s
no set amount of time that I necessarily have to pray. But all throughout the day, when I feel the need, I call on the Lord.
As I said at the beginning
of this devotion, I have felt the urgent need to pray. Having a prayer
life, an open communication with the Lord is part of a Christian’s daily job.
Pray for your nation. Pray for the swine flu that is spreading
throughout countries all over the world. Pray for the economic crisis that has affected so many people. Pray for your church,
your family and your friends. But most of all, pray for those who don’t know the Lord as their personal
Savior. They need salvation and Jesus is the only Way. Pray for Christians far and near that each one will keep their eyes
on Jesus, and trust in Him during these most difficult times.
Friend, the word I need to share with you today is simply, PRAY!
Want
you join me?
Dear Lord, I’m calling on you today. Help me to be
a pray warrior for your kingdom. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken
to You.
2:56 pm
April 29, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationFollow Jesus and You’ll Win
And he said to them all,
If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take
up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9: 23 KJV
Jesus
told his disciples to take their cross up daily and follow Him. He went on to say that whoever loses his life for the sake
of Christ would be saved.
Jesus loves you and He wants the
very best for you. He wants complete control of your life. Yes, there may be some bumps along the way, but as long as you
choose to follow Him daily, you’ll be a winner in the end.
This is a poem I wrote a few weeks
ago. I think it relates well to this scripture. As long as you follow Christ and ride with Him daily, you’ll
always win!
When You Ride with Jesus, You’ll always Win!
Well, Howdy Pardner! Howdy
Friend!
With Jesus Christ, you’ll always win.
Though the trails may be
winding and often rough.
God puts them there to make you tough.
He’ll ride beside you,
every step of the way.
Though the storm clouds rage, He’ll bring the light of day.
That ol’ stinking devil
will do his best to try and knock you down.
He’ll pull and push you, then make you stumble to the ground.
Don’t give up Pardner!
Get up and try again.
Remember, with Jesus, you’ll always win.
I’m not saying that
it’ll be easy. Why? Cause it’s not supposed to be.
But God’s grace is sufficient, for
both you and me.
God’s son was nailed to a cross to offer freedom from all sin.
Open
up your heart Pardner, ask Him and He’ll come in.
Just hand Him the reigns
of your life, my friend,
Cause when you ride with Jesus, you’ll always win!
Copyright 2009 Tracy “Bobo”
Banks
Dear Lord, I want to follow you everyday.
Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails
and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
11:08 am
April 28, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationDon’t Grow Weary
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give
up. Galations 6:9 NIV
I’ve always heard
the older a person gets, the more tired they seem to get. Since it appears that I’m quickly approaching the half-century
mark, I’m here to tell you there’s days when I believe that statement is true.
I usually go to bed late, yet I’m usually
up by 6:30 a.m. I seem to make it through the day okay, as long as I stay busy and focused. However, when
I stray from my daily routine, my focus gets lost and my mind and body grow weary and tired. Before I know it, I just want
to sit down and quit.
My writing takes a lot of discipline and focus. I’m constantly trying to keep my mind clear
and my body rested. I know that’s the only way that I’ll accomplish my goals everyday.
Christians get tired and weary
too, especially during difficult times. There may be times when you think you just can’t go another step. You may be
like me and want to quit, too.
Friend, please don’t! Hold on! Pull yourselves up by the bootstraps and don’t
lose your faith. Cast all your cares on Jesus. Pray and read the living word of God. Stay focused and rest in the Lord.
Don’t grow weary and never
ever give up. When the appointed time comes, you will reap a harvest beyond measure.
Dear Lord, when weariness tries to creep
in, help me to put my complete trust in you. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
10:13 am
April 27, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationFinishing the Race
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the
faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 NIV
I went to the Bar None Chuck
Wagon Stampede over the weekend. There were all kinds of races throughout the day, including match horse races, goose
races, chuck wagon races and more.
The Cowboys had to prepare in
advance for these races. They have to make sure that their horses and chuck wagons are ready for these extreme
events, too.
The cowboys take their horses and chuck wagons to the starting
line. Their minds are set to do the best they can. Once the race is started, they push themselves and their horses as hard
as possible, while keeping their eyes focused on the finish line. Once the race is over, the winner is announced.
The life of a Christian is very similar to the match horse and chuck wagon races. The
starting line for a Christian is the day you accept Jesus Christ into your heart. Once you begin this journey, you must push
yourself forward by reading God’s word and prayer. Christians must keep their eyes focused
on Jesus, who is waiting at the finish line with open arms.
Friend, fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith! One day in Heaven,
when your race is over, your name will be announced as the winner.
Dear Lord, Give
me faith to fight the good fight and finish the race that you have set before me. Amen.
Until
Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
11:42 am
April 23, 2009
No Devotional for Friday!Howdy friends,
I won't be posting a devotional
tomorrow, Friday April 24th. My church is having a big event this weekend and I'll be one busy cowgirl. I pray you
have a blessed weekend and I'll be back on Monday to share more of Jesus!
Until Next Time, Happy
Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
Tracy "Bobo"
11:18 am
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationSharing Jesus, by Walking the Walk!
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the
world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15 KJV
Elmer and Geri Walton are some of
my oldest and dearest friends. Their daughters, Karen and Stacey were my childhood friends when I was growing
up.
Our families attended the
same church. I remember running up to either my mother or Karen's and Stacey's after church almost every Sunday
morning.
“Mom, can Karen and Stacey go home with us today?”
or
“Mom, can Tracy go home with us today?”
I always had so much fun at their house. Sunday lunch at the Walton’s was wonderful. Geri
made the best pot roast and potatoes in the world. Karen and Stacey had an Easy Bake Oven, a Candy Land game
and a 45-rpm of the song “Puff the Magic Dragon.” Their Dad, Elmer, also had a white horse named Mr. Ed.
Now
you're seeing the whole picture. It just didn't get any better than that! Six Flags couldn't
even compete with the fun offered at the Walton's.
Their friendship and love has meant so much to me throughout the years, but
their faith in God has always inspired me the most.
Elmer and Geri didn’t just talk the Christian talk; they've always walked
the Christian walk.
As a child of God, you are all called to spread the gospel to everyone you meet. You may
never be a missionary in a far-a-way land. You may never be the pastor of a church or even a Sunday school
teacher, but you are called to share Jesus with others.
Whether you’re at work, at school or in your own neighborhood, always share
Jesus. The best way to do that is to show others by example. Don’t just talk the talk. You've got to walk the walk.
Friend, think about it. You
may be the only Bible someone ever reads.
Dear Lord, Help me to share your love with others by walking
the daily Christian walk. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a
Liken to You.
9:25 am
April 22, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationWith
God, Anything is Possible
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with
men is possible with God.” LUKE 18:27 NIV
A woman suddenly became
ill. The doctor recommended that she have several tests to diagnose the problem. After
receiving the results, he walked over to the woman’s bed, where family members surrounded her.
“It appears
that you have a tumor in your pancreas. It’s more than likely cancer.” He said. “There’s
only a few instances where surgery is possible.”
He offered no comfort
and gave only the worse scenario, full of gloom and doom.
After hearing the
doctor’s remarks, the family calmly looked at each other and then the woman’s niece spoke up.
“Doctor, our
family has heard every word you’ve said, but you need to know that we believe in God, in prayer and in miracles.”
According to statistics,
the result of pancreatic cancer is usually death. This woman and her family, however, made
a unanimous decision not to believe in man’s statistics. They chose only to believe in the words spoke by Jesus in Matthew
18:27.
Several weeks later, the woman had the very surgery that the doctor said was normally impossible.
Approximately one year later, after chemotherapy and radiation, the doctor said that everything looked good.
Are you facing a situation
that seems totally impossible? Friend, try looking through eyes of faith. Trust the infallible
word of God and know in your heart that with God anything is possible.
Dear God, I know with
you all things are possible. Help me to always put my complete trust in you. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
April 21, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationDon’t Be Troubled!
DO NOT let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and
rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me. John 14:1 AMP
I wasn’t expecting the phone call I received this morning from my doctor’s
office. The truth is, it kind of knocked the wind right out of me.
I just went to the doctor last Thursday and
was given a good report. The doctor had said that my blood pressure was up and for me to come back in four months. Other
than that, everything was fine, or so I thought.
After hanging up the phone, I had to replay the conversation back
in my mind. The nurse told me that my other lab results had come in and that it showed my diabetes had caused
damage to my kidneys. My doctor wanted me on medicine starting today.
Did I just hear the nurse right or am I dreaming? Fear
suddenly set in. My thoughts went straight to my dad, who had a kidney removed several years ago due to
cancer. Then, I remembered that my grandma had suffered from kidney disease, which ultimately led to her death.
“Whoa!
Whoa! Whoa, there! Now wait just a minute, you stinking old devil. You are a liar! My Bible says that by Jesus’ stripes,
I am healed!”
Wow, I immediately felt a peace come over me. There is such power when we speak the word of
God!
As a child of God, you are not exempt from having difficult situations in your lives. At
times, you may even become nervous or agitated about the problem. However, Jesus tells you not to be troubled
and to place your faith and confidence in Him.
When trouble knocks on your door, remember to only get
agitated at the old devil. Put your complete trust in Jesus.
Don’t worry and don’t despair.
Look to Jesus, He really CARES!
Don’t be troubled, and please don’t fret!
Friend, Jesus has it
all under control, and you ain’t seen nothing yet!
Dear Lord, No matter what troubles come my way,
I thank you for walking beside me each and everyday! Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take
a Liken to You.
11:06 am
April 20, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationGod Answers Knee Mail
HEAR MY prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications!
In Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness. Psalm 143:1 AMP
If
your email inbox is anything like mine, it’s usually full of both good and bad mail. I get a lot of junk mail, which
I scan quickly to decide what stays or gets deleted.
There are a lot of good emails. The personal emails are
like a letter or a note from either a family member or a friend. Then there are the inspirational emails that have been forwarded
over and over again. They have to be really inspiring for me to forward them on. Then of course, there are
the funny emails that keep me laughing. Those always seem to make my day.
Having an email address helps me get quick answers to any
question that I might have. For instance, I’ve emailed and asked questions about products before making
a purchase online. The responses usually come back fairly quickly.
As a child of God, I can get on my knees and pray anytime or
any place. No matter what need I may have, I know God is there to hear and answer my prayer. The answer
may not be the one I want, but I know God is faithful, and it will always be the one I need.
I believe God can use emails to encourage others with an
inspirational note, thought or prayer. Try sending one out today to those you love and care about. You’ll be glad
you took the time.
Friend, do you have a special need? Do you need healing for a sickness, a better job, or help mending a broken
relationship? God is there to meet any need you may have. Find a quite place, bend your knees, and pray. God is always faithful,
and He will answer all knee mails.
Dear Lord, Thank you for answering all my prayers, those on bended knees
as well as all others. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
10:17 am
April 17, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationSeek Him and Find Him
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search
for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 KJV
When I was a teenager, I had a poster
hanging up in my room. There was a man on it looking up with a puzzled expression on his face. These words were written
across the top of the poster: If God
seems like he’s a thousand miles away, guess who moved?
I looked at that poster often. It always reminded me that I had to do my part in
order for me to have a close relationship with God. I knew He was always there, and His word promised that He would never
leave me or forsake me. Yet, I knew, that if I failed to spend time with God on a daily basis, that closeness would soon disappear. Every relationship requires
time. The more time you spend with a person the closer you get. The same is true with your relationship with your Heavenly
Father.
Try spending more time with Him. Pray, read His word and seek Him daily. Give God 100% of yourself and
your time. When you do, He’s always there waiting to give you back even more. Friend, do you want more of God? Then,
give God more of you. Remember, you’ll always find Him, when you seek Him with all of your heart.
Dear Lord, I need to be close to you. Help me to always seek you with all of my heart. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May
the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
12:13 pm
April 16, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationGOOD NEWS
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives
health to the bones. Proverbs 15:30 NIV
My annual doctor’s visit was this morning. I’ve been anxious about it all week. I was mainly concerned about my blood sugar, cholesterol
and blood pressure. I finally decided to just pray that it would all turn out okay.
Sydney,
Dr. Slone’s nurse greeted me in the hallway.
“Tracy, I need to get your weight.”
“Yea, I figured you would.” I
said, as I stepped on the scales.
(Now,
you really didn’t think I’d give out that information in a devotional, did you?)
Sydney then led me to a room and proceeded to take my blood
pressure. Sure enough, it was up. Dr. Slone walked
in the room, smiling as usual and shook my hand.
“I have the white coat syndrome, Dr. Slone, that’s why my blood pressure is up.” I jokingly
told him.
He
did his normal routine of checking me out and then picked up my lab results.
“Oh no, here it is.” I thought silently to myself.
“Tracy, everything looks good. "He
said. "Your glucose, cholesterol, and thyroid results all look real good.”
“Praise the Lord!” I told him, with excitement in my voice.
He then, told me to exercise and to come back in 4 months, so he could
check my blood pressure. Before leaving the room, Dr. Slone asked about my parents,
shook my hand again and smiled.
I
was relieved and happy when I left the doctor’s office, yet I felt a little ashamed. Why do I fret over things that
God has under control?
God always knows what we need and when we need it. Today, He knew I needed a cheerful smiling
doctor to bring me good news about my health.
Friend, God may use you at times to be on the giving end of a cheerful look or to deliver good news to
someone in need. On the other hand, you may be like I was today and find
yourself on the receiving end of that cheerful look and good news.
Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end, just remember, God has everything under
control and He does all things well.
Try
sharing a smile tomorrow. Just sit back and watch. It’ll bring joy to someone’s
heart and friend; don’t be surprised when it brings joy to yours.
Dear
Lord, Thank you for giving me a good doctor that always brings a smile and good news. Help me to always share
a cheerful look to those in need. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take
a Liken to You.
5:06 pm
April 15, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationThe Book of Life
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out
his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Revelation 3:5 KJV
I recently found out a friend
of mine was on facebook, so I signed up. Two days ago, one of my cousins sent me a message on it. I’ve spent
part of two days now, trying to figure it out and setting up a profile.
At first, I felt like the Scarecrow on the Wizard of Oz, thinking
to myself, “This would be much easier, if I only had a brain.”
I soon realized it wasn’t the brain
I was lacking, but a little bit of patience. Before long, I had my picture posted and found lots of family
members and friends that were on the facebook site.
Wow, are we living in an electronic computer age world or what? Actually, it’s pretty
neat that I can keep in touch with folks and find those I’ve been out of contact with for some time.
The thought occurred to me, however, that
the most important thing in my life must be to make sure my name is written in the book of life, not to have a page on facebook.
As a Christian, I have the assurance that
not only did Jesus die for my sins, but when I asked Him to forgive me, He wrote my name in the lamb’s book of
life. I also have the promise that one day soon, I’ll see my Lord and
Savior, face to face.
Friend, maybe we’ll meet up someday
online on facebook. But, if your name is written in the book of life, I’ll meet you someday soon when we Jesus, face to face!
Dear Lord, Thank you for being my Lord and Savior and for writing my name in the book of life. Someday soon,
I’ll see you face to face in all of your glory.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the
Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
8:51 am
April 14, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationGod’s Awake, So Sleep Well!
He will not allow your foot to slip or to be moved; He Who keeps you will not slumber. Psalms 121:3
AMP
As a child, I remember learning the song that says, "All night all day, angels are watching over
me, my Lord. All night, all day, angels are watching over me."
Every night before I went to sleep, I would say my prayers. At first it was the
simple child prayer that most kids learn.
“Now, I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should
die before I wake, I pray the Lord, my soul to take.”
I knew when I laid down and closed my eyes that God and his angels were watching
out for me. That child-like faith seemed to come easy as a child.
As a grown-up, however, there
are many times when I find that falling asleep doesn’t come that easy. My mind starts to wander. I think of things that I need to do. I think about the problems of family
and friends. If I let it go on long enough, I’m lying there trying to figure out how to solve them all. Before
I know it, I’m wound up like an eight-day clock and sleep is completely out of the question.
The only way I can calm down,
so I can relax enough to go to sleep, is to pray and give it all to God. When I do that, His precious peace calms me.
When you lie down, you shall not be afraid; yes, you shall lie down and
your sleep shall be sweet. Proverbs 3:24 AMP
Friend, are you needing a peaceful nights sleep? If
so, give your worries and cares to God when you go to bed. He’ll be up all night to watch over you.
Dear Lord, Thanks for watching over my family and me at
night. Give us all Lord, a peaceful sleep. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails
and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
11:47 am
April 13, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationGodly
Teachers
I
have taught you in the way of skillful and godly Wisdom [which is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God];
I have led you in paths of uprightness. Proverbs 4:11 AMP
My 5th Grade teacher’s name was Mrs. Sammie Jarrell. She was a great teacher, and always made learning fun.
I remember writing my first poem in her class. I also remember making an igloo out of sugar cubes while learning
about Alaska and Eskimos.
At Christmas time, Mrs. Jarrell asked us to bring a can
of whole cloves and an orange. The cloves were pressed into the orange to make a pomander to give our moms
for Christmas.
It was also in 5th grade that I made a Christmas tree out
of poster board and brown paper towels. The poster was rolled to form the shape of a tree and then glued together. The
paper towels were rolled one at a time and then glued on to make garland. I painted the tree green and even
gave it a few decorations made with glitter. This tree still exists today. When I moved away from home at 21
years of age, my mom made sure the tree went with me. I'm thinking she must have thought the tree was really ugly. It
is, and I know it’s silly, but I just can’t seem to part with it.
These are just a few of
the great memories I have from being in Mrs. Jarrell’s 5th grade class. There's one
memory, however, that made a lasting impression on me.
Every morning when the bell rang, Mrs.
Jarrell pulled out her Bible. She would get a student to read a verse or passage from the Bible and then we would say a prayer,
which was always followed by the pledge of allegiance.
Madalyn Murray O'Hair, was known for the lawsuit, which led to a landmark Supreme
Court ruling that ended the practice of daily prayer in American public schools.
Mrs. Jarrell, however, didn’t let that little
ruling stand in her way of teaching her class the importance of putting God first. I’m so grateful
for Mrs. Jarrell. She was such an inspiration and a wonderful teacher.
Friend, I’m sure you’ve
had a special Christian teacher, mentor, family member or even a friend that taught you something that
made a lasting impression in your life. I truly believe God puts those special people in our lives for
the sole purpose of teaching us Godly morals and values.
Dear Lord, Thank you for
Mrs. Jarrell and for her Godly wisdom in teaching me that the first priority every morning should be reading your
word and prayer. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
April 10, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationHE IS RISEN
And the angel answered
and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen,
as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Matthew 28:5-6 KJV
Wow, Isn’t it great to know that Jesus lives. Easter is such a wonderful time to reflect on
God’s love. He sent His only son, Jesus, to die on a cross, so that we might have redemption for our sins.
Praise God, His plan didn’t stop there. It included His son, Jesus rising from the dead.
When I was young, I remember singing this song in church many times. I think of it
often and especially at Easter.
Rev. A. H. Ackley wrote it in 1933.
HE LIVES
I
serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living, whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him, He’s always near.
(chorus)
He lives, He lives Christ Jesus Lives today!
He walks with me and talks
with me along life’s narrow way.
He
lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You
ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.
I have to agree with Rev. Ackley.
I know Jesus lives because He lives within my heart.
Friend, if you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, Easter would be a perfect
time to ask Him into your heart. He’ll forgive you for all your sins and change your life forever.
May God bless you all during this Easter Season!
Dear Lord, Thank you for what Easter means to me personally. I know you live
Lord, because you live within my heart! Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take
a Liken to You.
7:59 am
April 9, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationLooking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our
Faith
...and let us run with patience the race that is set before
us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher
of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right
hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV
There are times in
everyone’s life when problems and burdens seem unbearable. It’s in those times, when the 11th chapter of Hebrews is so
encouraging. This chapter defines faith and gives examples of people from the Bible, who lived by faith.
It tells that
by faith Moses led the people through the Red Sea. By faith, Abraham offered up Isaac. By faith, the walls
of Jericho fell down. This chapter goes on and on telling how faith brought people through trials.
As a Christian, we can have that same kind of faith. Just reading
what God did for each of these folks brings encouragement.
Jesus is our greatest example of faith. He knew God’s
plan and by faith he endured the cross for you and me. He rose from the dead and is alive today, seated at the right hand
of the throne of God.
Friend, don’t
get weary. Run with patience and perseverance the race that God has set before you. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and
finisher of your faith.
Dear Lord, Thank you for encouraging me through your word. By faith, I’m trusting in you that
I may continue the race that you’ve placed before me. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
9:40 am
April 8, 2009
A Cup pf Cowgirl InspirationBLESSINGS GALORE!
And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy
God. The Lord shall command the blessings upon thee in thy storehouses, and in that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall
bless thee in the land which thy God giveth thee. Deuteronomy 28:2 and 8 KJV
No matter what may be happening in your life today, there are
a number of blessings that you can be thankful for.
I’ve been trying to get use to my new glasses today. Although, I’ve
had a headache for the biggest part of the day, I’m truly blessed that I can see.
I found out yesterday that one of my great nieces was diagnosed
with Autism. As upsetting as that is, I’m thankful that there is hope. Autism is
not new to our family. I have another great niece that was diagnosed with it five years ago. God has given her wonderful therapists. She
has come so far.
I’m not a mother, but I have 4 kids. I have three nieces and a nephew and this aunt loves them
like they were my very own. Yes, I spoiled them too. Now, God’s given me 15 great
nieces and nephews to add to that list.
As a Christian, I think we sometimes take God’s blessings for granted.
There’s so much to be thankful for. First, the blessings of a Savior that gave his life for us.
Family, friends, a home, a job, a car and food to eat are just a few of the many blessings that God has bestowed upon
us.
Friend,
count your blessings and remember being obedient to His word and His plan for your life ensures a steady flow of God’s
blessings.
Dear
Lord, Thank you for all the blessings in my life, starting with you Lord. Amen.
Until
Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
3:46 pm
April 7, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationIT IS FINISHED!
When
Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his
head, and gave up the ghost. John 19:30 KJV
I can’t help but reminisce about Easter when
I was a little girl. Of course, I remember the new frilly dresses and new shoes that mom and dad bought my sisters and me
to wear to church on Easter morning.
Sure, I remember the Easter songs we sang at school, like,
Here comes Peter Cottontail or Easter Parade. I can even remember boiling eggs and decorating them. During
the big Easter egg hunt, I’d try my best to find the prize eggs and the boiled ones. I never did like those candy coated
marshmallow eggs.
The most important thing, however, that I remember
is what I learned in Sunday school, the true meaning of Easter. I learned that Jesus loved me so much that He died on the
cross for my sins, and on the third day, He rose from the dead.
As a child,
the meaning of Easter was somewhat hard to understand. Yet, it still left an awesome feeling within my heart and an everlasting impression.
As an adult and a Christian, I know that Easter means that I have redemption from my sins because of the blood that
Jesus shed on the cross. Easter means that Jesus conquered death.
I am he that liveth, and was dead;
and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation
1:18 KJV
Easter means Jesus lives, and He promises eternal life to all those who believe in Him.
God’s plan and
purpose for His son was started in a manager and ended on the cross, when Jesus said, “It is finished.”
Jesus told us that in the world we would have tribulation, but to be of good cheer,
for He has overcome the world.
My sins can be forgiven, because Jesus
finished what He started. I can be healed from all my sicknesses, because Jesus finished what He
started. I can have deliverance from financial pressures and any other pressures that I may be facing, because Jesus
finished what He started. I can have eternal life because Jesus finished what He started.
This Sunday, when you think about the true meaning of Easter, I know you’ll rejoice along with
me, because Jesus finished His work on the cross. It's done. It's over.
Friend, all
you have to do is believe and ask Him into your heart.
Dear
Lord, Thank you for loving me so much that you gave your life for me. Thank you Lord for Easter, which means you are alive
and you finished the purpose and plan that God, sent you to do. Amen.
Until
Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
10:46 am
April 6, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationTwo Are Better Than One
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they
fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 KJV
It’s always
great to have a friend or family member around when hard situations arise.
Six years ago, this month I had surgery. This was a difficult surgery
to go through and to recover from. When I agreed to have this surgery, I knew that there were possibilities
of early complications and even death.
Support from family members and friends before, during and
after the surgery were one of the main things the doctor said I would need.
I knew this surgery would be tough emotionally, physically and even spiritually, so I immediately emailed everyone and asked for prayers.
My best friend, Cherilyn, drove me to the hospital in Tyler, Texas on
the morning of my surgery. My parents, pastor and other family members all came in and offered me their
love and prayers.
I remember telling them all to be praying while I was in surgery and
not to be just sitting around and talking and laughing. They knew I was kidding, but yet serious at the same time. Someone
took a picture to show me later. Their heads were all bowed, while sitting around in the waiting room. I think
Praying Comedians would be a good title for the picture.
After my surgery, everyone
went home, except for Cherilyn. I knew my mom was physically unable to help, so I sent my parents home
knowing they were praying for me and only a phone call away.
Cherilyn stayed with
me until I was dismissed from the hospital three days later. She also took a week off from work to help
take care of me after I went home. There was no pay involved for her. She gave from a
heart of love knowing that her reward was in the giving itself.
I remember
a song from the 70’s that said, “one is lonely number.” Friend, you’re
never alone. Jesus is always there to help in your time of need. Helping others is just following His example. It’s
part of being a Christian.
Always be available
to help family members, friends and even complete strangers in their time of need. Someday, my friend, you
may be the one on the receiving end and you’ll agree that two are better than one.
Dear Lord, Thank you for all those who have been there and supported
me through love and prayers. Help me to always be there for others in their time of need. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
11:46 am
April 3, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationWait
on the Lord
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm
27:14 KJV
Waiting is hard. When
I was kid, I could hardly wait until the day came to go to Six Flags. It didn’t matter if it was a
trip to Six Flags or just to the lake, I couldn’t hardly wait until the day arrived.
When I was 12, I couldn’t wait to turn 13, so I’d be a teenager.
When I was 13, I couldn’t wait until I was 16. When 16 came, I couldn’t wait until I was 18. When I was 18, I
couldn’t wait until I was 21. After all, that meant I was really grown. Not long after turning 21, I wished I were 16
again.
As an adult, I’ve had to wait in lines at the bank and at the grocery store. I’ve
waited in line at the emergency room, at the dentist office, and at fast food restaurants.
I’ve waited by the phone to hear good
and sometimes bad news. I’ve had to wait in the dark for the electricity to come back on. It seems like all through my life, I’ve waited on one thing or another.
Christians aren’t exempt from having to wait. At times, we find ourselves waiting on the
Lord for guidance or for an answer to prayer.
Friend, God knows your every need. Hang in there,
stay strong and be of good courage. Wait on the Lord; he’ll never let you down. Keep
your hope in Him and expect your every need to be met.
Dear Lord, Help me to always put my trust in you, and sometimes
Lord, I know that means waiting. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy
Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
8:24 pm
April 2, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationJesus, The Exterminator
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 KJV
Spring has definitely arrived here in East Texas. The temperatures have
been warmer and it seems to rain almost every other day. I love the new buds and blooms on the trees. I
love spending time outside, seeing God’s wonderful creation. The only problem I have with this time of year is bugs.
This morning, I picked up a large dead bug off of my living room floor. I later spotted something crawling
up my bathroom wall. Needless to say within a few seconds, that spider was dead.
I immediately thought to myself, I’ll go to the garage
and get the gallon bucket of bug spray. I thought I’d get rid of the problem, before it ever had a chance to get out
of hand.
I realized,
however, that the best solution would be to call my friend Jack, the exterminator. His job description is
to destroy or get rid of bugs entirely by killing or wiping them out. He usually brings a canister full of liquid spray and
sometimes he uses a powder.
Okay, do I get my bug spray out or do I call a professional that can get the job done?
As a Christian we have an enemy, the old devil who is constantly
bugging us. He is as annoying as any spider ever dared to be. The Bible says he comes to kill, steal and to destroy.
This passage of scripture says to submit to God. In other
words, pray and stay in the word. When the old devil comes crawling around like those irritating bugs, just zap him with a
scripture from God’s word. Then, watch him run.
Friend, has the old devil been bugging you? Do you need to place
a call to the ultimate Exterminator? He’s only a prayer away. Remember, you can
always count on Jesus, when you need help exterminating the enemy.
Dear Lord, thank you for being the devil exterminator!
Help me to always submit myself to you and to stay in your word. Amen.
Until
Next Time, Happy Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
10:49 am
April 1, 2009
A Cup of Cowgirl InspirationPatiently Trust God’s Perfect Timing
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and
will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will surely come and will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3 NIV
Anyone who knows me well, knows that I have the patience similar to a two year old waiting
for a cookie. I’m not real proud of this personality trait. However, I dare not ask God for patience, for fear
of the lengthy duration and what I might have to go through to get it.
If I were to be so bold, I’m sure my prayer would be something
like this.
“Lord,
please give me patience, NOW!”
I’ve known God’s purpose for my life since I was a teenager. I remember visiting
with my Pastor at that time and sharing with him the vision or calling that God placed in my heart.
He told me to try to pursue other things. He added that
if I couldn’t find peace and contentment, then I could be sure in my heart that God had indeed placed a special calling
on my life.
I took
his advice. Unfortunately, I believe in the wrong way. For years, I avoided that calling on my life, trying to convince
myself that other things would bring me peace and contentment.
Friend, it’s been a long journey, but I’ve finally
accepted the fact that God’s calling never goes away. Shortly after realizing this, I told the Lord that I was ready to
pursue His calling for my life again.
God assured me that His purpose for my life would be accomplished. He
also let me know that it would happen on His timetable, not mine.
As a Christian, there are times when waiting is tough. As
this passage of scripture tells us, we must wait for it. I believe waiting simply means patiently trusting
God for His perfect time and will.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James
1:4 KJV
Friend, have you been waiting on an answer to a prayer? Hang
in there! Don’t give up! Although it lingers, wait for it. At the perfect time, God will bring it
to pass.
Dear Lord, help me to always patiently trust in your perfect timing and plan. Amen.
Until Next Time, Happy
Trails and May the Good Lord Take a Liken to You.
8:08 am
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