Carolyn McBreen Gibbs Blog: The Prayers Of Many!

Carolyn McBreen Gibbs Blog: The Prayers Of Many!: Is your prayer life alive and well? Maybe you don't think much about prayer. You get busy, distracted, or save it for bedtime, when you ...

The Prayers Of Many!

Is your prayer life alive and well? Maybe you don't think much about prayer. You get busy, distracted, or save it for bedtime, when you promptly fall asleep. I did that for years. As a new believer, I was so excited, I talked to God all the time. After awhile, the newness faded into the distractions of every day life. Been there? Then a crisis rears up, and we are in panic prayer mode. If I am honest, I admit this is my biggest failure, at least until the last few years.

Jesus impressed on me that prayer was too important to take it so lightly. I asked Him to forgive my weakness, and help me back to an ongoing dialogue with Him. You don't have to always need something, or be desperate for His help to talk to Him. I have started my day early before my husband is awake. That is my quiet time, prayer time, and time with Jesus.  Throughout the day, I have a running dialogue with Jesus. He is my sounding board, my friend, and the one I can be absolutely real with.

Some days I am overwhelmed by Jesus's love and care for me. Those days I joyously praise and thank Him for His goodness. It just bubbles up and out. Do you have days like that. Oh, I hope so! I still mess up some days, I get tired, and stressed, and busy, and I am sad to say, Jesus gets short changed. Jesus is ever ready to forgive my short comings, my human failings, and give me endless chances. He will do the same for you, if you are His.

Through God's extreme, Agape love for you, He answers those prayers you utter. Does He always hand us what we want.....No. You and I have learned that we don't always know what is best for us. We are like children with narrow vision. We only see the immediate. We have hung on to the very human immediate gratification. You have also learned that sometimes, God very clearly says no, sometimes yes, and many times, not now. How hard it is to wait.

God has blessed you with another resource. That is other believers who pray with you and for you. It is those times, we see God's mighty power on our behalf. One month ago my husband, John had major cervical surgery. We had friends and family praying from one end of the country to the other. The surgery had risks, but we were totally covered in prayer. After hours of surgery, John was in recovery. Getting through the pain, the weakness, and healing had it's own setbacks. Every time there was a great need, I called on our prayer warriors, and God was faithful and answered.

When it came time for rehab before coming home, God's hand was seen. John is a pastor, and calls on people in rehab centers and hospitals. He wanted to go to the one he has visited and where he knew the Chaplain. Our social worker at the hospital told us there wasn't much chance of that. For two days she said, it isn't likely, " we'll cross our fingers."  I said, "No, we will pray!" I immediately called for prayers. Within an hour, the Director for Admissions was in his room, getting him set to go to our choice the next day.

 What I want you to know, what I want you to see, is Before we even said the words each step of the way, God was already there. I could see it so clearly, that I could rest in His care! He knew what we needed before we prayed for that need. I get it, when God says no, He has a better plan than mine. When God says wait, He is working behind the seems to put His perfect plan in place, in the perfect time. But when God says yes, and then at once let's you see that, that is the hand of a Living, Loving, Forever God. Aren't you glad we all get to be a part of His plans for us, and for others through the Prayers of many?

Carolyn McBreen Gibbs Blog: What Would Mom Say?

Carolyn McBreen Gibbs Blog: What Would Mom Say?: Recently my husband John did a funeral for a family at our Church. That is not remarkable in itself, but what struck me was a very sweet tra...

Molly's World!

Hello everyone! I told Mom, I wanted to talk to my friends out there. The weather is so much nicer than Winter time! Mom says it is Spring. I like Spring. I'm just a little girl, and I don't have a lot of fur, so walking in the cold is not very nice. It has been drizzly for a few days. I don't mind too much, but really don't like rain.

You know what is fun? Chasing bunnies! Of course Mom won't let me get them, but I scare them and watch them run. Actually, I guess they hop! They are so fun to watch. Then there are birds everywhere. I know I can't get them, but I can run at them and make them fly away. Please don't think I'm mean. I am just a puppy and I just have to do those things!

Spring is nice too, because our neighbors are outside more, and my doggy friends and I can play! Max is still my best buddy. We love to chase each other, and play, and visit each other's houses. Our other next door neighbor came over the other day, and he picked me up and held me. That was a first, cause sometimes he scares me, cause he likes to tease me. He rubbed my tummy, so now I like him. 

Did I tell you my Daddy is having something called surgery on his neck. I don't know what that means, but Mom says he will get to be home with us for a couple of weeks. That makes me happy!  Mom says we have to take very good care of him. I am lucky to have a good Mom and Dad. Some doggies don't have good homes. That always makes me sad. If you have a puppy, please remember they are family. We dogs can be sad, happy, and we can be hurt. Please take care of us! You are the only family we know!

Do you know how sad we are when you go away? Mom and Daddy always say, "We will be back." Even a few minutes seems like forever. See we don't know where you went. We can't tell time, and we worry, maybe you never will come back. When my Mom and Dad leave. I follow them down the stairs step by step. I stop every other step to make sure they see me, and pet me. Sometimes, I whimper, just in case they decide to stay. That never works, but they always come back. Then I am so happy, I wiggle, and smile, and whimper again, cause I am so happy to see them!

Well, I guess that's all for now. Remember if you have a fur baby to love them, no matter what! God put us in your life, so we belong together for ever. God is so wise, and so loving, because He knew we needed each other. When my first Mom got too sick to take care of me, God knew just the new Mom and Dad for me. Their baby, Samson had just gone to the Rainbow Bridge. They were sad, and didn't want another baby yet. But God knew I needed a forever family, and they needed to fill the hole in their hearts. I was so scared, but they loved me right away! I am a very lucky dog! Well bye for now, until Mom let's me do this again! Sweet puppy dreams, and belly rubs!

One more thing I forgot to tell you. Did you know that God spelled backwards is dog! Isn't that Super  D Dooper? I think God must like doggies very much!  Please excuse me, I hit the photo of me, and accidentally hit the one of Mom and her sister. Doesn't make sense, so Mom said I had to explain the mistake. Sorry, I'm just a puppy!

Dear Jesus!

Dear Jesus,

I grew up not knowing you. Oh, I knew who you were, and I was told the stories, but you weren't really real to me! I am sorry! Easter and Christmas were about gifts, candy, and fun! That's all I knew. I never even wondered about it until I started thinking about death, and being very scared. I know that was you getting my attention. I'm sorry it took me so long.

My first memory of you was when I was four. I hated Sunday School, and always fussed about going. My parents bribed me with a puppy. The really sad thing is, from that point on I was in Church every Sunday. Through grade school, high school, college, anytime there was something going on, I was there. I didn't go for you, JESUS. I'm sorry. I went because that's just what we did, I went because of my friends, I went because I had new clothes to show off.

When I was in my 30s, I really worried I would go to hell, because I knew I was bad. I still did not know you, and all I had was Church ritual. I could not feel you close to me. I was never taught the Gospel as you lived it. I sat in the quiet and empty Catholic Church I had joined, and prayed I could be as good as Mary, so maybe...just maybe I could go to heaven! Death and hell terrified me. I'm sorry.

From that point on you started to move me closer to you and truth. You introduced me to the man I would marry, and he was a believer in you, personally. I didn't understand that then, but you kept pulling me forward. You sent us to Arizona to visit my brother and sister-in-law. She had been praying for me, because she knew I was lost. At her kitchen table, you moved me to take you as my personal Savior! She had her TV on a Christian channel. You knew I was afraid of death and eternity, so you had the speaker talk about the end times.

As he talked about what people would face in the end times, if they hadn't accepted you he also talked about those who were born again believers, and how they would be taken up into heaven with you. It was the first time I understood your Gospel message, it was the first time, I knew I wanted to be yours for ever. I prayed to receive you, to ask forgiveness, and to open my heart to you! You already know the joy I felt. You

made me into a new creation! Did I tell you Thank You?

I thank you for all you suffered for me. I thank you for bringing me to my knees, I thank you for the ultimate love you surround me with! When I think about not only suffering and dying for me, but also all the blessings, and teachings you have given me over the years, Thank You seems so insignificant. You know my heart, JESUS, so you know how much I have grown to love you! If asked to deny you, I would not! You become more important to me every day. For that I am grateful. Even in hard times and pain filled times, You are my all! For that I Thank You! I will cry today, Good Friday in memory of what you suffered for me, but Sunday is coming, and I will rejoice! I am glad you are my friend, my teacher, and my Abba Father!

Love, Your Daughter

Carolyn

Life Renewed!

Spring is one season that shouts out....I'm here! By that I mean there is just something about the air, the sounds, and smells that are unique to this season. The first time you walk outside in the early morning to a not so chilly temperature, smell really fresh air, and see a blue, blue sky, you know! Birds are flying from tree to tree, each singing their own song. They're all there, robins, finches, Blue Jays, and Cardinals.

As I take Molly our Terrier for longer walks, baby bunnies hop from bush to bush, squirrels taunt her from the trees. Her head is up, nose twitching to capture all the scents. Spring just makes my heart happy! In every yard grass is getting it's green on, and small green shoots are emerging from flower beds. The bright yellow of daffodils are a cheery reminder that a new season is born! Did I mention that Spring is my favorite season? 

Spring is what makes Winter bearable. Each cold wind, snow, and gloomy days will not last forever. Soon that season will end and Spring will emerge. It is like watching the world slowly awaken from a long nap. Spring is literally "In the air." Spring is new life. Babies of all kinds are being conceived and born.....New life! I can't write about Spring without writing about Easter. 

If you know me through my Blog, or are my family and friends, you know I am a born again believer in JESUS Christ. Spring is the ultimate new life in Easter as we remember our Savior. For many Easter is Spring break from school, chocolate bunnies, Easter eggs, new clothes, and yes, Peeps. For me and other believers it is a time of Christ's sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection. His life triumphed over death! 

Living in U forgiven sin, separates us from God. he is pure and can not be near sin. Yet He knew when He created us, we would sin. We are human. God loves us too much to leave us there. He had a plan all along. His son was with Him in the creation, and would be sent to earth, born as a human baby. He would be sinless, would grow, teach, heal, and prepare His disciples to lead others to God. His blood, all of it, was shed on the cross, because He was the ultimate Passover Lamb. He took our sin, nailed it to the cross, and His blood covers us so God sees us as pure. It is a free gift, but He also gave each of us free choice!

We too have to die to self, repent, and turn our lives over to JESUS. Accept Him into our heart, and then let Him be the ruler of your life. He changes hearts, and opens eyes to see Him. We become new creatures, spiritually. Do we still sin? Yes, but we recognize the sin, ask forgiveness, and go a different direction. Is it easy? Not always, but by accepting Jesus as your Savior, He i dwells tHis Holy Spirit within you. He is our helper. It is a lifetime of learning and growing, but so worth it! JESUS died for me and you, whether you believe it or not. Jesus set us free! 

I have walked this road for 35 years now, and I totally belong to Jesus. Even in the hard times, pain, and tears, He is my refuge, and I trust Him! I have grown closer and closer to Him in Bible Study, and prayer. He has proven His care over and over. He will always hear me, take care of me and love me. He has a plan for my life! 

It is not about Church or religion. It is about a close personal relationship with Jesus, knowing His heart. He saved me, molded me, and quaranteed my name in His Book of Life. When He sends my angel to escort me to Heaven, I will see Him face to face. I will see His scars, I will see the love in His eyes. Yes, I expect a hug, and hope to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." 

Spring and Easter are not the only time this is important to me....It is my way of life! If you aren't there yet, God still loves you and He thinks about you. I am selfish, I want you all with me in Heaven so we can spend eternity together! He created each of us for His pleasure, and so wants us all with Him. Have a Blessed and Happy Easter as you think on these things!

Carolyn McBreen Gibbs Blog: My Heart, My JESUS!

Carolyn McBreen Gibbs Blog: My Heart, My JESUS!: What makes you smile? What makes your heart sing? In my life, which has been going on for quite awhile now, there have been many things. Oh,...