Author: Connie Shoemaker

 (not a typo)

Basically the question is whether you will trust him or not?  When you have done all you can do.  When you realize it is not up to you…will you trust that God can help you weather the storm?

I’ve walked the cancer journey with a friend recently and some of her family members put their trust in the doctors, science and alternative therapies…while the patient put her trust in her Heavenly Father who could choose to bring about a healing or not.

Despite the cancer that ravaged her body…she never gave up the notion that God could heal her.  She believed that we were all given a certain number of days from the day of our birth to live out.  She chose to live them out with reckless abandon in her early years where she was young and carefree.  With age comes wisdom and she began down a road of restoration in her later years which included coming to the real knowledge of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

During her cancer valley she prayed with people, and sought comfort in the scriptures. She continued to put down spiritual roots and invest in those around her.  There was a light that shined from her that people were drawn to.  Though most of her days were cloudy with storms always hovering around the edges, she chose to focus on the glimpses of the SON.

She chose to praise God whether she was healed or whether she wasn’t.

I ponder my “whether” forecast.  Whether I will trust him or not….regardless of the storms in my life.

One of my favorite shows is Storm Stories.  I love to hear about people’s preparations for a storm, what they clung to during the storm and key things that made them successful in weathering the storm.  But if there was no storm, there would be no story.

Our lives are like that.  The story…is in our storms and how we whether them.  Whether we trust God to deliver us and protect us or not.  When we allow Him to truly reign in the midst of it … He gets the Glory.  The decision whether to trust or not, I believe happens before the first drop of turmoil or trouble.

My friend made a commitment before her diagnosis to trust God in any type of weather.  As I watched her lingering between both worlds; with cancer exiling her from earth while her citizenship in heaven was being finalized, I realized she had weathered a storm no one would ever want to face.   And while she didn’t control the weather…she was still living out and controlling her “whether”.

Her storm preparation was a grounding in the word.  She was successful by keeping her eyes on Jesus and filling her mind with all things regarding Him. Each day she Put on the Full Armor:

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”   Ephesians 6:10-18

She focused not on man’s diagnosis but on what the Great Physician’s prognosis was.  The doctors were amazed that she eeked out as much time as she did on earth, beyond their expectations, and though she was not healed on this side of eternity…she was healed. She is out of the storm.

Her storm story is a beacon for others, yours can be to.

What’s your “whether” forecast?  Will you trust him Whether or not?  Have you weathered a storm?  People need to hear your storm story.  Ponder sharing it here or with someone.  If God brought you through something, give Him the glory and share the story, it could make and eternal difference in someone’s life.  Wondering about your “Whether” forcast?  I’ll be happy to pray with you.  Connect with me over at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kissed-by-the-Creator/141769015852210 or here and I’ll be glad to help you shore up a storm preparation plan.

 

Things I learned at Camp…

Whitehall Camp: Revive Our Relationships April 25-26

1. Church of God sisters are a super audience
2. This group knows how to rock the door prizes
3. They know how to do a coffee house! Great music and eats.
4. Soaking in Good for the Soul.
5. Red cars + sunshine + loud music = tickets.
6. Angela knows biscotti.
7. God is the author of Restoration!
8. Trials and Tests, make for great Testimonies.
9. Every church camp has four legged ambassadors.
10. Always take an umbrella to camp.

It was a pleasure to get to know you and share with you what God put on my heart about Relationships.  I pray that you will continue to grow your relationship with Christ and to strengthen your Godly Girlfriend Relationships that you may hold one another up when the storms of life hit!

For those of you who wanted the passage I read on Friday night.  See below:

 

Be Not Afraid

by Frances J. Roberts (Come Away my Beloved ~ Revised)

O my child, rest in Me.

Yes, quietly settle down in My care, as a bird settles in a nest.

For I am watching over you, and in love I will care for you.

There is no danger with which I am unable to cope.

There is no enemy too formidable for Me to handle.

I am able to carry out all My purposes, and to keep you at the same time.

Be not afraid;

Neither allow terror to strike at your heart.

My power is at your disposal.

My presence stands around you,

And nothing can harm you so long as you are in My care, and that is forever

POINT TO PONDER:  What one thing can you do now to grow your most important relationship…the one with your HEAVENLY FATHER?

The leaves are gently falling to the ground and softly settling under our trees and it is beautiful.  This weekend I learned a lesson about settling and it was ugly. 

My second born has always been handy, she’s a fixer, a peacemaker and problem solver.  Maybe that’s why the colleges and the Armed Forces keep calling nonstop. When my scissors, glue, foil or anything else is missing, I usually find it in her room.  She fashioned a way to turn off her light with string and a pulley so she wouldn’t have to get out of a nice warm bed to do it. Who needs a Clapper?  She was 9.

This weekend we hung out on Saturday evening.  The lights in my room had been less than stellar for months, and I got used to the substandard.  I mentioned it to Hannah and within moments, it was fixed. This is how she rolls.

We found a beloved necklace I hadn’t worn in years because the chain got horribly knotted. She asked about it, and 15 minutes later placed it on my neck.  I settled for not wearing it again after futile attempts at the chain.  I did not ask the fixer.  We came across a lovely silver bracelet I stopped wearing because it tarnished badly.  I tried jewelry cleaner but it didn’t help so I settled into the habit of not wearing it.

Hannah grabbed her silver saddle polish and shined it to the glimmer it had when I bought it in Mexico 10 years ago. My jewelry was in disarray. I needed a way to hang some bracelets, “Leave it to me mom, I got this.” In moments, I had a super solution.  The fixer was at it again.

I went to bed thinking of the things, I had settled for that were substandard and easily fixed by the right person with the proper tools. They were fixed quickly and efficiently.  I pondered the time I spent bemoaning their lack in my life or my frustration over them.  How quickly I settled for less than perfect.

Was settling a result of Apathy? Fear?  Fatigue?

Had my tendency to settle on small things carried over into more significant areas? I thought of my spiritual life and my ministry and a variety of other ways I settled instead of taking this issue to the true FIXER- God! How many opportunities did I miss?  How does settling hinder me?

Our pastor today ironically (or not) talked about Satan telling us lies and how when we believe them, we change.  When we lose sight of the truth and how God defines us, we allow ourselves to be falsely defined by others and ourselves.

Does settling mean we are not worth more or that we have enough?  We are worth dying for. Can we ever have enough Jesus?  Can we ever have enough Grace or Mercy?

My prayer today is that none of us would “settle” especially in our spiritual life.  If you are struggling, take it to the fixer…he’s the Creator after all and has the blueprints for…well….everything.

POINT TO PONDER: Have you settled?  Have you been hindered? Is there something in your life that needs fixed – something material or spiritual?  Can you find the right person to help it get fixed? Is there something heart related you can turn over to the Lord in prayer?

Greetings!

Well its been a week and I am detoxing from the sugar shock brought on by the Sweet Ladies of Mount Carmel (CARAMEL) Presbyterian Church in Aliquippa.

What a blessed time with my new sweet sisters.  Such a loving eclectic group of ladies.  I am now taking bookings for the Mt. Okra or Mt. Broccoli Church.  It was subliminal CARAMEL cravings all weekend!  Sweet describes the weekend in every sense of the word.  I learned a lot at camp.  Several blogs to follow were born during my time with them and with Thee ~ the Anchor of my soul.  But here is just a glimpse of what I learned this time:

1.Fog can make some things clearer.

2.Scrabble champs are not humble just ask June!

3.Some gals aren’t afraid of snakes and even great grandmas can zip-line.

4.God can bring an eclectic group of gals and make them sisters in 48 hours.

5.Do not book groups with Carmel in the name…its bad for your waistline.

6.They are from Mt. Carmel for a reason: Caramel Dip, Caramel Bark, Caramel Chocolates…..

7.You can never have enough Kayaks or Judi’s salted caramel Bark.

8.Good things come in 3’s especially Connie’s and Amy’s.

 

9.Gnats are not good in a cheering section but I hear they are low Calorie- good thing.

10.Chippies love church too!

 

But the Anchoring truth remains the same ~ that Jesus is the Anchor of our souls.  He loves us more than words can express. He grows us through our hurts.  He heals our Hardened Hearts and if our HOPE is in Him, we will not be tossed in the stormy seas of this life.   Drop Anchor with the one who can steady your Soul.

Point to Ponder:  What is something you learned at camp or a retreat? A nugget that you squirreled down deep in your heart?  Share it with us!

 

While going through several decades of mementos this weekend (centuries? Found stuff dating back to the 1830’s) I found this Mother’s Day poem that Ann Lee Schlegel wrote for her mom.  As I sat on the back porch reading it, I thought how perfect it was for a mother’s day post…so let me share it with you.

To My Mother

 

I’m writing this in school and though you are not near;

Your face is still before me always Mother Dear;

I love you very much all though you may not know;

For there are many , many things that one just cannot show.

I’ve hurt you many time, I’ve seen it in your eyes;

And yet I’ve found a mother’s love never dies.

You have always taught me to do right, though often I have strayed;

And when I’ve really done a wrong, in your heart you’ve paid,

 

It’s church on Sunday morning, League on Sunday night;

And with the passing of the years, you’ve made me see the light.

The light that quenches all our fears and turns our doubts to love.

The light that God shed on our way from heaven up above.

So he put them here on earth we just call ours “mum”.

 

When I’ve laughed you’ve laughed and when I’ve cried you’ve cried.

And when I’ve told you all my hopes your pride you’ve tried to hide.

I’m just an average girl, no better than the others,

Yet one thing I know, I’ve got the best of mothers.

In closing I would like to say what’s often said before;

That as the days and years go by, I love you more and more.

 

Your loving daughter,

AnnLee Snowden  (Now AnnLee Schlegel – My mum)

 

So on this mother’s day – decades later…I say “Back at ya Mum”  I love you more and more!

 

POINT TO PONDER:  What is your favorite Memory of your MOM:

 Bless a Buddy Contest!

FREE Registration GIVE-a-WAY for the Anchoring our Souls Retreat at Seneca Hills!

April 19 – 21, 2013
Friday 5:00 PM – Sunday 1:00 PM

Kissed by the Creator is offering a scholarship to the Anchoring our Souls Retreat!  Do you have a buddy you would like to bring but finances are an issue?  Well nominate your buddy to win the “Bless a Buddy” scholarship.  All you have to do is write a comment below about why your buddy is special and why you want them to come to the retreat!

Here is an opportunity to Be a Blessing w/o it costing you a thing but a little time! (Prize is transferable for one registration for the Women’s Spring 2013 Retreat! – $90 Cash Value)

This weekend will encourage and equip women to ANCHOR their Soul in Christ. It’s a weekend to focus on the true value and worth of a woman. How we are a treasure to God and how to remember and live this truth out even when those around us don’t see us that way. We will discuss Hope, Healing our hearts and a variety of other truth tools that will enable us become tethered more tightly to our Savior.

For more information or to register: http://www.senecahills.com/#/conferences/womens-spring-retreat

Under conference tab: Select the Womens Spring Retreat!

Registration is limited! Call today!  814-432-3026

ENTER The “BLESS A BUDDY” contest below by commenting on why your Buddy is a blessing and /or why you want to bless them with a girls weekend @ Anchoring our Souls!  Winner will be drawn April 8^th!