Divinely Designed

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:35:00 +0000

WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY

The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word (no famous quotes or other literature — only the beautiful word of our Father) through photo’s & a Bible verse! You can find McLinky at Penny's blog, PennyRaine.com. Stop on over and share God's Word expressed through photos.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

ENTER TO WIN A $25 BARNES & NOBLE GIFT CARD!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:26:00 +0000

Nope - not here! Earn TWO chances to win:

1 - read my interview about Woman At The Well with Katrina Robinson at examiner.com as part of her Reading Religiously series HERE. Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing.

Then:

2 - visit my writer's blog, Godly Graffiti and leave a comment there to earn a second entry in the drawing!

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:48:00 +0000

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Welcome to Thankful Thursday again this week! If you'd like to participate, just stop by Sony'a Blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to sign up! Next write down five things you are thankful for this week. Finally, link up with Mr. Linky at her blog. It's that easy!

Here's my list:

1) I'm thankful for my friend, Pete. He is a true brother in Christ and a dear friend who offers wise counsel and a strong shoulder to cry on.

2) I'm thankful for my friend, Kelly. She is a wonderful encourager and sweet friend.

3) I'm thankful for my friend, Andrea. Not enough I can say about her--sister, friend, "co-conspirator," visionary and a huge heart!

4) I'm thankful for my husband - yep, he's on the list again:-) He has taken over his mother's financial and health affairs since her stroke, adding to his already full plate of responsibilities. He has been grace-filled through it all and I just know when he get's to heaven he's going to have several years in a hot tub, watching a big screen tv (as wide as the sky) and no one reminding him where he needs to be or what he needs to do:-) into eternity.

5) I'm thankful my son will start his job next week! YAY! He has worked so hard to acquire the training he needs and has matured so very much in the past year. I don't know who is more excited-him or us!

My bonus item on the list this week is my Lord and Savior. I am ever breathless at the marvels of His mercy and love! He is so faithful in our lives and I am so thankful for His gift of grace.

What about you? What are you thankful for this week?

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:57:00 +0000

WORD-FILLED WEDNESDAY

The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word (no famous quotes or other literature — only the beautiful word of our Father) through photo’s & a Bible verse! You can find McLinky at Susan's blog, Forever His. Stop on over and share God's Word expressed through photos.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:08:00 +0000

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Welcome to Thankful Thursday again this week! If you'd like to participate, just stop by Sony'a Blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to sign up! Next write down five things you are thankful for this week. Finally, link up with Mr. Linky at her blog. It's that easy!

I'm not going to say it's been a long and trying week again (even though it has) because in the midst of my challenges and trials, God has directed dear and loving friends to cross my path. This week I am thankful for:

1) My Lord and Savior who died for me so that I could be made perfect one day and so that I could NOT be perfect while here on earth, and still be loved and embraced by God's grace.

2) My family who continually blesses me by who they are and the way we all lean on each other. We really like each other and that is a blessing in and of itself!

3) The lovely weekend we had last weekend. Our in-laws were visiting our daughter and their son and we hopped up to Washington, D.C. for the afternoon and evening so we could see them. They're great people whose company we enjoy very much. (We've only seen them a couple of times since our children were married:-)

4) Wisdom offered from God. I've waged a spiritual battle over a particular situation for a couple of weeks and the other day God revealed the simple and proper solution to my turmoil: Give it to Him and let it go!

5) The ways God is pushing and pulling me to the next level in my faith and my writing.

"So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly" (Ecclesiastes 7:25 NIV).

'From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another" (John 1:16 NIV).

What are you thankful for today?

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:33:00 +0000

WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY

The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word (no famous quotes or other literature — only the beautiful word of our Father) through photo’s & a Bible verse! You can find McLinky at Lori's bog at www.allyouhavetogive.com. Stop on over and share God's Word expressed through photos.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Smack Dab In the Center of God's Will

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:54:00 +0000

"It sounds like you are doing very well and are smack dab in the center of God’s will. There is no sweeter spot than that!! Praise God."

That's a comment made to me in the last couple of days ago by my friend Nancy about where I am in my life. We were e-mailing back and forth about various things going on with each of us and I had offered to help her out with some "social networking issue." Nancy is a modern-day prophet and I respect very much every word she says.

When I read her comment, I had one of those "V-8" moments! You know, you knock yourself on the forehead with the flat of your hand because once you have a solution to a seemingly complicated problem, you realize it wasn't complicated at all?!

For me, Nancy's remark was a revelation and explanation of why my week had been so AWFUL! I felt absolutely as if I were stuck in mud - in the miry bog of Psalm 40. (It also affirmed and verified that Nancy is prophetic even when she doesn't realize she is prophesying!)

Psalm 40

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

¹ I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

² He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

³ He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.

⁴ Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods. ^a]">[a]

⁵ Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare.

⁶ Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced ^b]">[b] , ^c]">[c] ;
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.

⁷ Then I said, "Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll. ^d]">[d]

⁸ I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart."

⁹ I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips,
as you know, O LORD.

¹⁰ I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.
I do not conceal your love and your truth
from the great assembly.

¹¹ Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD;
may your love and your truth always protect me.

¹² For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails within me.

¹³ Be pleased, O LORD, to save me;
O LORD, come quickly to help me.

¹⁴ May all who seek to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.

¹⁵ May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!"
be appalled at their own shame.

¹⁶ But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation always say,
"The LORD be exalted!"

¹⁷ Yet I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
O my God, do not delay.

I'm pretty sure I don't need to provide any details other than to say I was not fit to be around and I felt constantly and completely under attack all week - in every conversation, interaction, activity and thought. Now I understand that I was, indeed, very literally under attack! It is when we are "smack dab in the center of God's will" that Satan works the hardest to undermine us and to convince us otherwise.

I immediately began to feel 'cleansed' of the miry clay that had begun to suck me down into the pit upon reading her email.

One of Jesus' disciples found me and left me a word to remind me I have a rock upon which to stand. Thank you, Nancy!

Blessings on your journey my friends,
Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:53:00 +0000

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Welcome to Thankful Thursday again this week! If you'd like to participate, just stop by Sony'a Blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to sign up! Next write down five things you are thankful for this week. Finally, link up with Mr. Linky at her blog. It's that easy!

This has been another long and trying week. However, we have a great deal for which to be thankful!

1) I am thankful my son had a job interview this week and his job coach will take him to a job fair this weekend. He has demonstrated such maturity with being proactive in helping us around the house and going the "extra mile" to help us as we juggle work and caring for Audrey.

2) Emotions and stress have been very high at work. We have all been under a great deal of pressure and feeling overwhelmed this past week. I am thankful I work in a place where we can advise one another to "breathe and pray" when things get to be more than we can handle in the moment.

3) I am excited and thankful we will be visiting our daughter, son-in-law and in-laws this weekend:-) I think we have only seen our in-laws once since the kid's were married and we can't wait to see them!

4) My husband is about to complete a week of training for his new job. I'm so thankful he views each new undertaking as an adventure -- and an opportunity to minister to others.

5) I'm most thankful for Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made for me. It has been by grace alone we have come through fairly intact over the past several weeks.

What are you thankful for this Thankful Thursday?

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:29:00 +0000

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Welcome to Thankful Thursday again this week! If you'd like to participate, just stop by Sony'a Blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to sign up! Next write down five things you are thankful for this week. Finally, link up with Mr. Linky at her blog. It's that easy!

This has been a long and trying week. However, we have a great deal for which to be thankful!

1) My son-in-law, daughter and I got all but one strip (painters tape width) of my son's room painted. I'm going to work on that tonight and tomorrow night (so coats can dry) and my son should be able to move into his room only one week late. My son got all his laundry done and the (future) contents of his room organized.

2) Friends and "stranger" alike are praying for my mother-in-law and our family. We feel the prayers. We covet them. We need them.

3) The Bible contains the words of comfort and respite we need in those moments (and hours:-) when we feel too overwhelmed and tired to go on.

4) My son has been accepted into a one-year grant program through a partnership with VCU and the Dept. of Rehab Services. He has a job-coach assigned to him who will help him develop a current resume, help him find jobs for which to apply, conduct mock interviews with him and even attend interviews with him!

5) My sister-in-law is affording my husband a "day off" from visiting his mom. She will pick Audrey up and take her to have her hair done. Tomorrow Jim and Jeff will take Audrey to the doctor and then out to lunch.

My bonus Thankful Thursday item: We had a wonderful time last weekend with all three adult children here and rejoice in the blessing bestowed upon us by our children.

""Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?" In all this Job did not sin in what he said" (Job 2:10(a) NIV).

"As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed" (Mark 5:18-20 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:51:00 +0000

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Welcome to Thankful Thursday again this week! If you'd like to participate, just stop by Sony'a Blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to sign up! Next write down five things you are thankful for this week. Finally, link up with Mr. Linky at her blog. It's that easy!

Thursday has truly become my favorite day of the week, simply because of Thankful Thursday. All week I have been anticipating making this post. It may seem odd, because on Friday night my mother-in-law suffered an Ischemic stroke. Symptoms occur suddenly and may include muscle weakness, paralysis, lost or abnormal sensation on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, confusion, problems with vision, dizziness, and loss of balance and coordination. (She has experienced all of these, though we see some good improvement already)

So why is this included in my Thankful Thursday post? The reasons are too numerous to list here, but here's my best shot at capturing our thoughts and conversations over the past week:

1) I am thankful my husband was with his mother, Audrey, when this occurred. They were at the store together when she became dizzy and lightheaded. He was able to immediately get her to the doctor, where she was sent to the Emergency Room. (With strokes, immediate diagnosis and treatment are crucial.)

2) My husband was scheduled to work nights on Friday night so he could stay with his mom until I got off work on Friday. (He is a devoted son and I know this has really thrown him for a loop!)

3) My sister-in-law drove down from an hour away with one of her boys and spent the weekend at the hospital with her mom so my husband could maintain his work schedule. I was there a lot as well and ended up staying with her on Saturday night as Audrey had a very rough night and my sister-in-law needed emotional support to get through.

4) My mother-in-law has outstanding health insurance and enough financial resources to provide for her for the rest of her life regardless of the level of care she will need.

5) My marvelous, amazing, wonderful son-in-law is self-employed. He called me on Tuesday and asked me if he could come down to (a) paint my son's room. (My son graduates from Woodrow Wilson Rehab. Center on Friday and we really wanted to have his bedroom painted and ready to welcome him home. (I had planned to do that last weekend.)) Then John asked if he could ride down to Fishersville with us so he could attend the graduation ceremony and help us pack up my son's room. (My mother-in-law had planned to ride with us-she and my son have always been 'special buds' and he was thrilled she would watch him walk across the stage.) My daughter cannot take off on Friday's typically so my son-in-law said he would like to represent them. I still cry just thinking about his generosity.

5a) Here's the thing: Wednesday was the 2nd wedding anniversary of my daughter and son-in-law. They offered their day to us and on my son's behalf. Blessed, blessed, blessed!

There are so many other blessings we have received - God's grace has astounded and humbled us beyond words in the past week. In the days and weeks to come I'll be writing about it all. For now we covet your prayers for our family and for Audrey. Feel free to pick up the prayer button Edie at Rich Gifts designed for Audrey.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:25:00 +0000

WORD-FILLED WEDNESDAY

Today's word-filled Wednesday post is dedicated to my mother-in-law, Audrey. This is a picture of her with our youngest family member, Kate (my niece, Audrey's youngest grand-daughter).

Audrey had a stroke on Friday night. She is an amazing woman with a deep, strong faith that has sustained her throughout her life. We are relying upon OUR faith right now to get us through each day. Audrey's family is devastated and we don't know what the future holds for her. We do know this - and we know that she would agree with us: God is good. He cares for and about us. His will shall be accomplished on this earth.

We ardently pray for complete healing for Audrey. Short of that, we pray for the strength and courage to face what God plans for her and us.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

Susan at Forever His is hosting WFW this week. Hop on over to see other beautiful pictures and inspirational scripture. Join us!

Blessings on your journey,

Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:07:00 +0000

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Welcome to Thankful Thursday again this week! If you'd like to participate, just stop by Sony'a Blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to sign up! Next write down five things you are thankful for this week. Finally, link up with Mr. Linky at her blog. It's that easy!

Here's my list this week:

1) I'm thankful that God continues to create "divine connections" that will both help me benefit financially AND grow in my ability to minister to His world.

2) I'm thankful that God invests His time and energy in me. I am a work in progress and He sticks with me through every "one step forward and two steps back."

3) I'm thankful for my employer and co-workers. Every morning I wake up knowing I am blessed to be in a once-in-a-lifetime work situation. Yes, most days I'm exhausted both physically and mentally when I get home, but I can't imagine working anywhere else with any other people!

4) I'm thankful for modern medicine. I've been undergoing some (routine) testing over the past couple of weeks to figure out the source of some mild pain/discomfort. They are getting frustrated because they can't find any cause to this point. I don't want to tell the doctors this after all their hard work: I think I'm just getting old! LOL!

5) I'm grateful for my husband. I've not placed him on the "bottom" of the list, but rather in the "anchor" position. That's because he is my anchor and ever a blessing from God. Even when I get irritated with him, I thank God for him and his strength.

What are you thankful for today?

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:11:00 +0000

WORD-FILLED WEDNESDAY

The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word (no famous quotes or other literature — only the beautiful word of our Father) through photo’s & a Bible verse!

You can find McLinky at Lori's bog at www.allyouhavetogive.com. Stop on over and share God's Word expressed through photos.

Next week’s hostess will be: Christy at Critty Joy

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:23:00 +0000

WORD-FILLED WEDNESDAY!

Welcome to Word-Filled Wednesday!

The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word (no famous quotes or other literature — only the beautiful word of our Father) through photo’s & a Bible verse!

To join us, pop over to pennyraine.com, who is hosting “Word Filled Wednesday” for Amy at the 160 acre woods

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:41:00 +0000

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Welcome to Thankful Thursday! If you'd like to participate, just stop by Sony'a Blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to sign up! Next write down five things you are thankful for this week. Finally, link up with Mr. Linky at her blog. It's that easy!

This week, I continue to be blessed by God in ways I never could have dreamed and in ways I never imagined!

1) I'm thankful for a God who is faithful and mighty. God has uplifted and sustained me in my life-long quest for His will for my life and MY endurance and wisdom in striving for His will.

2) I'm thankful for my husband, who is the hardest-working man I know. He labors each day to provide for us. He also makes sure to fit in time in the Word and private time with God each and every day.

3) I'm thankful for family. I have been especially blessed over the past couple of weeks to have had family together at our house. I just can't express my deep and abiding gratitude to God for giving me my husband and children, my "family of origin" and the "family by marriage." Blessed, blessed, blessed.

4) I'm thankful the Christian writers and bloggers I have been working with on various projects-their own as well some collaborations. It encourages and energizes to me to know that God's mighty army is out in full force, working to bring about His kingdom here on earth.

5) I'm thankful for the healings God is working in my life--physical, emotional and spiritual.

What are you thankful for this day?

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

When God Says, "PRAY'

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:20:00 +0000

~~~Warning: lost post!~~~

Over the past several months God has been working very deeply in my life, revealing to me what I need to offer up to Him in order to be the person He designed me to be. It has been painful and challenging and also full of joy and thanksgiving. I recently relinquished to Him my anger-an insidious and damaging sin of the heart, mind and soul.

No, my parents weren't bad people. No my husband doesn't beat me. No, my children are not a disappointment. Quite the opposite! And there, my friends, is the mystery/trickery of sin. It doesn't have to make sense in order for us to fall prey. I was angry about many things-some big and some very small. But I was angry. And over a lifetime it became my identity. Now I rejoice in a new feeling at my core: tranquility. It's a very new concept for me--one that has been foreign to me all my life. I'm liking it though and the deeper my Lord takes me, the more I offer up to Him, the more tranquil I become.

Daily God answers my plea to understand and view clearly His plan for me in light of the lifted burden of anger/sin that prevented me from doing so suitably to this point. Here’s what has gone on in the past two weeks:

I have felt an almost overwhelming burden to pray for others—including each of you. I put out a notice on FaceBook recently, inviting any and all to share their need for prayer with me. A year ago, I would have felt overwhelmed with the direct responses I’ve received as well as the (now approaching 30) others upon which I have “coincidentally” stumbled.

At first, I was excited at how God was blessing me. Oops! It’s not about me! I keep forgetting that! I am blessed beyond expression or description to be allowed such intimate and sacred relationship with those for whom I am praying. My list is growing daily. Some prayer requests are about sending a first child off to kindergarten or to college. Some are about devastating, life changing issues.

So where is this leading? I have no idea about the long term! This is what I have decided for now: I will continue to pray for each and every person who individually requests it. I will pray for others who have not requested it, but who I know are in need. I will also continue to pray for any and all of God’s beloved whom HE knows are in need of prayer.

Two requests in particular were like receiving a “gut punch” because of the grief and pain the individuals were experiencing. I am sending these two individuals a copy of my book in the hope they will find comfort and a sense of peace within the pages.

I wouldn’t have thought that appropriate or “humble” a year ago! But after all, the book is really not mine! The book was about obedience: God wanted me to do it. That was the whole purpose: obey Him! Every word, every punctuation point and every aspect of it is from God and for His glory and is rendered from His mercy and grace upon me as I have struggled, often crawling, to this point of obedience to His call on my life.

This is what I ask of you: If you know of someone who you feel would be ministered to by Woman At The Well, please order a copy for them at amazon.com. If you can’t afford a copy, send me a check for what you can afford. If you cannot afford to pay anything, that’s okay too. Just ask me for a copy, I’ll send it to you.

This is not a blatant or “back handed” plug for my book. I’ve given away more copies than I’ve sold! I don’t care if I ever earn back what I have invested financially to publish and market the book! I have also donated a portion of all profits to charitable causes. I will continue to do so. I am tithing my “profits.”

I don’t know why or how Woman At The Well has exceeded my hopes and dreams except that God has ordained it (and me) to be a vessel of His healing, His power, His grace. Why do I think so small and only in human terms? This is the (only) review I’ve received about the book at lulu.com

“Mary O. Moss is the vessel God uses to pour love, wisdom and encouragement to the reader. Laced with Biblical Example and Scripture, the poems and short works really encouraged me. As I read I thought what a perfect gift book for someone who might be hurting through their own choices or even circumstances. I believe this would be a great book for someone who is searching for fulfillment, much like the Biblical woman at the well. Lastly, I think it's a wonderful work to keep for yourself. Let God love on you. Woman at the Well is a perfect means to feel His love today.”

I literally cried when I read it because I am still in awe that my mere act of obedience (publish the book) has touched even one person far beyond anything I could have imagined. “Let God love on you.” Let Him love on anyone in your life who needs a tangible reminder of that love.

I have started a list of all prayer requests I receive or have initiated on my own. If you would like me to add your name or the name of a loved one, let me know. I don’t know where this is leading, but I’m on board till the end of the line! God knows, and for now, that is enough. I may wake up tomorrow with a different/new/broader vision!

You can do me a great favor and pray that I will continue to hear God speaking in my life and obeying His instructions to me.

I woke up this morning knowing that this is the next step in my journey. Join me!

God’s grace and peace upon you in your journey.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:51:00 +0000

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

If you would like to share your thankfulness, hop on over to Sonya's blog, Truth 4 The Journey and sign up to join us!

It has been a fascinating/challenging/blessed/angst-filled week! So much for which to thank God!! This week the top five items on my list are:

1) Edie at Rich Gifts once again makes my list for the week--this time she's moved to the top of the list!! I have "harassed" her all week for help with a blog I'm working on. She has been gracious and patient. I'm pretty sure there's a special place in heaven waiting just for her:-)

2) My faith! Isn't it funny how we say "my" faith? It's really a gift from God! My faith has been growing exponentially lately and it's almost too overwhelming to manage! I have been brought to my knees in humility and gratitude that God is working so intimately and specifically in my life.

3) The opportunity to minister to God's world through prayer. God placed a burden on my heart several days ago to PRAY. I knew of several friends dealing with various things in their lives, but I sensed that the burden was larger--"cast your net" larger. I put out a blanket statement on Facebook to that effect and have been blessed with friends and "strangers" contacting me to pray for them. Blessed. Blessed. Blessed.

4) My family is ever on the list and this past weekend we had a houseful! It was great! Son, daughter and son-in-law and their two dogs (our "grand-dogs":-), a marathon game of Trivial Pursuit, shopping, eating, laughing and oh, did I say eating!?

5) My Savior. 'Nough said!

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

WORD-FILLED WEDNESDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:24:00 +0000

Christy @ Crittyjoy is hosting Word Filled Wednesday this week. Stop on over to see her beautiful blog and link up to share how the Lord has spoken to you today!

The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word (no famous quotes or other literature — only the beautiful word of our Father) through photo’s & a Bible verse!

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Pray Much?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:35:00 +0000

I have a new prayer button on my blog sidebar. This one is for Sharon, an intelligent young woman and a writer with a wonderful gift. Sharon has the sweetest soul I believe I've ever encountered and she is waging a battle with recently diagnosed Bipolar Disorder.

There is no cure--only management of this cruel mental health condition and it has been a battle for Sharon and her family and loved ones (In fact, Sharon's sister asked to be included in our prayers as well, so please also pray for Kathy).

Sharon lives in Texas and became friends with Andrea (All God's Creatures and Arise to Write) and me through FaceBook during the last year. Please pray Sharon receives the proper counseling and treatment and if it is GOD's will, complete healing!

Once again, Edie @ Rich Gifts graciously made a prayer button when I asked for it. As are all the designs Edie creates, this one is "perfect" for Sharon. Please storm the heavens with prayers for Sharon.

You can pick up this button to place on your blog by copying the code in the box below the button on the sidebar.

God has placed an incredible prayer burden on me. It has been growing over the past weeks and I am compelled to obey Him. His command: "Pray." The thing about God is He assures us He'll take care of the details - as He wills. We are to obey. That's how lives are changed. That's how the world is changed.

My friends I urge you to join me and other prayer warriors around the world to simply PRAY. God will hear us and act on behalf of us-His beloved.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV).

"When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when enemies besiege them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come, and when a prayer or plea is made by any of your people Israel—each one aware of his afflictions and pains, and spreading out his hands toward this temple-then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive, and deal with each man according to all he does, since you know his heart (for you alone know the hearts of men)" (2 Chronicles 6:28-30)

"[The Fellowship of the Believers ] They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:45 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Burdened? Lay it Down

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:52:00 +0000

This morning I installed the code for yet another prayer button Edie at Rich Gifts designed for a beautiful sister in Christ who is in the spiritual battle of her life--for her life. I felt weighed down and overwhelmed--not by the needs of my friend. Not by the effort to rally prayer warriors on my friend's behalf. I felt burdened as if I were personally responsible for the outcome of the prayers. I all too often fall into the trap of praying as if I were the one responsible for the result!

Yes, I felt burdened. Not "put upon" or inconvenienced. Burdened. You see, I spent several minutes in prayer this morning about some things in my life. Then I began to think of all the individuals I know and their need for prayer - some about huge, very specific matters of physical survival; others who must make decisions about their future or their children's future that will be life-changing. Some of them struggle with physical or emotional or spiritual issues. Some just need to feel blanketed in prayer to make it through each day.

All of us need prayer. All day. Every day. As one of those "I can do it" and "I'll take care of that" people, I tend to take on each burden of which I am made aware and carry it with me . . . until the burden becomes so large that I almost collapse under the weight of it.

That's because my burden is only to pray! Yes only. I am responsible to pray. God is in charge of the outcome! Let go, Mary. Let God. Pray in the name of Jesus for God's will -- not mine. Not even the will of those for whom we pray. No . . . we pray in the name of Jesus for the will of God to be established on His earth--in His world.

We are His beloved. Jesus already carried our burdens with him on the road to Golgotha. He hung upon the Cross so that we would know once and for all time that we are not alone, that we can be hopeful, that we are saved!

I believe in the power of prayer! I truly do. Having said that, I also know my own nature. I prayed this morning, both collectively and by name, for all those on my prayer list and for the prayer needs of others I may not be aware of.

Now I have laid that burden at the foot of the Cross. That is how I can best serve those in need of prayer -- pray. Then let go; let God.

~~~~~~~~~~

"When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when an enemy besieges them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come, and when a prayer or plea is made by any of your people Israel—each one aware of the afflictions of his own heart, and spreading out his hands toward this temple- ³⁹ then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive and act; deal with each man according to all he does, since you know his heart (for you alone know the hearts of all men)"(1 Kings 8:37-39 NIV)

"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you" (Jeremiah 29:12 NIV)

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:12 NIV).

*(Photographer: Ake Dahllof and Emma Holmbro, from: Hill of Crosses)

Blessings on your journey,"
Mary

Shopping is Love? Say what!?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:27:00 +0000

Sounds wrong, doesn't it?! Especially if you know me at all: I'm not about money (good thing!) Stop by Crayon Chronicles to read about the amazing, wonderful, God-gifted time I spent shopping with my daughter yesterday. (Based on comments from a couple of friends, you might want to grab a tissue:-)

Then, if you have a chance, check Godly Graffiti for details about my author interview at Patterings on August 20 at and a chance to win a copy of my book!

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Neno's Award

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:25:00 +0000

My precious friend, Andrea sent me this award. To say she is a true sister of the heart, doesn't begin to explain the connection we instantly felt! She has taught me so much about being true to myself and being genuine--by how she lives her own life and how she encourages me. She is one of God's blessings upon my life.

Neno's award is given to those who love blogging, love to encourage friendships through blogging, and who help others seek the reasons why we all love blogging. I have met so many wonderful people through blogging and I am so excited to pass this along.

I do, indeed, love to blog, love to encourage friendships through this amazing feat of technology called blogging, and rejoice at every opportunity to shine the light of love through Christ into this world.

If you share this same connection with other bloggers, grab this award and spread the love:-)

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:19:00 +0000

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Wow! I woke up this morning feeling a little gloomy. It's been a rather challenging week at work and I think I've been experiencing "let down" stress. That's probably not the right term, but it's the stress you experience after you don't need to be strong and keep it all together in the moment--like when we thought my husband was having heart problems and spent several days in the hospital. Now that we know he's okay and had other things going on that are NOT life-threatening, I can relax a bit, and can now allow myself to feel the stress I held in during that time. Don't know if I explained this well, but any mom's reading this will understand, I think! :-)

So I've been a little "grumbly" this week. Actually, probably quite a bit so! I thought this morning that I was relating to Eeyore of Winnie the Pooh fame. I was even thinking I couldn't really muster up enough thankfulness to post this morning. Now that is sinful! So God kicked things up a notch - just for me today. He does that! He really knows when we are down, blue, sad or just generally in need of an extra dose of grace!

Today I'm thankful for:

1) A God who knows me and loves me too much to allow me to feel sorry for myself for too long. He woos me back to Him, gently and lovingly. Thank you Heavenly Father for your tenderness.

2) Friends who answer my call for tangible help. I asked Edie at Rich Gifts to help me with some HTML code and she responded immediately. Thank you Edie for your kindness and generosity.

3) Friends who share their good fortune. Kelly at Chatty Kelly was accepted as a Richmond columnist at Examiner.com recently. She shared her excitement with our Richmond Christians Who Write Group and also offered us a wonderful opportunity to apply as columnists as well. Thank you Kelly for your big heart and your wonderful friendship.

4) I have been accepted as the Richmond Frugal Family examiner for Examiner.com! Thank you again, Kelly:-)

5) My husband was diagnosed with pleurisy by our family doctor. It is a serious, but not life-threatening infection of the lining of the lungs (not in). Heavy-duty antibiotics took care of it and he's back to his old self. (Yes, I am thankful for that! After all these years, I've kind of gotten used to him:-)

If you would like to share your thankfulness, hop on over to Sonya's blog, Truth 4 The Journey and sign up to join us!

“For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain” (Psalm 139:1-6 NIV)

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

MONDAY MANNA

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:55:00 +0000

Welcome to Monday Manna. The purpose of this meme is to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word. On the first and third Monday of each month, anyone who wishes can post their thoughts on a verse I introduced at my blog the Thursday before. It doesn't have to be a long post -- just a few thoughts, a picture you feel helps express it, a poem, a short story, a devotional.

Anyone is welcome to participate. Stop by An Open Book to link up with others. My comments follow.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:4-9 NIV).

Paul's words are so rich! Every time I read his words I can almost feel the energy and sense of urgency with which he spoke!

Paul had a lot of lost time to make up for. He had spent most of his life hating the very people he later labored so passionately to bring to Christ! More than that, he had hunted down and murdered them! Knowing this one may ask how he can exhort us to "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice"

Paul is in awe of the gift of grace Christ won for us. More, he is astounded! That is the source of his sense of urgency, his passion, his zeal. Paul bids us to turn away from the sinful ways of our past and begin living a life that glorifies Christ in all things.

My prayer is that some day I become such a shining example that every thing I think and say and do will lead others to Christ. Until that time, I labor to think about "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy."

Rejoice and pray. In all things at all times. Heaven awaits us! Pray that we can be a beacon for others and rejoice that even in our failing, God loves us. Rejoice that Christ won eternal life for us and pray that we can lead others to that glorious truth with every moment of our lives.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

What I Learned Today: Everyone Has a Story To Tell

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Moss) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 12:25:00 +0000

Yesterday I spent my day at the 4th Annual Hanover Book Festival. To say I was blessed by the experience is an understatement! God is so amazing, that I just have to share some of the incredible ways He worked in my life yesterday!

I met at least 20 other authors of all genres--every age and shape and life story different from another. To be in a room full of networking, laughing, socializing, passionate writers was so inspirational! I had trouble getting to sleep last night because of all the excitement and well . . . if you know me, you know I "process" everything until it's been broken down to the lowest common denominator!

My first inclination after I got home was to think, "I only sold 3 books today." Then, though, the full impact of the day began to wash over me!

Think about this: everyone has a story to tell--everyone! Everyone doesn't write a book, but their lives tell a story. Every person has a story to tell. I realized that part of what we are called to do as Christians--as human beings--is to invite those stories to be told. In other words, we are to be available to listen, we are to engage in relationships, we are to encourage sharing. Wow! That really puts "ministry" in a whole new light for me!

I'm going to post some networking stories and share how God was with me as I "worked the room" yesterday at Godly Graffiti . I felt I needed to share these thoughts outside the box of writing, though, because it applies to all of us.

As we go through life, we acquire our story. We are to share our stories with others so they can learn from us and so they can be ministered to. Then we are to draw out their stories. There is power in the telling and power in the hearing. It becomes testimony.

"If someone ventures a word with you, will you be impatient? But who can keep from speaking? Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands" (Job 4:2-3 NIV).

"One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent" (Acts 18:9 NIV).

"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 4:11 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary