Songs Of My Heart - ROADBLOCKS TO VICTORY

The song says:

I WANT TO BE A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST, I want to be one of His disciples.
I want to walk in the newness of life, so let me be a follower of Christ.
What do I have to do?
What do I have to say?
How do I have to walk each and every day?
Tell me what does it cost, just to carry the cross?
So let me be a follower of Christ.


I'm thinking all of us have "Roadblocks/Stealers" in our lives that attempt to trake us away from being a "Follower of Christ;" stealers that we consent to which sway us from following the road Christ is leading us down today. For me it is "games". I love computor games. I can come in and be mindless for a few minutes, relax, and not think. Sometimes as I'm playing a game I get a really good idea for something to write about, but more often I fall into the quicksand of wasted time, that lasts much longer than I first anticipated. Then I find myself playing catch-up on the assignment the Lord has blessed me to have. I finish it - always. But my best was not given to the Lord.

In this song I find not only self examination, but a statement of my purpose to walk in the newness of life that Christ daily sets before me. Proverbs 1:8 says to listen to what your father and mother teach you. What you learn will crown your with grace and clothe you in honor. I was taught, do the work first - then play. Set your priorities. We have often heard the saying, "Actions speak louder than words," the enticement for me of technology (games)can be as compelling as people who have no purpose but to draw me from my purpose, and destroy what the Lord is growing inside. And I have played a willing part.

For me and for all of us who want to be and are 'Followers of Christ,' these roadblocks must be identified and dealt with - EARLY. When the games I play take 1st place - God's place, they become sin.

The beginning of wisdom is God. With wisdom get understanding of who you are, where is God in your life today, what/who are the roadblocks in your life, and where is your strength?

Thank you Lord for the Your wisdom, and giving me understanding of my weaknesses, and strength in Christ. Thank you for Your amazing love that leads me back on the road to victory. Let not my eyes sway from You today, let me not pass up the opportunity to speak in kindness, to love others as You have loved me today.

Songs Of My Heart - LOOK WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE

MY TESTIMONY: An old song that expresses daily the love and power of the Lord.

Many of you have prayed for and with me over the weekend about my back. The testimony of the healing was so long I couldn't put it on the Facebook page, so I'm back to the blog. Not only in my life, but as the Lord works in, works out, heals and touches we must tell it.

About five years ago I fell over one of the cement parking thing-a-ma-jigs downtown and a lower disc in my back was moved out of place. I was preparing to have surgery on my shoulder and didn't want surgery on my back, so I went into physical therepy for it. Well it only bothers me about once a year and sometimes not that, but when it does, it's pure pain, and I'm laid up for about a week. This weekend it happened again. I didn't go to church Sunday, stayed home and nursed it real good (ice, pills, etc).

There was a minister coming to Pastor Anthony Westbrook's, House of Wisdom Non- Denominational Church, and I was planning on going. The minister is Kevin Ford, and he was going to speak on healing. Just where I should'a been right? I stayed home. Well, I got through Sunday, and went to work Monday, gingerly working and moving so as not to be in too much pain. Monday night I did go to the service. I tell others that there is healing in our praise, but I wasn't practicing what I preach. I was on the praise team, singing, moving a little bit, but to be truthful I wasn't giving Jesus my all, my mind was on my back.

I had met Pastor Kevin and his wife once before like introduction, hello, welcome to Bellingham. So I really didn't know much about him, and until I saw him again Monday, his name didn't phase me. After we sang and he got up to give his message, he talked about how the Lord healed him from various addictions, brought him out of homelessness (living in a box, delivered him from a lot of "ism's = I, Self and Me" to using him in His service, restoring his life, and giving him another family, while restoring past relationships with his previous family - The Lord Heals.

Kevin asked if anyone was having back pain, I was one of several who raised our hands. He came over to me and asked permission to take my hands, then he knelt down in front of me. He asked if I had one leg longer than the other, I told him, "Not that I was aware of." He took my shoes off (I was glad I had done my toenails), and then as we looked at my legs I saw that one was longer than the other. He assured me he was not going to yank or twist, but that the Lord would heal. He asked the congregation to come and see, they did. He just gently held both my legs over him arm.

As he held my legs, Pastor Kevin talked of healing, he talked of the love that Christ has for us, he talked about the Word, and the power in speaking the Word of God - he didn't pray, preach or beg for God to heal. At times he would say something funny, making us all laugh a little. As he held my legs, to our amazement - the shorter one became longer until it was even with the other. NEVER IN MY LIFE, had I EVER seen anything like that or experienced this. He asked me to stand, and then asked me about my pain level. I told him it was about a 7 when I came in, and that right now it was about a 3. He asked me to bend over and touch my toes. I used to do Modern Dance, so I was used to being able to put the palm of my hand on the floor with my legs straight. Now at 63 years old, it has been many a year since I could even come close to doing this, but I did. Not once or twice, but about 20-30 times, all the way up and all the way down. LOOK WHAT THE LORD HAD DONE - HE HEALED MY BODY.

Not only did he heal my back, but my shoulders were without pain, and my knees were bending like they had not in years. HE HEALED MY BODY, HE TOUCHED MY MIND, HE SAVED ME IT WAS JUST IN TIME - I'M GONNA' PRAISE HIS NAME, HE'S EVERMORE THE SAME, I'M GONNA PRAISE HIM, LOOK WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE.

When the praise team (including me) returned to sing, I was able to dance, dance, dance. Those who know me know I don't do a lot of bouncing around, but Jesus touched my body and gave me a dance. Today is Wednesday and I am without back pain, even the morning pains I usually wake up with. I spent a lot of years ignoring the Lord and doing my own thing with the energy He gave me. I know He is giving it back, and I will expend much energy in serving, praising, worshipping Him. My Father God loves us so very much, and He makes His presence known in our lives everyday. LOOK AROUND AT WHAT THE LORD IS DOING!

Songs Of My Heart - ALL IN HIS HANDS

Interview, Exam Day: Jesus knows just what's best, so I will leave this day, my cares and concerns in His hands. Is that a cop out for what the result may be - NO! This day he has been preparing me for, I have used the talents and gifts He has blessed me with. If I am not up to par for the course I'm seeking to take, the fault lies in my preparation, not His plan for me, and not Him. If I fall I will not quit, but will get back up, and keep on going.

I am so grateful for the opportunities of this day. In his hands is where I always want to be.

Songs Of My Heart - JESUS KEEP ME NEAR THE CROSS

There is peace and reconciliation through the blood of the cross...Colossians 1:20, Ephesians 2:15-16

Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain
Free to all, a healing stream
Flows from Calvary's mountain.

In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.

Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadows o'er me.

Near the cross I'll watch and wait
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.

Chorus:
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.

For me there are those times when I must go back, close to the cross. For me it is a time of remembrance of where my Lord found me; not that I was lost to Him, but He was lost to me. Sometimes I just need an adjustment of mind and soul as to what this life is all about.

The blood of Jesus is a healing stream that my heart cries out for everyone to experience. My heart aches for those who are so troubled and confused to accept that resting place that can only be found in Jesus. As I listen to the news of stealing, rape, murders, and wars I know that someday we will live in the glory of Christ, never to fight the battles of this life anymore.

But for today, we live and continue the message of the Cross of Jesus. For today we tell of the joy of resting in the eternal love of God our Father, our Daddy. As I watch the news and walk in the midst of pain and suffering on a daily basis, I am so thankful to be able to offer hope for today, and love unyielding through Jesus Christ who hung on the cross for my sins and the world. The telling of the cross is not only in the words we speak, but the life we live. Jesus shows up so the victory of Him living through us can be seen and realized by those around us.

Near the cross I'll watch and wait, hoping trusting ever - There is no turning around or leaving the path I have started on.

Songs Of My Heart - MY SOUL IS ANCHORED IN THE LORD

Private First Class Bowe R. Bergdahl of Idaho is the first of our soldiers captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan. HE NEEDS THE COMBINED PRAYERS OF ALL OF US.

When I first heard about his capture, I cried. But I also realized that God is with him. This song, tells us that we are sometimes in the storm, and sometimes the storm does not seem like it will ever end, but through it all when we are in Christ Jesus, we are anchored to someone stronger than any political system can boast of. Let us as a nation of world-wide Christians put this young man in specific prayer.

Acts 12:5...but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him....
We pray for all our troops, but let us combine our prayers for the return of Bowe as the early Christians did for Peter. I do believe prayer changes things and the hearts of people. I pray today that his soul is anchored to our Lord and Savior. I pray that in the middle of his storm of fear he will find peace that will carry him through this. I pray for his protection that the no matter what the enemy would attempt to do, they come up against our Lord and see His strength, and His love that He has for not only this soldier, but for the world. Not only can prayer break the chains of imprisonment of cells, but prayer can break the stony, cold hearts of unbelievers who would do harm. I pray that through the combined prayers of of the world for Bowe that his captors will themselves see the miraculous love of Christ and recieve Him.

Though the storms keep on raging in my life,
and sometimes it's hard to tell the night from day,
still the hope that lies within is reassured
as I keep my eyes upon the distant shore,
I know He leads me safely to that blessed place He has prepared.

But if the storms don't cease, and if the winds keep on blowing in my life,
My soul has been anchored in the Lord....

Songs Of My Heart - YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION

It's funny how TEMPTATION can take on the appearance of 'good, innocent, fun, and desireable. Even like, for me, the temptation of the internet. Staying on too long, putting really important things in my life on hold for a few games. Dumb and wrong when it interferes with life's responsibilities. But there are other temptations also that can/will produce long lasting pain. But after we have experienced what we should have examined more closely, we find the downside of temptaion to be deceit, devestation and depression and often despair. Temptation does not become sin untill we succum to it and commit into action that which we have been tempted. The Bible tells us to FLEE from the very appearance of sin, and in different passages lists the things that would we need to RUN from.


I think all of know the strong pull that temptation has on each of us, though it may not appear, at first, as something that would snare us into a very sticky web. The temptations we face are embedded within us. I do believe we all must look at our weaknesses within as well as our strengths. Knowing our weaknesses will keep us close to the cross, in the Word and in communication with our Lord. Now, I'm not saying that we live in continuous temptation, but the inner desires can seep out and overtake us when we neglect this great state of salvation we have been gifted with.

When temptation comes upon us, the Bible tells us to be submitted to God, resist the Devil and he will flee. Draw close to God and He will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands and recognize the sin within, and if we are double-minded, purify your hearts. Humble yourself before God and He will lift you up (Paraphrased, James 4:7-10). We are to Follow the Lord. Think about where this temptation is and can lead us, and take the time to verbally re-commit to: "Where you lead me Lord, I will follow you." Then sometimes we must RUN. Yes, as Christians strong and steadfast, there come times to run, flee from sin. 2 Timothy 2:22 says, Flee/run from youthful lust... 1 Corinthians 10:14 tells us to flee/run from idolatry. But read the scriptures before the 14th. Very clear as to where we should be, and that there is no temptation that is not common will come upon you. The victory is ours if we follow the roadmap. Each victory we win will help us to gain strength for the next temptation to come our way.

Remember at the end of the line is the prize eternity with Christ.

Songs Of My Heart - Tribute to Michael - CRY

Can't get the music off YouTube, but the words are great.

Somebody shakes when the wind blows
Somebody’s missing a friend (Hold on)
Somebody’s lacking a hero
And they have not a clue when it’s all gonna end again

Stories buried and untold
Someone is hiding the truth (Hold on)
When will this mystery unfold
And will the sun ever shine
In the blind mans eyes when he cries

You can change the world (I can’t do it by myself)
You can touch the sky (It’s gonna take somebody’s help)
You’re the chosen one (I’m gonna need some kind of sign)
If we all cry at the same time tonight

People laugh when they’re feeling sad
Someone is taking a life (Hold on)
Respect to believe in your dreams
So tell me where were you
When your children cried last night

Faces filled with madness
Miracles unheard of (Hold on)
Faith is found in the winds
All we have to do is to reach for the truth, the truth

You can change the world (I can’t do it by myself)
You can touch the sky (It’s gonna take somebody’s help)
You’re the chosen one (I’m gonna need some kind of sign)
If we all cry at the same time tonight

And when that flag blows there’ll be no more wars
And when all cause I will answer all your prayers (Prayers)
Show the world…

You can change the world (I can’t do it by myself)
You can touch the sky (It’s gonna take somebody’s help)
You’re the chosen one (I’m gonna need some kind of sign)
If we all cry at the same time tonight


I was beginning to get tired of all the coverage of Michael Jackson. His work opened up many doors for many people all over the world. His music gave lil' Black kids a strong vision as they watched him and his brothers on the Ed Sullivan Show. At that time VERY FEW Blacks were recognised and appeared on national TV. I will not go into his wrongs, sins or accusations. The Bible says whoever is without sin cast the first stone. Anybody remember that? Tonight I want to remember all the good. My blog, my post - lol.

I had not planned to watch the tribute today, but I did. And I'm so glad I did. I am not deifying him, he was a man. And today I am grateful for his music, his accomplishments, and I have prayed that he is resting in the arms of Christ. He was a parent that was so evident by the emotions of his baby girl. And he was a son himself.

Michael Jackson's use of his talent reminds me of the three men in the Bible who were given money to keep for their master. They knew he was tough and wanted the best for what he had. So one man invested really wisely, and made a great return on the original amount. The second man also put the money to use, and was able to show his master a gain. The thrid man knew the wrath his master would have if he lost what he was given, so he just buried it and was able to give the full amount back to his master. Naturally the first two were praised, but the third was rebuked because he allowed his fear to rule him. This man did not make use of what was freely given.

Michael used all his assets; voice, creativity, the activity of his body through dance, his brain in studying various scholars. All of the things he did not recieve as a child he tried to give to others. His incredible wealth, he shared. Everything he was blessed to recieve of God our Father, he expanded on and shared with the world.

As I watched, and looked at myself along with all the other folks there, and some I know; I ask the question, "Am I making the best of what God has given me?" No! Not by a long shot. Are you, could you? If we expanded on all of our talents, gifts and love, what would the world around us look like? I'm talking families, neighborhoods, churches, work? Just the immediate stuff we do everyday could be changed.

Read the words to this song, and put yourself in the equation. We can make a difference.