His Banner Over Me is Love

"Let there be no doubt about it ... God still works miracles today."

I was researching on the Internet the other day about discovering the Banner that God places on your life. I had heard a speaker a few years ago, Brad Jersak, talk about it and I wanted to dig a little deeper as I prepare to give my testimony at an upcoming Ladies Retreat.

It is a powerful concept of visualizing what God says about you and your life. I don't know enough at this time to explain it in any detail but I wanted to share with you a video I found as I researched. Grab a tissue ... it is powerful.

Disclaimer: I do not know the individual speaking or the ministry he represents. I am not offering a recommendation of any kinds. However the video is about the Power of our Living Savior and to that I can completely attest!

Also, if any of you know of some great resources regarding the Banner concept of prayer please feel free to send me a link or a name to research. Thanks.

To clean or not to clean ...

Last week I was training at a new job.  We were cleaning.  As I followed behind, mimicking the moves of my trainer I started to notice the dirtiness of the walls that she was wasn't even noticing. So I began to wipe the walls as we went along slowing our progress slightly.  Finally the woman said, 'don't get distracted by the finger prints on the walls.'

Isn't that odd - my job was to clean.  Why shouldn't I clean the walls?  Why is getting 'distracted' cleaning the walls a bad thing?

I inquired out loud, with her simple answer being, 'Today is not the day for walls'.  Still slightly bewildered, I carried on learning from her and sneaked in a few wall wipes here and there when she wasn't looking.

Today, I am astounded at the lesson God is teaching me about purpose.  'Child, today is not the day for that', He gently massages my heart.  I thought back to my rushed and haphazard attempts to wipe "some" of the smudges and hand prints.  Feeling justified at the time for doing the extra cleaning does not erase the sting of Truth today.   Not one single wall I stealthily wiped is actually clean.  I never wiped from floor to ceiling, and corner to corner.  So in fact, I did not succeed in cleaning any walls - only slowing down and distracting from my true duties for the day.

See, the woman training me said there is a day when we come in and ALL we do is clean walls.

Oh Lord , please forgive my divided heart.  Are there any other areas in my life that I have been become distracted by something, stealing my attention from my true purpose?

If you prayed that with me, are you feeling flooded with guilt and emotion at the many things that popped into your head?  Don't.

Our journey with God is not about guilt ... it is about a slow and steady process.  It is about learning where to clean and when by listening to His still, small voice.  So, do this with me.  Whatever time of day it is where you are, ask God to enlighten you to the job He has for you now.  Ask for Him to remove the distractions - for there may come a day when it is your job is to deal with those areas.  Then do what the Lord lays on your heart to do with all your focus and do not be swayed by other things - popular opinion, shoulds and woulds, or even things that are good to do. God will not lead you astray.  It is Satan who fumbles us by distracting us from the right thing (God wants from us) to do other really good things.  But there is only one thing God wants you to be doing now and that is what is BEST.

Maybe today isn't wall cleaning day.  Maybe tomorrow or next weeks is.  Instead, today's purpose is ....

Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.  1 Timothy 4: 15,16

What your dog taught me about my God part two

Previously I wrote  a lesson I learned from babysitting a friend's dog about being content with where you are.  You can read it here.

Today, let's look at another aspect about taking care of Shiloh.  She loved my attention.  Too much.

Maybe you are a pet owner, so you know this already, but I wasn't prepared for my new best friend.  See, we own cats.  (Need I say anymore??)  Cats don't follow you around, waiting on baited breath for your tiny morsel of attention.  In fact, you either have to chase a cat down to show them affection or feed them.

Shiloh was less concerned with when or how I fed her than with where I was and if I knew she was there.  In fact I heard myself over and over again say words I haven't uttered since my children were preschoolers.  "Please go play somewhere else so Mommy can get some work done."  Did you ever say those words?  Do you say something similar to your dog today?

Shiloh was at my heels everywhere I walked.  She sat at my heels wherever I sat.  Every time I move my position she would look up from her nap to see what I was doing or where I was going.  I tripped over her, stepped on her feet or tail and even skidded her across the floor once when I moved very suddenly.  I was so unaccustomed to this attention that at one point I ran into the bathroom, slammed the door quickly behind me and taunted the dog,  "haha Shiloh, you can't get in here!"  As soon as it dawned on me that she still won - she would be right behind the door until I came out - I recognized that was not one of my better moments.  (Don't judge!)

What did I learn by the end of the ten days?  That I am being followed every day and to every place already.  I am not being stalked.  I am being pursued.  God is always waiting for me to talk to Him, or spend time with Him or let Him be a part of my day.  He watches my every move, lovingly, to see where He can fit into my day. 

Do I acknowledge Him there, or do I try to run to my room to hide from His presence?

Once I saw this and understood it, the best part of all

What your dog taught me about my God

My family likes to babysit animals for people when they go away ... and NO that is not an advertisement!!!

Recently we watched a dog for friends while they took a family holiday.  It wasn't the first time we took their dog and probably won't be the last time but it has been the most interesting time so far.

I learned a few things from our friend, Shiloh.  She showed me a few lessons about my relationship with my Father God.

The first lesson was that change can be hard, but valuable.  As soon as our friends carried Shiloh into our house carrying her bed, her bowl and her leash she became nervous.  When usually she's happy to see me she only wanted her owners.  I had to hold her in my arms as they walked out the door.  Afterwards, the dog wandered around our home, only partially her usually bouncy self.  For a day and a half, she didn't eat or drink.  We knew this about her.  She has been in our home before but for only a day or two at most.  I was a little concerned to see when, or if, she would start eating.  This time her family would be away for ten days.

After the majority of the second day was over, I noticed Shiloh was

Important RECALL notice

Perhaps you have seen this posted elsewhere, but if not ... take notice!



The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.

This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.

This defect has been identified as "Subsequential Internal Non-morality", more commonly referred to as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.

Some of the symptoms include:

1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or Violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service FREE OF CHARGE to correct this defect.

The Repair Technician, named Jesus, has most graciously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs.  **There is no additional fee required.**

The number to call for repair is 1-800- PRA-YER.


Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.  Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.

No matter now big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:

1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self-control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (known as the Best Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING:  Continuing to operate the human being unit without corrections VOIDS any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list.  This will result in the human being unit being permanently impounded.  For FREE emergency service, call on Jesus!

DANGER:  The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped to the furnace.  The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.  Thank you for your attention!

- God

P.S. Please assist your family and friends, wherever possible, by notifying as many as possible of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Manufacturer directly anytime by 'knee-mail'.


BTW, I did not write this.  I do not claim any credit for it.  No copyright infringement intended.

Hold on tight!

Can you name a movie where there is a dangerous dangling scene?  You know, a scene where someone is hanging off some precipice somewhere holding on for dear life.  Then, if that were not enough drama, they have someone hanging on to them; like a chain of dangling people.

My devotions this morning prompted an image in me that I may never forget.  It is so vivid and profound.  Yet, it was not sparked by a scripture solely.  It is connected closely to a sermon, and a scene in the movie The 5th Quarter (I wrote about yesterday) and an experience from my own life.

Let's break it down one by one.

THE MOVIE: The scene from the movie involves the mom and dad who lost their son and the mom's sister.  Each family member is hurting from the loss and trying to pick up the pieces - alone.

Sister in law:  You need to go to therapy with her.
Husband:  I can't do that.
Sister in Law:  You need to.  It's important.
Husband:  Look.  It's not something I can do.  It won't help me to sit around talking to a stranger about Luke.  It's not how I deal with things.
Sister in Law:  It's not about you.  It's about her.  She's in real trouble here.  She needs you now.  Not next week.  Not next month.  She needs you now.
Husband:  I can't even take care of myself.  How am I supposed to take care of her and everybody else?

Then the husband turns to his hurting wife and says:  I'm sorry.  I just don't have any generosity left in my soul.

*************

THE SERMON:  This last Sunday my husband spoke on Men and their roles as Warrior.  He challenged the men to stand for something important and fight for it.  Hopefully, that 'something important' they pick is their families.  We are in a battle today and it often looks like Satan is winning as the foundation of the family is dying.  The price we are paying is too high.  We need men to stand up and take their role seriously and FIGHT.  (The movie Courageous deals with this spectacularly if you want to know more.)  This is not pick on the guys day - honest!  I just believe very strongly in the call that men have to be the head of the home.  My husband has a different role in our home than I do.  It is just that simple.  (Don't worry ... in a few weeks he is speaking on the call of the woman.)

*************

MY LIFE:  When I was about thirteen years old my parents split. The strangest part for me was I had never witnessed a single fight between my parents before the night that the rug was pulled out from under us.  But that one fight was so bad my siblings and I escaped the house in the middle of the night to hang out in a safe place - the school playground.  Everything we knew and understood to be true was shredded that night.  Suddenly there was no foothold.  There was no place to hold on to.  It felt like a free fall without a hand to hold.

**************

THE IMAGE IN MY MIND: See if you can picture this with me.  A cliff.  A dark, black hole below that seems to have no end.  One minute you are standing on the edge then the next you are thrown over the side.  In scenario one (like my life and the movie), everyone decides at that moment it is every man, woman and child for himself.  They each begin clawing for something to grab onto - something to slow the ascent into the darkness. It becomes a fight.  There is pushing and scrambling to keep oneself safe.  But instead you have five ( or whatever number) people falling into the darkness - alone.

Or take scenario two, the same set-up as before but this time, one brave soul grabs onto the edge AND another person, forming a chain.  The strength of the one holding the side is testing beyond measure.  Their muscles are bulging in strain and they fear they will not be able to hold on.  But they resolve to not give up.  I WILL NEVER LET GO.  

Can you picture the movie scene in your head now.  (Maybe you pick The Day after Tomorrow, Die Hard, Titanic or Cliffhanger - which ever one you want.)  Sometimes the hero fails and the loved one drops and sometimes he succeeds and everyone survives.  Here is the catch.  Here is the moment that brings it all together.  In our journey with God we are never holding on alone.

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; 

      my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. 

   He is my shield, the power that saves me, 

      and my place of safety. 

  I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, 

      and he saved me from my enemies.

  The ropes of death entangled me; 

      floods of destruction swept over me. 

  The grave wrapped its ropes around me; 

      death laid a trap in my path. 

  But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; 

      yes, I prayed to my God for help. 

   He heard me from his sanctuary; 

      my cry to him reached his ears. Ps 18: 2-6

  He reached down from heaven and rescued me; 

      he drew me out of deep waters. 

  He rescued me from my powerful enemies, 

      from those who hated me and were too strong for me. 

  They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, 

      but the LORD supported me. 

  He led me to a place of safety; 

      he rescued me because he delights in me. 

  The LORD rewarded me for doing right; 

      he restored me because of my innocence. 

  For I have kept the ways of the LORD; 

      I have not turned from my God to follow evil. 

  I have followed all his regulations; 

      I have never abandoned his decrees. 

  I am blameless before God; 

      I have kept myself from sin. 

  The LORD rewarded me for doing right. 

      He has seen my innocence. Ps 18: 16-24

If these words encouraged you, then turn to Psalm 18 in your bible and read all of David's words.  They will inspire you to fight the good fight; hold on tightly to those you love, and NEVER, NEVER let go.  

No one ever said it would be easy.  But God says it is not impossible - with Him.

Today I pray for all of us, but especially my man and your man that he will hold on tight ... with God's help.

Leave me a comment if you can think of any other good 'dangling' scenes from movies.

Book Review A Woman's Guide to Fasting

Lisa E Nelson has written a wonderful book to guide women through the maze of fasting as a spiritual discipline.  I absolutely loved this book and would highly recommend it to every PERSON out there.  Not just women.  However it is a nice book to share with a few close girlfriends.

Lisa offers women an easy to read and easy to put to practice approach to fasting.  She tackles common questions, concerns and worries that I know have been on my mind.  I have never fasted before this book and I will definitely be doing it after.

Lisa is not legalistic or suggest in any way that I would be a better Christian if I did this.  Instead she dives into the heart of God and how we can follow after it in many different ways.  Fasting is just one of them.  But I must add that this book did more for my entire spiritual walk than just specifically for the idea of fasting. Lisa is an encourager.  She does a fabulous job of encouraging me in every aspect of my journey of faith.

Her writing style is relaxed and soothing.  It feels like having a coffee with Lisa at a quaint little tea house.  She fills each of her points with abundant scriptures.  You become friends with her before you finish the book.  She shares a lot of insight from her own life.  I particularly loved her section on the experience of 9-11 and how her husband and family was affected that day and how God used fasting to call her spirit into prayer.  Very powerful!

Pick up this book.  It is a must read! In fact, I will tell you that I normally give away my copies of review books to my library. However this one is staying right where it is - on my bedside table.  (Well, after I loan it out to my friends that is.)

Thank you Lisa for gently calling me to a closer relationship with my heavenly Father.  May He bless you as you continue to touch the lives of other women.



I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an HONEST review.  I am not required to provide a positive response.

You are here.

Have you ever wished God would point his finger to a big red dot on the floor and say, "stand here"?

I have.

I read a blog post the other day with a variety of fun door mats. The first one caught my eye and made me ponder its meaning all day.

I think we all at some point wish we had more specific direction.  A map with a little more detail on it.


The cool thing is that God has the whole plan mapped out.


Even if you can't read it, He wrote it and understands every mark on it.

He knows ever turn and every adjustment needed to make to get you from A to B.

Or from there to

                            Here!

Ask God to help you.  Pray that he would show you where to stand to be in the centre of His will.

There are so many instances that God tells us to come to Him. He wants to show you the way.  He is waiting for you to ask.

James 1:5

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

Matthew 7:7

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

Psalm 25:4,5

Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.  Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long. 

Where are you standing?  Are you where God wants you to be? Check out my post on purpose if you aren't sure.

In the meantime, here is a little pick me up for you today.




 Blessings my friend!

Chapter fifteen, page two

It felt like forever.  Time ticked away but hardly a heartbeat joined it.  We sat there immobilized in our fears.  Then Quinn wiped his face and leaned back onto the carpet staring up to the ceiling.

Softly whispered words came from his motionless frame.   “Why are you here?”

“Me?”  I quietly asked.

“Yes.  Why are you here Cathie?  Why are you feeding me information about my future, but it is all too late?"  He voice rose in decibels climaxing with his last two hurtful words.

Quinn didn’t wait for my answer before he swiftly pulled out his cell phone.  I watched as he dialled and then held the phone to his ear.  He spoke in French requesting to be directed to the third floor.  I knew he was calling the hospital to check on Anna.

After the conversation was over, he put away his phone and quickly stood to his feet.  I could not read his face.  Other than his anger tightened jaw and his red eyes there was nothing new there.

“What did they say?” I asked cautiously.

Just when I thought I made some headway ...

Hello folks,

For those of you who read my 'Is anyone out there afraid of the dark?' post - here is another point of view to consider.  Possibly.

A found a post today by a well-known Christian agent, Steve Laube.  It is titled, God gave me this blog post.  It is about how often the publishing world hears the phrase, "God told me to write this ...".  Check it out if you are interested.

If that doesn't convince you, why not try Rachelle Gardner, another Christian agent I have referred to before. She has her own slant on what makes an agent cringe and shake violently.  God told me to write this blog.

I have decided just in case someone of publishing importance shall find my meager blog that I will recant my "I didn't write this - God did" stance and join the legions of believing and aspiring authors out there.

Instead I will say ...

I wrote these pieces of fiction but God inspired me to try.