The Enemy Attacks

The enemy has been on the prowl especially as of late.

The night before Easter Sunday I was attacked in the night so bad that I had marks on my body.  I continue to have smaller attacks.  That same night, our television screen glowed. Interesting how it wasn't plugged in. We had our front door swing open supposedly all on it's own.  The enemy is on the attack.  It's been impressed upon my heart how especially now we need God our Father, The Holy Family and Saints, but also don't forget our powerful Saint Michael the Archangel.

It was impressed upon me to pray the St. Michael Chaplet daily and also to pray the St. Michael Long Prayer. I've done this while spraying Holy Water with Blessed Salt around my house.  Below is the long prayer...

 Prayer to Purify and Protect Your Home

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

 Most glorious Prince of the heavenly armies, Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in our battle against principalities and powers, against spirits of wickedness in the high places. Come to the assistance of man whom God has created to His likeness and whom He has redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of the devil. Holy church venerates Thee as Her guardian and protector, to Thee, the Lord has entrusted the souls of the redeemed to be  lead into heaven. Pray, therefore, the God of peace to crush satan beneath our feet, that he may no longer retain men captive and do injury to the church. Offer our prayers to the Most High, that without delay they may draw His mercy down upon us, take hold of the dragon, the old serpent, which is the devil and satan, bind him and cast him into the bottomless pit so that he may no longer seduce the nations.

 Exorcism prayer to purify and protect your home and family, business, or places you desire.

 In the name of Jesus Christ our God and Lord, strengthened by the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, blessed Saint Michael the archangel, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul and all the Saints, and powerful in the Holy authority of our ministry, we confidently undertake to repulse the attacks and deceits of the devil.

God arises, His enemies are scattered and those who hate Him fully before Him. As smoke is driven away, so are they driven, as wax melts before the fire, so the wicked perish at the presence of God.

Behold the cross of the Lord, flee bands of enemies.
He has conquered, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the offspring of David.
May Thy mercy, Lord, descend upon us.
As great as our hope in Thee.

We drive you from us, whoever you may be, unclean spirits, all satanic posers, all infernal invaders, all wicked legions, assemblies and sects, in the Name and by the power of Our Lord Jesus Christ, may you be snatched away and driven from the Church of God and from the souls made to the Image and likeness of God and redeemed by the Precious Blood of the Divine Lamb. Most cunning serpent, you shall no more dare to deceive the human race, persecute the Church, torment God's elect and sift them as wheat. The Most High God commands you, He with whom, in your great insolence, you still claim to be equal.

 He who wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, God the Father commands you. God the Son commands you. God the Holy Spirit commands you. Christ, God's word made flesh, commands you. He who to save our race outdone through your envy, humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, He who has build his Church on the firm rock and declared that the gates of hell shall not prevail against Her, because He will do well with Her, all days even to the end of the world. The sacred Sign of the Cross commands you, as does also the power of the mysteries of the Christian Faith. The glorious Mother of God, the Virgin Mary, commands you, She who by Her humility and from the first moment of her Immaculate Conception, crushed your proud head. The faith of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul and the other Apostles commands you. The blood of the Martyrs and the pious intercession of all the Saints command you.

The cursed dragon, and you, diabolical legions, we adjure you by the living God, by the true God, by the holy God, by the God who so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that every soul believing in Him might not perish but have life everlasting, stop deceiving man and pouring out to him the poison of eternal damnation, stop harming the Church and hindering Her liberty. Begone, satan, inventor and master of all deceit, enemy of man's salvation. Give place to Christ in Whom you  have found none of your works, give place to the one, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church acquired by Christ at the price of His Blood. Stoop beneath the all powerful Hand of God, tremble and flee when we invoke the Holy and terrible name of Jesus, this name which causes hell to tremble, this name to which the virtues, powers and dominations of Heaven are humbly submissive, this Name which the Cherubim and Seraphim pray unceasingly repeating, Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord, the God of armies.

 Oh Lord, hear my prayer.
 And let my cry come onto Thee. May the Lord be with thee. And with Thy Spirit.

 Let us pray, God of Heaven, God of Earth, God of Angels, God of Archangels, God of the Patriarchs, God of Prophets, God of Apostles, God of Martyrs, God of Confessors, God of Virgins, God who has power to give life after death and rest after work because there is no other god then Thee, and there can be no other, for though art the creator of all things, visible and invisible, who's reign there shall be no end. We humbly prostrate ourselves before the Glorious Majesty, and we beseech Thee to deliver us by the high-power from all the tyranny of the infernal spirits, from their snares, their lies and they're furious wickedness, deign, O Lord, to grant us Thy powerful protection and to keep us safe and sound. We beseech Thee through Jesus Christ Our Lord, Amen.

From the snares of the devil, deliver us, O Lord. That Thy Church and home may serve Thee in peace and liberty, we beseech Thee to hear us.

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and you though, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God cast into hell satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

 Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. (say three times)

 Holy water and or salt is sprinkled in the place where we may be or throughout the entire prayer. 

Holy Wounds Rosary

To be recited on regular rosary beads

On the Crucifix:

Oh Jesus Divine Redeemer, be merciful to us and to the whole world, Amen.

Strong God, Holy God, Immortal God, have mercy on us and on the whole world, Amen

Grace and mercy, O my Jesus, during present dangers; cover us with Your Precious Blood. Amen

Eternal Father, grant us mercy through the Blood of Jesus Christ, Your only Son; grant us mercy, we beseech You.  Amen, Amen, Amen.

On the large beads:

V. Eternal Father, I offer You the Wounds of our Lord Jesus Christ

R. To heal the wounds of our souls.

On the small beads:

V. My Jesus, pardon and mercy.

R. Through the merits of Your Holy Wounds.

Easter Break

I'm taking a week off posting for Easter Break, but I thought this post would be a good one to repost.

Faith - complete trust or confidence in someone or something.  Strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof. 

Unbelief - lack of religious belief; an absence of faith. Incredulity or skepticism.

 God needs our faith.  He cannot bless a whiney, difficult child who complains about everything that comes our way.  In our praise and thanksgiving He can and will bless abundantly.  We need to have faith in what He has told us, promised us.  Faith that He is true to His word.  No matter how dark the day, keep the faith. Yesterday I opened my Every Day In His Presence to... Obey God.  As of late it has really been impressed upon my heart how crucial it is to listen and to obey Him.  I have sensed a real urgency in responding obediently to what He places upon our hearts.  For Him to direct us and then for us to expediently obey.  An excerpt from Every Day In His Presence... "Friend, you simply cannot go wrong when you obey God.  So trust Him even if it is difficult.  And be assured that He will certainly bless your faithfulness."

This morning as I asked God what He had for me today, I sensed Him to say "Faith, your next post."  I truly believe that with what is fast approaching "Faith" is what will get us through.  Holding fast to faith.

"All is well My child.  All is going according to My Plan.  Do not fret or worry, all is well.  I know your circumstances, I see all.  I know your struggles it will be well worth it in the end.  Listen, I tell you secrets. Hear Me deep in your heart.  I tell you truth.  Great destruction is coming.  Calamity.  Fear will be rampant, but you My dear will be fearless.  You will accomplish what I have sent you to do.  I already know this.  Whatever you need I will supply. Have hope!  Stay steadfast!  Keep the faith!  All that I have told you is truth.  Do not fear. (Feb. 11, 2016).

"Lord, I will obey You. Show me what to do and give me the courage and wisdom to carry out Your will.  Amen."

Keep the Faith!

Romans 5:2 "...through whom we also have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice of the hope of the glory of God."

A Tethered Heart

After reading a post by Mark Mallett, I knew what I was to name this post.  It corresponds to this post.  My daughter had a dream and I didn't quite know how to go about relaying the message in the dream. This morning I asked God that question and I was lead to Mark's blog.   And... now I know.

Nicole had a dream on Saturday night.  She woke at around 4:00 a.m. after a rather strange dream...

First she saw a strange Lord of the Rings type of battle going on.  Good versus evil.  Then, it switches to a bowl of eggs.  All different colors.  Then immediately she's on a beach.  And then she wakes up.  Right away she thought... should we not go on that vacation to Florida?  Is something going to happen?  Then, she sensed, no that's not it.

Then she began to ponder on how much time she had been spending on a future vacation.  Thinking about it and searching the web, ect.  She felt it impressed upon her heart that she should be giving more of her time and attention to the eternal rather than earthly, temporal things.

She then sensed she heard... "Go to your mom's blog!"  It was 4:00 a.m. she was tired and she thought maybe tomorrow.  However, it kept nagging at her to go to my blog.  Finally, she gave in for she knew she wouldn't otherwise go back to sleep.

She then goes on my blog cruisin' it, not really knowing where to go on it.  Then she thought, I'll go on the post "Directions", since the dream was about travelling and also maybe I need direction.  So she reads that post when suddenly without touching the phone it scrolls by itself to the post "Smiles".  She said she's reading the post thinking, sure this is nice, but what does this have to do with anything... then toward the end of the post she starts reading this...

(excerpted from post "Smiles")

"Oh Father God.  You are so awesome!  I love you so.  You make me smile!"

The next morning upon waking I thanked Father so much for last night.  And, this was impressed upon my heart... 

"You deserve it daughter.  You love Me!  You love Me like a daughter should love her Father.  You visit Me.  You talk to Me.  You come to Me with your problems.  You care what I think.

So many of My children never visit Me.  They never talk to Me.  

They ignore Me.

I am their Father.  I created them.  I love all My children.  I long for them!  But, so many of them ignore Me.

I just want their love.  Is that really too much to ask?

Me:  "But Father, I also did that longer ago."

Father:  "Yes child.  You were rebellious like many children are.  But, you came home to Me.  Just like I knew you would.  You came home to Papa!

So many of My children never come home.  Never in their entire lifetime.  

I love you, daughter.  Yes, this is a love story between a father and his daughter.  You are Mine!"

Me:  "And my family comes along attached to me?" 

Father:  "Yes."

End of Post

After reading this Nicole thought, Oh!  Father, so you're saying you want us to go to church tomorrow, with all the kids?  You see the night before Nicole and Andy decided for Palm Sunday to go to separate masses and not take the kids. Because, taking the kids sometimes is a tad bit crazy.  Then, she heard... "Yes, you prayed for these children.  I gave these blessings to you, why don't you let them visit Me?"

She immediately taps Andy and says, "Andy, I just had a dream and God says we need to go to church tomorrow together."  Andy sleepily replied, "Oh, okay.  You mean the kids too?"  She answered him "Yes, the kids too."  He said, "Um, okay." then fell back to sleep.  The next morning they had everyone to the 9:00 mass.

The church parking lot was packed and they were running a couple minutes late, so upon entering the packed church she asked God, "We're all here, we made it!  Please God help us find a seat, because I don't know if I can handle a long mass with these kids and nowhere to sit."  They then proceed to the cry room and lo and behold, there was not a single soul in the cry room.  They had the entire cry room to themselves.  She said that Never happens!  And, besides that... she said the kids were very good!  Thank You God!

This morning I didn't know how to go about this post, when I sensed I needed to go to Mark Mallett's blog.  This is excerpted from His post for today...

"Why am I so restless, so torn it seems between the world and You?  How I long to be in the stratosphere of Your presence and love!  What am I doing wrong?"

"Look down my child?"

"What is it Lord?"

"See, there-those ropes leading up to your heart.  These tethered to the earthly plane, tied to a love of creatures and temporal things.  So long as these remained fastened to Your heart, you cannot fly heavenward."

"Do you mean..."

"Yes, My child-your attachment to being in control.  Your attachment things, which you assiduously guard from being scratched or sullied.  Those attachments to your reputation and being approved of.  The attachment to food, money, and absolute security.  And yes, child, even your attachment to those whom you love."

"Is it wrong then Lord, to have these things?"

"They are only things, child, to be used as such.  To possess or not possess them counts little; but to let them possess you counts greatly.  You Cannot Serve Two Masters.  Do you know why?"

"Why Lord?"

"Because I made you to love Me alone, because I alone am the source of your happiness.  You are not only flesh, but spirit, made in My image. Ah, to just say this child, makes My heart burn with love for you as I continue to live in the moment when the genius of the Holy Trinity conceived Our plan to create man in Our Image, Oh, if you could live in that moment with Us, you would see how We long to restore you to that happy union, which Adam and Eve knew, but lost.  You would see how terrible an exchange it is to choose love of creatures over the Creator; How the angels cringe when man stoops so low beneath his dignity."

In order to soar toward union with God, our hearts must be untethered from love of created things and attached only to the Creator, whom alone we were made for.  End of Entry

So, what can we gather from all of this?  It seems God is trying to point out to us to look "up" to what's really important.  Don't keep looking downward.  Get away from earthly views and attachments.  If we are to soar and fly, we must detach ourselves from earthly desires.  He's telling us...

"Look up My people!  Look up!"

Set your sights on high!

I think the battle Nicole saw in her dream refers to the actual battle that is going on between good and evil, physical and spiritual, temporal and everlasting.  There is such a pull, a tug of war.  It's a war we are all fighting.

Today at Eucharistic Adoration I asked Jesus about all of this and it was heavily impressed upon me... "Contentment. It's all about being content in every situation.  To not search out something bigger, better or best of the earthly, but to search out Him only.  To search out the Heavenly Kingdom first and everything else will be added unto you."

When I got home I opened my "Jesus Calling" randomly to page 130 - May 3:  You Cannot Serve Two Masters".

Funny how in Mark Mallett's post it is mentioned... You Cannot Serve Two Masters.  

Not a coincidence!

New Beginnings

I've been dreaming a lot lately, but I'm unable to remember anything.  But, Saturday night was different.

It was a very short, but very vivid and real dream.  I was standing in my kitchen and looking into the dining room there was a Huge monarch butterfly sitting on our light fixture right above our dining room table.

This butterfly was so huge that you could not see the light fixture it was sitting on.  I would say it was at least two feet across.  It was moving it's wings slightly, just resting there.  I normally don't see colors, but the colors were very bright and vivid.

Nick was in the living room and I started yelling at him to come see this beautiful butterfly!...

 "Come see this beautiful butterfly!  The colors are beautiful come quick before it leaves!  Hurry!"

 I see Nick start walking toward the kitchen, then I wake up.

Upon rising, I right away looked up butterflies in dreams.  This is what I found... Butterflies in a dream is a positive thing.  They indicate spiritual things.  They represent New beginnings, Transformation and Rebirthing.  A butterfly in a dream is also a sign of joy and bliss.  It Represents a time of change or that you are going through some type of transition in life.  Just like a butterfly goes through a metamorphosis in it's lifetime from caterpiller to a winged beauty.  A Transformation could be happening to you as well as a period of great creativity.

This brings to mind something that happened back in 2014...

Journal Entry February 10, 2014 - "This morning after prayer I told Jesus how much I love Him.  He told me the same and then a long conversation ensued about how I am His forever and ever and also my family.  He knows how I can get nostalgic about more care-free days, but He told me my future holds unimaginable wealth!  He told me how He will provide for all of our needs.

Then, I said, "Please help me lose weight!  I need to be fit and healthy to better serve You."  Then, I heard...

 "Your weight may come in handy for what is coming, but you will lose weight and in the New World you will be a perfect weight!" 

 Then, immediately I was told to go to Timothy Snodgrass' blog and I was amazed at what I read...

"WEIGHT - You are about to lose weight and become as light as a butterfly!  Throw off every dream which hinders you from entering into your destiny - every temporal treasure that you hold dear, and exchange it for the galaxies and world without end.  Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and all of these temporal diamonds which you have thrown off will be replaced by something much more beautiful and fulfilling - and a multitude of new born butterflies will escape from the cocoon and follow you into heaven.

Are You Missing Something? Is something troubling your spirit?  Are you missing something, that you cannot quite put your finger on?  It is time to stop from your hectic activities, and get out the Word of God.  You have an appointment with the Holy Spirit today - do not miss your appointment with destiny.  Go up to the mountain top, and do not return until you can bring down the fire!

Shake Off your garments of unbelief - move into a stance of faith and prepare to leap forward.  But Wait in prayer and meditation first.  Spend time with the Lord before walking out on the waters of the deep.  Fear has no place in the coming assignments, for no matter what the enemy steals from you, the Lord will restore it a 1,000-fold.  Be silent before the King of the Universe, and prepare to launch out into a time of signs, wonders, miracles and restoration!" 

After reading the above, I talked to Him about needing money for more supplies and I heard... 

"I will provide for all your needs not with earthly money, but with My Kingdom Riches.  My Kingdom Wealth!"

 End of Entry

Also, a Journal Entry of March 13, 2015 - 

"You will be breaking out of your cocoon soon.  You Will Fly!"

I Believe

He is with us!

He is with us this Palm Sunday. This afternoon after I said my prayers, I was thinking about it being Palm Sunday and envisioned Jesus coming into town and the palms waved at Him.

Then, it was impressed upon me to open my blue book.  I heard... "Open your Streams In The Desert Vol. 2, I have a surprise for you."  So, I opened randomly to this...

"I beheld, and lo, a great multitude which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and peoples and tongues stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands." (Revelation 7:9)

"Hark the sound of  Holy voices, chanting at the Crystal sea, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Lord, to Thee. Multitudes, which none can number, like the stars in glory stand, clothed in white apparel,

 holding palms of victory in their hands."

How ironic I open to this on Palm Sunday.  Or is it? 

Thank You Jesus for the wonderful surprise.  He is definitely with us this Palm Sunday!  He is always with us!

A Confirmation!

I had just published my post called "A Courtesy Call", and within an hour later I am walking through the family room and look at the TV.  I notice on the television a still frame (the tv was on Netflix) and to my amazement it had on the still screen "Movies Suggested For You" .  The movie was called "Zapped!".

Brooke was laying on the couch, I asked if she watched it.  She said she had watched a different movie, but this movie popped up as one that is similar and is suggested.  I had never heard Of this movie before.

Wow!  I just had posted about Bryan being "Zapped by God" and lo and behold a movie named "Zapped" is on our TV screen.  Not a coincidence!

There was a small description of the movie on the screen, it's about a girl being able to use an "app" on her cell phone meant to get dogs to Listen and Obey. She finds it works on boys too.  Boys will be boys, but better!

Yes!  Boys will be boys, But will listen and obey... God!  That's how I look at it.  I know a lot of people that need "Zapped!"  Awesome!

If that isn't interesting enough, right after seeing this I felt led to open my Every Day In His Presence.  So I did randomly to December 15!  If you notice, December 15 is the date that Bryan was "Zapped!"  So I read the entry as follows:

"Future Glory - "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed in us."

 Romans 8:18

Many of the souls who have suffered most in the world have become the Lord's greatest witnesses and have borne His glory.  Likewise, many of our richest triumphs will come as a result of weathering storms.  This is because when we commit ourselves to Jesus regardless of the outcome, God's power is released in us in astounding ways.

For example, the disciples never forgot what it was like to face the gale-force winds of the Sea of Galilee and then witness the result of Christ's simple command, which immediately calmed the squalling waves.  It became a part of their personal testimony.  And so when the storms of persecution raged against them, they were honored to suffer for God (Acts 5:40-42).

So, today, are you facing a tempest that is greater than you can handle? 

Turn your fear, hurt, and sorrow over to Jesus and allow Him to transform you it into a vessel for His Glory.  And take heart, dear friend, because He is with you, there is no need to fear."

*I showed all this to my family and they just shrugged their shoulders.  It's not a coincidence!  I told them, the spirit realm uses things like this to get our attention!  They shrugged in disbelief.  

Well, I know with certainty that it was a confirmation on Bryan being "Zapped". They may shrug, but as for me...I Believe!

A Courtesy Call

On December 15, 2015, Bryan was given a "Courtesy Call".

 Journal Entry - "December 15, 2015 at around 10 o'clock in the evening, everyone else was asleep and I was on the computer. Bryan returns home from Tanner's house. He sits down next to me with his eyes wide open and smiling. He was acting rather strangely.  He says, "I can't believe what just happened! I can't believe it!

I was bringing Carrie home and went down river road. I dropped her off and coming back home I don't understand why,  but I decided to take the river road back home (which is the long way home). I was listening to the song "Courtesy Call" by Thousand Foot Crutch, (a Christian Rock Band).  It ended and the song "Sunrise" came on by Our Last Night (another Christian Rock Bank).  I came up on a curve and suddenly saw coming toward me, doing a zillion miles an hour, from across the field a bright light with wings! A huge, the size of a house, ball of light with wings!! It passed through my car and instantly chills ran down my spine! Then constant chills, over and over.

Then, it's hard to explain, but love came over me! Such a feeling of love. Total love and peace and euphoria like nothing on this earth!"

 So then he said he drives home and sits in the driveway for five minutes while chills kept pulsating on him. He could hardly contain himself. He asked me to ride along with him.

So I did and he reenacted the entire experience.

What's interesting is a couple weeks prior to this, Bryan was listening to a song that took God's name in vain. I told him not to play that song anymore and he got angry with me and said, "I don't even think I believe in God anymore. Where is your proof mom, can you prove it to me?" Can you?"  I walked away shaking my  head. He laughed and Nick said, "Boy if he doesn't believe in God, he's in big trouble." I said, "Oh he believes he's just being rebellious."

Last Friday he had a date with Carrie and on Saturday he asked me what mass I was going to on Sunday.  He went with me to mass but could not go to communion until confession.  After receiving Sweet Jesus, I asked him what's up with Bryan?  I got chills from head to toe.  Then. I heard,  "What you were not able to accomplish with Bryan, I will accomplish."

To have the awesome experience Bryan had that evening is truly amazing. God is definitely working.  It seems he knocked Bryan off his horse! Bryan was zapped! Zapped by God! 

The next morning at mass, I thanked Father God. I asked if Jen could experience something. That evening Nicole said at around 5 o'clock Jen texted her and said a bald eagle dived right in front of her truck while she was driving at her apartment complex. Jen then sent a text to Nicole stating how when an eagle appears you are about to take flight.

The next morning,  a tune started up in my head. It was "Fly Like an Eagle". I  sensed I was to send it to Jenny.  I sent this song along with "I believe I can fly".

Then, I was talking to my sister and her and her son were driving past the church and saw two large eagles flying overhead.  Her son, Andrew pointed them out and said, "I think those eagles are Jen and I."  I think so too Andrew.

 Also, after reliving Bryan's experience, we were in the kitchen talking and in my mind's eye I saw Uncle Sam pointing "I want you in my army".  Then, I saw Uncle Sam turn into Jesus. 

The next day I googled the below image and sensed I was to copy wallet sizes, laminate and give to my family. To have them put it in their wallets and to be told that they have been enlisted. So I did.  I strongly feel that they have been enlisted into God's Army.

What's interesting too, Bryan had his "experience" at the exact time that these words were being spoken from the song "Sunrise"...

"From time to time, there arise among human beings, people, who seem to exude love, as naturally as the sun, gives out heat." ...

And then, Bam! Bryan was zapped!
End of Entry

This "experience" was about three months ago.  Bryan settled down and is back to some of his old ways.  But, I know that in God's timing He will accomplish what He needs to in Bryan. 

I Believe

Mother of Many

The blessings of being a mother of many! I remember as a young child being very intrigued with the "Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe".

 When I was maybe 9 or so, I recall my parents bringing me to I think the World's Fair.  The only thing I remember out of the entire trip was a very, very large cement shoe depicting this very lucky "Old Woman" and lots of kids peaking out everywhere. I wondered how it would be to live in a large shoe with many children.

I also played with my many dolls as a child.  I pretended to be a momma of many.  That was one of my favorite things to play.  We also lived right next to two very large families.  On our left was a family of nine children and across the street a family of eight children.  I was very interested in their lives of many children.  Now looking back, God sure was setting me up for something!

I was married at the age of 21 to my High School Sweetheart.  In June we will be married 33 years and have nine children.  Our children's ages are
31, 30, 26, 22, 20, 19, 17, 15 and 11 (plus a couple miscarriages).  I also have 5 grandchildren (one is in heaven).  We're just getting started in that department!

At the beginning of our marriage, I would have to say I was very "worldly".  As a matter of fact I almost fell for satan's trickery... to have little to no children.  Well, I knew I wanted some children, but after three I started to think I was done.  After all, that's all my friend's were going to have.  It is interesting, however, that our starter home was right across the street from a family of 13 children.  Ahh, God kept it up!  Really though, the "world" was pulling me away from what God had planned for me all along.

I thank God and... my mother.  She started bringing me materials on the true teachings of the Catholic faith on birth control and being open to God when it comes to our fertility.

We took some "flack" from some family members, acquintances and friends, but they were to no avail.  Thank God.  It is absolutely the best decision that Nick and I have ever made.

Today, I picked up my youngest from a sleep-over birthday party.  I was talking to the young mother's brother-in-law and I saw a child's gate at the opening of the stairway.  I said to him "Oh, they must have a little one?"  He replied, "Oh no, that's for the dog.  She's not having anymore children."

Later I asked Brooke how many kids they have and she said... two.  Maybe she just can't have any more, but sadly it is usually that people just don't want any more.  It makes me a little sad for them.  Oh, what they are missing!

"Lo, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons of one's youth.

Happy is the man who has a quiver full of them!  He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate." 

(Psalms 126:3-4)

Ahh, the little babies and children... what a blessing they truly are!  No matter what their age, they are a gift that keeps on giving!

 Believe me... I speak from experience!

Thank You God

I'm A Freak!

Freak - a person, animal or plant with an unusual physical abnormality, irregularity, oddity

Fanatic - a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal, especially for an extreme religious or political cause, devotee, maniac


1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen generation, a kingly priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

Have you ever been called a "Jesus Freak" or fanatical when it comes to God and your Catholic faith?  If you have... You Are So Blessed!

I've never had someone directly say that to me, but I have had people ensue such.  Tell me that I'm a little over-the-top.  But, you see I am one of those peculiar, odd people!  Thank You God!  I know that my mother and sister would not mind me saying that... they are peculiar and odd too.  We just love being "odd" for our Beloved God!

Journal entry February 28, 2014 - "Jesus, I just don't get it.  I have no desire to go the bars and drink and party week after week.  I could never do it, even if I wanted to.  I feel like a duck out of water.  I totally don't belong with these people.  I like them, but I can't follow them.  I would much rather just go to the games then come home and pray and be with You and my family.  Am I anti-social?"

Heard:  "No child, you are a peculiar people.  You are one of Mine pulled away from worldly pleasures.  You are exactly where I want you to be; home and with Me and in prayer and communion.  Your desires are not their desires.  Your desires are eternal.  Their desires are temporal.  Not much longer child and all will see.  They will see how fruitless their pursuits were.

You, My child are different. You are who I created you to be.  Fragile and humble.  I've taken you out of the desires of this world.  I have a very special task for you.  Yes, you have been hand-picked by Me amongst many to do a very special and unique job.  Don't fear or fret that you will not know what to do, for I will guide you completely.  You will do My will.  You are doing My will right now and I am very pleased.

The day will come very soon when these very same people that you  speak of; the ones also that now shun you, will be flocking to you for answers.  You will not fail them.  You will not fail Me.  For having My light shining forth in you will light the way.  Rejoice child!  For you have found My favour and will be rewarded accordingly.  I love you and yours!" End of Entry

As a confirmation of this, I immediately opened my God Calling book to page 120 & 121.  It reads as follows:  

"Marvelous Happenings - Our Lord, with hearts full of joy we thank Thee for Thy marvelous blessings showered on us today and every day. 

I am beside you.  Follow in all things My Guiding.  Marvels beyond all your imaginings are unfolding.  I am your Guide. Joy in that thought.  Your Guide and your Friend.

Remember, that to Me a miracle is only a natural happening.  To My disciples, to My chosen, a miracle is only a natural happening.  But it is a natural happening operative through spiritual forces, and therefore the man who works and understands through the senses only, regards it as something contrary to nature.  Remember too, that the natural man is a enmity with God.  Realize fully, and pray to realize more and more fully, that there is no wonder too marvelous to be with you an everyday happening, if you are guided and strengthened by Me.

My children, the children of My Kingdom are a peculiar people, set apart, different hopes, and aspirations, and motives and sense of reward.  You see a marvelous happening (as that today), happening so easily, so simply, so free from all other agency, and you wonder.

My children, listen, this has not happened easily and simply.  It has been achieved by hours, days and months of weariness and heartache battled against and overcome, by a steadfast, unflinching desires to conquer self, and to do My Will and live My teachings.  The frets and worries and the scorn patiently borne mean spiritual Power acquired, operating marvelously. " 

This morning, my mother told me of an incident that happened at a local church. A Godly woman at Mass went into uncontrollable shaking and then she passes out.  She has been checked out be a doctor and there is nothing wrong with her.  

This has happened more than once.  Her daughter was with her and said she was fine and the priest also came to her and said... "She just needs to let it out." Now, we don't know for sure, but to me it is highly likely that what is going on is spiritual.  Suffice it to say there are people who say things such as "Religious Fanatic", maybe even "Jesus Freaks".  

Mathew 5:11 "Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for My sake."

It's ironic, but just this morning before leaving bed I had a little chat with Jesus, as I often do.  And, I talked to Him about how even from way back when I was little I felt different, peculiar. I was a follower on many bad incidences.  I didn't like what was being done, but I didn't have the guts to walk away.  That's definately not who I am anymore. I DO walk away.  I now walk God's way.  No one, and I mean NO ONE will ever convince me to walk away again!  

By His awesome graces, God has dragged me out of the pit, the pit of worldliness and I am never slipping back into that hole again.  I will never again go against God to please man, NEVER!  Only by His marvelous grace can I achieve this.  But, He is such a loving, caring, forgiving God and if we just draw a little closer to Him, He grabs us and pulls us in for a Big Hug!  He is waiting for us!  He loves us so much!

There is great love and reward for those who stand for God.  Count me in.  I love God so much.  He is my everything.  I make NO excuses for that.  Go ahead and try me.  Go ahead, call me a "Jesus Freak".  Call me a "God Fanatic". I would be so honored if you would do so!

 I'm a "Jesus Freak", a "Fanatically in Love with God",

 type of gal and eternally proud of it!

I'm a "peculiar" people.
Somehow... I always knew that.

We Will Come

"If you build it, We will come!"

One Fall day in 2014, I heard in my spirit, "If you build it, We will come!"

 I heard it again a few days later.  Then while browsing the Internet on that very same day, I listened to a video by Neville Johnson. He spoke of special needs people and their "special" missions on earth and he spoke of our destinies in life.  He said how one day while travelling on an airplane he was watching the movie "Field of Dreams"  and that he heard, " If you build it, We will come!"  He heard it many times after that.  Since then he has been building a "safe refuge" for people.  Not a coincidence!


A couple months later it was Christmas and the kids were playing a new game they got called "Imagine If". Travis sat next to me and on his turn his card read,  "If (here you fill in the blank with the person's name that is sitting next to you) since I was sitting next to him, he said... "If Lori were a movie, what movie would she be?" One of the movies listed was "Field of Dreams", which... if you build it we will come, comes from.

The kids had to pick from the 5 or 6 movies mentioned on the card, which movie I would be.  Unanimously, they voted for Field of Dreams. Now understand that none of them had any idea what I had heard just a couple month's prior.

Eight months later,  I got thinking about this and decided to get the game out and look for that card.  The stack of cards is 4 inches high so I randomly picked up about a fourth of the stack and lo and behold there was that same exact card!  What's the chances of that?  Not a coincidence.

Also, during this time I went shopping at our local Goodwill store.  I saw this bird house that intrigued me so I bought it.  Once getting home with it I realized the original price tag and place it was originally bought from was still on it.  On the tag it read... "The Gathering Place" 3530 Seaman Rd. Oregon, Ohio.  It originally cost $22.00 and had the scripture,

 "Philippians 4:19 - And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus".  

It was from "Treasure Station Gifts and Edibles".  One day while looking at this bird house, I again heard... "If you build it, We will come."  I found this to be odd.  I've seen Philippians 4:19 scripture all over the place since then. Also, not a coincidence.

Sometimes I ask, "Have I built it?"  On December 29, 2015, I asked that question and heard... "We will come.  We are already here.  This is a blessed land.  Many will come here.  They will come in droves... this land is My land.  You acquired it for a reason.  All by design.  There are no coincidences.  This land is My land and I will use it for My purposes."

We are building it as best we can.  Yes, please come!

We Believe

God's Provision

God's Provision - to depend on God for provision, meaning that we should look to Him to provide for us when our own means seems inadequate.

 The miracle of Jesus feeding 5000 people is the biblical example of God providing when our own means seem inadequate.  A large crowd follows Jesus as he goes into a remote area. They become hungry and there is no place to buy food and no money to buy it with.  One of the disciples discovers a boy who has a mere five barley loaves and two fish.  Jesus receives these meager supplies, gives thanks and has them distributed to the whole crowd as if they were a meal for thousands. Everyone in the crowd is able to take as much as they wanted.

 "When they were satisfied he told his disciples gather up the fragments left over so that nothing may be lost." John 6:11–12. 

  

 Journal entry April 8, 2015 "About a week ago I needed to buy dog shampoo but kept forgetting. Finally, I remembered and at Walmart I looked at two different types the fruity scented or the type with oatmeal.  I picked the fruity scented and thought, next time I'll get the kind with the oatmeal. A couple days later Nick brings in a full bottle of dog shampoo with oatmeal. He said he found it laying out by the road in our driveway. I found it strange, but it left my memory.

Today it popped back into my head, so I asked Nick again about it, "Are you sure you didn't get that dog shampoo from your moms?" He said "No, I found it at the end of the driveway!" So I  re-looked at the shampoo bottle and sure enough the cap was scarred up as if it landed on pavement.  Then I heard "See? I will provide. I do so much for you and many times you take no note of it. Be patient. Sometimes, it takes time." End of Entry

Thank you God!

 Another time Nicole had a headache and she needed some Tylenol.  I did not have any Tylenol but, just a couple hours later in the little girls room I find a small bottle of Tylenol peeking out from under the bed.  Where did that come from?  No one knew anything about it.  I just felt like God, once again, was telling me see...  I will provide.

(Wings of Prophecy - April 8, 2015)  "I always keep my word in the times of your need.  I am there.  I will always be there to help you and sustain you.  I have always sustained my people my people when you are in need look around you for your provision can always be found nearby.

I do not leave my people without hope without comfort I am a good God, a loving father.  When provisions does not come from whence my children expect it, they tend to think it did not arrive at all, but this is not true I always keep My word."

God's Grace

Grace - the free and unmerited favor of God.

A couple weeks ago I was on the phone talking to Nicole about the difficulties that are approaching us and of all of God's protection and promises when she heard in her spirit one word "Grace".

We are in such need of God's grace!  Interestingly, later in that day Lana Vawser put up a post entitled "Waves of Grace"...

"Be at peace, for there are WAVES of grace being released from His hands like rivers of refreshing water to carry you through what you have to do.  There is GREAT WAVES OF GRACE for the new level that the Lord is leading you into. You WILL DO what you have to do, what He has assigned to do, BECAUSE of His grace. There is a slipstream of grace that you are entering into as you approach His throne of grace in your time of need."

"In Him we have redemption through His blood.  Forgiveness of sins in accordance to the richness of God's grace." (Ephesians 17)

(Wings of Prophecy March 9, 2016) "I have told you I am restoring to you lost relationships,  lost dreams, lost finances and more.  In this process of restoration, some things may be required of you. Forgiveness, giving, compassion and understanding are available to you and you must also show them to others.   If you desire mercy in your own life show mercy to others. If you desire increase, be someone else's increase. I have shown you grace show my grace to others now. In this way, you will bring much blessing into your own lives."

Only because of God's loving grace that He pours out on us are we able to accomplish anything worthy of Him.  Thank you God for all the wonderful graces.

"For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith and this is not of yourselves, it is a gift from God.  Not by works so that no one can boast.  For we are God's handiwork created in Christ

Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:8-10)

  

My Secretary

Following High School I attended a secretarial college for six months and received a certificate.  As a certified secretary I gained employment at Marathon Oil Company.  I was there approximately seven years.  Then after the birth of my third child, I became a stay-at-home mother. Then, I went on to have nine children. I've been very busy ever since!

About a month ago, I was pondering about the possibility of writing a book in my future and also my new blog and how I was enjoying writing and typing the posts.  Then I sensed I heard... "Remember how you were a secretary?  Well, now you are My secretary."  I thought on how wonderful that would be... a secretary for Jesus.

A few weeks later, I was talking to Nicole about my blog and as I talked she stopped me and said, "Mom, as you were talking about writing for your blog, I thought how it makes sense since you used to be a secretary. Then, I randomly heard... "Now she's My secretary."  Nicole had no idea of what I had heard a few weeks earlier.

That made my day.  Just the thought of it makes my day!  So, that's how I look at it.  Writing here on my blog, I am being a secretary for Jesus.  Remember, in God's Kingdom no one is unemployed. In God's Kingdom I have the privilege of being a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, and a secretary for Him.  God is good.

 

Stressed Out

Are you stressed out?

Brooke came up to me today and showed me a song called "Stressed Out". The refrain of the song was... "I wish we could turn back time, to the good ole days.  When the mama sang us to sleep, but now we're stressed out!"

I think stress these days is an epidemic.  There's many people on high blood pressure medicine, including my husband!  We are not living our lives like God intended for us.  He never intended us to have such stressful lives.  We've brought a lot of it upon ourselves.  It's time that life slows down and we figure out what really deserves our time and energy... Him.  I made up a poem about it, since I've been on a roll lately with poems...

Many people are these days

Over their limit and very strained

No rest, no rest

Every day is busier than the last

That is what it's like living this fast track

But, one day soon 

all will change

When people slow down and learn to pray and play

When they realize our God

Is the one over us all

Then life will begin to be

What was meant 

before the fall

The way our God intended it

Not just to live and try to make our way

But to learn to love, pray and play.

Blessed Mother

Oh Blessed Mother Mary

How beautiful you are

We pray to you oh Mother

Right from where we are

Please protect us and our families

From many a demonic snare

We love you our Mother

We know how much you care

Oh Blessed Mother Mary

How beautiful you are

Stay forever with us

We will never venture far

For we know how much you love us

You are our bright and shining star

Oh Blessed Mother Mary

How beautiful you are!