February 4, 2012 God answers my prayer and makes it snow in Texas

Wonderful, Glorious God, Immediately when I woke up this morning, I glanced at my prayer board. Underneath the puffy cloud shaped “John 3:16,” I noticed my biological dad’s name. I smiled. Another reason to praise Your name.

 As You know, a little under two years ago, You reunited me with the man I called “Dad” as a child. Today, I find myself pondering how rapidly and effortlessly we connected after not having spoken one word to each other for 23 years. And, I am convinced that it was You Who orchestrated that treasured moment.

One day, a thought popped into my head. “Your dad is probably on Facebook.” Then, all I had to do was type his name on the computer screen before I found myself staring at my estranged biological dad’s picture online. The ease of finding him after all the failed attempts throughout the years leaves me feeling baffled.

In that very moment, I reached out to him. Over the computer, I wrote a few lines at best. He immediately responded. Soon, we were on the phone, chit chatting and making up lost time. I was amazed to hear that he had experienced a heart attack just a few months prior. I wonder, “Was I sent to proclaim the Gospel to him?” What perfect timing!

Like all the other hurting souls You had led me to before, my biological dad did not know You. Perhaps that is why You seemed to waste no time in displaying Your power and might.

 I remember one particular moment well. It arose from a light banter email. I had inquired about the weather conditions in my dad’s home state.  I asked, “How are you doing? Any snow?” He replied with a quipping remark, “Snow?  Right now, it’s 88 degrees and sunshine.  The coldest we have had is two days under freezing around 5 AM in the morning.  I think the last time we had any measurable snow was last year, so we are good for another 29 years.” 

I laughed at his sarcasm. Then I thought, “What if I prayed for snow? Surely, then he’d believe in You.”  So, I prayed, “Loving Father and loyal friend, my dad doesn’t seem to know You. Could You please make it snow in his hometown? I do not pray this for my glory, but so that he may come to know You as I have, powerful and mighty to save. Through Jesus, I pray. Amen.”

A few days later, I received another email from my biological dad which said, “Well, I guess that He is making His presence known in a way that can't be ignored. The forecast was for a light dusting of snow, but as you can see in the pictures, it’s not that light.  Haven't seen something like this in Texas in the last 20 years, and from what I understand from the weather reports, we are due for more of the same next week.  I realize that I am stubborn about some things, but I don't believe He needed to go to this extreme to make His presence known in my life. In view of what has happened over the last few months, the many changes, our connection, and the uncertain future, I can believe that I cannot do anything alone anymore.”

I began to cry. Could his heart be yielding to You?  My soul responded to the moment causing me to fall to my knees. I bowed to You in humble adoration, and began to weep. “You are a mighty Father! What a glorious God I serve!” I prayed.

December 25, 2011 Journal Entry. May God be glorified.

Happy Birthday, dear LORD Jesus! I know that today is not Your real birthday. Yet, I am so glad You came into this world to save us, whatever day that was. Truly, You are the Prince of Peace. And through You alone, peace has entered our home just as You promised.

The carpet made crunching sounds below my husband’s feet as he entered the living room. It was still very early in the morning when I peeled opened my eyes to find our new puppy curled up against my side.  During the wee morning hours, the small and insecure puppy must have followed me to the couch. I pulled our brand new, sweet little dog onto my chest and kissed her forehead. There’s something quite special about a newborn baby animal. My husband approached the two of us, bent down, and gave Bella and me a good morning kiss.  So as not to wake her, LeeRoy whispered, "Was I snoring too loud? When did you leave the bedroom?" I shook my head, smiled and replied, "Don't worry honey. It doesn't matter. Merry Christmas!"

Just then Travis bounded out to say, "Merry Christmas Mommy."  He leaned over, kissed our puppy and me and said, "Can I open my presents now?" I answered, "Not before we read God's Word." As fast as lightning, he ran to his room for a book called The Story of Christmas. I listened to the sweetness of his voice while he read the words of Luke, chapter two verses 1-16. Peace filled my soul. Halfway through the verses, our son stumbled upon the pronunciation of a few words. So, I offered to continue where he left off. At one point, I looked up from the page and glanced over my shoulder at my husband's intent face.  What an amazing gift to see his heart soft and vulnerable. After many years of being closed off, he now seemed opened to the real meaning of Christmas. When I had finished reading, our impatient son ran to his presents while I dragged myself off the couch and went to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. Right away, I noticed the sound of two doves cooing outside our kitchen window. I smiled as I was quickly reminded me of the presence of Your Holy Spirit.

Soon, the sound of flying wrapping paper balls and laughter drowned out the coffee maker and cooing doves. My heart called me to the living room where I snapped a few pictures before excusing myself to spend some quiet alone time with You. Soon, a few scriptures were leaping off the pages as Your Spirit quietly whispered to my heart. Peace had come finally come and settled into our home like a welcome rain after a long drought.
I returned to the living room where I found a pile of presents created by LeeRoy and Travis. Wide-eyed, they watched as I opened each special gift. The first present was a very fragile small glass vial wrapped in construction paper and black duct tape. A homemade card read, "God loves us." I gently pulled the construction paper away as our son softly asked, "Do you remember what this was Mommy?" I replied, "Yes son, it’s the gold flakes you discovered when we went gold panning last year." Then he said the kindest words. "I wanted you to have the same gift as Jesus!" Blinking back the tears, I hugged my son tightly before opening my other gifts. A bible, coffee, and a coffee maker! I thought to myself, “These gifts are all encompassing LORD. They cause me to find hope in the thought that You're watching over me and that all You want for me is good. And, LORD, I just want to thank You for this special moment. Through the hearts of my husband and son, I am able to see a glimpse of Your love for me. All I really need is You, LORD. Thank You for drawing me close to You today. Through Jesus, I pray. Amen.

December 19, 2011 Journal Entry. How God led me to write

Precious Savior, the stories of my life have become so incredible that I fear no one will ever believe me. Yet, through Your Word, You repeatedly remind me to write about all the good You have done. Each time my Bible continually falls open to the book of Job and I read, “Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were printed in a book!”  Job 19:23 KJV  I feel compelled to write. Perhaps no one but me will ever read about the events of my life. Even so, I will have done what I felt You instructed me to do. And, I'll have a record of my journey with You and a reminder of Your constant, unfailing and faithful guidance!

Today, I find myself writing about the events of this past week, that have once again, filled my heart with joy.  It all started one day when our now seven-year-old son, Travis blurted out, "I miss my friend." I knew right away that he was speaking about a teenage foster girl who used to live down the street from us. Each day, the beautiful thirteen-year-old girl walked up the street to our home and brought with her all the squealing excitement of any typical teenager. Within a few visits, she had become family.

For hours, the young girl and my son would sit right next to one another while playing video games and watching television shows. After several visits, we began to anticipate her arrival after school. Each day the same routine. She’d enter our home, offer hugs and kisses, open the refrigerator, get a snack and plop down on the couch, remote in hand. Her laugh was contagious! Travis and I couldn’t help but giggle too!

            Sadly one day, the young girl said she was moving to a new foster home. Troubles had mounted at her current home. Then without notice, she was gone without even a chance to say, “Goodbye.” We had lost a good friend. Months passed since we had seen the sweet young girl. Although I had heard that she moved north. But, I wasn’t told where. So, I prayed her where, hoping that one day, we’d meet again. This week, Travis mentioned how he had grown lonesome for his friend.

Simultaneously, my husband called home to announce his next weekend visit. During our conversation, LeeRoy described a longing of his own. Our rescued Chihuahua, Grace, had been spending long hours alone in our new trailer. The demands of his workload had mounted.  “Perhaps we should consider rescuing another dog as a companion for Grace.” I thought as I began to search online for possibilities. Sticker shock! Maybe this was a bad idea after all.

Unsure of Your will, I said a prayer asking for guidance. “LORD, could You be leading us to adopt another dog?" Soon, my mind occupied with thoughts of bringing another homeless puppy into our lives. I had almost completely forgotten about how my young son’s heart was missing that sweet foster child.

A few more days of searching online and soon I had found a puppy in our price range. When I called the number and spoke with the owner of the dog, I immediately felt at ease. She said, "We provide foster care to dogs. My husband and I work with a program called 'Heaven Help Us.' You can see the dogs we have up for adoption if you want. Our home is easily identifiable by the Nativity Scene on the front lawn. We're believers."  Happily, I made an appointment to choose a puppy.

On the day of the appointment, the woman and I shared a few laughs and some tears as I shared my personal testimony. While we spoke, a gentle small and frail puppy approached my side. I picked her up and cuddled her as I spoke to the woman. By the end of the conversation, I just knew. I didn’t have to choose a puppy. The puppy had chosen me.

            As we said our "Goodbyes,” the woman spoke about their other ministry as foster parents to children. She said, “We currently have one teenage foster child, but she will be leaving soon. She is returning home to live with her grandmother next week." I blurted out, "Is her name…?" Amazed, the woman asked, "How could you have known that?" I told her, "God brought the young girl into our lives too and lately, we’ve really missed her. I know I’ve only been walking with Jesus for a few years now, but He seems to orchestrate incredible moments just like this all the time!"

I couldn’t wait to share all that had happened with Travis.  For a couple of days, we waited in suspense to return to the foster home.  Our sweet joyful friend answered our knock upon the door. She immediately threw open her arms. Tearfully and joyfully, we reconnected with the foster child and received our new puppy. 
“You never cease to amaze me Father God! Your ways are so far above my ways! Thank You for this day! And thank You for the sweet new companion for Grace. Your concern for all of us is a very special gift indeed!

November 23, 2011 Journal entry. God's Plans are Always Perfect!

Dear God, You are essential, absolutely and exceptionally good! What a day it has been!  While my husband and I bathed like ancient kings and queens in the park’s free heated natural springs, our youngest son, Travis played for hours in his own warm 90-degree pool. Doves, many doves, perched and cooed in the palm trees above where we bathed. Such a sweet sound to my ears! I lost count as to how many of my favorite feathered friends had drawn near.  At one point, my heart became so overwhelmed with Your goodness, I thought it might burst. Under my breath, I quietly whispered, “It’s too much Father. Your love is too much for me to handle! I can barely soak it all in.”  

Then, as if to lavish even more love, You had my husband offer to take Travis and me for a ride in a dune-buggy. “You’ll have to visit the natural caves nearby.” The dune-buggy owner exclaimed as we signed the rental agreement.

Soon, we arrived at the caves the man had spoken about. My imagination began to run wild as biblical stories seemed to come alive. As I stood before the large natural rock dotted with shallow caves, I just knew that You were offering me an unforgettable experience!

In that moment, I shared with LeeRoy and Travis that Your only Son Jesus was more likely born in a cave rather than in a wooden manger. To my surprise, the two of them swiftly ran to one of the caves and curiously began exploring together, while I remained by the buggy staring at a series of caves along a cliff face. Swept up by the moment, I began to envision wondrous bible stories where dens and caves served as dwellings places of refuge and as ancient tombs. I shook my head, as I realized I could never have planned a moment such as this. All of our hearts stirred up for You simultaneously? Truly You have plans for our lives together. Plans to bring us closer together as we try our best to follow You.  I love You Lord! Thank You for this day! 

PSALM 105, Thank You LORD JESUS CHRIST!

Psalm 105:1-6  The Eternal Faithfulness of the Lord

Oh, give thanks to the Lord!

Call upon His name;

Make known His deeds among the peoples!

 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;

Talk of all His wondrous works!

 Glory in His holy name;

Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!

Seek the Lord and His strength;

Seek His face evermore!

Remember His marvelous works which He has done,

His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,

O seed of Abraham His servant,

You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!" (NKJV)

TODAY, GOD ORCHESTRATED THAT I READ PSALM 105. THEREFORE, I WILL OBEDIENTLY MAKE KNOWN GOD'S WONDROUS WORKS IN MY LIFE BY SHARING THIS STORY WITH EVERYONE I MEET. http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/my-personaltestimony.html#!/p/my-personal-testimony.html.

 Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!

To read this author's personal testimony please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

Inspiring others through the work of the HOLY SPIRIT

Recently, I felt overcome with emotion as we said our heartfelt 'goodbyes' to our close friends of Nipomo. So many cards, flowers and tears! Later, after we finished unpacking, I reread those sweet cards. Amazingly, each person expressed the same sentiment, "You have touched my heart and helped me to feel closer to God." How humbling! Someone so ordinary as me could inspire another person to learn more about such an Almighty God.

 Three and a half years ago, I prayed, "Please Lord, use my life to bring others to You. Through those cards and letters, God confirmed that He had answered my prayer! Therefore, today I prayed, "Almighty Father, it is a joy to serve You! Please continue to guide me as You allow Your light to shine through me. In Your Holy Name. Amen."

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!  

To read this author's personal testimony please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

Lord, use my talents and my time to bring others to you

Matthew 6:20 "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." (NKJV)

            I can clearly remember the first time I prayed for God to use my life to bring others to Him.  http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/my-personal-testimony.html.  That night, I honestly thought that God would answer my prayer by sending me on another mission trip. How could I have known how many times God would use my life to answer that one-time prayer? 
         One day, God introduced me to a new neighbor. It was midday when I stood in front of my apartment sharing my faith with a teenager from down the street. Suddenly, a small black Chihuahua puppy ran into the busy street. The puppy was immediately struck by a car. The new neighbor ran at top speed towards the wounded animal. He scooped up the little helpless dog and took him to safety. Meanwhile, the owner of the dog who had heard the crash ran out to investigate. The first man carefully handed the wounded puppy to his owner. Then he returned to our side of the street. As he approached my apartment, I said, "This is a very busy street. That's not the first time a dog has been struck by a car." Then, I commended the man for his swift action and kind heart. Before he parted, I introduced the kindhearted man to a few of the neighbors.
      A few days later, I heard the same neighbor working on his old pickup truck. The truck had broken down on the street. Tools everywhere! The man had oil grease on his hands and was pacing from beneath the hood to his driver's side seat. I could see his frustration mounting. So, as he slammed the drivers side door yet again, and began to walk towards the front of the truck, I cried out, "Having problems with your truck?" The man took a deep breath and sighed. He began wiping his hands with the towel. With a low spirit, he replied.  "I've already replaced the alternator twice. It just won't start."
     Without hesitation I proclaimed, "Well, I'll pray for you!" Then, I walked back inside my apartment. I started to pour a cup of coffee and grabbed for my bible. A few minutes later, I heard the man slam the hood of his truck. "I guess he gave up." I thought. Curious, I went outside. The man was sitting inside his truck. He looked straight at me. Then with a jerk of his head, he turned the key. Vroom Vroom!!! I began to cry. "Thank You Lord! You always answer my prayers."
     For the next few months, God used that same truck to build both of our faiths. Each time the truck began to sputter I stood on my back porch, bowed my head and began to pray,  "Please Lord, make it start." God responded every time! And with each instance, my relationship grew with my neighbor. God was orchestrating a way for me to share my faith with the man. 
    This week, that same neighbor appeared at my doorstep. He was in need of prayer for a job. He said, "I know I will get it because you will be praying for me!" Tears overflowing.

Blessed Assurance

Text: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915

Music: Phoebe P. Knapp, 1839-1908

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

This is my story, this is my song,

praising my Savior all the day long;

this is my story, this is my song,

praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,

visions of rapture now burst on my sight;

angels descending bring from above

echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest;

I in my Savior am happy and blest,

watching and waiting, looking above,

filled with his goodness, lost in his love.

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!

To read this author's personal testimony please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

God opened my eyes a little wider!

This past week, I wrote the following post, Apologies From a Repentant Christian: I prayed, "Please God use my life to bring others to You!"  In the post, I shared with my readers how God had answered my prayer of using my life to lead others to Him. I mentioned how still today, I stand in awe of God's glorious plan for my life. Amazingly the following Sunday, God opened my eyes a little wider.

It was Sunday, early morning, when I picked up my bible. Just as I usually do, I allowed the pages of scripture to fall open. This time, the pages landed on Jeremiah, chapter one. As I read how God laid out his plans before Jeremiah, I started to think about the past three years of my life. God had used me to build and to plant. What joy! Afterward, I thought, "I wonder what God has planned for me next?" 

Then, I read:

"Therefore, prepare yourself and arise, And speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before their faces, Lest I dismay you before them. ...They will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you." ( Jeremiah 1:17-19 NKJV) 

I contemplated, "What if I was promising God that I would walk closer to Him even as He was preparing to lead me through another trial?" I placed my bible down and began to get ready for Sunday service at church. We arrived a few minutes late. We took our seats just as the worship team began to sing the next song. Unbelievable! They sang, "Greater things have yet to come and Greater things are still to be done." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk

Later, the Pastor began to lead us through the bible. During his message, he pointed to Romans 8:18. He said,"Troubles don't last and can't ever compare to the glory that follows." Then, he added, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NKJV).

I found myself lost in the moment as my thoughts returned to that post from earlier in the week. Could I have focused on only what I could see?  I started to marvel at what might still be unseen and the plans that are still unknown to me. A calmness came over me!  I was ready for what was yet to come because finally, I walk by faith, not by sight! (2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV).

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!

To read the first written and published personal testimony,

please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

My New Year's Resolution

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." 

 Sometimes, I feel regret for spending over 30 years of my life as a distrustful and guarded woman who refused to surrender to the will of anyone, even God. Other times, I find myself pondering what it took for me to finally accept God's mighty existence.  But mostly, I feel grateful for the day I chose to surrender to God's will!

For much of my life, I brought upon myself needless years of pain. I had unknowingly forfeited the feeling of peace. Each time I thought, "I know it's wrong, but I don't care," I would find myself falling away from the right path. Then, to escape the resulting feeling of failure and despair, I would resolve to change my ways. On New Year's Eve, I would commit to no longer partying, overeating, over spending or keeping companionship with the wrong man. I would say, "This New Year, will bring new hope!" However, even before the month of January would end, I would miss the mark.  

It was until I was arrested at age 38 that I was finally willing to accept that my life was out of control. http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/my-personal-testimony.html. Until that time, I was able to convince myself and others that I had it all together. Now, for the first time, I had a choice to make. I could either change my mind, heart and attitude and make a 180 degree turn from what I was doing, or I could retain my stubbornness and pride and continue to live a life of confusion and despair.

I was tired of choosing not to see what was in front of me and being made to feel instead! It was time for a sincere New Year's Resolution. Fighting those internal desires of constantly doing what was wrong, was making me feel miserable. I needed to be rescued; mainly from myself and the many years of bad decisions I had made. I needed once and for all to stop rejecting God and disobeying His commands. I needed a new life and I was willing to do whatever it took to achieve one.  http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-does-it-really-mean-to-repent.html

First, I took some time to learn God's message to man. What relief I felt in discovering the Good News about Christ's purpose on earth! http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16&version=NIV. Next, I told myself I was worthy of someone dying for me. This was hard to accept after all that the years of suffering and confusion. Yet, once my soul found its worth, my heart was filled with feelings of love and grace.So on January 1, 2009, my New Year's Resolution was to obey my quiet inner voice that distinguished between right and wrong. This became a life changing decision that offered mercy, protection, comfort and returned to me that lost feeling of peace.

For the past two years, I kept that same resolution. As a result, I have come alive spiritually and feel as though I have been given a new life. Therefore this year, when I make my New Year's Resolution, it won't be to lose weight, save money, or stop a bad habit. Instead, I will resolve to become closer to God and walk more in His Ways!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE HEART 

OF A NEW BELIEVER!

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

To read the first written and published personal testimony please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

God's Word to A Soldier!

Dear Soldier,

Merry Christmas! I am writing to you today in response to a burden God has laid on my heart. One recent morning, while opening my bible, the pages landed on Isaiah, Chapter 52 . Although I had read this chapter many times before, this time the verses carried with them a new weight on my shoulders.

As I put my bible aside, God called to mind a documentary I had watched not so long ago. It aired on the Public Broadcast System (PBS). http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/badvoodoo/

In the documentary, United States Soldiers openly spoke of what it felt like to fight in a war zone. As their words echoed in my head, I felt my heart begin to ache. One Soldier spoke of his constant feeling of fear. He said,"You can't see the enemy firing at you. We're like sitting ducks out here!"

Another soldier spoke about feeling lonely. He said, "Since I have been out here, my girlfriend has broke up with me. I guess this was all too much for her to handle."  Still, one soldier expressed the reason he no longer believed in God. He sadly announced, "I used to believe in God. I prayed everyday. But after praying for safety one day, one of my best friends was killed. How can I still believe in God?"

While I remembered what these Soldiers had said, I allowed my thoughts to drift back to those painful memories from my own past. Then, while feelings of fear, loneliness and disbelief resurfaced, I began to pray, "Lord, if you want me to reach the hearts of these brave men and woman, Give me the words to speak."

Immediately, I had the desire to run to the computer and write the following letter to you. I pray that God will reach your heart this Christmas with His words of Comfort and Love. May He keep you safe and bring you back home soon!



My Child,


Let not your heart be troubled. John 14:1
I am your helper, so you need not fear. Besides, what can mere people do to you? Hebrews 13:5-6If you trust in Me, you will find new strength. You will soar high on wings like eagles. And you will run and not grow weary. You will walk and not grow faint. Isaiah 40:31.


Humble yourself under My mighty power, then at the right time, I will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to Me, for I care about you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to Me, for I have paid the price to set you free. Isaiah 44:22


I will turn your mourning into joy. I will comfort you and exchange your sorrow for rejoicing. Jeremiah 31:13.So work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for me rather than for people. Remember that I will give you inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23-24


Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell Me what you need. My peace will guard your heart and mind as you live in my Son, Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:6-7. I am your refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1. I am your shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right. Psalm 7:10


So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6

To obtain a free copy of a bible please visit: http://www.soldiersbibleministry.org 

  

Navy Retirement

Donna L. Young is the wife of a Retired Navy Seabee.

She has a Master's Degree in Theology from Liberty Baptist University 

and is the Author of the book Apologies From a Repentant Christian.

Christmas Everyday!

John 15:8-11 (NKJV)

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

        Before December 2008, I experienced many Christmas' when I felt disheartened. All year long, I had waited in anticipation for that magical day. I had joyfully awaited the company of family and a smell of delicious turkey filling the air. I put all of my hopes in the events of that one calendar day. Yet, I never truly understood its meaning. Perhaps that is why December 25 often felt like just any other day. Then, on October 20, 2008 I accepted God's holy gift of His only Son, Jesus Christ. And, from that moment on, my life changed.
        Now, everyday feels as though it it's filled with Christmas joy.  For example, one day, while picking up my young son from kindergarten, I noticed two men who were struggling to retrieve their keys from their locked car. I could tell they had been laboring for quiet awhile because of the sweat on their brows and the weary look on their faces. Just as my son clicked his seat belt, I heard God's voice say, "Go tell them you are praying for them." So, I told my son, "I'll be right back. I need to tell these men something."

I left my car door ajar as I ran over to the two men. I repeated God's exact words. “I am praying for you.” Then, I returned to my car, clicked my seat belt and slowly began to drive away. Unexpectedly, the parking lot stoplight turned red and we came to a dead halt. Suddenly, the two men began to jump up and down. They began waving their arms up over their head and yelling at the top of their lungs. "Hey! It worked, It worked!"  Joy unspeakable! Then, one of the men sprinted to my car. I rolled down my window as fast as I could and extended my hand out to him. The man slapped the palm of my hand so hard that I could feel the sting all the way home. My eyes welled with tears, not from the pain in my hand, but the joy in my heart.

Minutes later, we returned home. I thanked God for using me in that precious moment to grow the faith of these two men. Then, I thanked Him for growing my own faith and my young son’s too!

Joy Unspeakable
Text: Barney E. Warren, 1900
Music: Barney E. Warren, 1900

I have found His grace is all complete,
He supplieth ev’ry need;
While I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet,
I am free, yes, free indeed.
I have found the pleasure I once craved,
It is joy and peace within;
What a wondrous blessing! I am saved
From the awful gulf of sin.
I have found that hope so bright and clear,
Living in the realm of grace;
Oh, the Savior’s presence is so near,
I can see His smiling face.
I have found the joy no tongue can tell,
How its waves of glory roll!
It is like a great o’er flowing well,
Springing up within my soul.

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

To read the first written and published personal testimony,

please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

God Orchestrated Our Thanksgiving Day Celebration!

Thanksgiving Day 2011, I decided not to host a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner in our home. Instead, our family surrendered the week's vacation and Thanksgiving Day to the Lord. In return, God orchestrated the picture perfect occasion to share His birth in a practical way with my newly saved husband and youngest son.

We had arrived at the KOA with no expectations. However, by day two we had participated in many of the activities offered by the campground. So, my husband offered our son and me a chance to ride in a doonbuggie over the sandy hills nearby. I couldn't wait to take the off road vehicle for a drive. As we drove over the cliffs, hills and valleys, the concept that Jesus was born in a cave lingered in my mind. God must have known my thoughts because we unknowingly followed Him straight to same natural cavities and rock shelters built by His own hand.

Caves on California Mexico Boarder

The drive out to the caves was bumpy, cold and gritty. Yet, it was worth every minute. Scripture immediately came to life as I shared with my wide eyed husband and child how Jesus was more likely born in a cave rather than a manger. To my surprise, and without any hesitation, both my husband and son quickly responded to my words by climbing inside one of the caves and exploring.



Because I am a new believer, I don't pretend to know scripture enough to preach it. Yet, when God reveals yet another truth, I am filled with excitement and can't wait to share my new discovery with others. I can't wait to see what He will reveal next!

May the Good Lord bless you this Thanksgiving Day by filling your heart with His peace and joy!

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Santa or Jesus?

Even though I was raised in a Christian home, I was taught to believe in Santa Claus. Every year, I would become excited at the possibility of unwrapping a special gift created just for me. The present would be from Santa Claus himself. And he would know just what I wanted because I had written a letter to Santa. There were some years I would even express my hopes to him in person in a mall near our home. What joy is was to unwrap the toy or doll I had wished for!

However, I was sad little girl who was raised in home filled with turmoil. And as a result, I was no stranger to disappointment. One year, I watched as my father fall from the roof of our home. He had been drinking and lost his balance. We also moved many times. My parents fought frequently and bitterly in front of me. Then, they decided to divorce when I was turning the tender age of nine.  As a result I put my belief in Santa Claus. So, the year I discovered that Santa wasn't real, sadness attempted to take over my heart. Perhaps, the disappointment in finding out that the man I had held dear was not real, was too much to comprehend.

These days, I am raising a young child of my own. And, I have chosen to do things a little differently. Because I am a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ who has found such joy and comfort in developing faith in Him, I emphasize the fact that Jesus is real rather than provide false hope to my young and impressionable child. Therefore, in our home, there is very little talk about Santa. Instead, we spend our mornings leading up to Christmas day by acting out the story of the Nativity. Today, we used Velcro finger sized puppets from an advent calender. And, at night before bedtime, instead of watching my old childhood favorite Christmas specials such as "Charlie Brown's Christmas" and "Santa and the Three Bears," my young son and I share our evenings curled up on the couch watching Walt Disney's Classic Holiday Story called, "The Small One."
We have also come to love "The Nativity," by The Greatest Adventure and our newest favorite, "The Littlest Angel." My heart warms and is filled with comfort. I know now that teaching my son to have faith in God!

Recently my son expressed that being an only child was difficult. He said, "I know you try to play with me Mommy, but I need to have friends my age." Hearing this, I felt my heart begin to break. Suddenly, I heard myself reply, "If you want friends all you have to do is ask Jesus for some."

My son believed my words and put his faith and trust in the Lord. On a few occasions, I caught him in prayer. Then today in church we sat across from family we knew well. The husband and wife are active church members. They are also foster parents. I had a feeling that I should approach them  and ask if they wouldn't mind sharing the oldest foster child currently placed in their home. I went over to the foster father. And asked, "Would you like for your oldest foster child to come play with Travis sometime?" The foster father looked at me and said, "Oh, praise God!" Then he shared with me that the foster boy had been fighting a lot with his younger brothers and sisters. He said, "If you don't mind, he could come to your home. It would be nice for the boy to have a break from his siblings." I didn't share my son's hopes and prayers with the man. I simply smiled and asked, "How soon can he come over?"

Then, I met the young boy as he walked over to Sunday school. He told me that he was nine-years-old, just two years older than my son. He was as polite as can be. When I asked his name, I couldn't help but giggle at his answer. He said, "I'm Christian," and shook my hand. Wow! God had provided a Christian for my son to play with.

When we arrived home, we received a call from Christian's foster parents. Right away he came over. Both boys laughed and jumped with joy as they played a fishing game on our Wii system. What a blessing! Not only had my son received a new friend, a Christian friend, but God had given him another reason to believe in Jesus who always faithfully answers prayers. And I received a gift too. God gave me the gift of knowing my son has faith in a Savior who will never leave him feeling disappointed!