Showing posts with label blessing from God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blessing from God. Show all posts

Jun 20, 2017

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.

Jun 14, 2017

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!

Jun 11, 2017

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! 

Jun 21, 2016

Daily Blog of the 3 Week Diet Plan, Brian Flatt ~By Donna L. Young ~DAY 11

Daily Blog of the 3 Week Diet Plan, Brian Flatt 

~Day 11~

PROs

  • 145! Woohoo! 
  • Now I can eat anything I want so long as I stay under a certain amount of calories and carbs. 
  • White refined sugar doesn't taste as good as God's organic sugar. (I tried to eat a bar off of a Kit Kat candy bar and all I tasted was crunchy sugar and fat. Then, my husband handed me a few pieces of a juicy cold tangerine that he brought home from my Father-in-law's yard..thank you Dad. The orange was sweet and satisfying! Who would have thought I'd ever put down an unfinished candybar?
CONs
  • Right now? None!

DEVIATIONS


  • None! I can eat whatever I want. Yeah!

So far, so good. See you tomorrow!

Jun 19, 2016

Daily Blog of the The 3 Week Diet Plan~Brian Flatt, By Donna L.Young Day 10

~Day 10~

PROs

  • My finger nails are rock hard and my skin condition has all but cleared up. 
  • Also, I large bump on the bottom of my foot has almost completely disappeared. 
  • Not putting the weight right back on. Weighed 146.8 this morning. 
  • Still expelling parasites. 
  • Starting to like Macadamia Nuts. 
  • Food is taking longer to eat. (I am no longer scarfing down my meals). And, I am getting fuller faster on less. 
CONs
  • PLATEAU! 146.8. 
  • The high fat content is making me feel nauseous. I miss the first week when I just felt hungry.

DEVIATIONS


  • Ate a completely different dinner than prescribed. Was supposed to have a steak with butter on top but just couldn't eat anymore high fat. So, I had a ham, bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich on white toast. I did add mayonnaise as suggested. 
  • I cheated with 3 thin Oreo which I shared with our rescued Chihuahuas. Also, I ate a yogurt. 




So far, so good. See you tomorrow!

Jun 18, 2016

Daily Blog of the 3 Week Diet Plan, Brian Flatt ~By Donna L. Young ~DAY 9

Daily Blog of the 3 Week Diet Plan, Brian Flatt

~DAY 9~

Okay, so last night I was able to eat anything I wanted. I chose a McDonald's double Quarterpounder. No, this is not a McDonald's diet. But, for some reason, unknown to me, I keep craving fast food. Well, the result was complete nausea. If I could do last night's meal over, I would. I spent much of the night trying to keep the McDonald's down. I also experienced heartburn today along with an upset stomach. Well, at least I won't be craving fast food for awhile :)

As for today, I have stuck to the plan fairly well. The only exception is that I ate at 2, 5 and 8:00pm instead of 12, 3 and 6pm. And, I at a yogurt at the end of the day to alleviate the nausea.

PROs
  • Keeping the weight off so far, despite a huge fast food meal. 
  • Eating such high fat meals is making me WANT to work out.

CONs
  • Today, I began the High FAT portion of the diet plan. I had been looking forward to this part, but, it feels like every artery in my chest is clogging with fat.  
  • I also began taking omega 3 fish oil today. I think both the fish oil and the high content of fat are the reason I feel so nauseous. 
  • I checked my blood pressure today at Rite Aid and it was VERY HIGH compared to normal.
  • And, I have heartburn for the first time today.
  • Still 146.8! I think I've hit another plateau. 
DEVIATIONS

  • Worked out again instead of taking a day off in between workouts.
  • Added a yogurt to my day. 
  • Have not been taking my daily brisk walk for 30 minutes. (I've only walked one day during the past 8 days). 
                   That's all for now. See you tomorrow!


Jun 17, 2016

Daily Blog of the 3 Week Diet Plan, Brian Flatt ~By Donna L. Young ~DAY 8

Daily Blog of the 3 Week Diet Plan, Brian Flatt 
By Donna L. Young ~DAY 8~

Today was day 8. I weighed the same amount as yesterday 146! Just seeing the number on the scale, I flashed back to those days on the Adkins diet when I had lost a bunch of weight quickly then suddenly plateaued. I learned then that eating broke the plateau. So, I am sure after today's total fast, the meal will tell my body that I am trying to starve it and get my metabolism started again. Well, at least that is what I hope.

PROs


  • Still happy about the number 146!
  • Looking forward to eating anything I want tonight @ 8:00pm


CONs


  • Fasting, when it isn't for an answer to prayer is REALLY NO FUN! 

SO FAR SO GOOD! SEE YOU TOMORROW!





Jun 16, 2016

3 Week Diet Plan, Brian Flatt ~By Donna L. Young ~Day 7

3 Week Diet Plan, Brian Flatt ~By Donna L. Young ~

Day 7~

Well, the weight is mostly staying off. 146.2 today. I went up a little, but not by much.

PROs
  • Weighed 146.2 this morning!!!
  • NOTHING tastes better than plain water anymore. I tried a swig of my son's sweetened iced tea and it tasted terrible. I also tried a drink from my husband's PROPEL water. Again, I was immediately reaching for my purified water glass. Amazing!
  • I am sleeping really well at night!
  • Can't wait until day 9 when I can have anything I want (as long as I stay under 30 carbs of course). 
CONs
  • Still hungry between meals. 
  • Still wrestling with short temper.
Deviations
  • I ate a pre-packaged, individual communion cup to celebrate communion with my LORD.
  • Had provolone cheese and two slices of fresh tomato with my egg and onion omelet this morning.
                      So far, so good. See you tomorrow!

Jun 15, 2016

3 Week Diet Plan, Brian Flatt ~By Donna L. Young ~ Day 6~

3 Week Diet Plan, Brian Flatt ~By Donna L. Young ~

Day 6~

Well,  I hit an old goal weight today. 145.6! You know, the last time I weighed this amount, I was going to CURVES AND working out at home regularly. Plus, I was counting calories.  Back then, it took months and months to lose a few lbs. This time, 5 days! So I will press on!

PROs
  • Weighed 145.6 this morning!!!
  • Getting full easily. 
  • Worked out again and slept with icy-hot patches on my thighs. Pain in my legs went away completely.
CONs
  • Still hungry between meals. 
  • Very tempting to buy candy bars while waiting in grocery line. 
Deviations
  • I ate a pre-packaged, individual communion cup to celebrate communion with my LORD.
  • At the end of the night, I began craving something sweet. So, I ate a yogurt with all natural ingredients. 
                      So far, so good. See you tomorrow!

Daily Blog of the 3 Week Diet Plan, Brian Flatt ~By Donna L. Young ~DAY 5

3 Week Diet Plan, Brian Flatt ~By Donna L. Young ~

Day 5~

I cannot believe how much I've lost already! I've tried several diets in the past that were similar to this one. However, I have never had these results before! And, so I will press on!

PROs
  • Weighed 146.8 this morning!!!
  • Getting used to the hunger pangs. 
  • Headaches went away. And, I didn't take the caffeine supplement today. 
  • Hearing and reading Scripture in a deeper more meaningful way. 
  • Being in control of my eating habbits is having another surprising effect. I am also taking a hard look at my Spiritual health. It seems I have quite the plank in my eye that I have looked past for awhile. Humble me gently LORD. I pray.
CONs
  • Still can't walk without feeling pain in my thighs.
  • Not so slow to anger as commanded by my Jesus. 
Deviations
  • Cheated a few times. 1st, I had a few samples at Nothing Bundt Cakes.  
  • Next, I substituted a protein at dinner. I ate a piece of roasted pork from dinner. 
  • Then, I ate 1/2 of a new yogurt I received as a gift from our LORD. (Vons Just4U program).
  • And, last, I ate a pre-packaged, individual communion cup to celebrate communion with my LORD.
  • Just had water at the 8:00pm meal time. I was full!
                      So far, so good. See you tomorrow!

Jul 20, 2012

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

Jul 14, 2012

Am I doing Your will Lord God?

       Before our last day in our beloved town, I shared my heart's intentions with my 7-year-old son. I said, "If the Lord places doves outside our new home, then I will know that moving to a new town was His will." On the first day in our new location, I woke in the morning to the sound of many small chirping birds. No doves. Still, my first thought was about God and how I could admire and bless Him tthroughout my day. I prayed, "Lord Jesus, even though there are no doves, I still feel Your presence!" Then last night, I placed earplugs in my ears to muffle the sound of my husband's thunderous snore, our home's air conditioner, freeway noises and other sounds of the night. I simply couldn't sleep through so much noise. I fell asleep to utter silence! When I woke in the morning, an amazing thing happened. I could hear one sound coming through those small spongy earplugs. Cooing doves had perched themselves outside my bedroom window. I shook my husband in excitement! "Can you hear that?"  I loudly asked my husband. He simply replied, "Doves!" In God's infinite power, I hadn't heard any of the other usual morning sounds. The only sound I had heard was that beautiful reminder from my Almighty God, confirming  that I was doing His will!
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

Jul 10, 2012

Where is God? Time to clean the showers!



“From the discouraging word to the healing word
Proverbs 15:4-6 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” (NKJV)

 “A dangerous heat wave is expected to hit parts of Southern California beginning Tuesday, bringing triple-digit temperatures to inland valley areas,” the news reporter warned. “That’s exactly where we are staying,” I thought. Soon, the outside t...hermometer read “106 degrees,” and our small built in air conditioner was working overtime to keep up with the soaring heat. Sadly for our 7-year-old as the temperature rose, so did my temper. By mid-afternoon, I had completely forgotten how to tame my tongue and was picking on my young son about every little thing.
Prior to October 2008, I never understood the power of words. I didn’t understand how a gentle word could encourage the soul or how a cruel word could devastate one’s spirit. While living an unholy life, I used words to express my anger, to discourage and to control others. But, by reading scripture, I had discovered how words of the righteous can influence, support and even win souls. So, why was I allowing a very hot day to change influence my attitude?

Earlier in the week, God had placed it on my heart to clean the restrooms of the RV Park where we were staying. Afterwards, I was supposed to share my testimony with the person who normally cleans the restrooms. Yet, instead of obeying prompting by the Holy Spirit, I chose to remain in stuck in the trailer affected by the heat and murmur and complain. By the end of the day, both my young and I were feeling choked up and moved to tears.
Consequently before bedtime, I bowed my head and tearfully prayed. "Please God, help me to be more like You, patient, slow to anger and kindhearted. Help me to serve You without hesitation. I want You to be honored in my home because of the virtues I personify. Help me Lord to be a reflection of Your love, especially to my young son. In Your Holy Name. Amen."

The next morning, my son and I began our day by reading the bible together. Instantly, peace mixed with the warm air of the trailer. Soon, I felt an uncontrollable urge to clean the restrooms on the site. So, I grabbed my cleaning material and walked across the grassy area to where the restrooms were located. I began to scrub. Almost immediately, salty sweat began to pour from my forehead. As the chemicals mixed with the muggy air, sweat stung my eyes. Still, I began to sing a song I heard in church a few days prior. “Bless the Lord oh my soul, oh my soul, worship His holy name… sing like never before, oh my soul, worship Your holy name, worship Your holy name.” Within a few hours, I had completed my task, not one scuff mark left behind!

Afterwards, I gathered my son. We went to the pool to cool off. Without delay God confirmed His presence in the form of two doves that circled only a few feet above our heads.  I wondered, "Is this divine acceptance of my act of obedience and song of worship?" Once again, I praised the Lord and promised that next time, I will act out of obedience with courage and confidence.  What a perfect day!

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

Dec 27, 2011

Had I been praying for myself?

As I combined through past blogs today, one particular blog caught my attention. http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/2011/10/our-soldiers-are-coming-home.html

I hadn't read the entry for some time. Yet, when I noticed it was the most popular post, I became curious. So, I clicked on the entry and began to read. While I read the post out loud to my husband, something wonderful happened. My heart leaped with joy! Until Christmas, I had resolved to pray on my knees for God to comfort His children with a Bible. I asked God to place His Word, my favorite book, in the hands of the lost and hurting. I wrote, "I wonder who will receive a bible as a gift for Christmas this year."

When I finished reading the post, I smiled. Immediately realizing that God had included me in my prayer for others. Because, this Christmas past morning, I received a beautiful, brand new, shiny white bible! http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-12-27T13:53:00-08:00

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 
To read the first written and published personal testimony please go to: 

Oct 20, 2011

I can only Imagine!

            One night, while my husband worked from home, we watched in amazement as our young child taught us a lesson in worshiping the Lord.
My husband had created a makeshift workstation on our living room table. He had many reports to complete. Meanwhile, I busied myself by doing light household chores in the kitchen. Our six-year-old son kept us entertained by listening to worship music. Although we were all in the same room, we seemed to be distracted by our own tasks.  Out of respect for the late work night his father faced, our son put headphones on as he listened to his favorite new song that streamed through the computer.
After awhile, I noticed that our son was listening to the same song repeatedly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9La_4svq8JI&ob=av3n
Then suddenly, he lifted his sweet little arms in adoration as he sang from the top of his lungs, "Surrounded by Your Glory what will my heart feel...mmmm...JESUS...mmmm…be still." Within a moment, our living room had gone from dead silence to a loud and glorious noise. Maybe it was because we were caught off guard, that my husband and I began to giggle. Or perhaps, we were simply feeling a moment of prideful parenting.
My husband reached for his cell phone to videotape our son. From the corner of our son’s eye he noticed that his father was filming him. I thought he would stop singing, but instead, he pulled the headphones from the speaker, smiled and turned the volume up full blast. Now the song played so that we all could hear. Our son continued singing. All the while my husband and I listened intently to the words of the song. What unimaginable joy I had discovered.“The Lord, saved my heart, my life and my marriage. I can only imagine what it will be like when I am surrounded by His glory one day with Him, in Heaven above!”

 Thank you for reading about my walk with Christ today. I pray that the Lord blesses you through whatever you are experiencing. 
In Christ, Donna


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