God chooses to speak to us in many different ways. This weekend God used a stranger, a wedding, a preacher, his wife, and a little boy to bring encouragement, confirmation, and reassurance to my heart. First, this precious lady came into the store looking for a soundtrack and asked to speak with me before she left. She began to tell me about a specific burden she had carried for me through prayer for two weeks. The amazing thing was, that for two weeks I had been praying about the exact same burden! God is so amazing. He brought such a sweet confirmation to my spirit through this woman of God, who was willing to spend time in prayer for someone that she didn’t even know! That was Friday.

On Saturday, I sang at wedding for a friend. Rachel has always inspired me with the beautiful way she has lived her life, trusting God and standing on her convictions. I saw her sing with her family when I was about twelve years old and was awe-struck! She couldn’t have been but a couple of years older than me and was singing like an angel. That made a very strong impression on me:) I could have never guessed that we would minister in concert together one day, attend the same church, or that I would have the honor of singing at her wedding. The ceremony was centered around the plan of God that had brought she and her husband together. It was all so glorifying to our Savior. I left deeply touched, thinking, “Now, that’s the way a wedding is supposed to be.” I was reassured and strengthened in my faith to wait for special one that God has chosen for me before time. No other will do!

Sunday, I sang at a church dedication for my awesome friends at Williamsville Assembly of God. God has blessed them with an absolutely gorgeous new sanctuary, and I was so blessed to be a part of the service. One little guy, Preston, who was maybe 10, informed me before the service that he sang “He Knows My Name” all the time and that he knew all the words. So, I had him join me on stage to sing that song! What an anointing. I looked over at Preston as we sang, with everyone standing worshiping the Lord. He had his hands raised to heaven,tears streaming down his little face, singing like I’d never heard! I was heartbroken and uplifted all at one time! There definitely wasn’t a dry eye in the house. So many were touched by this special little boy who had such a sweet spirit and tender heart for God. I prayed, “God never let me lose sight of the fact that you KNOW us by name, no matter how big or small we are in the eyes of the world. Each one of us is precious in your sight.” The guest preacher that dedicated the church, was the Assembly Of God District Superintendent, who I had been in service with a couple of times while ministering in MS. I got to share what God was doing in my life with him and his wife as we ate the afternoon meal. They encouraged me and prayed that God would heal a physical need I have been battling for a few months. I believe that God placed them in my life on that specific day for a purpose! It was like their words sealed what God had been pouring into my heart last weekend. I’ve never been more at peace and more excited about what God is doing in my life. He has given new direction and purpose and vision. I can’t wait to see what the future holds, as I trust Him for every need.

Well, its been a super busy and TOASTY summer for the McRae fam! My sisters have had camp, youth retreats, and a mission trip. They have kept the roads hot for sure! We spent the July 4th weekend with my sister, Kelly and bro-in-law,Ricky at their new home in Nashville. Sooooo much fun! We grilled out, played some baseball, enjoyed the fireworks downtown, and just loved getting to spend time together. Looking forward to the next long visit!  I’ve had two mission trips this summer-one in Montana, and one just recently in Arizona at the Apache reservation near Phoenix. Each was a true blessing and I’m so thankful for the doors of ministry God opened to us while we were there:) In Montana, our team helped with repairs to the Baptist collage and worked with kids and the community of the inner city of Billings. The children just grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go! So special and hungry for love and attention and Jesus. And of course you’ll never see more beautiful scenery! Montana is absolutely gorgeous. As for the Apache rez in Arizona, I don’t think there’s ever been a trip more appointed by God for me. We met nightly under a tent for preaching and singing-just like camp meeting.  I know that our teams were there to minister to the Apache people, but I felt like every Word given was for me! Such a refreshing move of God I so desperately needed. Once again, the kids blessed me and stole my heart:)  These people are seeking God for revival! Wonderful testimonies and talent. I was awe-struck by the mountains and canyons of the area. Was not expecting THAT in the desert! Or rain, but we got that too:) Only our great God could create anything so breathtaking as the views in AZ. My first trip to that state was an eye opener in lots of ways! After AZ, me and a friend of mine decided to go to California and drive down the coast. Oh, so lovely! Perfect weather, perfect beaches, perfect FOOD and shopping, of course! Had an amazing time. Loved San Diego! Such a pretty city. BTW, I read a super awesome book on the plane ride from Gulf Port,MS to Phoenix. Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge is beautiful and timely for women today! I was discussing it with a couple of new friends from California and the first comment they had for it was, “Life changing!” I agree. So, there’s still time for a great summer read,girls! Captivating.

Its been almost a year since we bought the Lamplighter Christian Bookstore and it  is still an amazing ministry and blessing in our lives. We all help run the store, although you never know who will be working on what day. That’s the great thing about a family business, am I right? I do a lot of the buying for the store (surprise) and research new product. I have always been a book nerd, so its tons of fun for me! Every Thursday when UPS and Fed Ex run, its like Christmas, because our new books,Bibles, and music arrive.:) I still travel some, but I’ve loved my weekends off to do the mission work and attend family events that I missed over the past few years traveling all the time. God is good. He is definitely leading and guiding and doing big new things! The best is yet to come for the Church I truly believe. We have to keep praying, and loving God and people. Next season: good news! The fall looks as bright as summer:) The Braves are in first place and it won’t be 102 degrees in Ms!:P

Much Love!

A

Psalm 130

Many people around us are facing a time of loss and need healing. Some have lost spouses, children, jobs, and health. My fellow Mississippians who live on the gulf coast are losing their entire lifestyle and businesses due to the oil spill. Some are struggling to adjust after a divorce or separation. Having battled through depression and discouragement over loss, I know for a fact that God is with us no matter how we feel. His Word is true and He is faithful to it! Circumstances may change, He remains constant and unfailing. I loved this encouragement today from Joyce Meyer: “Press aggressively into a new life. Not everything in your life is over; just one part of it has ended. One season has passed and another can now begin—if you are willing to take action. Don’t just passively sit and wait for something to happen or someone to come along. Go make new friends. Find someone else who is lonely and be a friend to that person. You will reap what you sow, and God will return that friendship many times over. Let the loneliness you feel turn into compassion for other lonely people, and then decide to do something about it!”  When we are in the midst of an intense fight with our emotions, after our identity has been stripped away and we are left wondering who we are and how to live, I know that we do NOT want to hear “Get over it!” At least I never do!:) We’ll usually respond with, “How do people expect me to just get over it when they have no idea what I’m going through!” But when the initial smoke has cleared and the throbbing of your heart has subdued, I’ve found that its CRUCIAL to leave that despondent pit behind! If you stay there, you pro-long the healing process. Word of instruction: Do something! Be there for someone else who is suffering. As Elizabeth Elliot says, “Do the next thing.” His will is for us to live the abundant life He has bought for us with His blood. He not only holds us when we need His consolation, but He empowers us to carry on His purpose and work he’s given us to do on this earth! He alone should be our great motivation to press on. Strive for the glory of God! He will bring you peace as you give yourself to Him and His love to others.

Some jewels may be made from rocks and crystals; other jewels might be mined out of the earth, but not so with pearls. Unlike other gems, pearls are drawn from something that’s alive! Pearls are produced by a life that has overcome affliction,that has overcome suffering. Little wonder they are so valuable! -Joni Eareckson Tada

I found this inspiring bit of info in a devotional from the shelves of the Lamplighter. I’ve always been blessed by Joni’s testimony. She hasn’t let her paralysis keep her from serving God and other people, no matter how painful or inconvenient and despite discouragement. God is her Master-her problems are not! The devil would have us believe that we are slaves to something temporary and fleeting. But this world will pass away with the thing that seems to be larger than life right now. I’ve asked the Lord in recent days to change my vision. “Refocus,Annie!”, I tell myself. “Get your God back in His rightful position, front and center and BIG!” If we could only see what He’s doing through the “affliction and suffering” we face. Could it be that these fiery days are necessary times? I believe so. I have a sneaky suspicion that He’s shaping the pearl:) He’s making a testimony to glorify Himself. He’s teaching victory through the Spirit of graciousness, mercy, and forgiveness. Those lessons can only be learned by coming in contact with “rough sands”. Hold on, sister! Press on, bro! He’s making the pearl. Why does he choose us? I will never know. Nothing but understanding that His love is unconditional comes close in our feeble minds to explain why He wouldn’t just throw us away and POOF!- create a shiny new pearl for himself without a scar or blemish. Thankfully, that’s not how grace works! Mercifully, He allows us to be tested and tried, because He has something beautiful in mind:) He’s making the pearl. Rom 8:18 -For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Wow, my eyes fill with tears as I type this knowing so many, including myself, are feeling the potter’s hands strip away the broken and damaged pieces of clay and begin to mold His work of art. A jewel in the making, yet already purchased with blood-the only blood that can save.

Living Simply— Yet Focused
May 18, 2010
Look at the birds of the air . . . . Consider the lilies of the field . . . —Matthew 6:26, 28

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin”— they simply are! Think of the sea, the air, the sun, the stars, and the moon— all of these simply are as well— yet what a ministry and service they render on our behalf! So often we impair God’s designed influence, which He desires to exhibit through us, because of our own conscious efforts to be consistent and useful. Jesus said there is only one way to develop and grow spiritually, and that is through focusing and concentrating on God. In essence, Jesus was saying, “Do not worry about being of use to others; simply believe on Me.” In other words, pay attention to the Source, and out of you “will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38 ). We cannot discover the source of our natural life through common sense and reasoning, and Jesus is teaching here that growth in our spiritual life comes not from focusing directly on it, but from concentrating on our Father in heaven. Our heavenly Father knows our circumstances, and if we will stay focused on Him, instead of our circumstances, we will grow spiritually— just as “the lilies of the field.”
The people who influence us the most are not those who detain us with their continual talk, but those who live their lives like the stars in the sky and “the lilies of the field”— simply and unaffectedly. Those are the lives that mold and shape us.
If you want to be of use to God, maintain the proper relationship with Jesus Christ by staying focused on Him, and He will make use of you every minute you live— yet you will be unaware, on the conscious level of your life, that you are being used of Him.

I just came out of an awesome revival in Columbus, OH. One of my favorite ministers, Bro. Leo Calvin Price, preached a service that spoke volumes of God’s wisdom into my heart. Talking about restoration, he made this observation: “God doesn’t restore us to what was, but what He intended us to be.” Wow. I was floored by that insight! I’ve felt God’s hand doing just that day by day in my life. This morning I was reading the entries of my prayer journal dating back a couple of months to today, and I was amazed by how God worked through the trial. Things I prayed about before the storm, God used the storm to bring out of me! Though, when I was going through it I felt nothing was going right or that any prayer was being answered. In fact, I felt like I was going backwards! “Restored to what He intended.” God can do two things at one time. Restore and fulfill his plan. Mind blowing, isn’t it? Remember Joseph? Thrown in prison, spent years there, yet with the favor of the Lord….a prisoner, but DESTINED for leadership. He was restored to the intended. God has the BEST of intentions for you! Sometimes He takes us through the storm, gives us favor in prison, all to restore us to that intended place with Him because life will happen. And we must be restored. I’m thankful that we never go back to what was….even though you may not feel it now, you are changed. If God has taken you through anything, you are not the same as before! Gently and patiently He leads us. He loves us. Braking us to make us, just like the Master Potter He is!  Now, there’s hope!

Version: KJV

Philippians 4:6,7

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Today’s devotion in “My Utmost” spoke so clearly to me, I thought that I would write about it! I’ve been reading this classic daily devotion forever, and each year when April 29th rolls around I need to read this word again. Oswald Chambers says, “We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God.” How I LOVE that! Reminds me of the song, “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow”….”There are things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand, BUT I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand.” We are uncertain of “many things”. Actually, we do not know what the next few seconds hold for us. We can make plans and say that we are going to do this or that, but we don’t KNOW if we will do anything. I am usually a spontaneous person. I hardly ever plan. (and that drives some family members crazy!) I just don’t have a problem with saying, “Hey! Let’s go do this or that, now or tonight or asap!” I think I prefer to operate that way because every event I’ve ever meticulously thought out and stressed about has never gone as planned. Someone backed out…someone dropped the ball…someone got sick…someone forgot their part. Or I got sick and the whole thing fell apart! (Truth is, I probably just didn’t get the organization gene!:)  I’ve found that life is just crammed full of “suddenlys”. Unexpected surprises. Detours we weren’t prepared for. Delays we did not schedule. So, we must trust Someone Who saw it coming. Someone who holds our times in His hands. Someone Who knew us before the foundation of the world. A Friend Who is on board the ship and knows where its headed. When everything falls apart Who do you turn to? I hope that we will remember the One Who calls each star by name and Who carved  out the oceans with His hand. He is a dependable stronghold in the day of trouble.  In the midst of the “what ifs’, could be’s, and how so’s”, there He stands saying, “My Word is a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. Don’t worry about your life.” We are not in control, so why worry? Let’s be “anxious over nothing” and pray instead. Trust Jesus to today with the uncertainties. For we can be certain that He IS and WAS and always WILL be.

Version: KJV

Psalm 139

1. *To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.* O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known [me]. 2. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. 3. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted [with] all my ways. 4. For [there is] not a word in my tongue, [but], lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. 5. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. 6. [Such] knowledge [is] too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot [attain] unto it. 7. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8. If I ascend up into heaven, thou [art] there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou [art there]. 9. [If] I take the wings of the morning, [and] dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10. Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light [are] both alike [to thee]. 13. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. 14. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well. 15. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, [and] curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all [my members] were written, [which] in continuance were fashioned, when [as yet there was] none of them. 17. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! 18. [If] I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. 19. Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. 20. For they speak against thee wickedly, [and] thine enemies take [thy name] in vain. 21. Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? 22. I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. 23. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24. And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

What is the reality of our lives when everything seems to be going wrong, inside and out? For believers, nothing is what it seems! When it looks bad,hopeless,and dark, in Christ there is goodness, hope, and light. I got sick and tired of letting the lies of satan control my emotions and attitude (and at times, my sanity!) and I prayed that the Lord would remove this terrible cloud of hopelessness and frustration that had settled in my mind. In a still small voice, I heard, “Write the truth. Not what you feel or see, but the truth.” So I did. I took a pen and paper and wrote what HE says about my life.  Boy, did the Light come pouring in! I knew this stuff, but had entertained garbage for so long, I was miserable. Thank God for His reality! It’s never what it seems, but everything He says it is. We are never really hopeless basket cases satan would have us believe we are. If we’ve met Jesus and trusted him for salvation, we are HIS. Day by day He is making us like Him.  In an attempt to be transparent with you instead of hiding away and not writing anything of my struggles, I will post MY truth that gave me victory JUST as I scribbled it down the other day. Maybe it will encourage you where you are to believe God’s Word and APPLY (key word) to your heart and mind:)

————–The Truth About What God Is Up To!

God has put me here for His purpose- He has a plan for today. He’s protecting me and preparing me for tomorrow. I am here to glorify Him with my life- I am forgiven, free, and redeemed. He has made me whole and New. He empowers me by His Holy Spirit to live and worship in truth.

He will never withhold good from me. He will defend me at all costs. He goes before me and behind me and surrounds me with favor as a shield. He made me for His glory and pleasure. I do not belong to this world- I will set my affections on things above- My treasure is in heaven, a place prepared for me.

He is working all things together for my good. He’s turning what satan meant for evil into good. He will set truth before me and give me grace to walk in it. He is renewing a right spirit in me and guiding me into His light. He is working His love into me and changing my heart to love like He loves. He is teaching me forgiveness because He wants me to have His peace. He is strengthening me through the trial because He wants me to survive and thrive. He keeps pulling me out of myself because He wants me to be like His Son. He won’t leave me alone because I am His beloved and favored child He gave everything for. I am not what I need to be, but I am certainly not what I was. He is long-suffering and patient with me, pushing me out of the darkness and revealing His glory day by day. I can trust Him. I can pour out my soul, and expect kindness. He loves me the way I am and too much to leave me this way.

I love it when God ministers in a fresh way! It reminds me of the endless avenues He will use to reach us. Our God is creative:) THE Creator! Sunday night at church, a visiting pastor from Chili preached the message, through our pastor interpreting. He read from Ezekiel, chapter 2……1. And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee. 2. And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me.

These words just jumped off the page for me. I got the visual of the prophet standing and receiving God’s instructions and that thrilled me! More often than sermons, people, sunday school, or Bible study, He reaches me right where I am THE moment I need that Word, whether in Wal-Mart, driving down the road, or by myself. I’m usually at home alone on Mondays and I relish that time alone with God! We have an awesome time:) Yesterday, I got on my face before God. I poured out my heart, got some things off my chest, cried a lot, (it wasn’t pretty) and pleaded with the Lord. My goodness, did I feel worn out after all that! Like a popped balloon. Totally spent, wind knocked out of my sails, I sat in silence. Then I stood up and He began speaking to me. I STOOD. And then I heard the Word of the Lord. While it’s therapeutic to “tell it all to Jesus”, it’s strengthening to listen for a change. Not only was I restored by the Words of His voice, but I was at peace too. Now, there have been many times I’ve heard from the Lord laying flat on my face or sitting still,but for this Word, I needed to “stand and hear”. Maybe it was God’s way of letting me know that,to hear THIS, I had to get up out of some stuff. Maybe God is calling you to get up. He knows where you are! He wants you to “pour out your soul before Him”, but it may be time to rise and “come forth”. Stand and hear what the Lord has to say about it all. His answers may surprise you.

I’m so glad God sent His servant alllllll the way from Chili to give me the Word and prepare my heart to hear from the Lord! What an encouragement to know that He speaks through strangers, friends, family, even those who do not speak your language! Oh, how He loves us.

I’ve so sadly neglected this blog for the past weeks. Not intentionally, just forgetfully! Whew! Life gets weird sometimes, doesn’t it? I mean, you’re walking along your merry way, praising God and all is LOVELY. Then…WAM BAM!! You get blind-sided by a force you never saw coming. You find your self flailing your arms like a new swimmer and grasping at anything to pull you back up to that heavenly state of mind! Thinking back to that “lovely place with the Lord”, I realize now that those sweet glory days were probably a needed rest preceding the struggle. The calm before the storm. Thank God He sustains us through everything that life throws our way. There’s no way to escape pain and disappointment in life as long as you are breathing, but NO MATTER WHAT, He is there. I’m so thankful for Beth Moore, bless her heart. She has ministered to me through her teachings in this season more than any other. I’m just finishing up her new book, So Long Insecurity, and let me tell you, it had me pegged to a T! I’m such a nurturer, wanting to be everyone’s answer and fixer, that I place my self- worth at the absolute bottom of God’s priority list. After all, we women are here to serve others, right? Somewhere along the way, I lost my sense of strength and dignity that a woman of God is entitled to. Doesn’t that happen to all women? I can only IMAGINE  the balancing act  you wives and mothers have to perform day in and day out. Isn’t it great to know that GOD KNOWS we are weak and that we sometimes want to pull our hair out?! He made us and is intimately aware of our strengths and the places where we are not so strong. Faithfully, He carries us and allows us to roll that big burden onto His shoulders. We are not perfect, confident ,or secure all the time, BUT thankfully our security is not of ourselves! Our security is in Him! Here’s a verse Beth used to really drive that truth home. Psalm 112:7-8: She (and I put my name here) will have no fear of bad news; her heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Her heart is SECURE, she will have no fear; in the end she will look in triumph on her foes. (Trusting the Lord is the key here.) Love it, love it! No matter what we face, we are secure and after all is said and done, we have victory!  No fear no more. We are secure in the One who knows we are stressed and depressed from time to time. What hope we have in His grace! One more great Word. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. (Prov. 31:25) Strength and dignity is mine as a woman of God. Girls, let’s walk in that wonderful reality today with our heads held high in His glory! Now, I realize that men read this blog, as well as women, so this goes for you too, guys! Rest in His strength. Let Him be your stronghold as you journey through this life.