--------------NEW BEGINNINGS------------

JOSH AND REBEKAH

2007-02-13T03:43:00.000-05:00

I am unable to sleep tonight - a winter storm is beginning outside and I am laying awake thinking about these two incredible individuals. Josh asked Rebekah to marry him. I must admit when Josh first told Ed and I, I was shocked. Don't get me wrong, I love Rebekah and I look forward to the day she is my daughter. However, I wanted to see Josh through college before he took on the role of husband. HUSBAND - it sounds strange to say (type) my 19 year old son will probably be a husband before the end of 2007:

Eph 5:31-33
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32 This is a profound mystery-but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

I say it seems strange, however in 1983 Ed and I were married and we too were only 19 years old. I like to say we were more mature, however I don't think my inlaws would agree! I was praying and thinking about Josh and Rebekah tonight and I am at peace. The two of them have something that Ed and I didn't when we got married and that is a relationship with Jesus, we knew of Him, but we didn't have a relationship with Him, nor did we have the Holy Ghost. I know too, that this is not something they just decided on a whim, they have prayed and sought God on this. I do not know Gods plan for their life, only He does and I trust them and I trust Him with them both, I just need to go to the word for evidence of that:

Jer 29:11-13

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

That says it all! I have found that even though we struggle in life, it tends to make us stronger and where would I have been without my God and my Ed. God has been so gracious to Ed and I and although we didn't start out walking in the way we should have, God never gave up on us and when we yielded to Him, He opened the door and came in, in a mighty way, a life changing way and has blessed us beyond our expectations. This is what Josh and Rebekah have, the knowledge of God and their love for one another, so I say - CONGRATUALTIONS, I am happy and excited for the two of them and love them very much!

JOHN 3:16

2006-12-05T07:23:00.000-05:00

John 3:16

16 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ( unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
AMP

For the last few weeks God has really being doing some things in my heart. Part of that is it is time to get serious. There are those we love and know that are sick, hurting, depressed, going to hell, brokenhearted, bitter, overcome by circumstances, you name it and the enemy is bringing it on. What price are you and I willing to pay for those we know, and those we don't - they may just be individuals we come into contact with and have an opportunity to share the love of Jesus, and that wouldn't be by accident, but are we even paying any attention.

God spoke to me Sunday night and though He loves us so much as stated above, He wants, no demands all of our hearts. He knows what each of us is going through. There are things that people are going through that they have spoken to no one about, but God knows. He loves you and desires you to come to Him and to SERVE Him, and He also wants us to acknowledge who HE is, bow our knees and worship Him. There is so much more, dare we enter in, dare we give our whole hearts to the one who made them in the first place. I know I can't go on like before - time is short and I must be about my Fathers business. God help me, because I don't want emotion, although it seems as though I am very emotional as I am drawing nearer to Him.

I posted this verse because at 3:16 this morning I was awakened by God at 3:16 and He reminded me of this verse and said to pray - pray - pray - pray. I wish today I could stay home and do just that all the day long - but I must go to work, but who is to say what opportunities await me, if I will only go with the ears and eyes of Jesus, looking today to make a difference in the world that I live in at present.

To all the dead people today - I pray we die alittle more each day - until all that is left is Jesus.

R U N Revival?

God Bless You!

Seek Him and He will be found

2006-11-11T23:02:00.000-05:00

This past week has been crazy. I didn't get to stay for the womens breakfast, I went off to school and then to stay with my sister after she had had her surgery that Friday. I was blessed to get to spend time with my Aunt Doris as well. She was admitted to the hospital that Thursday before the CFC women's meeting. It was good to listen to her, she is a wonderful saint of God and it was such a wonderful time, even though I wish it had been under better circumstances. I learned things about her I never knew and that included how God uses her in intercession. It brought JOY to my heart. God is no respector of persons and to hear how God has used her in such a way is a blessing. He is looking for anyone who is willing to lay their life down for someone else. It was incredible to say the least. She herself does not understand what God was doing and why she reacted the way she did while praying and interceding, however I was able to share some things I had been taught, since travail has been in our church for a while now. It was good.

God also gave me a wonderful way in which to bless my aunt as she was unable to go to church that Sunday. It was something she had looked forward to and God made a way so she didn't have to miss it. He is so creative and loves His children so much. It should never surprise me when He does such awesome things. It was a blessing for me as well. I felt the presence of the Lord in that church and even though I was looking forward to a continuation of the weekend after the meetings, God gave me great JOY where I was at and blessed me tremendously. What was even better was picking Dena up later on Sunday and letting her share in the JOY that the surprise brought to Aunt Dorsi. It has been a long, long, long, week with Dena having her surgery and different family members and friends being in the hospital. But I am grateful that I was able to be of service to HIM. I said I wasn't at church or prayer this week, but, I have been about my Fathers' business.

I thank God for the time spent with my church family and my family family. I have found that although God is more than enough, I still need all the above more than I realized. The pieces fit together perfectly. GLORY TO GOD!!

Continue to pray for PBR - and for 1 more to come into revival.

GOD IS MOVING - PRAISE THE LORD

2006-10-20T23:54:00.000-04:00

I have been blessed this week while fasting and seeking God. To see God move the way He wants to is amazing. It is sad to know that we hinder what He wants to do much of the time, but encouraging knowing that as a body we are once again putting down the flesh and letting God have His way. Wednesday night prayer was awesome, God really touched lives and it was amazing to see, then tonight at the Church of Praise was awesome. The word came forth in power and although the enemy had other plans, God had made provisions for His Will to be done and had prayer going on throughout the service which I believe broke the hard hearted, broke a rebellious spirit and allowed God to have His way! Glory to God!!! I know tonight there were many who made the decision to run after the Lord, and to do what they know to do by the Law. I am grateful to God I was able to witness the miraculous this week. When we are weak, the Lord is strong. I am blessed to see all that God is doing in my brothers and sisters and it gives me such Hope for others as well. As we turn to Him, fellowship intimately with Him, and dwell in His presence, we are going to see whole households saved, healings, deliverance, the broken heart mended, and purity and humbleness reign once again, not only in the house of God, but everywhere we are willing to share the goodness of the Lord. Joy unspeakable, that’s what I am talking about. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God and all it takes is faith the size of a mustard seed. Dare to dream, dare to trust, dare to believe and have faith in the all mighty.
We are going to be gone for the next week or so and even though we are going on VACATION, I find myself only half hearted because I don't want to miss a prayer meeting or a church service, although I know that please the Lord in itself after past actions. There again, Glory to God for His UNCONDITIONAL LOVE and Faithfulness, mercy and grace. See you Soon and God Bless You! Pray that we would have a wonderful time of fellowship and that God would be the center of it, seeds planted and then watered along the way.

Joy - Joy - Joy - Joy - Joy - Joy - Joy - Joy - Joy

2006-10-08T22:34:00.000-04:00

John 15:9-17

9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
NIV

Do you see as I do the importance of love and by responding with Love to the Lord and to others, God blesses us in mighty ways. He is looking for a people to follow -
God is so good! Tonight He so totally filled me with His joy. It is amazing to me how God will bless you when you are just about loving Him and worshipping Him. It was glorious and I must say the praise and worship as well as the word today from both pastors was incredible. The anointing tonight was so very strong and I entered into His presence with no thoughts outside of HIM, He was the focus of the service and I know that I was not alone in my response to Him or my adoration of Him. He was faithful to a hungry people. Tonight I once again surrendered to My Lord with all I have within me and all that I am. I emptied myself out to Him until there was nothing left of me except the desire for Him to once again reign in my life, directing my path. Thank you Lord for never leaving me or forsaking me, for loving me when I was unlovable and for restoring to me the Love I had for you and making it once again the priority. I thank you Lord for restoration of friends and the blessing of new friends, Lord you are doing exceedingly and abundantly more than I could ask or think of in this area, I am blessed and excited to be with those who love you as I do and who want to be your hands, feet, eyes and ears, compassion and love in this world we live in at present. You are awesome God and I am so totally in Love with you, yes Lord, in love with you in a way that I haven't been for a long time, truth be known, it feels more intense, more real than it ever did in the past, once again proving how wonderful you are. Thank you Lord for loving us, for giving your life up for us so that we can dwell with you forever, for all eternity!!! With a full and overflowing heart I am going to go to bed with the peace and rest of God ministering to me and praying that I will have dreams and visions of you and if not tonight, one day soon I pray that I would receive a visitation from You!

RESTORATION, REFLECTION, REWARDS

2006-09-28T01:15:00.000-04:00

I have to start off my thoughts by saying God is a God of Restoration and I am thankful. I was so blessed by the church retreat this past weekend. Everything within me knew I had to be there and a dear friend knew I was going to be even without a spoken word from me in that regard. That knowing by her ministered to me, the fact someone still recogninzed my desire, my want to and knew me so well that I would go- despite things that could prevent me from me going. God made a way and worked it all out and I am grateful He did!!!!
I also had a word a couple of weeks ago that rang true, however I wasn't quite sure the wording was right, you know what I mean. I thought to myself, Oh God would not have had me in a dark place, He would not have had me off by myself for a season. I was under the impression that God and I worked this out together, that I chose this as a result of all the loss suffered the last few years. Although I knew and have testified that God had turned things into good, I really did not think God had set things in motion, that He had a plan to bring me to my knees, to the depths of despair, hurting and feeling betrayed, however God did have such a plan. Don't misunderstand me, I don't think God removed people I loved from my life to bring me closer to Him, but He used those situations to do just that. I did not surprise God by my reactions to situations, with the grief or with "betrayal so to speak" of my friends, family, and church. God created me, before I was formed in my mothers womb, He knew me, I am a unique sometimes very trying individual and He knew my thoughts, intentions - everything. Nothing is hidden from God, never has been. God brought me out of and through so much the last 15 years and I am blessed He did. But God wants more of me, He requires more out of me, more than I was giving, He wants a pure heart, refined, beating for Him and His purposes, that I am sad to say had been lacking to a degree. I was caught up in the trials of the world and my loved ones, I was complacent and going through the motions, content - even though I was grateful, the passion for God the reality of God had diminished. Thank God for the Triple Z plan - I had a friend tell me tonight that God had given him a hard word concerning me just a few days before my father passed away, I was never told about that word until tonight and only in part. It was a hard word, but I praised God tonight for it, God loved me enough to give that word to someone who loved and cared about me,someone who would pray and lift me up despite my attitude and actions. God knows all and how humbled I am that He does. Thank God, Thank God!!!
That was only a part of the wonder of God I experienced tonight, any doubt I have had these last few months has been put to rest, God blessed me tonight and read my mail again, only God and I knew some feelings that were trying to rise up again when the estate lawyer would call, feelings I thought had been put to rest, however as I cry out to God to refine me, He will do just that, situations will be dealt with they are not pleasing to God and He doesn't just want lip service. These wayward feelings tonight were covered by the blood, I have a transformed mind, right thinking, the mind of Christ - V is not for Vendetta - It stands for Victory in Jesus!!!! GLORY TO GOD - I LOVE YOU LORD - R. U. N. Revival?!!!!!!

GLORY TO GOD - HE IS AMAZING

2006-09-06T22:53:00.000-04:00

Tonight I went early to pray before the official prayer time started. I wanted to seek the Lord and draw nearer to Him - He gave me these verses:

John 12:35-36
35 Jesus replied, "My light will shine out for you just a little while longer. Walk in it while you can, so you will not stumble when the darkness falls. If you walk in the darkness, you cannot see where you are going. 36 Believe in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light." After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.

John 12:44-50
44 Jesus shouted to the crowds, "If you trust me, you are really trusting God who sent me. 45 For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the darkness. 47 If anyone hears me and doesn't obey me, I am not his judge--for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. 48 But all who reject me and my message will be judged at the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. 49 I don't speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me gave me his own instructions as to what I should say. 50 And I know his instructions lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say!"

The Lords presence was so strong and prior to prayer He gave me this word:

The Lord said- See yourself for what you are outside of me, repent and then see yourself IN ME, free, loved, healed - the light in dark places - only IN ME can my purpose be accomplished through you - STAY IN ME - I long for you to be there always, I wait patiently for you, COME!

God desires for us to repent of our sins - He longs for us to fellowship with Him- we are to be His hands, feet, ears,and even mouth on this earth - we may be the only Jesus that some people see - we are His light when we choose to walk with Him and obey Him. I love Him with a whole heart and I am crying out for Him to purify my heart, to refine me, I want all that is not God to be driven out and I want once again live my life for Him without reservation, with excitement, expectancy, and joy. I want to be in tune to people and show His love and compassion for them, they may need only a smile, hug, or word of encouragement - I need to be ready to be called into service by my maker, who with such love molded me into what I am and will be. I LOVE YOU JESUS - R U N REVIVAL?!!!!!

GOD IS GOOD

2006-07-11T22:27:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to state the obvious. Amber is 21, she is started radiology school on Monday. Josh will start IUPUI on Aug 10 and I am taking an internet course and getting ready to start Math in Aug. Ed will be going to school also, although not around here. Life is really funny sometimes.
Ed and I went to a conference in Gatlinburg and it was great to get away and relax and just spend some time alone. We lost another family member so please keep the family in prayer. Especially Kevin, Jackie, Brittney, Meghan and Jackson. God is faithful.
Dena and Carlos are off again traveling to a convention in Florida for visually impaired persons, keep them in your prayers as well. Enjoy the pictures!

2006-07-06T21:14:00.000-04:00

Gatlinburg
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2006-07-06T21:13:00.000-04:00

Amber and Al - Aren't they sweet
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2006-07-06T21:12:00.000-04:00

What a crew
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2006-07-06T21:11:00.000-04:00

Josh and I on his big day
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2006-07-06T21:08:00.000-04:00

My honey golfing on our trip, I went and played with the guys!!
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2006-07-06T21:04:00.000-04:00

My honey with the fishand sharks swimming behind him
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2006-07-06T21:03:00.000-04:00

As you can see something has a bigger mouth than myself
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2006-07-06T21:01:00.000-04:00

Outside on our balcony with the mountains behind us.
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2006-04-08T19:59:00.000-04:00

This is the future Radiologic Technologist
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AMBER MARIE GOFF

2006-04-08T19:27:00.000-04:00

Amber is a wonderful daughter. There are many facets to her personality that many don't see. Some of that is due to herself, she isn't very open, can appear stand-offish. She is like me in many ways (this is why we butt heads) yet she is definitely her own person. She is a hard worker and a devoted friend. She is compassionate, has a very soft heart. Amber is also very head strong and fighter. She has had a desire to become a radiologic technologist for several years now. At first she didn't have the classes she needed in order to apply, so she went to school and took those classes and applied the following year. Unfortunately last year Amber didn't get in, even though I had shared with her a vision that the Lord gave me showing hospital doors opening for her. She was devastated when she didn't get in last year and was only an alternate. I encouraged her to call director of the program to find out why she wasn't chosen, what she could do to increase her chances of getting in this year, he told her she needed more medical experience. I had a great experience (25 years ago) at Professional Careers Institute. I was hired by the Dr. I did my externship for and it enabled me to reach my goal of getting married. I encouraged Amber to go check out the school, it is only 6 months classroom and 2 months externship, she would be finishing up at around the time she would submit her application for PCI. She decided to go, got hired by the Drs who she externed for, however, she pursued her dream - she applied again this year for the Hancock Memorial School of Radiology. The next obstacle is the fact they raised the grade for chemistry in order to be qualified (she is currently retaking the class), but DESPITE THAT she received her call yesterday and she is in!!!! She has to pass chemistry with a B in order to be in for sure, so pray, pray, pray!!! God has given her the desire of her heart, He is so faithful. Last week when Ed and I were heading to the church retreat, God brought to mind the vision He gave me about the hospital doors opening to her and he said you are getting in radiology, good things come to those who wait. I was blessed but after last year, I didn't run to her, I did however share it with Ed on the ride, I wrote it down, March 31, 2006, 1:53 pm, Rd 421. I also shared it with my Aunt Louise. Yesterday before Amber's second interview, I texted her and said - Good things come to those who wait, God is with you. I am so blessed for her and wanted to share all of this, because I am proud of her and so grateful to God on so many levels and to encourage you also, our timing is not always Gods timing, He knew when she should and would get in the program, I am grateful that Amber doesn't give up, knowing God is with her.

"COME UP HIGHER"

2006-04-05T06:03:00.000-04:00

When I was praying and thinking of God this morning He impressed upon me that we need to come up higher - up into HIS presence. Luke 14:7-14

7 And He began speaking a parable to the invited guests when He noticed how they had been picking out the places of honor at the table; saying to them, 8 "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him, 9 and he who invited you both shall come and say to you,' Give place to this man,' and then in disgrace you proceed to occupy the last place. 10 "But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher'; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you. 11 "For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted."

12 And He also went on to say to the one who had invited Him, "When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return, and repayment come to you. 13 "But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. "
NAS

Where do you stop with the word of God? I am so grateful that God has invited us to come up higher, Jesus made a way for us to enter in, He longs for us to dwell in His presence, He doesn't turn us away, He wants us to lay our heads on His breast, He calls us friend - He has extended that invitation to each one of us - "Come up Higher" - Just something to think about!!!!

I love you Lord

2006-04-03T21:10:00.000-04:00

This weekend was incredible! Ed and I went on a church retreat and it was really awesome. We had a great time together and with family. God has given me new relationships with family that I have never had before and I am truly blessed. God also made some things pretty apparent to me and just like the "Wizard of Oz", there is no place like home!!!! Thank you Jesus! It is time to put into action that which the Lord has placed within me, His strength. God has brought me through many things these last four years and the one constant has been HIMSELF and the love of my husband and kids and sister and now with the new family relationships, it can only get better!!!!!!!! LIFE IS GOOD!!!!! GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!!

Senior Trip

2006-03-25T21:46:00.000-05:00

Josh is getting ready to take off for Florida with a friend. It seems so strange that he is 18 years old and can go on his own. I am going to post a couple of pictures of him, when he was young and now that he is older. Pray that the Lord would keep them safe on their journey. They are going to spend the night with my Uncle Junior who just lost his wife (Aunt Nina) in January. I think it will be good for them to see one another. God Bless and keep on keeping on in the name of Jesus!

God is Good!!

2006-03-25T00:27:00.000-05:00

I am grateful to still be able to hear the voice of God. I am grateful that He knows me and loves me anyway. I thank God that He is giving me a new beginning. I have opportunities for new relationships and a new direction in my life. I am excited to be going with my husband and over 100 other people to receive of God. The really awesome thing is that I don't know hardly anyone and I have no expectations, except I know it is God and an opportunity for me to draw nearer to Him. School is going fairly well, nerves get the best of me, but I am trying and I know God will honor that, He has a plan. I was able to have lunch today with a friend, someone I don't know very well yet, but I admire her and I am grateful that I had a few opportunities this past summer to spend time with her and see a different side of her and see what a hard worker she is not only for her family, but for the Lord as well. I know God will honor her faithfulness to Him and see her through anything. Pray for me and my family if the Lord would lead you to! Thanks and I will pray as the Lord leads as well!!!!

2006-03-25T00:26:00.000-05:00

This is the snow falling tonight, big flakes. So beautiful, it is Spring now and you can't tell it by the weather. Thank you Lord for a beautiful sight!!!
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Thanks

2005-11-01T23:08:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to say thanks to anyone who ever read my blog, thanks for your prayers and thanks for the comments. I am gonna print out the blogs and comments and start writing my thoughts down in private. God is good and I love him with all my heart, may God meet your every need and may you continue to walk with Him all the days of your life. Always remember you are not alone, He is with you and He loves you more than anyone else does or could, you are His creation!!!! Enjoy life and the people you love, when you make a mistake, learn and grow from it and go on with life, it will happen again. Please continue to pray for the salvation and healing of my family and for my husband, daughter, son and myself. Pray that God would lead us and guide us and give us the desires of our hearts!! Thanks again!

Susan Lynne Goff
Christ Fellowship Church

God is Faithful

2005-10-26T23:34:00.000-05:00

My Aunt Nina who is in the middle of the picture with my sister and myself, is ill. We received a call that she wasn't doing well and they (the doctors) could do nothing else for her but give her medicine to ease the pain. My cousin Jackie, Dena and I headed to Georgia to see her and the family. It was a short time, but a good time. We were able to pray with Aunt Nina and Debbie and on Monday (2 weeks later) the peace of God was still reigning, even in the midst of all that is going on. They testified about it to me, they are amazed and grateful for the visit. I was able to share the scripture below with them and tell about how God used these very verses to get me through 13 years of battling the enemy. The peace of God brought me through my families illnesses over the last 13 years, through the death of loved ones, through hurt and betrayal, no matter what the situation, God is the answer. The word of God is Life and without Him and His word, I would perish, spiritually and physically. I do not function well without the Lord anymore, I can't do it on my own, nor do I want to. That is where peace can come in and reign over and in our hearts and minds. Trusting Him, knowing Him, knowing that He only wants the best for us, and there is NOTHING that we are facing or walking through that Jesus hasn't already gained the victory over. I give God all the praise and glory and I trust Him to bring my Aunt and her family through this trial in a way that will bring Glory to His name. Pray for my family, Aunt Milly, Aunt Doris, Uncle Ronnie, Uncle Dean, Aunt Nina and Aunt Barb. They are all facing pretty severe illness and would appreciate your prayers for their families as well as themselves. Pray for salvations all through the families. Come into agreement with me for this as well as their healings. God is able. Thank you

Phil 4:4-9

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.KJV

2005-10-26T23:29:00.000-05:00

Debbie (Aunt Nina's daughter who is taking care of her) and Jackie (a wonderful woman and great cousin)

2005-10-26T23:03:00.000-05:00

Dena, Aunt Nina, Me

Did you ever wonder......

2005-09-25T20:25:00.000-05:00

Did you ever wonder what your life would be like when you were a teenager or young adult? Did you ever wonder, Is this the man/woman I will marry? Will we have kids? Where will we live? What will I do for the rest of my life? Did you ever wonder about forever, how long forever is? Before God did you ever wonder how you were going to get through each day, or how this world was made, did you ever wonder about why a loved one was sick or blind or even mean and bitter. Did you ever wonder about the existence of God or how this world was made? I did and I have. I have wondered how my life might have been different if I had walked with the Lord all my life, if I had been devoted to him always, not just on and off as a child, but totally committed to Him. I have wondered and now I just rest in God and at how awesome He is. I look at my inlaws and I don't have to wonder about Ed and I being together for 50 years, I know we will always be together, we know we have something special and we will always guard it and not let it slip through our fingers, we have learned through trials, just how much we love one another and our love is rooted and grounded in the Lord now and has been for quite a while and we love each other more now than we ever have. I don't have to wonder about kids, we have two wonderful children, I don't have to wonder where we will live, it won't ever matter as long as I am with Ed. I have wondered how I would get through the day many times and even when I didn't know or acknowledge God, I know He brought me through and I know He always will. I have wondered about the sick, blind, hurting, etc... all my life, but I know now, that whatever the circumstance God is with me, He is with you too! We are who we are because of the things we have been through, we will become stronger and we will be able to help others through the very things we have gone through. I look at Jack and Sue and I see God, the love of God, I see hope and faith also. God is good and I can rest in knowing that, "before He formed me in the womb He knew me"!!!!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!

2005-09-25T20:23:00.000-05:00

I am reminded today of how blessed I am to have such wonderful inlaws! I think love looks pretty good after 50 year of marriage, how about you!

2005-09-15T23:16:00.000-05:00

JOY - She wanted her joy back and God gave it to her abundantly!!!!

2005-09-15T23:14:00.000-05:00

God is good, she couldn't even make it past the church doors, it took her a while to get that far, too bad it was a school night, they could have enjoyed the presence of the Lord for a while longer!!!

GOD IS GOOD

2005-09-15T22:55:00.000-05:00

Wednesday night church, I find is a blessing. What all God is doing is yet to be seen, what I do know is He is meeting needs week after week, He is changing the hearts of His people, He is healing, physically and broken hearts, He is strengthening His people, He is filling us with His joy and love, He is encouraging us, He is giving us a hunger for His word and His presence, He is driving out demons and setting the captives free, if you see yourself in any of these situations and you need God to do a miracle in your life then I would encourage you to come, God is in the House, it is a small group right now and God is moving in a mighty way, He will meet you wherever you are, but I can tell you the faith is there to believe for your miracle, or to just come and pour into others, bask in His presence, it is about you and God. I have a couple of pictures of some youth who where touched mightily by the presence of the Lord, the joy came and healing came too! They were actually drunk in the spirit, God is going to do mighty things through them, and I believe he set them apart to begin that work on Wednesday night. If you can't make it, that is okay, but please pray for those who are coming and be blessed in Jesus name.

2005-09-15T00:22:00.000-05:00

A beautiful bridge in Central Park

2005-09-15T00:17:00.000-05:00

IMAGINE - LET YOUR MIND THAT GOD CREATED - DWELL ON HIS GOODNESS AND REST IN THE PROMISES AND PLANS HE HAS FOR YOU

2005-09-15T00:15:00.000-05:00

Me and the famous Bull

2005-09-15T00:14:00.000-05:00

Do you like this picture?

JD - THESE ARE FOR YOU - BE ENCOURAGED

2005-09-14T23:49:00.000-05:00

ENJOY THESE PICTURES UNTIL THE TIME COMES FOR YOU TO GO THERE - LOVE YOU - TELL REMY HELLO FROM ME AS WELL AS YOUR PARENTS!!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-09-09T00:26:00.000-05:00

Jack and Sue Goff - 50 years ago - Congratulations

JACK AND SUE - HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY

2005-09-09T00:05:00.000-05:00

I wanted to post and just tell you all how lucky I am to have such great inlaws. Even saying that word doesn't seem right, because they have truly been my mom and dad and that was even before I lost mine. I rejoice with them on such a remarkable feat. I know that their marriage is a blessing from God and I know God wasn't always the focus, and things haven't always been perfect, but it is great to see two people who love the Lord with all their hearts and love one another the way they do. What is even more incrediable is you extend that love beyond yourselves and your children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, you include your church family and those who are in need. You are the parents to those who don't have any here on earth anymore and to those who may not get to be with their parents regularly. You will never know just how much I love you and what an example you have been to me, thank you for continuing to be a good godly example in marriage and in the ways of our Lord. God Bless You both and may you have many more years together. Thank you for getting together and creating Ed, my life is great and that is not only due to God but to your son. I will remember your 50th and thank God for you both when Ed and I are celebrating ours. May the rest of your lives be all that you and God desire them to be and may your love continue to grow for God and one another. Love you Both very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-09-09T00:03:00.000-05:00

Sophie and Josh - I wanted to post a picture on your birthday and couldn't get it to, so here is one now, I love you and miss you, Happy 18th Birthday, give everyone a hug from me.

2005-09-08T23:55:00.000-05:00

Humber and Jean - Jean I miss you and so do Humber, Ed, and Josh - we were watching videos of you and it brought a smile to my face, my hot tub isn't the same without you climbing in and out of it. God Bless You! Love you, Susan

Sophie

2005-09-07T00:18:00.000-05:00

Sophie I just wanted to take this time and wish you "HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY"!!! I imagine it is hard for your parents to believe you are that old, time flies by for us, it seems like you were babies and the next thing you know, you are beautiful young woman, inside and out. I thank God for the opportunity to know you, and look forward to getting to know you and your family even better. God truly reigns in your hearts and your home and it is evident. I miss you, but not nearly as much as Josh does I am sure. I love you for your sweet spirit and your love for God and I love that fact you make Josh smile and very happy. Wherever life leads you as you follow the Lord, remember you are making a difference in the lives you touch, even with just a smile. We miss you and love you and can't wait to see you again. Be blessed and have a great day, I couln't go to bed until it was your birthday here and I could wish you a GREAT BIG AMERICAN BIRTHDAY FROM SHIRLEY, INDIANA!!!!!!!!

The First of Many I Hope

2005-08-31T22:22:00.000-05:00

Tonight was the first of many services on Wednesday night, I hope. It was good to let God be God. I think it was so good because those who were there, chose to be there and to let God be God. It is was such a blessing to see God heal, deliver, change, and bring life to His people. To bring us into a deeper relationship with Him. I for one know that I let things get in the way of God many times. I get distracted by work, people, my own desires, anything can truly be a distraction. I realized this when I was in France, I haven't really watched much tv at all since I have been home from France. I didn't watch it there (couldn't understand it) and it was good to just be with people, whether in the kitchen, living room, hanging out in the bedroom, outside where ever, it was good to talk and to listen and to observe. I learned a whole lot there, and what they displayed was the love of God and I am grateful. It was a wonderful time, but home is good. I haven't had the desire to waste time in front of the tv, and if you can imagine, I have only seen one movie in the last 3 months and that is okay. My focus is changing, I want to grow in relationship with God and with people. I am so grateful to God for all He has done and will continue to do in my life, He is faithful and will never put more on us than we can bear. That is very comforting to me. God is on the move and I pray that I seek Him with my whole heart, listen for His still small voice, and move when He tells me to. I love you Lord and I thank you for meeting the needs of your people, for changing them and myself. I pray that you will draw many into a deeper relationship with you and I pray that the desire of my Pastors' heart will be met, that he receives from you as he is faithful to minister to your people. Whatever you want Lord, have your way, whatever that is, I want ALL OF YOU!!! REVEAL YOURSELF TO ME AND CHANGE ME LORD, I DESIRE TO BE LIKE YOU, TO BE A REFLECTION OF YOU!!!!!

This weekend

2005-08-23T12:24:00.000-05:00

Well my husband is getting ready to leave on Thursday to go for his annual golf outing to Kentucky. This is a time that a bunch of guys go and play about 200 or more holes of golf in 4 days. They won't let any SHEILA'S go (per Mike O'Neill) from the very first year) and I wouldn't anyway, but I am already starting to miss Ed and he isn't gone yet. I know he is due for some time off, he worked really hard on my kitchen and it is beautiful and will be even more so when totally completed, but nonetheless, I am gonna miss him terribly. God is so good, He has brought us through so much and blessed us so much, at times it seems like the life we lived before was unreal. Was there another life before God? Oh how I wish my whole life would have been lived serving Him, to have known Him and walked with Him always. I envy those which have that testimony, not that their life was any easier, but knowing Him and always living for Him would have been awesome. But we can't do anything about the past, and we shouldn't dwell on the past, that is what the enemy would have us do. Thank God we are smarter than the devil, that God equipped us to fight of the enemy and to live a victorious life. I am reminded today how precious life is here, as a Christian sister passes on to be with Jesus, yet she is now in the presence of the Lord and that is what living this life is all about, to be with our Lord, to live eternally with Him. From one who knows, it is glorious to know your loved one is with the Lord, but it still hurts because we miss them so. Lord comfort and bless the family. I thank you Lord that you will never leave them or forsake them and that you will never put more on them than they can bear. You are faithful Lord and I pray your peace, rest, hope, love, joy, strength and comfort be with them in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. Thank you Lord for answered prayer!

Pictures To Share

2005-08-21T23:59:00.000-05:00

2005-08-16T00:54:00.000-05:00

Flying flags at Omaha Beach

2005-08-16T00:53:00.000-05:00

Clem and Josh, I miss you Clemont

2005-08-16T00:52:00.000-05:00

Adorable

2005-08-16T00:50:00.000-05:00

Hope you like

2005-08-16T00:49:00.000-05:00

A couple of barns from France for my American friend

2005-08-16T00:47:00.000-05:00

A Frenchman and his flag with the American and his flag, I made them pose for this, I thought it was really coo!

2005-08-16T00:45:00.000-05:00

A view from the cemetary

2005-08-16T00:43:00.000-05:00

At the cemetary

2005-08-16T00:38:00.000-05:00

I love you my friends

2005-08-16T00:36:00.000-05:00

Yann and I at the Beach in Normandy

2005-08-16T00:34:00.000-05:00

I like this one

2005-08-16T00:33:00.000-05:00

At the races

2005-08-16T00:28:00.000-05:00

The Blessed Birthday Girls

2005-08-16T00:23:00.001-05:00

How sweet!

2005-08-16T00:23:00.000-05:00

The boys making fun of me and my finger snapping pictures

2005-08-16T00:20:00.000-05:00

Worshipping God in Indiana

2005-08-16T00:18:00.000-05:00

Goodbye to Louvel home

2005-08-16T00:16:00.000-05:00

Crazy French boys

2005-08-16T00:15:00.000-05:00

Girls putting

2005-08-16T00:12:00.000-05:00

Girls warming up for golf

QUIET-TOO QUIET

2005-08-12T00:16:00.000-05:00

I am sitting up late at night writing on this blog and the quiet is deafening. Our frenchies are gone, not from our hearts, but from their American homes. Our home is open to them and we hope we will have an opportunity to share it with them many,many times through the years. I thought that 2 weeks in France would drag on, boy was I wrong, I didn't have enough time really, not that I wanted to see any more incredible places and things, but I would loved to have spent more time getting to know everyone. God knew what he was doing when he spoke to me to go, even though I thought I knew why, God knew the true plan all along. He is awesome and I can't wait to see all that he is gonna do in all of our lives, because of the time we spent together. I am changed. We sing a song that says "He gives and takes away, He gives and takes away, yet my heart will choose to say Lord blessed be your name" I felt the Lord speak to me so clearly at church while praising and worshipping with the our Frenchies Sunday morning, I couldn't stop smiling as the joy came forth, although I lost mom, dad, and aunt Con and I felt as though I was empty and my heart would hurt because I miss them so, God gave me an opportunity to open up my heart fully again, to let love pour in and out of it, it is well oiled now and continues to be open not only for the French youth, but for ours as well. The time we all spent together while hosting the kids, gave me another glimpse of what is under my nose and what God has called us to. I will write more later, I need sleep now however I will post some pictures in the near future. I think the highlight for me was watching one French girl come to life under the influence of Jesus. I saw her visibly change over the 3 1/2 weeks I was around her, I prayed and trusted God along with her family and friends and we were able to see again the faithfulness of God as she came to the Lord and was filled with the Holy Ghost also. I also was able to spend time with her friend who loves her very much and had a wonderful birthday present thanks to her friend asking Jesus into her heart and life. God bless them all in a mighty way and help them to always walk with you. Give them strength, joy and peace as well as their families. Lord give them the desires of their hearts and help them to continue to be a bright light in a dark place. I love you Lord!!!!

LIGHTER PICTURES FROM FRANCE!!!!!

2005-07-24T12:15:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of our adventure in France. I hope you enjoy the ones that are lighter; everyone is still here and in one piece and I believe having a great time!!!!

France - Part 2

2005-07-23T18:03:00.000-05:00

I am looking forward to tomorrow at church. I think the Lord is really going to move, I have sensed his presence all week while with different people in this church and others. We are having a great time, the French saints are taking good care of us and showing us different spots in France. Today was a dream come true for me, we went to Provins and I saw the Tour De Cesar; which is the Tower of Cesar; MY CASTLE, It is from the 1400's, the church was old also, I could only stand in awe of these two places, the countryside is beautiful as well. I will try and post a picture of both to bless you also. Today is the 22nd anniversary for Ed and I, I LOVE YOU ED, THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO COME TO FRANCE TO EXPERIENCE MORE OF THE WORLD, YOU ARE VERY GOOD TO ME, YOU TAKE GOOD CARE OF ME AND I LOVE YOU MORE THAN WORDS AND NUMBERS CAN SAY!!!! I LOVE YOU MORE EVERYDAY AND EVERY YEAR - I PRAY THE LORD KEEPS US SAFE UNTIL WE ARE TOGETHER AGAIN - DON'T FORGET TO PICK US UP!!!!!!!

Please continue to pray for us in France; the families hosting us and the rest of our time together; pray we have a safe flight home and no problems anywhere. Thank you and God Bless You!!!!!

2005-07-21T18:45:00.000-05:00

Group at the Arc de Triomphe

2005-07-21T18:43:00.000-05:00

Eiffel Tower in person

2005-07-21T18:42:00.000-05:00

Eiffel Tower by plane

FRANCE

2005-07-21T18:35:00.000-05:00

As I stated before France is great, but the fellowship is the best!!!

FRANCE

2005-07-20T19:15:00.000-05:00

France is wonderful, there have been alot of firsts for me. The best part by far however is the people we have met and shared with, food and prayer. The kids have not gotten to pray and things yet, we are all split up at night, and during the day we meet up and do the group things. We are going to a prayer meeting at the church on Friday night, it is supposed to be an all nighter, we probably won,t get to stay that long, Normandy is on Sat. and that is an all day event and late in the evening. I can not begin to tell you how strong the annointing was when Myriam and Dominique played their instruments and Myriam sang the song the Lord gave to Psalm 91, awesome doee not come close to describing it. Yann did not want to leave the house tonight, he enjoyed the worship and prayer so much.

I could let myself be upset that I have missed so much with all of them, but I am not going to, I am rejoicing in the fact that I get to know them all now; they are incredible, God is good!!!

I must go to bed now, it is 2:30 in the morning. I am going to try and send a picture of two, it may not work, God Bless You!

2005-07-12T23:50:00.000-05:00

Does anyone think that this fearless warrior should be afraid to fly to France? Not Ang and I, She provided the picture and ask I put it on, she couldn't, I came up with the catchy little saying. Love you! 5 more days!

My kitchen

2005-07-12T06:20:00.000-05:00

After living in our house for 15 years, my kitchen is finally being remodeled. I am so excited. Our delivery date of our cabinets got moved up to Friday the 15th instead of Aug 1st. Now had it been August 1st I would have gotten home from France and they would have been delivered and put in the next day, and I would have missed all the mess of tearing out a wall and such, but praise God I am getting to help in a limited way (usually the go for this and that person). I also am going to get to see the cabinets in before I go and hopefully my floor will be done in both rooms when I get back. As you can see eating around here has been none existent right now, but it will all be worth it. Josh is spending alot of time fishing and playing texas hold em before we take off for France, which is in a few days so please continue to pray for us all as we prepare to go. Have a great day!

2005-07-12T06:18:00.000-05:00

My kitchen during, and we are gonna have to wait for the after

2005-07-12T06:16:00.000-05:00

My kitchen before

JESUS

2005-07-04T11:10:00.000-05:00

I was blessed during praise and worship yesterday at church, I was reminded of the goodness of God and His faithfulness. During worship all I could do was cry, He touches my heart so. I came home and I was looking for some titles I have lost, not surprising since it was about 1-2 months after dad died. I wasn't thinking clearly for quite a while after losing 3 loved ones that close. Anyway I had no success finding the titles, but I did find this poem God had given me, I am not even sure how long ago now, but here it goes:

Tonight I went on a journey and Oh I did see,
My love for Jesus and His love for me.

My heart had been broken,
I felt it was bleak

But I stayed at the alter,
For His face I did seek

I had lost the intimacy with the person I needed the most,
The King of Kings and the Lord of Hosts.

I had gotten my eyes off of my Lord,
But I sensed tonight was the night, and my heart how it soared.

I chose my Lord to carry my life,
Ged rid of all worry, pain, and strife

I went back to my seat, for the decision was made
I would walk this out, in Jesus name I prayed

The preaching was good our faith was building
The Holy Spirit was moving and hearts were melting

I shouted for people, their victories I could see
If I could believe for someone, someone would believe for me

You see I was ready and I do believe,
So I raised my arms prepared to receive

His annointing came and it was so strong,
I began to worship Him for this is where I belong

I had missed this place I had gone to before,
but God said don't settle my child there is more

I went deeper and deeper and deeper still,
into His presence and out of my will

The Lord He did bless me the worry, pain, strife did go,
It was not from God, but from His foe

I felt complete as His mercy flooded over me,
His glory and Holiness were all I could see

His intimacy you see, He won't hold back,
it had always been me and that was a fact

Tonight He answered my hearts cry,
He didn't turn away He didn't ask why

He simply gave as He always does
You seee He is motivated by unconditional Love

He is faithful to me and so I must strive
to be like him all the days of my life

Thank you Lord!!!

I guess what I found was way more valuable than the titles I was seeking. Thank you Jesus for your love and faithfulness.

OUR GIRL - AMBER MARIE GOFF

2005-07-01T07:13:00.001-05:00

It was 20 years ago, Ed and I were awaiting the birth of our daughter. I had only carried her for 27 - 27 1/2 weeks when I went into labor. We did not have good odds that she would survive. I thank God that He answered prayer and saved our baby girl. She is truly a miracle of God. She weighed 2 lbs 10 oz when she was born and got down to 2 lbs. We brought her home weighing 4 lbs 2 oz. That is not very big. I love her and I thank God for her. We may butt heads at times (we are so much alike) but that is okay. She is loving, compassionate and has great things in store for her. I wanted to celebrate her life with you! God Bless You Amber and may you always walk with God and may you always believe in yourself and continue to walk the path to see your dreams fulfilled. YOU CAN DO IT AND WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY OF LIFE. LOVE YOU!!!

2005-07-01T07:13:00.000-05:00

I love her very much, you have enjoyed with me, a look at her from birth to womanhood, boy that is hard to say

2005-07-01T07:11:00.000-05:00

More pictures, isn't she beautiful

2005-07-01T07:08:00.000-05:00

This is my baby girl who will be 20 tomorrow

MY FAITHFUL GOD

2005-06-23T22:59:00.000-05:00

I am sitting here printing off pictures to send with a thank you note to all of the sponsors we had for our golf tournament last weekend. The golf tournament and the sponsors who gave money and sponsored a hole are what raised most of the money for the mission trip/cultural exchange to France possible. There are those who don't want to look at this trip as a mission trip, but that is okay. Jesus went out among the people teaching, preaching and just being. His life was our example. The relationships we are building with those children/young adults are important, they have been developed because of church and they continue to grow. There have been baptisms and lives changed because we have given of ourselves on both sides of the world. God is good and He is in this, we raised our airfare and spending money in a very short time and that was money for 10 to go. That my friend is GOD. He is faithful and when we dare to believe Him, we can see first hand all the mighty things He can do. I know that God is on the move, He wants to accomplish much in these last days and He is willing to use who and whatever necessary to see that accomplished. I for one am saying, I am willing Lord use me. Please be in prayer for this trip, pray that God will be in the center of it and that we will continue to develop lasting relationships across the globe. Pray that we will have a safe trip to and from France and that the 13 coming back with us will be blessed while they are here, and they will have a safe journey back home. I love you Lord and I thank you for your faithfulness.

DO IT LORD, BE GLORIFIED - BECAUSE YOU ARE THE I AM

2005-06-14T22:17:00.000-05:00

I wanted to write and say that my heart is full, it is full of love and it is full of compassion. My heart hurts when I see others hurting, struggling, and standing again against another attack of sickness and disease. I know how that is and to feel like you are so overwhelmed is a hard thing. You know all the right things to say and do, you even know the word of God to put on it, yet at times it is hard to apply it. That is where we can step in, hold up the arms of those we love and stand with them and for them. Together we are a force to be reckoned with, alone, cut off, we are easy prey. I know God is going to be glorified in any situation that we give to Him, anything we lay down and let Him deal with. I just pray that it doesn't take my sisters and others as long as it took me to figure it out. I pray instead of dealing with the mountain over and over again, they will rise up in the name of Jesus and tell it to move and see it done! God is good and is taking us to a new level, a new place in Him and I am so joyful. Praise the Lord and remember, pray in the Spirit, God is touching someone or some situation as you are faithful to pray. Love you and God Bless You!

MY MOST DANGEROUS WEAPON - FOR GOOD OR EVIL

2005-06-09T17:58:00.000-05:00

I am trusting God that in believing Him I can get rid of the most dangerous weapon that I have in my possession. That is the tongue! We all have one and lets be honest we use it on those we know and love way more than on the enemy. The bible study really slammed me, I need to personally do more than repent about the way I use my tongue, I need to renounce it being used for anything other than the purposes of God. Now that is a tall order, however the word says I have self-control, nothing is impossible with God. I want to inhale His words and as I speak I want to exhale His words. We believe therefore we speak. Renouncing it means I am speaking it, telling it to GET OFF and STAY OFF, I am verbally removing all attachment to it. This is my desire. The only time I would like to use my weapon and be armed and dangerous is when I am wielding it against the enemy. I believe that I can speak the words of God and I can speak life and not death. I know that it will be hard and I know it goes against our nature, but that is the fleshly nature and no longer my nature. Does anyone else fight this? I feel as though I have a forked tongue and I am really seeing a vision of each side of my tongue rising up in my mouth and having it out, going to war, like a thumb fight in there, I believe the godly side is gonna win, how about you? The word says, Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely (Ps 138:4) How encouraging, Lord this is my prayer, help it to be so and help my sisters and friends to have victory in this area also. God Bless and Good Luck!

2005-06-01T19:22:00.000-05:00

Sun starting down in Shirley

2005-06-01T19:16:00.000-05:00

Our tree in our backyard

STRIKE YEAR

2005-06-01T18:10:00.000-05:00

Well this year is a strike year and guess what, they are on strike. Ed has been in this occupation for 18 or 19 years and we have never went on strike. It is a stretch to say the least. I had prayed and prayed, I was in agreement with others and yet on strike we are. My nature is to worry I am sorry to say and I guess I need to take this as an opportunity to have my faith stretched and to grow in the things of God, He has shown me so many things that I guess another leap of faith on my part is to be expected. I want so much to please Him and to TRUST Him in every aspect of my life, I find that easier to do when there is a paycheck coming in every week. Like they say it is easy to believe when you are NOT having to believe for anything. Finances is definately a stretch for me as I know the Lord is well aware of. I was so excited to have a job again so we would have two incomes again and yet God says whoa, girl, we aren't done yet. I am now going to trust and see what this mile brings along the journey of my faith and sing His praises while walking and when all is said and done, but please pray for me and others who have now found ourselves in this situation, work is hard to come by these days and we appreciate the jobs God has provided for us. Ed is not a worrier (praise the Lord) and he is ever willing to work, so I know that if this drags out, he will find some work-some where. I hope you all have a great evening and a great rest of the week. God Bless You!

2005-05-31T19:04:00.000-05:00

Katie and Amber chilling out after a long day!

2005-05-30T22:22:00.000-05:00

Josh basketball 2005 - Junior year

PRAY

2005-05-30T22:20:00.000-05:00

If any one happens by this way, please pray. My heart hurts and I don't want to give in to the pain and the feeling of loss that I have had for nearly three years. This used to be the big weekend for Dad and Mom and all their buddies. And everytime I hear the engine of a race car, a checkered flag, or anything dealing with the Indianapolis 500 race, my heart hurts. Memories flood in and I miss them and Aunt Connie all the more. I wouldn't wish them back for anything, but to feel their arms around me, see them smile at me, hear them tell me they love me, or just lay my head in their lap and have them tell me it is going to be okay would surely be nice. I don't have any feelings that someone else doesn't have, but they are mine and folks I am still dealing. I feel stronger sometimes, but this last week has been hard. I have family that haven't even spoken to me since Dad died, because they didn't like something I did in regards to a write up in the paper, so not only did I lose my wonderful aunt, mom and dad, we have lost moms brothers and their wives. It is hard and weighs heavy on my mind, so I have written a card or letter to just let them know we love them, despite how they feel about us. I can't worry about it anymore, I have to move on from that also and I need to have a clear conscience. I didn't do anything, but that doesn't matter, I hadn't gotten in touch with them this last year either. With clear thoughts again now coming, I need to do what I can to open things up and if it isn't received then God can deal with them and heal my heart. Well I can't write for crying so as I asked early in the post before I rambled on, Pray for us, my family and Dena. Thank you!

I'M BLESSED

2005-05-27T21:52:00.000-05:00

I really wanted to take this time and say, I am blessed and to thank the Lord for it. I guess in a time when others want to hide, I want to go out. I feel like I am apart of the living again. I have survived my first week of full time. It has forced me to begin getting organized again. I made a menu out for 3 weeks, 3 whole weeks with no repeats except for my pizza once a weekend, alternating days off course. I have stuck with it too, even when it was late after a golf match I went home and cooked. I think this will be good for me, not to mention that God is faithful. I have met some really nice women and the Director of Patient Accounts and over the Central Business Offices also, has such a sweet spirit about her. She is quite young I believe to have worked at Henry County Hospital for 30 years already. I believe she is a "Christian" and the other Lady named "Judy" was raised in Africa because her parent's were missionaries. I guess there are some stories I will get to hear as I get to know her, if I get to know her that is. I just feel this is where I am supposed to be at this time in my life. I want to do the best that I can do, excel really and give the Glory to God. I am also thinking of taking that math class, with the thought of possibly going on to school in the near future for LPN. I really feel as though that may be where the Lord is ultimately leading me, I have a desire in my heart and I believe God will see that fulfilled. I have a wonderful husband, daughter, and son. I am pretty blessed in the sister department and friend department too! As for my family I think I am gonna have to work on that, they don't seem to want anything to do with me now, needs some checking into on my part I believe, in case of misunderstandings. I personally have let it go on far too long because I didn't want to deal with it yet life is too short to just be. Well I am going to close for now, I am really tired these days and going to bed earlier and actually going to sleep. Again, thank you Lord. God Bless all of you, or anyone who happens to come by for a quick visit. Bye for now and be BLESSED!!!!

2005-05-23T19:23:00.000-05:00

This is Ed, Manu, Me, Sophie, Josh at church before they were going back to France, we were soooo sad.

2005-05-23T19:15:00.000-05:00

This is me on Liberty Island with the New York skyline behind me!!!

NEW BEGINNINGS

2005-05-22T22:28:00.000-05:00

Well tomorrow will be a new beginning a new start with a new job. I was asking for prayer and "confessing" being nervous and worried about the training I begin tomorrow, when my Pastor, started in on me about Peace and then brought up my scriptures and I do mean my scriptures which are all about Peace, DO YOU HAVE PEACE he asks, again and again!!!!! - Phil 4:4-9

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
NIV

I have stood on these scriptures for years and I am grateful for them, My Pastor then started in on me about the whole "I'm Believing God", I find it somewhat amusing, but it saddens me also. I have written in my blog about these very things and yet I speak differently when it comes down to it. Just this morning PBR had an opportunity to accept the word of the Lord and move into Him or go on with "the burden" really UNBELIEF and I was so blessed he chose the greater - yet move to the next service and I was confessing being anxious. Does that seem goofy to anyone else? I know this is where God wants me to be the job He has provided for me, this is a new mission field for me, I go there not knowing anyone and this can be a great thing. I am blessed to have a Pastor (Pastors) who calls it like he sees it and doesn't let me carry on so. In my heart I don't want to, yet at times it seems so easy to go back to old patterns of thinking and doing, Lord I give you my will, mind, heart, hands, feet - all of me, have YOUR way, mold me into what you have created me to be, help me Lord be a reflection of you, help me Lord to live the kingdom and to help bring the kingdom here, help me to pray withous ceasing, help me to live my life loving. I thank you Lord for new beginnings, I thank you for all you have brought me through to get me to this place. You are an awesome God and I love you wholeheartedly.

I'm Believing God Part 2

2005-05-20T09:05:00.000-05:00

Well it has been a while since I had time to write on the ole' blog, so here it goes. Virginny (Virginia) has started a bible study at church on Believing God. It is really good. I had forgotten just how big God is and this is reminding me, as well as shaking me up a bit about some things. Shaking me up in a good way of course, it may not feel good to the flesh, but needed. Something like going to church every Sunday and the Pastor stepping on your toes, ouch! It is all good, all needed, it just doesn't feel so good at the time.
God answered a big prayer of mine in regards to a job. I believe I will start core training on the computer on Monday and then my job as a Patient Accounts Representative at Henry County Hospital the following Monday. God is always on time for sure. I finished my unemployment this week, this week and it is the very week I get a call to go to work. Awesome isn't it. I hope I think working is awesome too! I haven't worked full time at a desk job for several years. I had to help with mom so it was basically part-time. I would ask that you all pray for me. With all the senior expenses, Amber going to school and Josh looking at college soon also, it is good that I am back to work full time, it will just be a change. I am believing that I will once again be as organized as I once was and that there will be structure in my life again. What I think is really awesome about this is when I told them I would have to be gone for two weeks in July they were okay with it and thought going to France with the youth was a good thing. I am believing God that this job is just were he wants me. I will share this with you from our bible study so be blessed in Jesus name: 1) God is who He says He is, 2) God can do what He says He can do, 3)I am who God says I am, 4)I can do all things through Christ, 5)Gods word is alive and active in me!!! Bye for now.

I'M BELIEVING GOD

2005-05-10T23:02:00.000-05:00

I was alone in my hot tub on Saturday night and had opportunity to think about the next day, which was Mother's Day. I probably shouldn't have went there, down memory lane, but I did. I had really been missing Mom and Aunt Connie lately and so of course, I began to talk to God and then to cry and whine to Him. I was feeling pretty sad and although I know that is part of it, I want to just go on without the pain and tears. I was (for once it seems) trying to work my way through it with God when I sensed another presence and it wasn't godly. I began to speak the word of God and command this presence to go in the name of Jesus, I put up my shield and shouted out my statements of faith on my fingers just as I had learned to do in our bible study 1) God is who He says He is, 2) God can do what He says He can do, 3) I am who God says I am, 4) I can do all things through Christ, 5) Gods word is alive and active in me, and then say I'M BELIEVING GOD!!!
It was amazing to me as I thought about it later, how empowered I felt as I used the weapon that God had given me, before, I would have kept on with all the crying and stuff, but instead God supernaturally touched me, strengthed me and helped me to draw upon the Holy Ghost and put the devil to flight. It was encouraging to me, usually I am wishing the next day that I hadn't given in to the enemies attack, I know better, but in the midst of it, it is hard to think, and then when you haven't applied or reacted the way you know you should have, you feel like you are back at square one all over again. That is not what God desires or intends and that isn't what I desire either. I am BELIEVING GOD as I know all the other 28 women are who have joined this bible study. We are hungry for God, we desire to be all that God says we are and we desire to know Him even more intimately than we do now. It is such a blessing to have a strong woman of God lead the study. I love the Lord and I do believe and have faith in Him, but God help me with my unbelief, I unfortunately have that also. May God bless you and keep you and may you too get a revelation of believing God if you haven't already.

GOD IS ON THE MOVE

2005-05-03T00:10:00.000-05:00

Thank God He is on the move. I had a BIG post ready to publish and then I erased it all. It was whining really, focusing on the problems and not the problem solver, so by the end, I had already spoken of the goodness of God and the need to trust Him, for a job and what I should be doing for Himthat nullified the post.
I think God is truly on the move when you here about the implants they want to put under the skin so you can pay with it instead of using cash or credit cards, just swipe your wrist. Does that sound like we are in the last days to anyone else. Do you think that there are people who are seriously considering this? You can't have the knowledge we have about the end times and doubt what is going on. They are going to try and make it common place to have it done, so when it comes down to crunch time in the end, it won't seem like such a big deal. I guess we need to stay plugged in to the word and work of God and allow His revelation to guide us and stay away from the implants they are talking about.
God is good all the time and He cares for us and we need to cherish that.

Heartache

2005-04-18T18:42:00.000-05:00

Today I have tried to keep myself occupied. It is a year ago that Dad died. I took Dena to see mom and dad's headstone Saturday, she hadn't been able to see it since it was placed. It was good to spend the day with her, it was healing, I had a strong need for her that day. We are changing it seems as a result of all that has happened the last 2 1/2 years, a good change though, we know the value of what we have, each other. It is nice to have a positive change, so many haven't been.
I find that at times I am someone looking in on lives that I used to be involved in, that I no longer know things that I once would have, I am left finding things out through other sources, it seems strange. It is a reminder that you can't go back, and I know it is okay and even though I thought it wasn't something that really mattered anymore, it hurts alittle more than I care to admit. It may be the whole year death thing, I don't know. But what I do know is that Jesus loves me, I will always have Him and I have only to look at my family and know that I am blessed beyond belief. I don't have to worry what tomorrow brings, because He will see me through the good and the bad.
I will admit that as I sit here though I am nearing another step of grief, a real outpouring of tears I am afraid. You see I am home alone, it is quiet and music is playing and memories are flooding me, so I guess I will close, I will cry and I will get supper on and wait for my family and let God minister to me in the meantime by pouring out my heart to Him and allowing Him access to it so He can bring comfort. I know when I see my family and feel their arms enfolding me, all will be right with the world again. This is life, it is to be lived, good and bad, we just need to have the peace of God through the living. I love you Lord.

My Sister Dena

2005-04-14T21:40:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to take a few minutes to write about Dena. She amazes me. I picked her and her fiance up at the airport on Tuesday following their 8 day cruise to Belize, Panama and Costa Rica. Now I don't know about you but this just blows me away. I flew for the first time alone in November and was a nervous wreck. She has done these type of things for years without her sight. I was thinking on the way home that I am nervous to fly to New York next week and find my way alone to the hotel. They just flew alone to Florida found their way to their hotel, the next morning to their boat, found their way to the day trips of the different islands, back to the ship, off the ship to the airport to fly home where I picked them up. They also went all over the cruise ship that had 10 floors, I can't imagine. She does all of this without a thought. She went by train New York 20 years ago, I tried to tell her how dangerous it was and not to go, but she didn't listen. She is independent and goes for whatever she wants. She has been 3 times to New Jersey to get seeing eye dogs, all so she could be independent. She has graduated from Ball State and has held the same job for I believe about 13 or 14 years. I am in awe of her. She has never given up, she has been a fighter since her pre-mature birth 42 years ago. She beat the odds and although she lived she lost her sight. She loves God and has never been bitter, she educates adults, she goes to schools to teach children about being blind and she is involved with community groups to provide better conditions for those who are handicapped. She was also woman of the year. What faith she has in God, has always had to move forward and trust Him, truly blind faith. I hope that someday I too can trust Him blindly and go forward in confidence and assurance. I love my sister and I don't tell her enough just how much she inspires me and how much I have always admired her. I am too afraid to do many things, afraid to fail, that has never been an issue for her. I am envious of her in many ways, and one of those is she sings like an angel. It is now just my sister and I, no mom, no dad, just us and today Dena if you read this, know I love you with all my heart, more than words and numbers can say - You are my BIG SIS and I need you.
Although I have mentioned a few of the things she has done and places she has been, there are many more, not to mention she is going to Las Vegas in July for an American Counsel for the Blind meetings, fearless I say, fearless.

--------------NEW BEGINNINGS------------

JOSH AND REBEKAH

JOHN 3:16

Seek Him and He will be found

GOD IS MOVING - PRAISE THE LORD

Joy - Joy - Joy - Joy - Joy - Joy - Joy - Joy - Joy

RESTORATION, REFLECTION, REWARDS

GLORY TO GOD - HE IS AMAZING

GOD IS GOOD

********AMBER MARIE GOFF********

"COME UP HIGHER"

I love you Lord

Senior Trip

God is Good!!

Thanks

God is Faithful

Did you ever wonder......

GOD IS GOOD

JD - THESE ARE FOR YOU - BE ENCOURAGED

JACK AND SUE - HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Sophie

The First of Many I Hope

This weekend

Pictures To Share

QUIET-TOO QUIET

LIGHTER PICTURES FROM FRANCE!!!!!

France - Part 2

FRANCE

FRANCE

My kitchen

JESUS

OUR GIRL - AMBER MARIE GOFF

MY FAITHFUL GOD

DO IT LORD, BE GLORIFIED - BECAUSE YOU ARE THE I AM

MY MOST DANGEROUS WEAPON - FOR GOOD OR EVIL

STRIKE YEAR

PRAY

I'M BLESSED

NEW BEGINNINGS

I'm Believing God Part 2

I'M BELIEVING GOD

GOD IS ON THE MOVE

Heartache

My Sister Dena

AMBER MARIE GOFF