luke 1:68-75

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us - to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days." (Luke 1:68-75)


Blessings! XOXOX!

~Victoria

luke 1:46-55

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” (Luke 1:46-55)

Blessings! XOXOX!

with us

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" - which means, "God with us."

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25)

His name is Jesus and He will save us from our sins!
Our God is with us!

Hallelujah to the King of Kings!

XOX!

~Victoria

luke 1:26-45

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:26-45)

Merry Christmas, DW's!
Praise our Lord for He fulfills His promises! Happy Happy Holidays!

matthew 1

This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:

Abraham was the father of Isaac,
Isaac the father of Jacob,
Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,
Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar,
Perez the father of Hezron,
Hezron the father of Ram,
Ram the father of Amminadab,
Amminadab the father of Nahshon,
Nahshon the father of Salmon,
Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,
Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,
Obed the father of Jesse,
and Jesse the father of King David.

David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife,
Solomon the father of Rehoboam,
Rehoboam the father of Abijah,
Abijah the father of Asa,
Asa the father of Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram,
Jehoram the father of Uzziah,
Uzziah the father of Jotham,
Jotham the father of Ahaz,
Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,
Hezekiah the father of Manasseh,
Manasseh the father of Amon,
Amon the father of Josiah,
and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.

After the exile to Babylon:
Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel,
Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,
Zerubbabel the father of Abihud,
Abihud the father of Eliakim,
Eliakim the father of Azor,
Azor the father of Zadok,
Zadok the father of Akim,
Akim the father of Elihud,
Elihud the father of Eleazar,
Eleazar the father of Matthan,
Matthan the father of Jacob,
and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.

Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" - which means, "God with us."

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. (Matthew 1)

Merry Christmas, DW's!
His name is Jesus and He will save us from our sins! Hallelujah to the King of Kings!

God's protecting care is over us.

"Safely covered with His feathers -

Oh, the blest security!

Sheltered from all kinds and weathers,

Covert from the enemy.

In all confidence abiding,

'Neath His strong protecting wings,

Oh, how sweet is such confiding,

While the trustful spirit sings.

Covered? Yes, as He can cover.

Sheltered? Who could shelter thus?

O'er His own His love doth hover -

His, because of Calv'ry's cross.

Covered, trusting, watching ever,

Knowing there is naught to fear,

Sweet the confident assurance,

While His coming draweth near."

(By Helen McDowell)

God bless YOU as you seek His Majesty today!

XOX!

~Victoria

patience and love

Today, Momba and I ran out and about to get through some errands as well as pick up some Christmas gifts for others. It was one of those days where all the sales people and cashiers we encountered were more interested in "chatting it up" rather than actually ringing up our items for sale. We found ourselves engrossed in all sorts of conversations, learning about the lives and holiday traditions of different people and their families.

At one point, my ugly side began to surface... for I had things to do, errands to finish, places to go. I didn't have time to just stand around and chat with every person I came in contact with... Come on! But then the Holy Spirit whispered in my heart, "Why don't you have the time for these people? I love people more than anything... so should you."

When I realized that I was being selfish and impatient, I took a gulp. I had to change MY attitude. For nothing is more important than loving one another... NOTHING!

So, for a few extra minutes, Momba and I were blessed to learn about the lives of a few very sweet people. How wonderful to be offered a small glimpse into the lives of others. Thank you all who we encountered... you made our day!

I wanted to share this with you for the following reason... This holiday season, things may get crazy as we all prepare to meet with friends and families on Thanksgiving and then Christmas. But let us not reserve our excitement and spirit of good cheer only for those in our personal lives. Let us share our patience and love to all we come in contact with... servers, cashiers, attendants, etc. Let's take the time necessary to care for those who clearly need to be cared for. Let's hear the words of those who desperately desire to be heard. Let's be reminded that we were not created to have all things revolve around our life...our agenda. Rather, we were created to give God glory and to love! So, let's remember that every man, woman and child on this planet was made in the image of God, and, because of that honor alone, should be given our respect.

Today, was a great reminder for me to exercise patience and extend love to others - treating them as I would wish to be treated. For only a few extra minutes of my time, I was able to share the love of Jesus this afternoon, rather than bite someone's head off for being overly friendly or a little chattier than most. That's ok... for the Holy Spirit reminded me that there is no errand on my to do list that should win over my attention to simply love a fellow human being. People should always be my first priority!

Today (and every day), let's remember to look at others through the lense of Heaven. LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS CHRIST HAS LOVED YOU! Thank you, Lord, for the reminder!

Also, thank you to those who kindly shared their stories with Momba and I today. "God Bless Us... Everyone!"

XOX!

~Victoria

rejoicing in agreement with the promises of 1 Peter 1:3-9

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

(1 Peter 1:3-9)

Be blessed!

 XOXOXO

~Victoria

ahhhh, Sunday

Ahhhh, Sunday. A day of rest with my Master. A day filled with beautiful sunshine and fresh, crisp fall air. It smells sooo good.

As I write this and enjoy the "nummy" taste of morning, I'm sitting outside on our patio. The carpet roses have not yet bloomed their expected pink buds, but the herb garden is in full swing and smells wonderful. I love Basil most. I love how rapidly it grows and how great it makes everything taste. One of my favorites: tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad with balsamic vinegar. Mmmmm. (Well, I guess we all know what I'll be eating for dinner later. Ha ha.)

A family of birds have taken nest in the ceramic birdhouse I bought on clearance last year. Right now, they are busy coming and going. I assume they are feeding their new babies who chirp every time they return. I really love the sweet songs of these little ones. Simple melodies honoring the Creator. Small moments of my morning turned into full concert events while showcasing little voices filled with big praise for my omniscient King. Hallelujah!

Anyway, heading out soon to start my day, but enjoying the blessings of home first. I love home, and family, and the hope of enjoying God's glory with my eternal family... and Jesus. Yes, Jesus. I love Him most! What a wonderful God we serve. What an extraordinary Savior we claim as our King! There is no other like Him. There is nothing more wonderful than the blessing of His love! So, look around and enjoy His love today, believer. It's everywhere. He is with you always in so many little details and so many big, significant ways. And He never leaves or forsakes. Yes, His love is constant. His presence and promises are forever. Glory! Jesus is Lord! How blessed we truly are!

Happy Sunday, peeps! Let us rejoice and be glad in this magnificent new day! Let us sing about His glory together in full chorus! THIS is indeed the moment to love God with all our heart!!!

Blessings!
Blog Posting Written By Victoria Anderson

weight loss... sharing my daily prayer & resolve as I walk with Jesus to victory

This is the day that I am shrinking. This is the day that I am diminishing. The day that I choose to grow less in volume, less in girth, less in hunger. And yes, I do mean grow less. I choose today to become smaller in person, so that His glory might be seen past this difficult struggle, past my weakness, past all selfish cravings and through this warfare of will.

This is the day where He reigns as my trusted King. King, given center stage with full glory and honor. This is where He increases. Where He is exposed as the more I know Him to be. While I grow less… while I walk closer to His grace-filled throne… while I reach to receive His proven, empowering love rather than romp into old habits of false comfort foods and the unhealthy idols of destructive cuisine, He alone promises me a proven strength that satisfies. His nutritious fruits of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are sweeter than any gourmet delight. His Way brings true health to my body and nourishment to my bones.

So today, I will trust in the Lord with all my heart and throw off the hinderance of gluttony. Today, let Him increase. Let Him literally trim my fat so that there is no weight to hinder my walk, my obedience, my purpose. Today, I choose to take His yoke upon me and feast at His table. He is my food, my bread, my wine. He is my nourishment, my portion, my fill. Yes, He is my beautiful Savior, Jesus... and He saves! Yes, He does!!!

May my only diet be His grace. May I crave to ingest His NEW so that I might best reflect His image in every way possible. Yes, this is the day that I live for my Master - doing all for the glory of God. Whether eating or drinking or whatever - may it be for His goodness and not for my greed. May He empty my ravenous stomach and clean out my earthly frame so that my heart can be filled. So that my life can be full!

This is the day to rejoice and be glad, to sing and to move, to praise and to dance. This is the day that my faithful Redeemer will remove every stronghold that I lay obediently before His feet… prayerfully… believing He is GOD… believing He is good! This is the day to joyfully share His good news. To display in person just how much my King loves me - enough to save me from myself.

Come, Lord Jesus... let me share in your holiness and be healed to the core of my soul. Let me live purposefully under your discipline so that I might be pleasing to you always. Today, I choose you because I love you more. I love you so much more, precious, holy, healthy Lord.

Therefore… let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. (Hebrews 12:1b-3; 10b-11)

Blessings!

~Victoria Anderson

He restores my soul... my help comes from the Lord

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
In the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD... forever.
(Psalm 23)

Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
(Psalm 121:1-2)

Blessings! XOXOXO!

~Victoria

my birthday wish...

Hi all... want to know my birthday wish?
Click below to find out...  oh, and LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

~Victoria

what one prayer can do

Devastated.  That is how it feels to put down the last of your "first generation" - to let go of your beloved twenty year old pet.  That is the emotion my family felt a week or so ago when my sweet, little kitty, Max, had reached "the point."  The point where his body started to give up due to suspected cancer in his bladder.  The point where his confusion and disorientation began to win.  The point where we had all agreed that it was time.

So with heavy reservation, we made the appointment at our new veterinarian office here in Houston.  We reserved an official moment for Max to depart from this world.  What a weird thing to do.  At a agreed upon date and time, Max would be no more.  How odd to make such a decision for your beloved baby.  Such a little guy who had taught us all how to love more.  Yes, Max loved with his whole heart... his whole being.  When someone would pet and snuggle with him, he'd pushed in for more with all the force he could muster.  More love.  More affection.  More.  He gave all of himself to the giver.  He leaned in close and deeply loved those willing to visit with him.  Yes, Max lived a long, full life giving and getting love.  How I questioned if we were making the right decision to let him go.  For his sweetness was stronger than his physique.  But our new vet assured us that he was indeed frail and would likely continue to deteriorate.  How horrible.  How heartbreaking.  The point for Max was here.

We kept the appointment.  We stood over Max's little body and watched the last shot administered - finalizing the end of his life.  And then, in the midst of that awful moment, our new vet (whom I had briefly interacted with only once before) looked at me with genuine tears in her own eyes and asked, "Would you like me to say a prayer?"

Oh, what one prayer can do.  What comfort can be offered during the worst of trials.  What compassion and love can be shown when we pause to invite Jesus in.  What a glorious testimony can be shared when we whole-heartedly offer the healing, eternal hope of the King of kings to those in need of love and affection.  "Would you like me to say a prayer?"  Translation: "Would you like me to stand alongside you and remember God's promised love - even through this difficult storm?"

What one prayer can do.

Of course, I accepted the gracious offer of our vet and she prayed over my sweet kitty.  She prayed with and for my family.  She thanked the Savior for our dear Max's life.  She acknowledged my King for His peace and promises.  One prayer.  One prayer that will always be remembered in the hearts of me and my family.  One prayer where the Holy Spirit was invited to visit and love us more... changing death into glory and blessing... presenting memories of thankfulness to overshadow our broken hearts.  Our vet's selfless, holy offering of prayer had welcomed the Creator of all creatures to change a dark and tearful moment with His lighted hope.

One prayer.  It was beautiful.  It was peace.  It was Jesus.

Comforted.  That is the blessing we each can know and share from God's eternal love and promise.  That is the hope we can be assured of and cling to in order to deeply feel Christ's compassion with those our Savior cherishes.  For His sweetness has proven stronger than every earthly appointment.  His hope can surpass the worst trials of these hard days.  So call upon Him, dear believer.  Invite your King to push in and restore.  Lean in close and snuggle in his deep love - sharing the Giver's tenderness alongside those who may need more of Him today.  For there was purpose in His death, and there is glorious life in His life!  One prayer is exactly where He is waiting to change every heartache into blessing.

To this truth, I say, "Thank you, Lord. Thank you for introducing my family to our new vet, Dr. McMaster.  Thank you for blessing our days with the happy life of our precious kitty, Max.  Thank you for the peace made available in your Name through every prayer spoken, in any circumstance we face.  And thank you for always, faithfully, showing up and giving us your whole heart and eternal love.  May we give you our full devotion in return forever-and-evermore!"

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem. (Isaiah 66:13)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Blessed Sunday, everyone!  XOXO!

~Victoria

let us be thankful: the gift of essential oils

Today I wanted to take a moment to point out how thankful I am for the gift of essential oils. Whether enjoying the calming, relaxing, and refreshing scent of Lavender to help me sleep more soundly or experiencing the subtle, sweet, balsamic aroma of Frankincense to fill my home with a pleasant and familiar comfort, I love the essential oils of plants (both aromatic and non-aromatic), herbs and spices, balms, seeds, etc. Furthermore, I love studying about them.  The Lord has shown me that dozens of essential oils and aromatic plants were referenced in Biblical times.  In fact, their use is documented back to the Roman, Green, Egyptian, Arabic, Persian, Babylonian and Sumerian empires.  It is clear that God imbued molecules into plants for our benefit. He placed Adam and Eve in the garden for a very good and specific reason.

This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created. When the Lord God made the earth and the heavens - and no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth and no plant of the field had yet sprung up, for the Lord God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no man to work the ground, but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground - the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground - trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. (Genesis 2:4b-9a, 15)

God knew that both man and woman would be surrounded by all the sights and smells of these plants and He instructed them to tend and care for them in Eden's garden.  Man and woman were not placed in an enclosed shelter in the beginning... no, before sin entered into the world, Adam and Eve were placed in a garden to grow and flourish - with purpose to oversee all plants and animals around them. This is important to understand as God had a deliberate design in mind for the well-being of mankind and how his role on earth was meant to healthily be lived.

It is important to note that God made essential oils less than 500 atomic mass units (amu) in molecular weight., and because of their infinitesimal size, they can easily pass through all forms of human tissue. This means that essential oils placed on skin are transdermal and can reach every part of someones body within minutes. So, not only are they pleasing to enjoy with our sense of smell, they can also be used to support and balance our endocrine, circulatory, digestive, nervous and reproductive systems in a very direct way. They can aid us in clearing our sinuses and help us to better metabolize our nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Most important, they are able to boost our immune systems so we can fight off disease.  What a gift from our Creator!  Blessed be His Name for offering such care to us.

If you never thought about essential oils, I encourage you to do some research and learn about their specific benefits. I love them and am so thankful to enjoy them in my home and life every day.   God is so good all the time.

XOX!

Victoria

let us be grateful: electricity

Today, as you turn on lights, run your hair dryer, use the microwave, work on your computer... remember that 1.6 million people around the globe live without electricity. These people rely on burning wood and waste for light and heat (most of which adds to air pollution, one of the world's leading causes of premature death.)

So today, let's remember to be thankful for the electricity God has made available for us to use and enjoy.  It is indeed a luxury.

Let's pause to see the blessings around us every day so that we may realize just how much we have to be grateful for.  Praise His Name!  God is good.

XOXOX

~Victoria

let us be thankful: plumbing and clean water

This may seem a bit unrefined to discuss, but did you know that most of the world's population doesn't have access to a toilet? The lack of sanitary plumbing is one of the major causes of early childhood death and disease.

Furthermore, for a quarter of the world's population, a glass of clean water is NEVER an option.

Think about that. Now think about how many faucets you have in your home. (I have seven!) More than two million people die every year from diseases contracted simply by drinking unclean water.

So today, let's remember to be thankful for every plumbing privilege we have been blessed with. Also, let us praise His name with every sip of water we enjoy. There is never cause to grumble or forget where such prosperity comes from. We are indeed given so many blessings. So, let us be thankful! God continues to provide. We often forget that these luxuries are from His generous hand. We often fail to share all that He has given with those who have less.

Friends, let's pause to see the blessings around us and live in realization as to just how much we have to be grateful for.  Thank you, Lord Jesus.

God is good. Let us worship His Name!

XOXOX

~Victoria

ding. ding. ding. ding.

"Ding.  Ding.  Ding.  Ding."

That's the sound my car has been chiming for about a year now.  Off and on, it's a sound I have come to predict... anticipate... expect.  An annoyance I'm well aware of.  An irritant that I have actually had to listen to while driving hundreds of miles between Chicago and Houston as we moved to our new home this past year.... the WHOLE way... the WHOLE time!

"Ding.  Ding.  Ding.  Ding."

Our mechanic in Chicago told me several times that the dinging didn't exist.  Clearly it was a problem he couldn't simulate... a matter he couldn't or wouldn't resolve.  Dude!.... ARGH!

"Ding.  Ding.  Ding.  Ding."

"Oh come on!... My seat belt is fastened, Black Betty!"  (Yeah, I named my car, Black Betty.  What's it to ya?  LOL.)  "Really, I'm locked and loaded!  So why, ohhhhh why, do you still ding at me and flash your dashboard warning lights indicating that I am not secure?  I'm secure!!!  I'm in!  I'm ready to drive without further commentary.  So, whhhhyyyyyy the dinging??? WHY?????"

"Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.  Ding.  Ding."  (And so it goes.)

Last week, Chuck finally asked me, "Honey, why aren't you driving your convertible here in Texas?  It's the perfect place for it!"  (Mind you, my lil' Volkswagen EOS was a very sweet gift he gave me for my 40th birthday....  I sooo married UP!)  I hesitated to answer, but finally freaked out at him, "Babe, that stupid car's dinging is driving me CRAZY!"  (No pun intended.)  "I simply can't listen to it anymore!  I'm not making this up!  It dings and dings and dings!  I won't drive it until it is fixed.  I won't!  I can't!  Nope... it ain't happening!  AINT, I say!!!!"

Understanding that I had reached, shall we say, a delicate moment... a breaking point, it you will... my hubby did what all good hubbies do... he rescued me from the burden.  He calmed me down, reassured me of his advocacy toward all things "Vicki", and scheduled an appointment at our new local VW mechanic here in Houston to discuss our options.  Hurray for hubby!  Soon, my hair would once again be blowing in the wind... without the dinging!  WOOT!

But alas.  Hubby could not get the car to ding for Volkswagen.  Nor could James, the Service Dude, get the car to ding.  Even Mr. New Mechanic Guy, Marshall, could not get the car to ding.  Nothing.  Nada.  Zip.  Zero.  Null.  Did I say, NOTHING!  "What up, Black Betty?  Don't make me look completely insane here!  Start dinging!  I mean stop dinging!  I mean.... oh, argh!!!!"

In a last effort to save face and fix my car, Momba drove me out to the VW dealership yesterday so that I could take Service Dude James out as my passenger to try and simulate the issue.  Surely, Black Betty would ding for me again.  She likes to ding for me.  Of course, before getting in the car, James said as non-threatening as possible to me, "Victoria, I'm not calling you a liar, but I don't think there is anything wrong here."

Sigh.

I responded, "James, I don't even want the car if you can't fix this incessant dinging!  Going. Crazy. Crazy. Crazy. CRAZY!!!...."

While strapping in our seat belts, I whispered a quiet prayer in my mind.  "Lord, help!  Please show everyone here that I'm not completely nuts.  Show the problem.  Fix the problem." No sooner were we pulling out onto the street and my dash started lighting up like Christmas day.  "LOOK!"  I exclaimed.  "See that blinking light?  It's only a matter of time and she'll soon start to...."

"Ding.  Ding.  Ding.  Ding.  Ding.  Ding.  Ding.  Ding."

Exactly.

(Thank you, Lord Jesus.)

In disbelief, James looked at me stunned.  Two minutes of non-stop dinging down the road, he finally moaned, "This is awful!"  (Um, YEAH!)  Then, he instructed me to turn around and drive immediately to Marshall the Mechanic... do not pass go... do not collect $200.00. Just get our patootie's over to Marshall as fast as I could drive so they could hook up my car to the computer and determine what the heck was going on.

"Ding.  Ding.  Ding.  Ding."

The earth continued to rotate around the sun.
Momba comfortably read magazines in the waiting room.
And I... yes I, was about to get my car fixed... and fixed properly!!!  WOO HOO!

In the end, it turned out my seat belt was malfunctioning in it's computerized connection to my seat.  A short in the wiring, if you will.  It obviously wasn't registering that I had secured myself in.  Marshall showed me on his computer that the belt connection was actually flickering on and off.  When I asked him if he could just disconnect the whole connection from the car, he declined and informed me of this very interesting fact.  You see, today's cars are much more advanced than we realize.  Our seat belts are specially programmed to the car to faithfully determine how fast our bodies might be thrust forward (or even to the side) at any given moment, in any given driving emergency.  Black Betty's connection problem could have caused me a much greater danger had I been in an accident.  For if her belt didn't register properly, my air bags might never deploy when, and how, they should in an accident.  Not cool, Betty.  She needed a new part and a little TLC to function as her German engineers originally intended.   So now, Marshall and James were on board to fix the matter... ordering Betty's new part... believing I'm not a crazy-woman... satisfying my husbands hopes to please me... fixing the problem.  (YES, Lord!  Thank you!!!)

In all this, I believe there is a lesson in parallel.  For how often do we think we are secure, yet the Holy Spirit chimes into our hearts, repetitively... blatantly... reminding us there is something wrong in how we are or aren't connecting with our King.  Are we really seeking the potential and fullness He has promised?  Are we solid in our quest to know His holy Word - His holy Way?  Or are we flickering in and out of spiritual intimacy... not really working properly... not actually equipping ourselves with His full set of promises and safety precautions in order to be protected from all possible danger?

"Ding.  Ding.  Ding.  Ding."

Is your King trying to tell you something today?  Are you willing to attend to the matter with Him and make every effort to fix the problem?  Or will you just give up and live another day with the compounding knowledge and maddening disappointment that you are shorting yourself?

O Ladies, don't short yourself!  Don't live like a crazy, defeated woman who can't move forward in full gear.  Rather, assess the "dinging" with your loving Husband.  Ask your Savior to service every unresolved matter.  Entrust your whole life to the Great Mechanic of all Creation so that you can reconnect rather than disconnect yourself from His love and wisdom.

This is the day to get back on track!  This is the hope we can know: joyful functioning in daily obedience with our Beloved King... driving as He originally intended us to... all the way home!

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.  (Ephesians 1:17-19a)

Blessings!!!

~Victoria

by faith

While out of town this weekend, I was thinking about the Genesis account, and I kept coming back to the same question that so many have asked: Why believe that in the beginning God created everything? Why not also consider evolutionary theory or other plausible possibilities in how mankind came to be? Why should we just accept this tiny explanation - this small chapter in the first book of scripture for what it is? Can we just leave it at that? Can we just accept God's Word and agree that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth?

I found myself considering these questions most when I was completely surrounded by crowds of people this past Sunday. You see, this weekend Chuck and I traveled with friends to go see the Vikings play the Cowboys at the Mall of America Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. Once we entered the Metro dome, we found ourselves lost in mobs of dedicated fans.

Note, I have some serious physical limitations. I have very bad knees that buckle and give out frequently. So, this weekend I came prepared and brought my cane to lean on for support as I knew I would be challenging my legs a lot. However, once we entered the football stadium, it became quite apparent that I would also need to depend on Chuck to get me through the flow of pushy people trying to get to their designated seating sections before the game began.

With all that was going on around me, I was fearful that I would physically be unable to make it up several flights of stairs, much less maneuver to our narrow bleacher-style seats. So, Chuck and I decided to just take it slow and steady and progress at our own pace. Chuck walked in front of me (shielding me from the crowd), while I took my time moving from point A to point B to point C. When finally settled, I couldn't believe I made it. Praise God.

As I sat in my chair, beaming with accomplishment and excited about the game, I surveyed the field and watched the remaining crowd members struggle to get to their seats. In particular, I noticed a father carrying his son in his arms. I don't know why this man would bring a very small child to a football game, but nonetheless, there they were with painted faces and matching jerseys. Dad securely held his son as he made way to their seats - protecting his boy from overzealous fans who would bump him while cheering at the top of their lungs. And just like Chuck had done for me, this pappa took great care to get from point A to point B to point C, all the while explaining things to his son and assuring the little sweetheart that soon they would be safe and settled to enjoy the football game together.

While watching this father, I started thinking about how much MORE God is than man. How God's way is the standard for man to follow and trust - and not the other way around. As such, God's way of communicating must be the best way. He is the greatest communicator... after all, He is God, right? Then I remembered Hebrews 11:3 which says, "By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." (Hebrews 11:3)

And that about sums it up, doesn't it. By faith, we either accept God's Word, or we don't. If God says that in the beginning He created everything, then we either believe Him, or we don't. Scientific evidence is secondary to this decision, because science can only formulate accurate conclusions through evidence witnessed. The rest of science is merely speculation and theory. However, here at the very beginning of Genesis 1:1, we are faced with one truth: without faith in God, we cannot be saved. We'll either trust that the Greatest Communicator has given us enough to see and accept Him and then move forward in His plan... or we won't. No man can attest to what happened at the beginning of time because no man was there when the world was made. We can debate and hypothesize and scheme all we want, but in the end, our acceptance or denial of God's absolute Word and authority on this matter is key in determining what course we will follow. Either God is GOD, or He isn't. Either His Word is absolute and believable on all accounts, or it isn't. By faith, you will choose to believe God's Word... or you will not.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Faith is not something we can conjure up on our own, It is not something we are born with, nor is it a result of diligence in study or pursuit of the spiritual. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it clear that faith is a gift from God, not because we deserve it, have earned it, or are worthy to have it. It is not from ourselves; it is from God. It is not obtained by our power or our free will. It is simply given to us by God, along with His grace and mercy, according to His holy plan and purpose, and because of that, He gets all the glory.

If you choose to believe God's Word on this, then I encourage you to allow Him to embrace you fully in His secure arms. Allow your Father to walk you through the stormy trials of this sin-infested planet and get you safely from point A to point B to point C. Trust that His plan will bring you exactly to where you are supposed to be. Trust that His Word is enough to guide your steps and shield you from the enemy. Trust that without Him, you can accomplish nothing. But with Him, you are destined for greatness through His grace! Praise God!

God's gift to save and restore your life can only be accepted by faith, ladies. Hebrews 11:1 says that faith is “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” No other component of the Christian life is more important than our faith. We cannot purchase it, sell it or give it to our friends. Faith is individual. It is a belief in... a devotion to... and a trust in somebody or something of which we cannot secure logical human proof. As such, faith is the cornerstone of Christianity and foundational to our accepting the truth of Genesis 1. Without demonstrating faith and trust in God we have no place with Him. For we can only believe in God’s existence and our true intended purpose by faith.

Will you accept God's gift and follow His Word? Will you believe Him and trust His perfect Way of communicating His purpose and plan? Will you allow your Holy Father to carry you safely in His arms as He leads you back home? Oh, I hope so! He has so much to show us. Let's give Him all our time to explain things to us in His Word and believe Him when He assures us of His headship. Today, His kingdom comes... His will is being done!

Blessings!
Blog Posting Written By Victoria Anderson

no man apologizes for doing right...

graduation day

Yesterday I was privileged to attend my cousin's graduation ceremony from DePaul's College of Law. To be honest, initially I was not looking forward to attending this event. Not because I wasn't proud of my cousin's magnificent accomplishment, mind you; but because of my own physical aches and pains, and the hassle life becomes when you are trying to negotiate a limited physique around the likes of several hundred "pumped-up" family members and celebrating college graduates posing under the roof of one large public venue. But I went... and, of course, I'm so glad I did. For not only did God work out every detail, but He further blessed me with the entire experience. You see, early in the event the Holy Spirit impressed upon me that I was sharing a room with over 4200 people - all who were there to experience the same moment of joy, pride, and love with their own fellow family members and friends. It didn't matter if we came from Nigeria or a nearby suburb. In this moment, in this place, we were all connected. For we each had a graduate to acknowledge... and acknowledge we did! With every name read... with every diploma handed... with every hood dressed, we all cheered! Throughout the room, pockets of groups whistled loudly and applauded with delight as their own graduate completed the final stage of their law school education. Yes, for each of us, someone we adored was being recognized for something wonderful - and we were all thrilled to enjoy the moment together.

It was indeed nice to experience the joy of achievement and pride of every family member as they cheered on their related graduate yesterday. And it got me thinking: I wonder how graduation day will be in Heaven when we share it with our eternal family? How will we enjoy celebrating the happiness of every believer's race well won - Christians who lived in devotion, obedience, and deliberate purpose toward magnifying the glory of our God's kingdom? Won't it be incredible to see each child of the King receive their diploma and eternal crown of holiness, hooded personally from the nail driven hands of Jesus our Savior? Yesterday, some of the most touching moments occurred when faculty members were able to perform a "legacy" hooding with their graduate - - meaning a parent (who was a faculty member to the college) could hood their own child. How beautiful to be part of such an inheritance! To be formally escorted, acknowledged, and decorated by your own proud mama or papa. Words escape me to describe the immense pride accompanying this honor, and my heart yearns for that glorious day when I can experience the same delight with my Heavenly Father. For His decoration and acknowledgement is all I seek. His legacy is eternal. How I long to be kissed and hugged by Him. Believer, how cool will it be to have Him proudly present each of us before our eternal love-one's, claiming, "That's my girl!" or "That's my boy!"

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Matthew 25:21)

Yes, yesterday I was blessed with the realization that I too would graduate one day from law school. I would advance on into eternal holiness, with sin overruled, to enjoy a new day decorated by the One who is the greatest Honor of all life. Such joy cannot be contained, for real justice, and freedom, and community, and peace is available in Him alone... by His grace... because of His eternal love! How much I look forward to seeing His tears of pride, relief, and happiness. How elated I will be to hear Him acknowledge me with, "Well done, my good and faithful!" As such, today I will honor Him by making every effort to live obediently like my Jesus... for my graduation day is coming!

The DePaul president concluded yesterday's ceremony with this important point. He said that as a university, DePaul would be happy for every graduate that finds the things they have always hoped for in this life... a nice family, job, house, car. Sure, they would be happy to see such blessings happen for every single graduate. However, and more importantly, they would be proud of every graduate that actually went out and made a difference with their life - - to love others, to help others, and to represent the image of their prestigious college accurately and with thoughtfulness - no matter what trial or opposition must be faced. Yes, such a life would make them proud of their law school graduate. Such a life would make our Father proud of His graduate too. So, let us live such a life! Let us live today representing His rich image to those lost and less fortunate. Let us care and share for His Name's sake - always standing for what is good and right! Let us run this race to the end and graduate with full honors, Believers! This is the day to rejoice, for we are assured as His children to one day celebrate together in ceremony. There, we will all be personally hooded by Jesus and given His eternal legacy of grace and holiness. We will congratulate and cheer for one another as we are honored by Our Honor, The Almighty King of kings! Hallelujah! Our graduation day is coming! So, let us make every effort to learn from our Teacher and love like He loves!

Blessings!
Blog Posting Written By Victoria Anderson