His Word Sunday

What a precious gift!!

We're on our way home from Disney World & we all had a wonderful time!!

As we got on the road to travel home we had church in the car. We sang the Chris Tomlin song, "How Great is Our God". Afterward we all shared a way that God showed His greatness to us this week.

Then I read these verses from my One Year Bible...

Psalm 24:1
 1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
      The world and all its people belong to him.


 Proverbs 20:12

 12 Ears to hear and eyes to see—
      both are gifts from the Lord.

I just wanted to take this time & place to thank the Lord for this wonderful opportunity to take my kids to such a magical place!!

Then I want to thank everyone who helped to make this trip possible. When John moved to Heaven I wondered how we would pay bills & because of your love for God & John, not only are my bills being paid... But my kids enjoyed Disney World too.

This week is a beautiful picture of how the earth is the Lord's & all that we see, hear & experience are gifts from the Lord!!!

Thank you everyone!!

His Word Sunday

Overwhelming Victory

As I'm typing this we're on the second leg our our journey to Disney World. We should arrive there today around 3-4pm.

From my iPad I'm having difficulties uploading pictures... See facebook for trip pics!

We've already had church in the car! JP opened us up in prayer & then we sang a praise sing together & then my Sis led us un a devotional from the 10 Commandments! It was great!

See this picture!
http://gallery.me.com/ppfranklin#100008/Devotional

Friends & family... This is the picture of "overwhelming victory"!!

Check this out...

Romans 8:35-37(NLT)

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”[c]) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

Despite all our recent heartaches... HE is still giving us victorious joy!

Enjoy your overwhelmingly victorious Sunday!!

I just might bend - but I won't break!

I think I'm as excited as the kids!!!  In about 24 hours we'll be getting in the car to go to Disney World!!  John & I always dreamed of some day taking the kids there.  I know he's smiling in Heaven knowing this dream is finally coming true!

For today's song I wanted something really fun & peppy - to go along with my excited mood.  I've been listening to this song as I've been driving to Kilgore every week to help me wake up - and boy has it worked.

I love it for many reasons... here are a few of the lines that I like,
"I just might bend but I won't break" - this is all because of God in my life!

"when life won't play along & right keeps going wrong, & I can't seem to find my way, I know where I am found, so I won't let it drag me down"

I know where I am found!  I am 100% found in the Lord's hands.  And today, He's letting me dance... all the way to Disney World!!

Today, the Franklin family is doing the happy dance!  So let's MOVE!

Enjoy this fun song!

An Important Role

Many of you know I read my One Year Bible as my daily prayer time.  For the Old Testament portion we are currently in 1 Chronicles.  If you know much about Chronicles you know that this should almost be retitled, "The Book of the Names" - oh my!!!  Chapter after chapter is filled with name after name!

It can get exhausting to read... and yet I really try to read these, at times unpronounceable, names - searching for a little nugget of truth that might be embedded within them.

Today I found that little nugget!  Check this out...

1 Chronicles 27:33 (ESV)

Ahithophel was the king's counselor, 

and Hushai the Archite was the king's friend.

I know it doesn't seem like much now - but hang on... hear me out.

For what seems like the past 27 Chapters all we've been reading about was the role all these, "named men" had.  Everything from army officers, keepers of the treasuries, those over the sheeps, camels, and donkeys, those over the olive trees and wine processes.  And let us not forget those over each and every gate!

Then all of a sudden - amongst all these very important roles we find where scripture allows us to see who was King David's friend.  The role of "friend" got a mention in God's very Word - it was that important!

So this morning, here on my blog, I want to thank all of you for being my friend.  (Those local, those afar, and those whom I have never hugged or seen in person but are just as close as if I had)  If God can see fit to make sure Hushai got a mention in His Word for being David's friend - I can at the very least send out props to all of you for being my friend.

I would imagine that it was at times hard to be the king's friend.  Maybe that's why Hushai was mentioned.  Perhaps it was because his role of "friend" was more important than we realize.  I too recognize that it's not always easy being someone's friend.  And yet, it's still an important role.

Today, take seriously your role as "friend".  You may not ever get a "mention" like Hushai - but your job as "friend" is equally as important.

How can you do this today?  Start with prayer.  Do you regularly pray for your friends?  Then, do things to let them know you love & support them.  Send them a quick email, text, or when you see them - really look them in the eye, smile, hug... These are all priceless things!

I know because you've all done this for me - even when it was hard to do so!

I love the friends the Lord has given me!  You all are such blessings in my life!

His Word Sunday

How do you handle speculations?

I started a new Ladies Bible Study this past week.  I love it!  It's full of scriptures, (which I love by the way), and I came across an "oldie but a goodie" this week.

I saw something new in it this time around, (which I also love)....

Everyday thoughts & speculations fly through our mind.  Sometimes these thoughts are for good and sometimes they send us in a downward spiral.

One sad thought or worry or speculation leads to another and another and another and before you know it - we're blue, depressed, and almost to the point of being dysfunctional.

So what are we to do?

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NASB)

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Today, as you file into church - get ready for that Sunday afternoon nap - or however you fill this day, do something for me....

DESTROY those speculations and anything else you know goes against the knowledge of Christ!  You are a new creature in Him and He loves you very much!

TAKE CAPTIVE those thoughts and bind them up for this will allow you to be obedient to the Lord.

And let's together catch those downward spirals from begin so destructive.

Constant

Whew!  What a week I've had!  From last Friday to yesterday (Thursday) I "lived" in Lufkin, Fort Worth, Laneville, & Kilgore.... gracious!  And... I have to do it all over again next week.

Can something just be constant - for once?!  I have had SO many changes in my life lately I often wonder, "Is there anything that is constant in my life?"

I heard this song and fell in love with it!  Thank you Lord for reminding me of Your steadfast love!

Seriously?! Thank Him now?!

Have you ever been in a rush to eat and didn't say "grace"?  Many times in our family, we get so busy and so rushed that as we're sitting down, we do a quick, "Thank you Lord" while looking upward as if this covers us for the prayer.

I recently saw something in Acts that was very convicting about just prayer in general.  I'm always wanting to make my prayer life better.  This is truly my life-line to God.  I must communicate with Him often and genuinely if I'm going to make it here on Earth and if I'm going to grow in His image.

So check this out...

Acts 27:35 (ESV)

And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat.

Okay - let me give you just a little background on this verse.  Paul is a prisoner on a ship, heading to appeal to Caesar for his life.  They have been at sea many days.  The majority of these days it has been storming and dark.  In fact, they have already thrown most of their cargo off the ship in order to survive.  In verse 33, Paul mentioned it was their 14th day to go without food and they are about to run aground and will need their strength.  So this is kind of like a last meal kind of situation!

So - to review...

It's storming - it's dark - they are facing absolute death - and yet... for the little bit of food they are about to eat - Paul prays & gives thanks!

I was in shock when I read this!  Too often when we are in the storms and in the dark and facing things that overwhelm us we don't stop to pray - let alone thank God!  We cry & complain!  We focus more on God rescuing us than finding ways to thank Him.

Two things I learned here...

1)  I can give thanks in the storms of life.  No matter the situation - no matter if it's big or small - thank Him!

2) Eat.  Paul encouraged those on the ship that they would need nourishment for what they were about to face.  We too need nourishment for the days ahead of us.  Spiritual & physical nourishment.  Don't deny yourself the "bread of life" to make it through the day!

Finally... I was quickly encouraged when I read the next verse...

v.36 - "Then they were all encouraged and ate some food themselves."

Just by taking time to pray - to thank God in the stormiest times of our lives can encourage others around us!  And isn't that what a life in Christ is all about?

Today - take time to do two things... Pray.  Thank God even if your days are dark and you're facing some of the hardest days of your life.  Second - eat.  Enjoy the fruits of this life - both physically & spiritually.  And as a result others will notice and be encouraged.

His Word Sunday

Listen to the Little Ones...

Today I'm praying for my Mom & Dad as they take 4 grandchildren to church.... alone!  This means breakfast, getting them ready - preparing the "church bag," do they have their shoes on the right feet, etc, etc, etc...

Monday morning they start "Grandmother & Papa Camp."  Every year they take all the grandkids and do a fantastic Bible-based Camp - complete with t-shirts, crafts, stories, a theme, swimming, field trips, and everything!!!

So... today's HIS WORD SUNDAY verse is just for them (and the rest of us too of course) but it is posted in their honor.

Psalm 8:2 (ESV)

Out of the mouth of babes and infants, 

you have established Your strength because of Your foes, 

to still the  enemy and the avenger.

Children can at times amaze you with their childlike faith and wisdom - if we would just listen.  The Lord has chosen to give us strength through them!  Enough even to "still the enemy."

I know the Lord has used my children to give me strength lately and I am thankful that the enemy has been put at bay (even for just the moment) by what comes out of their mouths.

Take time this week to see the strength of the Lord from what He sends the little ones around you!!!

Hang in there vs. Hang on...

I've heard many words of encouragement in the past 6 months.  All words have been treasured, I assure you!  Some I know were said because they didn't know what to say - and that is perfectly understandable.

However, recently I thought about an encouragement "cliche" that we've probably all used a million times - I know I have - and that's "Hang in there!"

I recently heard this song and heard these very words in scripture and have come to a decision...

I'm going to change my vocabulary - basically it's only a prepositional change...

I'm going to do my best to not say "Hang in there" and start saying, "Hang on".

Check this out....

Proverbs 3:21 (NLT)

My child, don't lose sight of 

common sense and discernment.  

Hang on to them.

and

Matthew 16:25 (NLT)

If you try to hang on to your life, 

you will lose it.

But if you give up your life for my sake, 

you will save it.

Then I heard this song... and soon realized that "Hang in there" was somewhat empty - but "Hang on" to the Lord, to His Word truly had depth and meaning.

These days, when people ask, "how?" - it's very much by hanging on to every single word He gives me!  Every message of hope, every message of redemption, every word of comfort - I'm hanging on and not letting go!

A Heavenly Birthday

I wonder what a Birthday is like in Heaven?  Do you think you can watch a movie or a series of You Tube clips of your entire life and have all the whys answered by the Father right there beside you?

Wouldn't it be cool to think that you and the Lord are sitting on your couch in your Heavenly mansion and the Lord says, "Oh, watch this - this is my favorite part!  You had no idea at the time, but check out what I had planned!"

Today my Rockstar husband is celebrating his first birthday in Heaven.  We celebrated it in HUGE way this past weekend. (which I'll share more with you in just a bit).

Today the kids are going to make those garden cement stones and we're going to have one of his favorite desserts for dinner.  Pecan pie.  I know many of you are praying for us today and we cherish them all.

This past weekend the kids and I met with what we like to call our "second family" in Bastrop, Texas.  We all gathered at the Ranch where John moved to Heaven.  Yes, it was difficult pulling in to town and seeing the last restaurant that we shared together and walking through the grocery store where he last visited.

Strangely enough the kids remembered that crazy grocery store trip & commented on how it was Daddy's last trip to buy groceries!

The weekend was filled with many walks down memory lane regarding John, but the best part of the entire weekend was on Saturday - the Tree-Planting Ceremony.  So much thought, planning, finances and heart went into this for me and the kids.  I am so grateful for this group of men!

We all gathered around the tree and it was blazing hot - but no one really seemed to notice.  One of the men spoke about the former governor of Texas - James Hogg.  Hogg told those around him that he didn't want a headstone when he died - he wanted a pecan tree.  Then he wanted the fruit of that tree spread over Texas so Texas would be known as a fruit bearing state!

Everyone agreed that this was the spirit of John Franklin!  After everyone had a chance to talk about John and what he meant to them - we shared a beautiful time of Communion.  As the elements were being passed around the circle I realized that this was Jordan's 1st Communion! (she got saved on June 8th)

She & I both were in tears!  I stooped down to make sure she truly understood what we were doing.  And what the bread and the "wine" represented.  Afterwards, I shared with her that if her Daddy couldn't be here to administer Communion to her - at least we were at "The Bastrop" (what Jordan calls the Ranch) beside his tree.

No party would be complete without cake & singing!  So... later that night we shared his favorite dessert... German Chocolate Cake - and the kids blew out the candles!

I woke up early the next morning.  I wanted to go out and see the tree in the sunrise - but paused to read my Bible first.  This is what I read... - I just love God's timing - even in His Word.

Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV)

Blessed is the man who walks not 

in the counsel of the wicked, 

nor stands in the way of sinners, 

nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 

but his delight is in the law of the Lord, 

and on His law he meditates day and night. 

He is like a tree planted by streams of water 

that yields its fruit in its season, 

and its leaf does not wither.  

In all that he does, he prospers.

I know there will continue to many "firsts" and we go through life without our Rockstar & Daddy.  Today is a big one.  But I also know I serve a very big God.  In fact, the verses I read today in my One Year Bible brought much healing for a day like this...

Psalm 4:3,7 (ESV)

But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself; 

the Lord hears when I call to Him.

You have put more joy in my heart than they 

have when their grain and wine abound.

Okay... I can see that I have rambled far longer than any blog post should be.  I'll close it up.

Happy Birthday Babe!  The kids are doing great!  They both recently learned how to ride a bike without training wheels and how to swim underwater without a floaty!  God is doing some amazing things in my life right now - but I'm sure you already know all the details!  We miss you like crazy every day!  Can't wait to see you again some day!  It's my day to love you more!

Are you a Survivor?

Have you ever considered yourself a survivor?  Today there are many different places and ways we think about this word.

I think about it terms of cancer - I have many friends who are "cancer survivors."  Here, I couldn't be prouder of this word!  I'm so proud of my God and my friends who have endured such scary times!  My chest puffs out a bit when I call my friends "Cancer Survivors!"

Then... there's that TV Reality show.  I've been known to get sucked into the drama of the "survivor" - and the lies and the manipulations that go on with being the sole survivor - doesn't really leave a good taste in my mouth.

Then recently my name has been listed as a "survivor" in my husband's obituary.  In some way for me... in this case, I wasn't too sure how I felt about being a "survivor".  It felt kind of negative to me.  Like I was the one left here - to be sad or something.

So what exactly is a survivor?  Do I now have a certain attitude or job I must perform?

Webster defines survivors as:

"One who remains alive or lives on.  

They continue to function or prosper.  

They withstand (after many hardships)."

Okay.... then by definition - aren't we all survivors?  The first thing I want you to COMPLETELY get today is that you are indeed a survivor!

If you think, "I just don't think I can make it through this!"  You're still alive aren't you?  Then in some way or another - you're "making it through" your hardship and therefore you are surviving!  You're making it!

Now that we know we ARE survivors - what role do we have?

I must admit from the very beginning that I really hope I'm not taking this verse out of context or reading more into it than I should...

but I read this verse last week and it was about survivors.  I wrote it down in my journal and have been praying it over my life ever since.  It think it has something for us all.

2 Kings 19:30-31 (ESV)

And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah 

shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward. 

The zeal of the Lord will do this.

I am a surviving remnant!  And as a survivor - a survivor of John Franklin - okay.  But definitely as a survivor of the house of the Lord.... I want Him to root me in His Word so that I can bear much fruit.  Knowing all the while, that it all happens because of the zeal of the Lord!

Notice the direction of what's happening.... roots going down - fruit bearing up.  Roots live where no one can see - fruit is for all to see.  Prayer time, Bible study time happens in the quiet moments of my day when I can be alone with God.  If that has truly taken hold then fruit can grow upward.  Fruit - like Galatians talks about - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Friends - know today you too are a Survivor! 

Take this role seriously and let others see the fruit of withstanding life's hardships!

Be proud you're a Survivor... 

knowing all the while the zeal of the Lord will take you through this!!

His Word Sunday

Like Trees

It's early & the house containing John's closest friends are all still asleep. We've spent the entire weekend honoring & celebrating John Franklin, but mostly praising God for not only the work He did through John while he lived on Earth, but the work He's continuing to do through his move to Heaven.

Part of our celebration involved planting a tree in his memory. Much thought & planning went into the choice & location of this fruitful Pecan tree.

I woke up, wanting to still write my normal Sunday morning post - even though I'm not in my normal Sunday morning setting. I read my One Year Bible & could not believe the Psalm that was for today....

I know without a doubt this could be said of John.... May it be so in all of our lives.

Psalm 1:1-3

 1 Oh, the joys of those who do not
      follow the advice of the wicked,
      or stand around with sinners,
      or join in with mockers.
 2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,
      meditating on it day and night.
 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
      bearing fruit each season.
   Their leaves never wither,
      and they prosper in all they do.

How? by FAITH

Whenever I used to meet new people, it didn't take long for me to tell them about my husband and my kids.  I know my husband now resides in Heaven - but when I meet new people - my habits are still the same.

I wonder how long it will take for me not to tell people that my husband lives in Heaven.  How long will that still be part of my introduction about myself?

As I meet these new people they ask me one thing... "How are you making it?"  Actually I still get this from people that know me very well.

I actually love it when new people ask me this - because it gives me an opportunity to share the Lord with them.  For my answer is very simple.  "I have an extremely strong faith in the Lord."

FAITH - that's my answer.  

That's my reason for getting out of bed.  

That's why I still read my Bible every morning.  

That's why there is still praise on my lips and in my heart.  

FAITH

Faith is a powerful thing - if you let it be REAL in your life.  Not just something you talk about or sing about on Sunday morning.

The Bible says it has the power to move mountains!  This is one HUGE mountain of grief that I've got in my life and with God we move it every day!

That's why I LOVE this song by Kutless.
Happy Friday!  Enjoy your July 4th Weekend!

As you listen to this song - be praying for me, Jordan & JP - we are traveling to Bastrop, TX today to celebrate John's Birthday.  He would have turned 41 on Wednesday, July 6th.  To celebrate, we're going back to the place he left Earth and moved to Heaven.  We'll be with all the friends (who gathered around us on that unforgettable day) to honor his life.  We're planting a tree on the property and just taking time to remember and celebrate John.