All-knowing God

Last night as the results of the election were unmistakeable, I asked the Lord, "why?". It really looked like our prayers had been for nothing. Then. I was reminded of the fact that it looked to the world like evil had triumphed when Jesus was crucified... I'm sure there was revelry in hell that day... but BOY was the devil in for a surprise! Jesus rose from the grave and because of His death, He was able to take the keys of death away from the enemy. Now he's a defeated foe destined for the lake of fire. That wouldn't have happened without the "defeat" of the cross. God's ways are higher and His wisdom deeper. He sees the whole picture, layer upon layer.... we see only in part. He has a plan and a divine purpose. He knows best. He can be trusted. He raises one up and brings another down... but all for eternity's purpose. Just look at the history of Israel.


Still, this is a wakeup call for the church in America. The lines have been drawn. But this may be the church's finest hour. "But where sin increased, grace increased all the more" As the Body of Christ we have to be proactive and involved. We have to stand against evil and not hope somebody else will do it. There is nobody else. That's our job. Now perhaps this will cause us to finally realize that. Let us arise Church and trust our God and be the salt and light He intended us to be. Let's not despair. Lets pray for our leaders as God commanded!... God is still on His throne and we are still His children. That hasn't changed.... Lets now arise, take our place and do our job.

The Lord led me to this scripture last night...Its long but well worth the read... God bless. Kayla

Psalm 37
1 Don't worry about the wicked
or envy those who do wrong.
2 For like grass, they soon fade away.
Like spring flowers, they soon wither.
3 Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart's desires.
5 Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
6 He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
7 Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes. 8 Stop being angry!
Turn from your rage!
Do not lose your temper—
it only leads to harm.
9 For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.
10 Soon the wicked will disappear.
Though you look for them, they will be gone.
11 The lowly will possess the land
and will live in peace and prosperity.
12 The wicked plot against the godly;
they snarl at them in defiance.
13 But the Lord just laughs,
for he sees their day of judgment coming.
14 The wicked draw their swords
and string their bows
to kill the poor and the oppressed,
to slaughter those who do right.
15 But their swords will stab their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.
16 It is better to be godly and have little
than to be evil and rich.
17 For the strength of the wicked will be shattered,
but the Lord takes care of the godly.
18 Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent,
and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever.
19 They will not be disgraced in hard times;
even in famine they will have more than enough.
20 But the wicked will die.
The Lord's enemies are like flowers in a field—
they will disappear like smoke.
21 The wicked borrow and never repay,
but the godly are generous givers.
22 Those the Lord blesses will possess the land,
but those he curses will die.
23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.
25 Once I was young, and now I am old.
Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned
or their children begging for bread.
26 The godly always give generous loans to others,
and their children are a blessing.
27 Turn from evil and do good,
and you will live in the land forever.
28 For the Lord loves justice,
and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever,
but the children of the wicked will die.
29 The godly will possess the land
and will live there forever.
30 The godly offer good counsel;
they teach right from wrong.
31 They have made God's law their own,
so they will never slip from his path.
32 The wicked wait in ambush for the godly,
looking for an excuse to kill them.
33 But the Lord will not let the wicked succeed
or let the godly be condemned when they are put on trial.
34 Put your hope in the Lord.
Travel steadily along his path.
He will honor you by giving you the land.
You will see the wicked destroyed.
35 I have seen wicked and ruthless people
flourishing like a tree in its native soil.
36 But when I looked again, they were gone!
Though I searched for them, I could not find them!
37 Look at those who are honest and good,
for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.
38 But the rebellious will be destroyed;
they have no future.
39 The Lord rescues the godly;
he is their fortress in times of trouble.
40 The Lord helps them,
rescuing them from the wicked.
He saves them,
and they find shelter in him

Help us God!

I am watching The Call live in California right now. I am deeply moved. They are crying out "Help us God! Save the babies. Save the children. God help! God help!" They are praying for America. Here is the prayer they have been praying for four years....

"Jesus I plead Your blood over my sins and the sins of my nation. God end abortion and send revival to America".

May this become the cry of the Church in America until the Lord answers that prayer. Please friends. Pray and vote. God is Sovereign... but He doesn't violate our will. Israel asked for a king and it wasn't God's desire for them to have one.... but despite His warnings of what would happen if they got what they asked for, they persisted, and He allowed them to have their heart's desire.

In my naivety, I assumed Christians knew the issues and where the candidates stand on the issues. I assumed that Christians would vote. I have been shocked at how many Christians are saying they are not voting because they don't like either candidate. Brothers and sisters, this is not about personality, it is not about the economy, it is not about the war. It is about LIFE! The next President has the authority to appoint Supreme Court judges. This more than anything else will determine the fate of abortion in America. Regardless of personality or color, how can we as Christians even consider a candidate who would not only call a living baby a "choice", but who would vote three times against the ban on late-term abortion. This is infanticide. Where late term babies are killed AFTER they are born alive, then discarded like garbage with the soiled linens in the hospital trash. There is a spirit of deception and confusion over the CHURCH to not see the horror of this. Where is the Church's outrage? Please pray for the spirit of deception to be lifted off of the Church and for God to loose "light and truth" over the Body of Christ in America so that the Church's eyes would be opened and that the fog of confusion would be dispelled with God's light.

God promises that "If my people, (that's us Church) who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Even if we have never had an abortion or supported it, may we repent before God for our nation. God is righteous and sovereign. He is in control This is not a time to be afraid, but a time to war. Things in heaven have to move before things on this earth will move. So often we get it backwards. What is bound in heaven will be bound on earth. What is loosed in heaven will be loosed on earth. Let us storm heaven Church. We have His ear. He moves at the sound of our voice. He said that "the prayers of a righteous man availeth much". You may not feel righteous, but if you are a blood bought child of God, the Bible declares that "you are the righteousness of God in Christ." So fellow saint, let us cry out to our Father to have mercy on us and this nation and let us go out on Tuesday and be counted as the Church of Jesus Christ in America. May God's church arise on November 4th. God bless you all.

Gustav Lessons

Stacey Neely sent me this. All of my fellow Gustav survivors will recognize and attest to the truths of this... I can laugh at this now... on my laptop...by my lamp... with my AC......ahhh!!! Thank you Lord! :^)

*No matter how many times you flick the switch, lights don't work without electricity.

*Vienna sausages only appear on the food pyramid during hurricane season.

*Lovebugs do NOT disappear in 90 mph wind.

*Disasters can cancel one LSU Football game, but there will be even more casualties if we have to cancel two.

*Cats (and dogs) are even more irritating without power.

*Most popular text message after Sept. 1: Do u hve pwr?

*Coffee, Spaghetti, biscuits and frozen pizza can be made on a grill. (Yep- gives pizza a lovely smoky flavor!)

*Crickets and cicadas can increase their volume to overcome the sound of 30 generators!

*He who has the biggest generator wins!

Lucca

Lucca and Zeke

Lucca "bringer of life"

Well, I've gone and done it.... I got a new dog. I said I would wait... I truly intended to... but I just couldn't help it...

Long story short- Last Saturday, Hannah and I were out shopping. She begged me to stop in Petland (or Petco, Petsmart... one of those). I reluctantly let her drag me in. We checked out all of the various pets and then were leaving when a young couple came in with the biggest, fluffliest, prettiest puppy I'd ever seen. I had to take a closer look... I should have known better... I found out that the puppy was a 6 month old female Akita. After talking to the couple a bit further I was informed that because of their apartment lease, they couldn't keep this beautiful creature. How much were they selling her for, (I had to ask).... She was free.... What was her name (I had to ask), it was Lucca. For some oddball reason I had intended on naming my next female dog LuLu. That did it. Lucca, LuLu... It seemed like a divine set-up. I tried to call Keith, he was working in the yard so I couldn't reach him... I hesitated for a moment then I made a monumental impulsive decision (unusual for me). I brought Lucca home with me, without Keith's knowledge. It hit me on the way home that we were leaving on vacation the following week. What was I thinking! When I got home I left Hannah and Lucca in the car to go assess how unhappy Keith was going to be. Then I had a stroke of genius. I approached him with a, "Honey, please don't kill me, " to which he exclaimed, 'What'd you do, wreck the car?" I happily informed him (to his relief), no I hadn't wrecked the car... but I HAD brought home a dog. I think he was so relieved about the car that he had mercy on me.

Since then we've had time to be glad about my impulsive decision. Lucca is the sweetest little (big) girl. She's obedient, she doesn't chew. She's housebroken.. (except for getting excited when she first sees you and wetting the floor... we're working on that one)... But she is a blessing. And she's beautiful... and she's BIG! Ya'll know how I LOVE big dogs. The bigger the better in my book. The children have been over the moon about Lucca. It's helped ease their pain over Zoe. (Although she will NEVER be replaced!)

So there you have it. The story of our newest family member. Also we looked up the name Lucca online and found out that it is Italian for "Bringer of Life". We'll take that. After the difficult season we've had, and with our moving into this new season, could this be a physical sign of a spiritual truth? That God is bringing us out of the old, comfort-zones and into something new and unexpected.... with a... suddenly!

And Zeke loves her too. Which is fortunate because Nutty is MIA. Lucca came just in time! God's time- not mine (or Keith's :^).

God bless. Kayla

Zeke's gone Nutty!

Since Zoe's sad departure from this life this past Monday, Zeke has seemed lost and lonely. Without Zoe at his side, he hasn't bothered getting up to greet us all by himself at the door when we return. He hasn't been as playful or happy. The day after Zoe's death, I was trying to think of something that would cheer him up. While shopping at Target I ventured into the pet aisle and I found my answer... I knew Zeke had to have him. He cost more than the dog toys I usually get, but this one was made by the American Kennel Club so I hoped it had to be strong (we'll find out!). This new answer to Zeke's lonely problem came home with us and Zeke was immediately smitten. We named him Nutty. Of course Nutty the squirrel in no way replaces Zeke's best friend Zoe, but it has given him and us a little joy in our lives this week... Nutty squeaks. Zeke doesn't quite know what to make of that. He squeezes Nutty's tail between his teeth and seems surprised that Nutty cries out. At first this seemed to confuse Zeke. It's hilarious because he starts whining when Nutty squeaks... Like he's worried about him yet he can't help crushing him between his teeth! Now Zeke carries Nutty everywhere. He even insisted on taking him outside with him the other day. I was worried that Nutty would end up in the yard as an unrecognizable bit of mud covered fur like his other former "friends". But when Zeke was done with his business outside, he came scratching on the back door, proudly carrying Nutty in his mouth. He brings him in the chair with him and sits with him between his paws. Yesterday he came into my room looking anxious... He looked around the room, out the back door, in my closet, whining.... It broke my heart. "Are you looking for Zoe?" I asked. He heard Zoe's name and perked up... but then... he stumbled on Nutty... Then his tail started wagging... and he was frisky and happy again. So for now, Nutty is easing some of Zeke's pain... And Zeke's hilarious 'relationship' with Nutty is easing some of ours. And today when I returned home, there was Zeke, all by himself, dancing at the door to greet me! Yay! We're making progress. Here's a photo of Zeke and his new pal- Nutty.

God bless. Kayla

Zoe

A happy Zoe.

Zoe and Zeke

Ten years ago, the kids and I moved back to Louisiana to be near family while Keith was deployed for a year to a small atoll in the Indian Ocean called Diego Garcia. It was a hard time for me and the children, who were missing their daddy. One fateful night we watched "Old Yellar"... a bad mistake if you have emotional children but it was to be one of the best decisions of my life. It made me want a yellar dog! After wiping my tears and grabbing the classifieds I saw an ad that said "yellow lab mix, free to good home" I promptly called. The next day, a most loyal friend entered our lives and forever changed us. We named her Zoe.

Her former owners had found her as a stray who had been hit by a car. They were moving to a new home that didn't allow dogs so they had to let her go. When they cried at releasing her to us, I knew then that we must have someone special on our hands. But not knowing yet if she would work out with my young children, I asked for a trial period with her. One morning a few days later, Max was in the yard playing... When I heard Zoe ferociously barking, I became concerned and rushed outside. I saw her hair standing up on end and she was barking at Max. I thought- this dog is vicious! She's Old Yellar at the END of the movie! I was about to rescue Max and send Zoe packing when Max said, "Mom, there's a snake!" Zoe was standing between Max and a 5 foot long water moccasin! As you can probably guess... She passed her trial. We kept her! And we never regretted it! Since that day, she patiently followed us wherever the Navy led us, eventually coming full circle to her birthplace in Louisiana when Keith retired.

Zoe was the sweetest, most loving, loyal dog you could ever meet. She was a beautiful yellow lab and retriever mix with the softest fur I've ever felt. And did she ever LOVE to be petted! Often laying her head in your lap to make sure you got the point. There was something especially comforting about burying your head in her fur and wrapping your arms around her wide frame. It was just plain "therapetic" to quote Barney Fife. She could fix those beautiful eyes on you and melt the coldest heart...

But this past Monday, July 28th, Zoe passed from this life, leaving our home and family with an empty place. We are all heartbroken and devasted.

Zoe loved everybody she met (except for the UPS man :^) and was a faithful protecter of our home. No wild animal was safe if they were unfortunate enough to venture into Zoe's domain....Possums, stray cats, snakes, coons... Years ago she had a legendary fight with an enormous raccoon. Needless to say... the raccoon lost.

She was full of personality. She is the only dog I ever saw who could actually smile. She usuallly did it when she had done something wrong. If we came home from church and Zoe was smiling, we knew she had gotten into the trash... It was her one vice. If one of us ever put on a baseball cap, Zoe would practically dance. In her mind, this meant she was going for a walk. Even after she got older and couldn't walk as far, the twins would thrill her soul by taking her down the sidewalk on her leash. She didn't ask for much and was easy to please.

Zeke (our German Shepherd) adored her. Zoe tolerated Zeke. He loved to wrestle with her. She usually won but that didn't stop him from trying. If Zeke heard Zoe go outside, he had to be with her. He is lost without her.

Zoe had been relatively healthy throughout her life. A couple of weeks before Haley's wedding I noticed that she seemed weak. She seemed to have trouble getting up and moving around. She was going on 13 years so we knew that she wouldn't be with us a whole lot longer. But I prayed she'd hang on until after the wedding. She seemed to get stronger and to be her old self for a while. Then Monday I noticed that her breathing was labored. I called Keith and he made her an appointment with the vet. She came and laid down in the hall, outside my bedroom door to be near all of us. Hannah and Joseph were concerned for her so Hannah went and got some anointing oil and put it on her head and was praying for her. Suddenly Zoe just looked up and laid her head down and then died. She was where she wanted to be- with the family she loved. She didn't have to be put down by a vet but she died in her favorite place, in her home, near her family. Keith immediately came home from work, so did Max and Haley and Josh rushed over... We all said our goodbyes. There were lots and lots of tears. We then took her out to Cathy and Bill's house in the country and wrapped her in her favorite blanket and buried her there. It was heartbreaking. But we know that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and who are called according to His purpose. I don't understand why this had to happen now, when so much is going on in our lives, but I do know that God is good and His ways are higher than our ways. I told the kids that she is waiting for us in our mansion in heaven. Probably getting hair all over the floor and terrorizing the possums... ;^).

Please pray for us, the children especially, they are inconsolable... They will be okay for a while, but then suddenly they will break down. We all do at times. It is very hard. The twins have had Zoe in their lives since they were two years old! We miss her terribly. There is a huge fluffy empty place in our home where Zoe used to be. We don't know how to function without her loving presence in our home. But we will learn.

Also pray for Zeke. He walks around looking for her and whining. She was his closest friend. She was a member of our family and a constant part of our lives for ten years. Our hearts are heavy but God is good.

We are thankful for many things. One being that Haley was still here when she passed on. Haley and Zoe had a special bond. For this to have happened after Haley was in St. Louis would have been very difficult for Haley to bear. Also we are thankful that she was at home with those she loved when she died. And we are thankful that she didn't suffer. Even up until the end, her eyes were peaceful.

Our hearts will heal, but we will NEVER forget our Zoe, aka- Zolene the Possum Queen, Zolanda, Zola Coyola, Zo-Zo or just plain Zo. She was almost human. Heck, she was BETTER than human. We humans could learn some things from dogs like Zoe. As Haley said so rightly, she loved Zoe more than many people she knew. Its because Zoe was ever patient, always loving, forgiving, protective, faithful, loyal, always there. Lord help us be more like that ourselves!

Please pray for us. For non-animal-loving people, it may seem hard to understand, but we are all truly grieving. I know that God will bring us through and it won't always hurt this bad, but until then, we'd appreciate your prayers. His grace IS sufficient!

God bless. Kayla

Wedding Pics

A portrait of the bride


Another portrait


Wedding Day: Getting ready

Kent Henry, Josh and Devon

Here comes the bride!

Josh's face as he sees Haley.

Josh sings to his bride!

Max singing "Amazed"

The wedding.

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Ortego!

Hannah and Joseph

Bride and groom's first dance

Bride and Dad's dance.

Then Daddy gets his groove on...

And Daddy-in-law jumps in!

The bride and groom

The wedding party

The bride and groom's parents

Cutting the cake!

Off they go!

Here's some pics of the wedding I wanted to share. Various friends of Haley's posted these on their Myspace. We haven't gotten the photographers photos yet so we were excited to see these... Read my blog below for a blow by blow (probably more than you want to know!:^) of the wedding.... God bless. Kayla