THANKSGIVING FOR 27 MARCH 2015.

Two days ago a contractor came to remove a tree stump from my yard.  It was suppose to be a hook it up to the chair and truck along with bucket and swoop pull the stump out.  DID NOT HAPPEN THAT WAY!  The tree roots were so large and deep.  They had to cut for hours on the roots for hours to get that stomp out of the ground.  Finally after many roots was removed from the tree trunk by my neighbor and contractor, the stump was gone.  I have pics of this escapade!

This reminds me of my spiritual roots.  No matter what direction I wasn't to go, if wrong I am convicted to repent and turn around.  I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THE MOTHERS, SISTERS, BROTHERS, NUNS, MINISTERS, PASTORS, APOSTLES, EVANGELISTS, PRIESTS, MY PARENTS, FRIENDS, FAMILY, ETC for pouring the word of God in me so I may know that I know the Lord and his word.  

Just think of the people who have not heard.  I feel sorry for them.  But I am encouraged that they may know from the lives and actions of the Saints following the word of God.  I thought to myself, look how deep those roots are.  That's why that tree withstood strong winds, raging rains, frost, heat, etc.  It was deeply, deeply, deeply grounded by the those very long roots.  

The more we hear the word of God or read the word of God our roots grow in diameter and depth.  Thank God for the people he has placed in our lives to grow our spiritual resolve.

THANK YOU JESUS FOR SENDING THOSE ANGELS!!!

Your Servant,

Pastor Jan

@PastorJan2014

THANKSGIVING FOR 20 MARCH 2015

Those who have Lupus know about the Lupus Fog.  Those on dialysis know about the Dialysis Fog.  Both have a hard time remembering things!  Well I have both fogs!   I try to write everything down to assist me in remembering things.  TODAY I THANK JESUS FOR BRINGING EVERYTHING BACK TO MY MEMORY FOR MY CALC II TEST!  I did really well!  I have a hard time remembering things.  I pray before each test that the Lord bring it back to my memory!   I really struggle to remember things.  But I am so THANKFUL that the Lord assists me in my time of need!   If you are a Lupus patient or on dialysis you fully understand my dilemma.  I am so thankful for the ability to just think!  My Lord we can't take anything for granite.   My God is an AWESOME GOD!  He will come in right on time!  You just ask and BAMM, he's right there!

THANKSGIVING FOR 03-08-2015

You know we often say Lord thank you for waking me up today?  Well, in May 2013 I went in for open heart surgery:  replace aorta valve.  I prayed the "Our Father" as I usually do in surgery.  That prayer has gotten through a lot of things.  I was so calm when they told me I needed open heart surgery.  I knew God has taken me through so many things.  He has sent the comforter, THE HOLY SPIRIT, to assure me on each occasion that all was well.  I was told by the surgeon that the surgery must happen within 2 days.  I say okay.  My response when I am so sure that God will carry me through.  Said the same thing in December 2009 when I was told I was going to have a colon resection to remove cancer from my body.  THANK YOU JESUS FOR KEEPING ME!  Lord it's been 5+ years since that surgery.  Isn't God good.  I can't stop thanking him for WAKING ME UP!  There are times when I could see a way, then God steps in, in such a way that I know:  Yes Lord that was you helping me, showing me favor, keeping me on the straight and narrow, healing my body, putting my mind at peace, etc.  JUST CAN'T BELIEVE THAT HE WOULD HELP A GIRL LIKE ME!  I am from a divorced parents family.  I traveled from Beaumont, TX to St. Louis, MO (800 miles) with the assurance that my God is real and would keep me.  AND HE DID!  I am no bragging, but on testifying.  God has always ensured I was making a lot of money in order for me to not only help family thrive, but also help others!!!  NOW THAT IS A GOOOOOD GOD!  About to start tutoring.  That is my passion and mission in life.  This is a plan of God!  I am still praying for my building.  ALL IN HIS TIME! AMEN!  THANK U JESUS! THANK YOU FATHER, SON, & HOLY GHOST!  If God has been good to you, please share I would love to hear it!  If you have a prayer request, please share, I would love to pray for you!  @PastorJan2014

THANKSGIVING FOR 03-07-2015

 I am so thankful for peace of mind.  Over the past few weeks the weather has shut down the Tennessee Valley.  I have been cooped up in the house.  I have had a lot of time to think.  Lord look out when Janice begins to think.  But, I realized how blessed I am.  I wondered where are the homeless.  Are they still alive.  What can I do?  How are the people whose electricity is turned off?  Were they able to keep warm during the drastically low temperatures.  I wondered about those who could not work and lost money.  I know they will carry on but thought so much about how tough it would be.  I thought about never being homeless.  I thought complaining how cold it was, but we had heat.  I complained about my heating system because the house was 68 degrees.  But, I had a heater in my room.  My - my!  I thought about having to keep a faucet running because the pump would freeze.  But, I had water when the homeless did not.  They would take my well water anytime for nourishment, bathes, play....  I thought about the icy roads.  I think about the people who still have to work and clear those icy roads, patrol them and make deliveries.  Yes, I am so thankful for the little things.  I often, daily, reflect on the JANICE MITCHELL ISBELL ACADEMY that has not reopened since moving to Limestone County.  But I know God will make a way.  I still worry about those children who need out services.  I think about them being lost in the cracks.  I think about them being shipped to detention centers and subsequently transferred to prisons.   These thoughts tend to consume me.  But I am thankful for those thoughts because that keeps me focused on getting a building for JMIA.  I know God will provide because the thoughts won't leave indicating he wants that mission exercised.  I thank God for my passion for education.  I have tried other business but my heart was not there.  Only tutoring and education.  THANK YOU JESUS FOR KEEPING ME!!!!!!

THANKSGIVING FOR 02-24-2015

GLORY!  WHERE DO I START?  God has been present in my life since I was a kid.  He has instilled comfort in me during very trying times, given me strength when I felt I could not go on, given me wisdom when decisions seem impossible, and answers when I had questions.  I'm a member of two groups I follow closely:  Dialysis Discussions Uncensored and Lupus You Are Not Alone Honey I'm Right Here With You.♥  I read some of the newly diagnosed members and have flashbacks.  I thank God I am able to share my experiences that things can and do get better, maybe not in our time frame, but it does get better. We must believe no matter what we feel or what it looks like THINGS WILL GET BETTER.  The one complaint of the Lupus patients is people not believing they are sick BECAUSE YOU DON'T LOOK SICK.  You must filter out the negative people at all cost.  I purposely never fell into the complain always or fall into the woozy woozy me syndrome.  That is why when I hear people complain too much I find it hard to empathize.  After experiencing a lot of hurt and pain you just don't have time for people who just look for excuses.  I THANK GOD FOR SMILES in spite of how I felt.  I do empathize with their pain, not their excuses of why they cannot go on.  In the snow, I never missed my son and nephew games.  In the heat and rain, I never missed my son and nephew games.  I may have fallen apart when I got home, BUT GOD GAVE ME SUPER STRENGTH TO ENDURE!  I am so thankful for my RIGHT ON TIME GOD!  When I started dialysis I was like my Lord I need you now!  I could barely walk.  Just put one foot in front of the other.  BUT THAT STRENGTH I KNOW CAME FROM GOD AND FOR THAT I AM THANKFUL.  I retired and now work part-time.  I thank the Lord he did not let me stay home and feel sorry for myself and getting me up everyday to WALK THIS WALK!  GLORY!  THANK YOU JESUS!  These are two diseases (lupus and kidney failure) that affects the quality of your life and activities.  But we do have to let them affect our attitudes.  We do what we can and the rest is let go.  Sometimes we have to make heart-breaking decisions.  Do I really feel well enough to attend all these events or should I be selective?  THANK YOU JESUS FOR WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT!  Well I am going on and on.  Will end this thanksgiving with a challenge:  Try him, believe, and #walkthewalk.

THANKSGIVING FOR 14 FEBRUARY 2015

This has been the best VALENTINE'S DAY EVER.  I sat around and watched the TENNIS CHANNEL all day.  I re-twisted my hair and just chilled all day.  I am so thankful that I have husband of 33 years who understands me and know I do not like a fuss made over me on holidays.  Just respected my wish to chill.  Also gave him a chance to chill. ahahahahah  We know each other mentally and spiritually.  We are each others human rock and support.  I thank God for him.  The one thing I loved about him while we date in college (WASHU, ST LOUIS) was he was intellectually stimulating.  He could talk about thing I would bring up.  He is a bright man.  I love that about him.  He was well read.  He was also compassionate and opened the doors for me.  That did it!  Love for life.  He stuck by me when I said I had Lupus attending some of my meetings and reading the literature in depth.  There are some Lupus patients who have mates who do not stick around.  Don't want the headache.  BUT, Irv hung around.  That did it!  Love for life.  I am so thankful for how we can read each others mind and emotions a lot.  Some times we miss, but not often.  I met a lady who has been married for 64 years - MY GOAL!  And more if the Lord allows!  I am thankful his family accepted and welcomed me into their family.  I was a long way from home.  I am so thankful my family accepted him and welcomed him into our family.  We did not have to deal with family drama.  THANK U JESUS!  I am thankful and so grateful for the older couples who guided.  Jesus sends the right people in our way, just in time for a season. AMEN!  I reflect on St. Valentine and his drive to ensure people were married even thought and edict said young soldiers should not marry to be better on the battlefield.  But polygamy was rapid.  St. Valentine encouraged marriages for two people committed to each other.  He was captured and tortured for this belief.  As we celebrate Valentine's Day, let's reflect on the sacrament of marriage.  That holy ceremony that participated in to commit ourselves to our spouses through thick and thin.  

Remember when we said (or something similar):   

I _____, take thee _____ to be my wedded husband/wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance;  and therefore I pledge thee myself to you."   

I remember wedding day as if it was yesterday.  Surrounded by family and friends was exciting.  I am so thankful for that day and the people who participated in our joyous occasion.  Well enough down memory lane.  I AM JUST THANKFUL!  THANK YOU LORD!  GLORY!

THANKSGIVING FOR 02-06-2015

Haven't written thanksgivings for awhile.  Does that mean I'm not thankful.  Absolutely NO!  Just so busy with my daily duties that I have not just sat down and reminisce about the goodness of God.  But daily, hourly, minute-by-minute I thank while I go about my duties.  Just love to express the press on the inside of my every chance I get.  I love how I think of something that happened that I know was the hand of God!  GLORY!  HALLELULIA!  AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!  I just have to laugh sometimes for the breaks he has given me, for the doors he opened, for the favor on my life, for the times he saved my rear end in times of trouble, etc. etc. etc. etc.  I am so thankful for each day as another chance to get it right!  Another chance to share his LOVE with a total stranger!  Another chance to share his WORD with someone hurting, discouraged, down and out!  I just my life and ALL the experiences I have had.  My spiritual resolve has grown through leaps and bounds.  Just to see the face on someone who has been encouraged through me sharing is priceless.  That light comes on their belief has grown, even if they don't immediately see it.  To know you have been used by God is AWESOME!  And I just love that feeling.  I live to be used by him!!!  Well,  I guess my time of THANKSGIVING through writing is over for now!  More next time!  JMI 2/6/15