What Frightened or Hurt You in Your Past That Paralyzes You Today?

My post today is taken from my daughter's post yesterday. It brought back so many memories of the night at 10:30 pm when I received the phone call to pray for Payton, my 10-year old grandson. Larry and Staci were downstairs and heard a blood curdling scream coming from Payton. Realizing this was not an I’ve-had-a-nightmare-scream, they bounded three stairs at a time and made their way to Payton who, they found, had a stinging scorpion under his pajama top – it had stung him four times and each of those places where he was stung was turning red and swelling up. Staci was on the phone to Poison Control when Larry called me.

Here is Staci's post from yesterday, along with the photo and video of my new grand-scorpion baby:

Seems we have a new pet, ELAH. There is a story behind this Emperor Scorpion and why we would allow such a beast in our home. When our son, Payton, was 10 years old, he was stung four times in the night by a scorpion. It was a crazy event that left us all a bit freaked out about going to bed at night, thinking there were more scorpions under our sheets, in our shoes and lurking like the boogie man ready to attack.

Over the next two weeks, we found 22 more scorpions in the rent house we were living in during a time my Daddy was in the hospital in his last days in Oklahoma. The "exterminators" said there is nothing you can do about scorpions unless you find the Queen and destroy her nest.

Needless to say we moved immediately, but the fear and mental picture of scorpions plagued our psyche for months. It was as if we could feel them on us. Our senses were heightened to the possibility of them everywhere. But worst of all, was our sweet son, who had never been introduced to FEAR, was not able to sleep at night. How do you tell your mind to turn off the mental pictures of what was seen, felt and perceived as intense pain?

As a mom, I wanted to make his fear go away, but I knew in my spirit that God was going to use this just like he did little David who was alone in the night tending sheep when he had to fight off the lion and the bear. I told Payton about that story and encouraged him that one day, he would use the victory over scorpions to slay giants.

Well, here we are, seven years later and what once enslaved my son's mind has become his slave and pet. Payton made the choice to buy this scorpion as a sign of dominion over that which the enemy sent to bring fear. Today, Payton has Elah in his room encaged in a large aquarium. He named it Elah because that is the location where David killed Goliath.

Payton knows life will bring greater battles than a scorpion will wield but as he grows in wisdom, courage and favor, ELAH will stand as a stone of remembrance that GREATER is HE that is in us than HE that is in the world (1 John 4:4). We were born for dominion.

What is it in your past that has enslaved the emotions of your present? Isn't it time to turn what the enemy meant to harm you into a weapon that gives you courage, strength and dominion? Like the old saying goes, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." I'm so proud of my son for conquering giants in his life. I did, however, tell him snakes were OFF LIMITS!

A Queen's Responsibility? Sharing Love and Joy is a MUST!

This first photo is one of the first my friends, Charles Michie and Sheila Michie, took when we arrived together in Rome. It continued to be a photo shared of "the queen"! LOL! Not by planning, but I guess providence, I stood exactly under a crown on the Roma photo. So, I guess, if the crown fits, then I'll just wear it! And, our guide in Israel, continued to call me Queen Donna. I should go ahead and own that title.

After all, I am certainly in the royal family of God, and I like to think that being in that royal family has its privileges of being loved and favored, but along with royal privileges, comes royal responsibilities. I know that I should always be sharing my Father's love and joy, because that's just Who He is -- the Giver of life -- and the Giver of joy and love.

I drove to Austin early yesterday morning. It's a BIG birthday month for my champ, Brennan (the BIG 13) and my son, Ryan (the BIG 50)! I can hardly believe I said those words, because it puts a number on me! LOL! 68 to be exact! Thanks be to God for birthdays! Celebrating birthdays of friends and family is one of the sweetest ways to celebrate life. If we're having birthdays, we're still here, so God's plans and purposes for our lives are still in progress. Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, (even before our birth-day, He knew us), before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Aw! We're all prophets to declare the good news and good word to those around us.

I took "joy" with me when I left Frisco, because I realize all the joys of the past, and all the months and years that lie ahead, and I plan to pass those blessings on.

The love we have for God and for each other should be passed along -- like a contagious virus -- except a contagious flood of love and joy. Ever noticed how showing a little love to someone can change their mood from sour to sweet in a matter of a little hug or a little word of kindness? We can shed a little sunshine in the heart of one and that one is cheered to pass it on, and so God's vitalizing joy-giving message goes on.

A few days ago, Bryson (the 10 year old) had to have oral surgery -- an unneeded tooth taken out, and he hadn't been feeling so good. I got here in time to wake him up with tickles and hugs and a Super Bryson story. He was full of joy and energy. His mom told me that they hadn't seen that energy since his surgery. I like to think it was me, but it was more about the transmission of joy. The veterinarian came by the house today to check the animals -- the longhorn, goats and donkeys and to teach Bryson (their caregiver) how to give them medicine. Bryson sure snapped out of his doldrums and into a boy who loves his animals. He caught the love, laughter and cheer. And, so did Brennan when his friends gave him a birthday cake! We came home and I shared about my Israel trip and gave them all their Israel treasures. I loved being a transmitter of love, laughter, and cheer!

Yes, I'm feeling the love since I arrived with a big chocolate cake in hand, along with the presents from the Holy Lands for all, as well as birthday presents for my boys. I see God in giving gifts. I see God in the laughter of these children and I see God in the tender loving care that their mom and dad give them. It only takes a spark to get a fire of love going. It seems to be burning brightly here in Austin

Royalty Begets Royalty

Day 5 of 365, and my grandson and granddaughter were my inspiration today.

As any typical morning with two very strong willed siblings, this morning was one where it took tremendous letting go of Payton's own desires for his sister's.  First, he gave her the middle cinnamon roll of the pan -- the one that has the softer edges.   His words: "Let the queen  have her way."  

Subsequently,  we left for church and Lexi wanted the end of the aisle seat.   Payton wanted that seat. But he,  once again, gave way to his sister.  He said,  "Once again,  let the queen have her way."   I commented,  "Payton, one of these days,  God will bless you with a queen as your wife.   Just look how He is preparing you for the future."  I loved his sweet spirit so much.  He wrote on my arm (with a pen), "I love you."   I just thought how precious to raise our children in the way they should go.  I know Payton is going to be that kind of  husband someday.  He'll treat his wife like a queen.

For those of you who are blessed with a beautiful marriage,   I know it's because the woman is treating her husband like a king,  and he is treating his wife as a queen. I speak with the voice of experience. I was married to a king, who treated me like a queen.

After church, we went out to lunch.  I loved it when I saw the two of them sitting at the fireplace in the restaurant, hugging each other.   Yes, this was a day of royal treatment -- royalty begets royalty.