Cord of Three Strands: Husband, Wife, Jesus!

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion...Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. -Ecclesiastes 4:9,12

Twenty-Seven years of marriage? No way! Where did the years go? Reflecting back, I am humbled at all the Lord has done in our lives. Let me set the scene...

Our Love Journey began when we were teenagers. By the hand of God, I moved to Abilene, TX where I ended up spending my senior year at Wylie High School. We were in "Home and Family Living" class together. I should have realized right then his "family man" potential because he won the top award that year, "Whose Who for Home & Family Living." The year was half way over when he finally asked me out. I knew at the Merl Haggard concert that something was different about this guy. Not only was he cute - today girls would say "hot" - his sense of humor captivated my heart. There was something different about him! Time moved forward and I followed this man to Texas A & M University. We married the summer before our senior year in college with enough money to make it through the year - or so we thought! The funny stories we have of "making it" are foundational for strengthening our marriage.

From the moment of our dating - our wedding - our four children - 27 years of marriage - Jesus is our anchor. He is our rock through the wonderful times and through the tough times. Honestly, when I think of a our marriage and a Cord of Three Strands tears emerge. Its Fred, me, and the Third Strand - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit - All in One!

Oh, intertwine your marriage with the "Third Strand!" This is the strength needed when the world, the enemy, and the things of the flesh are working to pull it apart. It is exciting to know He is the one holding the marriage together. AMEN! 

Try this experiment... Take one strand of thread and hold it with both hands - pull as hard as you can. What happens? It easily breaks in half. Now, twist 2 stands of thread together and pull. What happens this time? Again it's easily broken. For the ultimate challenge... twist 3 strands of thread together and give a big pull. What happens? Why does that 3 strand make a difference?

                                                                                        

To Fred, the Love of my Life... I celebrate with you these past 27 years, as well as the years ahead of us. Thank you for your unconditional love that flows so freely from your heart to mine. Every time you say, "I treasure you" - which is daily - reminds me of your commitment on our wedding day to love and cherish. The laughter through the years is medicine to the soul. Thank you for your humor that you bring to our home. Mostly, I thank you for spiritually leading our family. Not by rules or regulations, but by a heart of love for the Lord - a relationship with Him. You were who I prayed for long ago when God directed my path to Wylie High School.

I love you dearly!

Carla

The Israel Blog Tour: The Village of Nazareth

The Town of Nazareth...Really?

Read John 1:43-50

Excitement fills the air. Philip can hardly contain himself. Joy oozes from his face. His search for the Messiah is over. He desires to shout from the mountains, "The long awaited Messiah is come! Please see for yourself the Son of God is HERE!" 

Tears flow. Heart pounds. Philip rushes to find his friends. In the distance he sees someone resting under a fig tree. Philip dashes as quick as possible. Urgency causes his heart to beat even faster. Approaching the scene, he realizes it is Nathanael taking a midday nap. Shalom, Nathanael. Wake up! We found the Messiah, the Son of God, in Nazareth! There is not a second to waste. Come see for yourself!  

Waking from his slumber, Nathanael raises his head. In a moments notice he finds himself following Philip. Thoughts arise like, There is no way this is the Messiah. He is to come from Bethlehem, not Nazareth. This little obscure village? No way! 

Knowing Nathaneal's heart, Jesus greets him with a smile. Nathanael is caught off guard. Without thinking he says, "How do you know me?" Jesus' answer confirms it all, "I saw you under the fig tree." Nathanael immediately falls at Jesus' feet. Tears pour. Praises spew  out like a springtime flood. This is Him whom our forefathers spoke of in the Torah. He stands before me! The Son of God! 


Encouragement fills Jesus' heart. His team is building one stone at a time. His love for His disciples grows ever so strong. Excitement is in the air. He thanks His Father for the men who will journey with Him. Sweet tears emerge.  

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Imagine this moment. A sweet relationship born. The scene could have looked totally different if Nathanael acted on his first thoughts, Nazareth is too small a town for the Messiah, the King of Kings, to come from. This has got to be a joke. Wow, he would have missed the blessing of walking side by side with Jesus on this earth!

What about you? Do you allow first impressions to dictate your life? Seek Him and you will find Him. Don't miss the journey God has planned for you with Jesus. As you engage in conversations with the Lord make sure to listen. He knows you inside and out. Bow at His feet and proclaim, You are the Son of God!

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RLM News...

• Reflective Life Ministries has a new look! Check it out... www.reflectivelifeministries.org
• Reflecting Him... Looking for a Bible study for your Fall study? Check out all the whole Reflecting Him Package at the RLM Studies page on the website.

To leave a comment click, "Comment" then write message, click "Anonymous" then "Post Comment." 

     
From My Heart to Yours,
Carla McDougal

Connect the Dots

Do you remember playing Connect the Dots? I love this game! I like staring at the dots trying to determine their final formation. It reminds me of living everyday for Jesus. Together let's play the Connect the Dots game. Read through Acts 12:5-18. Here is the highlighted points of God's connections...

 Peter Freed from Prison

• Peter is thrown into prison.
• The Church is constantly praying for his release.
• He's chained and guarded by four soldiers.
• Plans are set for Peter's execution.
• But, It was against the law to have a trial or sentencing during the Feast of Unleavened Bread... God's perfect timing begins to unfold.
• Peter slept... He wasn't worried, mad, frustrated, or blaming God, but resting. 
• "Boom"... An angel appears with beams of light and striking Peter on the side.
• His chains fall off. He obeys and follows the angel out the prison doors.
• After the angel departs, Peter recognizes God releasing him from prison.
• Immediately God directs Peter to go to Mary's house.
• The church gathered in one accord at Mary's house praying for Peter's release.
• He knocks at the door of the gate. He knocks and knocks until someone answers.
• These Prayer Warriors can't believe their eyes. 
• In the doorway stands their answered prayer... Peter! 

Peter didn't have a clue of God's plan, he just trusted. In the midst of the Prayer Warriors praying, God answered! Tracing the dots backwards we see how each one connects to God's final purpose and plan. Think for a minute, how did Peter's imprisonment affect others? This Dot Chart is still bridging gaps even today. Oh, God's perfect plan doesn't unfold all at once. It is revealed in His perfect timing!

Keep reading to see a real life Connect the Dots life situation...

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Amazing "Connect the Dots" Testimony

~Dedicated to my dear friend Theresa Donlon and her daughter, Anne~ 

I must share a personal testimony about Connecting the Dots. One that is forever embedded in my heart. This is a little long, but so worth your time!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 

• 6:30am. Before my head leaves the pillow the Holy Spirit begins nudging me... Wake up. I am calling you to pray for every Reflecting Him Sister who is doing this Bible study. Immediately this gentle nudge turns into a sharp prod. With arms to heaven, I drop to my knees praying, "Oh Lord, whoever has her Reflecting Him book open please give her understanding. Pour into her, through the Holy Spirit, sweet revelations from Your Word." This prayer continued throughout the day.  
• 7:00pm. Teaching Reflecting Him Live, Week 3 Senses of the Soul, at Magnolia Bible Church. I share the freshness of God calling me to pray for all "Reflecting Him Sisters." The lecture focuses on the Body of Christ loving each other... "Just like a physical cut to the human body causes platelets to rush in forming scabs and white blood cells show up to fight germs we as the Body of Christ needs to act in the same way. When one is hurt by divorce, death, financial difficulties we need to rush to the scene like platelets ready to bring a meal, pick them up, etc. And some need to act as the white blood cells praying against the woes of the enemy!"
• 8:00pm As the lecture ends one of the ladies, Theresa, literally runs to me. Holding her phone out she says, "Read my Facebook post from this morning at 7:05am... Great time with the Lord this morning in my Bible study. God is connecting the dots!" Tears flow. Embracing one another we thank God for uniting our hearts through the Holy Spirit. 

Thursday, February 9

• I receive an email from Jackie the Bible study coordinator at a church in Bandera, TX. Their group agreed to be "Reflecting Him Sisters" with Magnolia Bible Church and pray for one another while they are all going through the Bible study. Her email confirmed how much their BS group enjoyed praying over their Reflecting Him Sisters at MBC. 

Saturday, February 11 

• I receive a Facebook message from a friend, "Carla, I don't know if you heard the news, but yesterday Theresa's daughter, Anne, died in a car wreck." Shock sets in. I read the message 3 or 4 times to make sure I didn't read it wrong. Tears form. Heart aches. Prayers pour. 
• Rushing home I get on facebook to read her posts. My hearts sinks deeper as I read Theresa's words, "My heart is about to burst. I miss her so much! How can this be happening? God I trust you even when it doesn't make sense." Encouraging messages flood her page. A mama's heart breaking. All I can think about is the events that led up to that day. How God prepared my dear friend in His own way and timing. 

Monday, February 13

• I see on Facebook Theresa's oldest daughter recently moved to Bandera, TX (a town the size of about 1000 people). "God Bumps" encompass my body. Immediately, I send a message to Jackie, the Bible study coordinator in Bandera, informing her of the situation. 

 Tuesday, February 14

• 9AM. I receive a phone call from Jackie. I hear a crack in her voice, "Carla, are you sitting down? You are not going to believe this! Theresa's daughter who lives in Bandera is my best friend's daughter-in-law! It's amazing, God called us to pray over Theresa BEFORE this situation occurred. I am in awe of God Connecting the Dots!" 
• 2PM. Anne's Memorial Service is packed. A pin could be heard as Theresa approaches the podium. In humbleness she shares her heart, "God will be glorified and is glorified through my Anne's death. Over the past 3 weeks God prepared me through my Bible study, Reflecting Him. God has a plan. I trust His plan even though it doesn't make sense." Not a dry eye in the room. I sob. In silence I cry out to God, "If you wrote Reflecting Him through me just for my friend, I praise you. I am yours. To you be the glory forever and ever. I submit to you. Use me as your hands and feet here on earth. Amen!" 

God continues to use Anne's life to draw others to Himself. A number of people accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior on the day of her memorial service. Praise the Lord! Thank you to the whole Donlon family for allowing God to shine through all of you. For trusting Him when it doesn't make sense. And for focusing on Him in your pain. God is using all of you in a mighty way to further Kingdom purposes as He continues to Connect the Dots!

Do you recognize when God Connects the Dots in your life? Ask Him to open your eyes to those connections. They are vital to understanding what God is doing in and through you. Thank Him for all the past connections and ones yet to come.

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RLM News...

      

           RLM's Newest Retreat Theme:  Walking on High Heels! For more information go to

www.reflectivelifeministries.org

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From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

From a Mama's Heart... Pray!

1984...

Young, married, and college graduates. With God's help they have enough money to make it through each month. The wife works full-time while her husband labors diligently to complete his graduate degree.  Despite a meager income their relationship strengthens. Just the two of them. Satisfied and secure.

But, hidden deep within her is the desire to be a mother. She continues to ask God to remove this yearning. Suppress it. Hide it. Cover it. Still those motherhood embers continue to stay lit. God knows her heart. He is in control. She prays for the day when she holds her baby for the first time. 

And then the unexpected happens. All in God's timing! 

1986...

Scared, yet excited. Fearful, yet trusting. Scattered, yet collected. This wasn't in the plans. After nine months she wonders how this baby will emerge. Obviously, there's no turning back. Her prayers shift slightly from her unborn child to herself. When she is struck with this thought... I need a Life Verse to pray over my baby. With excitement she begins the scripture hunt. Her fingers come to a screeching halt on Duet 6:5, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Her heart pounds. She knows this is the verse. She continues reading. The next few verses inspire her to also adopt this same scripture as her Life Verse. Blessings flow. 

Her thoughts move to the daddy-to-be, her man. She is overcome with humbleness. He loves God with all His heart, soul and strength. Now in tears she praises God for him, their marriage and their baby! 

Time moves forward.

Overcome with unexplainable joy, she watches her baby sleep. No Words can express her love for this tiny child. She begins praying the Life Verse over him, Lord, help Luke love you with all his heart and all his soul and all his strength. Tears flow.

Time flies. Where did the years go?

2012 - Twenty-Five Years Later...

~To God be the Glory! Amen.~

Challenge for the Week:  Pray for your children to desire a relationship with Jesus as early as possible. Trust God to answer in sweet and tender ways. All in His timing! Be encouraged. Keep praying. Trust Jesus is working His purposes out in your children's lives!

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RLM NEWS...

• Reflective Life Ministries has a New Look! Check out our website... www.reflective Life Ministries.org
• I am having fun with Pinterest... Follow Me
• E-Book available for Reflecting Him: Living for Jesus and Loving It - Now is available at Amazon Kindle Version  or Barnes and Nobles Nook Version  

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From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

Reflective Life Ministries

Author of Reflecting Him

Israel Blog Tour... The Sea of Galilee

A Boat Waiting...

Luke 5:1-10

So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee), and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.   So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

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Tired, yet rested.
Drained, yet filled.
Exhausted, yet refreshed.

Once again the crowd presses in. He feels the intense force squeezing from every direction. The weight is almost too much for Jesus to bear... both physically and spiritually. Beads of sweat emerge on His forehead. In a matter of minutes His tunic is drenched. A chill electrifies a lightening bolt igniting a shiver throughout His body. 

Fully human, yet entirely God. 

He prays in silence as He skirts along the shore, "Father, I'm not made to do this alone. I need help... Your help. Is it time to call in the troops - my disciples? I long to spend time with the ones you have chosen to be by my side. Please open the door for this team to come together soon! I trust your timing, but I really am exhausted. Father you know I have wrestled with Satan's temptations in the wilderness, experienced rejection in my own hometown of Nazareth, faced demon-possessed men, healed the sick, and made the blind see. I am lonely and long for true friends to join me in this journey. Please help me know when the time is right to call our appointed men. I trust you." 

As the crowd thickens He spots two boats. At that moment He realizes His Father answered His prayer by providing a place of refuge. Stepping into the first boat, Jesus lets out a quiet sigh of relief. Turning to Simon, the owner, Jesus says, "Thank you for providing me a place to rest. Do you mind pulling away from the shore so I can speak to the crowd from in here?" With an odd look on his face, Simon grants the request. Jesus, knowing Simon's heart, smiles and begins speaking to the crowd. 

In amazement thoughts plunge through Simon's mind like, Who is this man of wonder? I've never heard the Torah taught with such authority and passion. Then as if out of no where, Jesus turns to Simon and gently commands him to take the boat further out into the deep. Is He kidding? I fished all night and didn't catch a thing. The fish just aren't biting today. Almost as if Jesus perceived Simon's thoughts, He added, "Oh and by the way, when we get there I want you to throw the net into the deep." Simon glanced at the throng of people staring at the boat. He pauses as He faces this choice, one that could change the course of his life forever. A mind debate erupts, Do I follow this man of wonder or do I worry that the people will think I have gone crazy. It is obvious we didn't catch fish last night. Never the less I will obey! 

One by one the throng of people begin screaming and shouting, "Look at Simon! His net is overflowing with fish. Both boats are filled to the brim. This is unbelievable!" Upon reaching the shore, Simon and his fishing partners leave all their possessions, including the largest catch of their lifetime, and follow this Man of Wonder... Jesus... Master... Savior!

All in God's timing. Jesus' prayer. Answered with A Boat Waiting. 

Challenge for the Week...  Does God have a boat waiting for you? Is Jesus asking to go with you along the shores of life? Possibly He is directing you to a deeper place? Are you afraid? Where are your eyes focused... on Jesus or others? Resist saying "No" Him. Think of what Simon would have missed if He'd focused on others! 

RLM News...

• Interview with Divine Calling - Join us for this Reflecting Him live radio interview Wednesday, Jan 25 at 3pm (CT)KRKS-FM - Denver, CO - Life Changing Christian Radio broadcasts, Programs, Ministries and stations -www.947krks.comListen to your favorite KRKS-FM Christian Teaching and Talk radio programs online, find the latest events, weather, news, articles, and more

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From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal
www.reflectivelifeministries.org

The Israel Blog Tour: The Sea of Galilee

The Heavens Declare His Glory...

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.

Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge.

There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. 

Their line has gone out through all the earth, 

and their words to the end of the world.

Psalm 19:1-4

                                                                                                          

Approaching His destination brings a sigh of relief. Rest is near. The aroma drifting off the Sea of Galilee rejuvenates His soul. Peace and quiet call to Jesus, if even for a moment. His weary body feels the effects of traveling for miles. Looking down at His feet, He notices His swollen ankles. All of a sudden, He sees the source of the sharp pain in his feet. The bulging blisters seem to awaken every nerve in His body. He seeks a solitary spot rest. Finding a place for the night brings relief. Using a rock for a pillow, Jesus is lulled by the sound of the water hitting the shoreline. He begins praying, Father, I need some time alone with you! Time to be refreshed. The throng of people are draining my physical, mental and spiritual life. I am tired and my spirit needs replenishing. Closing his eyes, Jesus experiences a sweet union with His Father.

Jesus awakes the next morning while it's still dark. He craves quiet time with His Father. The Sea of Galilee brings Him comfort. Strolling along the shore memories roll in like ripples from the sea. A smile appears as he recalls meeting His first disciples in this very place. Encouragement overwhelms Him.

The crisp breeze gently blows through His cloak. Jesus scans the scenery and notices the sun barely peeking over the mountains casting a reflection on the water. A picturesque moment to behold. Immediately, He recalls His prayer from the night before. He knows His Father is reminding Him of their time together creating the universe. God begins speaking,

Good Morning my son! I miss you. You will be with me soon sitting at my right hand. You are doing a wonderful job. Keep it up! I can't wait for you to return home. But first you have work to accomplish. Continue to listen to me every minute and I will give you the words to speak. I love you!

With hands raised and tears flowing Jesus quotes Psalm 19:5-6, 

In the heavens He has set a tabernacle for the sun, 

which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, 

and rejoices like a strong man to run its race. 

Its rising is from one end of heaven, 

and its circuit to the other end; 

And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

A hush comes over the sea. In that moment He experiences a tender touch. An answered prayer. A refreshment without words! 

Are you in need of replenishing your walk with the Lord? Are you tired, worn out and weary? Ask God for refreshment. Recognize the times throughout your day He is giving you a touch of encouragement. And remember... The heavens declare the glory of the Lord!

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RLM NEWS...

• Reflecting Him Live Teaching - Starting Tuesday, Jan 17 at 7pm I will Kickoff Reflecting Him at Magnolia Bible Church in Magnolia,TX. You are welcome to join us. The following 9 weeks they will have a 9:30am and 7:00pm Tues night groups.
• RLM Website - New Look to arrive soon. Keep checking for updates!
• Behind the Veil - is now available in a full version movie. Click on Store to order yours today!

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From My Heart to Yours,

Carla

carla@reflectivelifeministries.org

The Israel Blog Tour: The Sea of Galilee

Blessed for Standing!

What do you notice in this picture... a boat, the turbulent waters, the scenery, the colors? Look again. Search for the message.

"I will bless those who bless you, (Israel) and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of he earth shall be blessed." Gen 12:3

Now do you see the heart of God in this photo? The two flags flying together with a cross between them? Two nations beckoning a message for all to see: America's support for Israel. This is beyond a political bulletin to the world, it is a spiritual call. God promises to bless the man or nation that blesses His Chosen People. History proves beyond reasonable doubt that the nations who have blessed the Jewish people have been blessed by God. And, the nations who've cursed the Jewish people have experienced the curse of God... economically, spiritually, moral decay, His protection lifted, natural disasters, and more.

We, the United States of America, must continue to support the nation of Israel. Join me in praying for the nation of Israel! Pray that our political men and women will understand the importance of girding this nation in every way. 

"Thank you, Lord, that we as a nation support the country of Israel. I ask that we continue to stand behind them. Lord, hem Israel in from behind and in front. Thank you for the opportunity to be grafted into your Kingdom." 

I took this picture while cruising on Sea of Galilee in a Worship Boat called "Faith!" A tender memory I will never forget... 

From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal

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