Thankful Thursday: He Makes All Things New!

God has done great things and I am filled with JOY. See the NEW THING He is doing in 'The Village.'


The Lord brought light into a dark place. He did that in the beginning and He is still doing it NOW...Let there be light.

A young girl has a spot to lay her head.











B likes to post prayers and we posted one on Niguel's bulletin board. It's in the cross. I couldn't resist adding a turtle, with a message for her to B His Girl!






Color our world Lord.




















Lamps add light. A journal in the yellow basket awaits her thoughts. Inside this nightstand is a message from God glued to the wood for Niguel's life. Jer. 29:11-14

I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out — plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. "When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. "When you come looking for me, you'll find me. (THE MESSAGE)
Smiles from all the girls. Niguel, Dominique, and my girl Megan.
Thank you God for using MANY people to makeover this room. You ordered everything here. I pray this room is a reminder of your love for this family. It certainly is to me. Thank you Jesus. B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: The Circle

Meet B, the praying turtle. Would you believe B is still thinking about spots? As you can see, she's actually covered in them today. She also has a spot in the circle for you to join her heart in prayer.

Almighty God, You and you alone are the one true God. What would we do without you? To whom would we go? Thank you God that we don't really need to 'pond'er that thought today. You are with us.

Lord, sometimes storms come up in our lives. Big Storms. Darkness seems to engulf us. If we take our eyes off the storm, we see you standing before us. Your voice beckons us to come closer. Your desire Lord is for our eyes to be open, not closed in fear. Lord we are thankful this Turtle Tuesday that you Jesus are the Light of the World. Our storms never catch you by surprise. In you, we can find refuge and shelter. You are an ever present help in times of trouble. Jesus you said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 I am reminded today Jesus You Are the one who stilled the waters. You Are the one who shed His blood to wash away our sin. You Are the one we have placed our hope and trust in. You Are the GREAT I AM. Therefore, we declare You as our heart's resting spot. Thank you Jesus for saving a place for us in the circle. We love you.

B His Girl

B's Spots!

There are some 'spots' in your house you might not want to put on the tour of homes or your blog: ) Today B takes you to hers. Her garage... where the door is almost always closed.

You see, B has a lot of stuff at the present moment. Some people might call her stuff JUNK. Yes, JUNK! B doesn't see it that way at all. Her 'spot' is a work in progress. This stuff is going to decorate a new space. It is undergoing a transformation. B is hopeful it will play a part in changing a young girl's life.

She is priming the furniture with white to prepare it for the finished look. The soft mattress will provide rest for a girl with no place to lay her head. Lamps will bring light into a dark room. Bedding will be a covering and add color to her room.

B is excited about the makeover in progress. She will share photos next week from The Village, where this stuff will be used. You will meet Nigel, a teen, in her spot. Her room. It will no longer be empty. She will have stuff in it. Stuff painted with love, ordered by God, and designed by the BB's... Barbara and Betty. I pray God will do a mighty work there.



(still more below)









Speaking of spots. I put my first coat of black paint on the furniture last night. I must tell you B is a very messy painter. Black spots were all over my hands and clothes. I definitely had a 'Dalmatian look' going on. I thought I cleaned all the paint off . This morning my son saw this spot still on the back of my arm. I couldn't see it. (It's difficult to take a good photo of the back of your arm: ) This reminded me how Jesus washed away my spots when I looked to Him as Savior and Lord of my life. I could not make myself clean enough. Jesus brought light into my darkness. Now I can open my garage door, B His home, and make my B-log all about Him. He's making my spots into something good.

He makes EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL in its time. Eccl 3:11

B His Girl

A 'B' Story

I was sitting in the airport frantically going over my list, hoping I packed everything for our trip. If I had forgotten something, the reality was it was too late now. We would be boarding the plane for Atlanta any minute.

My thoughts shifted to my assigned seat for the flight. I would be sitting across the aisle from my children, next to a stranger. In the past, it seemed I always sat next to someone whose life was in major turmoil . The routine often went like this. They spilled their guts to my listening ears. I put on my thinkin' cap doing my best to help them in an hour or less. It was like 'Dear Abby' in the skies. However on this flight I could not rely on my old routine, where I racked my brain for some good advice. I was not flying solo on this. I knew Jesus. I could point to Him.
As I waited for the gate to open, this question popped into my head. Am I prepared to share the reason for the hope that I have? Really prepared? To be honest, I was exhausted from packing and planning. I felt weary. I wanted peace and quiet on this flight, no turbulent life story. I was willing to take one for the team if necessary, but my fuel level was almost on E.

As I walked down the aisle, I saw my assigned seat next to a businessman. Seeing his face buried in USA Today brought a sigh of relief as I plopped in the seat next to him. It appeared I was off the hook. I could finish my Bible lesson without interruption and check this off my 'to do' list : ) Ten minutes into the flight Mr. Businessman place his folded newspaper in his lap. He leaned over to check out what I was studying. He recognized the Word. I was stunned. Mr. Businessman knew Jesus! Not only did he know Jesus, he wanted to talk about Him too. My countenance immediately perked up.

For the next forty minutes Chris, formerly Mr. Businessman, and I had the most incredible conversation about the Lord. We were soaring as we testified to God's goodness in our lives. The Holy Spirit was fueling this conversation. It was incredible, truly incredible. Time seemed to fly by and soon we heard the caption announce our arrival in Atlanta. I didn't want to land. People started crowding the aisle, gathering their overhead luggage. I stood up, joining the line to exit the plane with my children. I turned to Chris expressing my gratitude for meeting him. He nodded in agreement as I said goodbye. "Wait!" he said. Chris opened his briefcase and handed me a book, The Purpose Driven Life. (This was before it was well know.) "I want you to have this Barbara." I accepted the book graciously, recognizing the significance of the moment. As I stepped off the plane, my children immediately started talking about the nice man. "Who was he?" they asked.

Chris obviously had a divine appointment to sit by me that day, to spill his thoughts about Jesus. I boarded this flight weary but I have to tell you ...Barbara walked off flying. On the concourse I stared at the book in my hands. The Purpose Driven Life. I wanted that kind of life. As I paused, the Lord spoke a word to me I will never forget. It has become a signature phrase in my life. He said, "Barbara, I don't need you to do something for me. I just need you to be. " B...just B. I ponder His words to me often.

The Lord doesn't 'need' me or you to 'do something' for Him. He wants to 'do something' in us AND through us . That is how the world will see Jesus, not by our own efforts. My 'purpose' is to b connected to HIM, the true vine. Without Him, I can 'do' nothing. I am called to Be. You are too.
In Shakespeare's Hamlet, he said these words,

To Be or Not to Be? That is the question.

This is not the end of my 'B' story. I will forever B His Girl!

Turtle Tuesday: Check, Check, Check

Check, Check, Check ! Those are the words B, the speaker turtle uses when she tests a microphone. That is not why she is saying them today though.

This is a location check. Last year B received an important ministry message from above. She feels the call to share it with you today. You can substitute your name for mine. "B, the spotlight is ALWAYS supposed to b on me." B, the speaker turtle's eyes grew big when she heard those words. They caught her totally off guard. B was to stand beside the One in the spotlight and speak from His shadow. He made her position very clear.(Thank you Lord.) B, the speaker turtle didn't want to b looking like a 'deer in headlights'. That's a look when you are 'found' somewhere you are not supposed to b.

Check, Check, Check! If you are in the spotlight, you may experience a major bump in the road.

B His Girl
(Double Check if you are sure this message is not for you. That's what B just heard.)
Lord help us make this really all about you. Thank you for your mercy. We want to serve you and not ourselves.
I am closing comments today so we can say a prayer instead :) May God's smile be seen in your life today. love ya, b

Trees...Thoughts from a branch

It begins with these words," I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree." This is the first line in the poem Trees, by Joyce Kilmer. I recited this poem from memory in front of my 5th grade class. I must have done okay because much of this poem remains in my memory today. The funny thing about this poem is how God has used it in my life over the years. I notice trees.

This tree, a live oak, is growing in Perdido Key, FL. It saved a man's life during Hurricane Ivan. As the raging flood waters swept through his house, they carried him out as well. He clung to this tree during a Category 3, almost Cat. 4 storm for hours. I imagine this tree is lovely to him.

This dead tree is located in the same neighborhood. I almost missed the beauty it holds. As I walked by this tree, a large winged bird caught my eye as she landed in its branches. Check out who calls this tree home.
A blue heron and her fluffy baby heron nest here.The owner of this property shared how incredible it is to watch flying lessons from his porch. His words made me think about the Lord watching us from His porch. Heaven. Talk about location, location, location....He has it. He has lots available if you are interested in living there ; )

The baby heron, barely visible in the photo ,will one day fly. She will be led to a great body of water just beyond this tree and learn how to catch fish. As I am writing this post, the Lord brought this verse to my mind. "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19
This is my handwriting and markings as a child in my first Bible, a palm size New Testament. I ran across it recently. Matthew 4:19 is the only verse marked in the whole book. I believe this is the first verse I memorized as a child, even before John 3:16. An 'out of the blue' thought just crossed my mind. I don't think this is from me. Tuesday morning the Lord changed my Turtle post at the last minute to include a boat. It really threw me off schedule. I did not understand why He wanted me to do that, but I obeyed. Read this verse again. "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men."

Could that b what's going to rock B's boat? Catching a boatload of fish, so many fish the boat starts rocking, with the possibility of sinking. Jesus showed the disciples who followed Him a picture of that in the natural. WOW! This verse actually has my name on it. This moment was planned years ago. WOW God! (If I ever got 'goosebumps', it would b now.) The Lord wants to take US fishing... in a great body called the world.

The last line in Trees, "Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree." Thank you Jesus for using one of your trees to reconcile the world to yourself.

B His Girl

Here is the cover of my first Bible. My little black book. I wish I had called Home with these numbers sooner in my life. They never changed. The Lord was waiting on my call. Thank you Jesus. I love you. b

Turtle Tuesday: Part 4: Growing Up to B His Girl

B had today all planned. Turtle Tuesday was going to be a snap and B was excited. Everything was falling into place like clock work. Her photo shoot had gone smoothly yesterday. In fact, it was picture perfect for the tale she planned on tellin' today. B was ahead of the game and quite proud of herself I might add. However, this morning, she found there was a change in the wind. She paid attention. A new course had been charted. Another post needed to be written. There were MORE lessons to learn. Mayb smooth sailing wasn't in the forecast as planned.

B discovered she wasn't through growing up on Turtle Tuesdays, not by a long shot. Actually, she felt more like 'throwing up' as she leaned over the edge of the small boat and looked below. The water seemed calm, much like a sheet of glass, but she knew things were changing. B heard the warning sound of an approaching storm. A 'see' advisory had been posted and B was on the lookout.

The Master of her faith and the Captain of her Soul pinpointed this spot in B's chart this morning. This is His message in a nutshell. Prov. 16:9

In his heart a man plans his course,but the Lord determines his steps.

B knows her hard shell can't shield her from the storm. So B, the rocking turtle, tossed her anchor into the wind, trusting His holding power.

God knows where YOU are right now and every step is planned by Him. Your plans may b in line with the Lord, but the way He gets you there will probably look different. Count on it! The Lord is known for 'rocking people's world'. (Thank you Lord.) He also seems to b very comfortable on the water, whether napping in a boat or taking a walk. He is asking you and B to trust Him, sail with Him. I hear Him adding this verse for the voyage:

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper
you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

B His Girl

Tagging Answers to His Questions

Yesterday my daughter's car blocked my vehicle in the garage so I took my 12 year old son to school in hers. She is a senior and often her car is a highly decorated moving sign. Teens not only love to text on their phones but also enjoy tagging their vehicles as well. I have to say it was a little embarrassing to be the reading material in the car pool line. 'Say Yes' was the message seen driver's side of the car as we dashed off to school. The tagger wanted Megan to 'Say Yes' and be their date for Prom.

I didn't think much about my car sign until I read Lysa Terkeurst's post last night from Proverbs31.org. Here is part of her Release post.
"Why not make today the day you start saying yes to God? Why not utter this prayer, "God before I even know what it might cost me or require of me, I choose to say yes to you." And then get up from praying and dare to look for God's amazing invitation for you to trust Him- for you to say yes."
http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/2009/05/release.html

I had a holy pause as I read this. The picture of my daughter's car window flashed before my eyes. 'Say Yes'. It was clear to me Jesus was behind the wheel of that Camry. You may not see Him in the photo but He is there. He tagged B's heart.

He doesn't want the 99.9% I have given Him. Jesus wants everything. Every single crevice in me. I know I am blogging this post to the choir, but aren't we the ones who sing the song... I Surrender All. Are you at 100%? My voice was never meant to sing solo. Trust me on that.
If you are reading this, consider yourself tagged, not by me, but by Him. Will you 'Say Yes'?

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: Part 3: Growing Up to B His Girl

If you read B's Turtle Tuesday growing story last week, "Rock You World, Squirrel" you might be under the impression B's walk with the Lord has been relatively easy and clearly marked. She sees, she hears, and she walks. Her lips always seem to b flapping the words "Keep Walking by faith" You might secretly want to say, "Give me a break B. Are you always smiling, looking expectantly in your walk? B real, turtle girl! Has your garden always looked like a bed of roses?"

Today B shares a 'not so lovely' photo of herself. She is in a dry place. B isn't flashing any pearly whites here. Actually she is doing the opposite. The grimace on her face gives you a hint into some of her growing up years. It isn't really the look she prefers to post today, but she is following the leader on this. As her friend Kermit the frog says, "It's not easy being green." And B, the turtle would add, "It's not always fun sharing 'the green' either!"

Meet B, the desert turtle. This turtle's terrain has not always been a lush garden, full of signs and wonders. Her path has sometimes been rocky, tiresome, and even lonely. B admits she felt abandoned in the desert. She did not raise her hand to travel this course, but found it a necessary route as she followed Jesus. B was tempted at times to compromise her walk in the wilderness. She questioned if she was cut out to do this. She heard another voice calling to her in her desert time. He cast doubt on God's words spoken to B. She considered his words. They sounded something like this. 'Would God really 'rock' someones world like you B? Who do you think you are? We both know you are not worthy of 'rocking'. If you continue walking.... I will b publishing photos of you when you were horrid . B, do YOU understand?'

In the desert, B faced a dilemma. Threats were hurled at her. This was a test. A big test. What would B do? What would you do? Would B continue walking to the oasis waiting to supply strength for the journey? Or would she shrink back in her shell, into her old patterns? B remembered the Lord's words to her.

Blessed is she who has believed what the Lord has said to her will b
accomplished. Luke 1:45

The view from above was clear. The Son was with B. He left His mark on her head. B was not alone, no matter how her surroundings looked. No weapon formed against her would prosper. B believed and she encouraged herself in the Lord. She started flapping her lips again repeating these words, "Keep walking by faith B. The Lord will b proved faithful and true to His word. "

B His Girl