Turtle Tuesday: Strike A Pose

Today
Regardless of what you see...
No matter how you feel...
The Lord is in control.
He's working AND He is good.

So strike a pose like B, the headstand turtle.

She is choosing to trust the Lord regardless of her current circumstances. This move has put her in a new position. You might even say it's uplifting one. Today B shares her posing thoughts with you. She wants you to b on higher ground also.

Stop whatever you are doing.
Look up... Give the Lord a smile:)
He loves you. JOY!
He sees you. JOY!
His ears have heard your cry. JOY !
He knows everything and He is not overwhelmed with what to do! JOY!
He has a plan. JOY!
He is faithful. JOY!
He is with you. JOY!
Oh radiant bride, strike a pose! Heaven is preparing for a wedding. You are invited! JOY!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom 15:13

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: A ''Dressed' Fieldstone

B, the field stone wasn't sure what she was supposed to say this morning, so she waited.

This afternoon the message came in clear with the sound of a beep-beep-beep. It was a text from B's bloggy friend Angie or mayb I should say a 'wake up' call. I knew she had a word for me. Sparks fly when she speaks. Angie said "God is calling us to 'get dressed' for the occasion just ahead." B immediately saw a picture of herself as she read the text...the one you are looking at today...B, the dressed fieldstone. Then the Lord brought these words to B's mind.

LOOK AT THE FIELDS...
(fields, of course, B's a field stone , I get that Lord )

B immediately searched for the verse in her Bible. She saw what the Lord was saying. She also knew the Lord wanted you to see .

B's eyes are closed .

R yours?

I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."
John4:35-36

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesdays: The Well and Tell

One morning B, the artist and I were praying in my family room. Bandit, my dog, the furry b in my household was in the kitchen evidently unaware of the holy moment we were experiencing. He was at his bowl gulping water like he was in a race to finish. You would have thought he hadn't had water for days.

I tried not to b distracted by his noises but I was. My thoughts in prayer drifted to his thirst level. You could hear it, see it, and feel it. Anyone who walked by his path would experience some of the furry b's overflow dripping from his jowls.

All that noise brought me to a quiet place. It made me think about me, B, the turtle at the well.

Do I open my Bible with GREAT thirst for living water to fill my b'ing?

Am I EXPECTING to encounter Jesus at the well?

Is He WAITING for me to meet HIM there TODAY? ( I heard a yes.)
The Lord is waiting for you at His deep well. If you call on His name He will tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. And you will leave the well changed, refreshed, and with something to say.
Go Tell what you hear at the Well. Your 'Village' is dying of thirst.

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesdays: Out of the Box!

Meet B, the messenger turtle. She is not a big part of the story today. Actually she never is: ) She is truly just a reporter, sharing the things she has seen and heard from God. B felt compelled to share this good news story with you.

Four homeless men came to our worship service at Flounders Restaurant on Pensacola Beach Sunday. The problem was they arrived a tad late. They overslept and the service had already ended. I recognized one of them immediately as he removed his sunglasses. Sean had attended our services earlier in the summer. Several people offered them water and snacks. I decided to stop what I was doing and visit with them.

While we were talking, an image of this shoe box flashed across my mind. My friend Laura had given me a brand new pair of running shoes to share with someone in need. I had passed out lots of school clothes in the Village a few weeks ago where I serve, but I held on to this box. I felt these shoes were supposed to go to someone homeless. I inquired about their shoe sizes. Sean was the 'Cinderella' in this story. The shoes would fit him!

When I returned from my car with the shoe box in hand, Sean and his friend were at a table crying. "What's wrong?" I asked. They had a story to tell B. Sean had thrown away his old worn out tennis shoes before they came to our worship service. These homeless men realized God wasted no time providing new shoes for him. I was floored hearing this and so were they. B'ing a good reporter, I realized there was MORE to this shoe story.

"Sean " I stated, "God is after you! You better let Him catch you, because you can't outrun Him!" He hugged me with tears stinging his eyes. You see, Sean did not really miss the message by b'ing late on Sunday. God spoke to him 'out of the box'. Sean knew it too. I believe the Lord was smiling the whole time. God gave Sean some running shoes in case he wants to run from His plans for his life, knowing they will never be fast enough. God has not finished His story with Sean. I pray one day B, the messenger turtle can share the rest of his story.

Sean's story reminds me of this truth. We can run but we cannot hide! He sees and knows ALL.

God, investigate my life; get all the facts
firsthand. I'm an open book to
you;even from a distance, you know what I'm
thinking. You know when I leave
and when I get back;I'm never out of your
sight. You know everything I'm
going to say before I start the first
sentence. I look behind me and you're
there,then up ahead and you're
there, too — your reassuring presence, coming
and going. This is too much,
too wonderful — I can't take it all in! Is
there anyplace I can go to
avoid your Spirit?to be out of your sight? If I
climb to the sky, you're
there!If I go underground, you're there! If I flew
on morning's wings to
the far western horizon, You'd find me in a minute —
you're already there
waiting! (from THE MESSAGE) Psalm 139 1-10

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesdays: Read The Signs

B wasn't seeking a sign, but she found one a few weeks ago. She was walking along her path on an ordinary day, doing what she was supposed to b doing and there it was. A Sign planted with B's name all over it! DARE TO DREAM! B gave the Lord a big 'cheesy' smile just like the one she is showing you today. In fact, she couldn't wipe the smile off her face. B knew she was supposed to read the sign and share the message with others. Meet B, the dreaming turtle.

If you are a frequent visitor on the B Log, you have heard some of her lofty dreams. She calls them 'lofty' because her dreams are a gift from above. Now, that may sound like B is trying to b 'all special and everything' but hear this ....B knows her dreams are NOT ABOUT her. Dreams are always connected to God's heartbeat for His world. They are about OTHERS. If our focus is on 'us' in the dream, the Lord will give us lots of growing time in the Son so we can understand His purpose for our dream. Joseph, known as a dreamer in the Bible could testify to that.

B wonders today if you have a 'lofty' dream also. The words below are from 'The Message' and they are a message for you today. B's just delivering them as she runs her race at a turtle's pace.

This vision-message is a witness pointing to what's coming. It aches
for the coming — it can hardly wait!And it doesn't lie.If it seems slow in
coming, wait.It's on its way. It will come right on time. Hab 2:3
Dare To Dream...With God ALL things are possible!

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

Turtle Tuesdays: The Landing Strip

Welcome to Turtle Tuesdays. Each week, I feature a turtle from my collection and share her story. Sometimes we stay on the surface of the water; other times we go deeper. I totally have fun with this! I hope you do too.

Houston, the turtle has landed on 'a wing and a prayer' 4 u!

Meet B, the 'wide awake' turtle. (Yes, her lashes are real. They just look painted on :) She is in the 'no snoozing' zone today, where it all started. The Garden. It is the beginning of her story and yours.

Last week 'The Strong Tower' had B praying all over the bloggy garden. She is keeping watch on this Turtle Tuesday post, leaving 'a prayer 4 u'. Receive, believe, and Agree. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16

O Lord, You are the One we look to. Our eyes are on you, the One True God. The Everlasting God. You sit enthroned above the circle of the earth and you see us. Each one of us. We know you in part, but you know us fully. You knew we would fall in the garden and hide in our shame. But you had a plan to cover our sin and wash away our filth. You loved us first. Thank you Jesus for shedding your blood for us, allowing us to have a relationship with you. May we cherish that privilege every day.

Lord, B wants to lift the bloggy world up to you. Like Martha, we are often worried and upset about many things, often forgetting to chose the best thing...YOU. I pray that we focus on YOU; sit at your feet today and gaze at you. Gaze. Just B. B yours. You have good plans for each of us and our future is full of hope. Your eyes are looking for hearts perfect toward you so you can show yourself strong. Sometimes Lord, you do that in ways we wouldn't choose. Thank you Jesus for always knowing what is best and working all things for good. Our prayer Lord is that others would see you in us. I ask for the bloggy world to reach many on the www who do not know you. I pray you would direct lost turtles to our blogs so they can find the Way. Inspire our blogs with your words and our hearts to reflect yours. Like John the Baptist, use our blogs to point to you Jesus.

May we post lots of praise, thanks, and comments to you Lord today. I pray our greatest desire is to please and honor you. Help us not to look at the blog beside us and measure our worth according to their gifts and talents. May each of us grow what we have been given and use it for your glory. Let us not get carried away by followers and comments, but be reminded of our call. Our call is to follow you.

I pray especially for those in a difficult season. He is with you. I pray for healing for our bloggy sisters Deedee and Sheryl. Also for those I don't know. You know them Lord. You love them all.

Jesus, our hope is in you. B hears the alarm going off. May the whole wide world's eyes be awake to who you are. Pray continually bloggers. You know the saying, you snooze, you lose. This is your watch too.
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.
Amen.

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesdays: The Thanksgiving Turtle

Meet B, the Thanksgiving turtle.

B is a new turtle in my collection. As you can see, she's quite charming. I hesitate to mention this fact about B, but she is okay sharing it with you.

B looks like a butterball turtle! How appropriate is that for a Thanksgiving turtle. She's stuffed full of Thanksgiving and Praise for her Father in Heaven. Listen to what will be coming out of her at the table.

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;I will tell of all your
wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O
Most High. Ps. 9:1-2

As she was searching for the right ingredients for her stuffing, she saw this verse:

But I, with a song of thanksgiving , will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD." Jonah 2:9

B has been given much from the Lord. She's very thankful and grateful for His touch on her life. She needed to repeat Jonah's words; What I have vowed, I will make good. Thank you God. B loves you!

Important ****Our bloggy friend Dee Dee needs your prayers.
B His Girl

Don't Just Count Your Blessings, B One!

Turtle Tuesdays: The Turtle Musketeers!

Meet B and the Turtle Musketeers. You have probably seen these hand motions before. They have been around for years! Not to b outdone by a bunch of monkeys, B and friends got all stacked up to add a new twist. Today they share words of wisdom.

That's B on the bottom of the stack. Here is her proverb:

He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.
Prov. 21:23

Lord, please give B and her bloggy friends the wisdom to know when to speak up and when to shut up.

B2's in the middle. She used to cover her ears and sing the La, La song. No more...Hear this:

Listen to my instruction and be wise;do not ignore it. Blessed is
the man who listens to me,watching daily at my doors,waiting at my doorway.
Prov.8:33-34

Lord, thank you for opening our ears that we may hear your voice. We want to obey you.

B3's at the top. She has a Big Word for somebody today.

A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions.
The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Prov.
27:12

Lord, you give us signs and warning when there is danger ahead. I pray we seek shelter in you. You are our strong tower.

B Wise!

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesdays: Waiting On A Post

Meet B, the turtle post :)
B tends to step out of her Box on Turtle Tuesdays and today is no exception. You may expect this post to b a little tongue and cheek, but it has a point. This week B has been traveling on the Blog and she found a post after her turtle girl heart. It wasn't a regular inspiring post, although she read many of those. It was about a turtle on a fence post. Check out AnnieBlogs post:
http://annieblogs.com/2008/10/05/a-turtle-on-a-fence-post/

Seeing two turtle post within two days of each other made B sit and think. Some things are worth 'pond'ering over. B tries to pay attention to signs ,especially when she keeps seeing them. Are there any signs you keep seeing ? "Maybe, just maybe, there were many turtle girls on the post" B thought.

Annie said, "No one looks at the turtle and thinks the turtle put himself there. Quite the contrary. The turtle was placed there. And it is WAY obvious."

B knows that's true. She could have never climbed that high on her own. She has been placed there, but she knows she has not been abandoned. Sometimes B get a little impatient on her watch post. Patience has never been her greatest fruit, but sitting on the post has helped that.

You may B the turtle in the picture this Turtle Tuesday. B has some post to post thoughts for you.

Your steps are ordered turtle girl and so are the resting spots.

If you look around, the view is pretty good from the fence post; most turtles can’t see what you can. Take in the view. Don't waste your time there complaining. There's always a reason for the layover. When you are removed from your post and yes, yes, turtle girl, you will b, remember what you saw. Keep this lesson in your shell. It will guide you when you can't see the forest for the trees. Keep praising and praying from the post. B an expectant turtle!

Mic 7:7
But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesdays: The Obedient Turtle

Turtle Tuesdays: No Hiding

This is not a fish tale you are about to hear. It is a true turtle story. (The only stretching you will see is with this turtle's neck!) He who has ears, let him hear!

Monday afternoon, I went outside with my camera to photograph a ceramic turtle for today. Turtle Tuesdays is when I feature one of my special turtles and their story. I know it is silly, but I feel led to share my turtle collection with you. My Springer Spaniel, Bandit, was already outside. He had found a REAL turtle. He held it in his mouth for a moment, then dropped it. Bandit was scared of the little turtle. Some watchdog huh!

That was the moment I met B, the Real Turtle with a Word.

Wow, I thought. God sent me a turtle for my (b)log. Thanks, Lord. What great timing He had! (I knew He was reading my blog. : )

I placed B in the garden for a photo shoot. After her encounter with Bandit, she had withdrawn into her shell. I waited for her to stick her neck out. My eyes and camera were focused on her.

I waited and I waited and I waited. She just sat there. There were no signs of movement.

How long was B going to keep me waiting????

Then it hit me. Oh my goodness! God was talking to me. I was B, the turtle with my head in my shell again!

God is waiting on me...."B" His Girl, to stick my neck out in obedience. It's my turn! He has asked me to do something and I have not moved in it. That's all I can say about that for now, but B's Turtle Tuesday word is not just for me. You were sent here to read this.

Is He waiting on you too?

The Word says, "But my righteous one shall live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.

"B" His Girl

How I Came to "B" His Turtle Girl

I was driving across the 3 mile bridge... sharing my dilemma with my friend Laura. God had just revealed something absolutely shocking to me! He was calling me to talk about Him.... out there...in front of people! There is nothing in my personality that likes being up front . ( I never wanted to be class president.) What was He thinking??? I already talked about Him constantly, but I did that one on one. I just have to say this. How could anyone not talk about Him if they really know Him? I joke with the Lord that it would take more than duct tape to keep me quiet about Him. : ) He is the Alpha and Omega, and EVERYTHING in between.

As Laura and I were discussing my call , it was so overwhelming. " I just want to 'b' a turtle and put my head in my shell" I said. At that moment, a picture of the this turtle passed before my eyes. My friend, Anita had given it to me a couple of weeks earlier. Then I heard the Lord say to me, "Barbara, I don't want your head in a shell. I want you out there for me." It was a moment, a bridge moment that I will always remember. What would I do with that moment? What are you doing with your moments?

That is my 'in the beginning' of "B"eing His turtle girl. By the way, did you notice the color of my first turtle? Yes, she's green. Kermit the frog, in his book said, "It's hard being green." Dittos Kermit! Do you know where this turtle is headed as she comes out of her shell? The Deep! Deep calls to Deep! The light draws her gently to the water. Imagine seeing her face when her flipper first touched that refreshing water. WOW! She wanted to tell all the other turtles who were stuck in the sand that there was MORE ahead. "Don't give up; Keep Walking!" she found herself saying.

What am I doing with my moment? This turtle's talking... out there. She found out she could do MORE than she thought she could. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13. No more hiding in my shell; The Lord is my hiding place now. (Psalm 32:7) P.S. I have read the end of the story. The turtle wins the race!


"B" His turtle girl.

*If a turtle loses his shell, is he homeless or naked? ; 0 )