"Spiritual Inheritance"

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

(2Timothy 1:5)

Lord, thank you for a spiritual inheritance, and Godly offspring.  May I be faithful to serve as an example of your love and grace.

In Jesus Name,

Faith Jaudon

Pic:  My mother, Margie

My son, CJ

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. 

(Psalm 127: 3-5)

Lord, we know that children are precious in your sight.  Protect our little ones and set them on fire for you that others will rush to watch them burn in the anointed oil of your presence.  Raise up Godly fathers and mothers to live a life of purity in front of these lovely children, in Jesus name.

Faith Jaudon

Pic:  Jeremy, Kahla, Trista, & Laura Grace

"Sweet Anticipation"

The child grew and became strong in spirit...

(Luke 1:80)

Faith Jaudon

Pic:  Kristen & Baby Ali

Due: April 1, 2010

"A Labor Of Love"

A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth, she no longer remembers her anguish, for joy that a child has been born into the world.

(John 16:21)

Lord, help us not think on the transitional pains of our labor, but rather focus on what you're trying to birth through us!  Give us the strength to push through the difficulties and focus on the joy of life that comes at the end, if we faint not... in Jesus name.

Faith Jaudon

Pic:  My Precious Children

"Son's Of Adoption"

Think of it this way...If a father dies and leaves great wealth for his young children, those children are not much better off than slaves until they grow up, even though they actually own everything their father had.  They have to obey their guardians until they reach whatever age their father set. 

And that's the way it was with us before Christ came.  We were slaves to the spiritual powers of this world.  But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.  God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could ADOPT us as his very own children.  And because you Gentiles have become his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son  into your hearts, and now you can call God your dear Father.  Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child.  And since you are HIS CHILD, EVERYTHING HE HAS BELONGS TO YOU!

( Galatians 4:1-7)

 What a beautiful reminder that our INHERITANCE rest with our heavenly Father, and HE longs to give good gifts to HIS CHILDREN...

Father God, thank you Lord for the reminder that we are never poor with you as our daddy.

Faith Jaudon

Pic:  Our newly adopted son, Michael

"It's Not Odd, It's God"

I love to see the reactions of individuals when I tell them that I have two sons with the exact same birthdays born only minutes apart, but they're not twins!  The top picture is C.J. who is my natural son, and the bottom picture is Timothy, my step-son.  Timothy came to live with us in his earlier years and it wasn't long before he and CJ realized they had a common bond in the spirit.  They both love music and are passionate for God's glory!  

Their love for their faith motivated them to teach themselves how to play various instruments in order to worship their creator.  I am proud to say, both of them are praise and worship leaders serving God faithfully with their talents.

Son's of the LIVING GOD, I wish for you a very Happy Birthday this February 13th.    May your steps be ordered of the Lord, and may you serve Him all the days of your precious lives.

Father God, thank you for Godly offspring who love and fear you.  I pray for all the mother's and father's who don't know you personally...I ask for mercy and grace to abound for those in rebellion against your will. 

Some things are just DESTINED TO BE....

Faith Jaudon

Pic:  C.J. & Timothy

"Heavenly Embrace"

I snapped this picture of my father and step-daughter, Tiffany.  It reminded me of when I use to crawl up and snuggle with Daddy when I was Tiffany's age.  Even now I have that longing to get in his lap and have him hold me.  There's something about a parent's/grandparent's embrace, that can't compare to anything else in the world.  Personally, I've been a parent, now a grandparent,  and  can testify that there's something about the touch of a loved one.  It's hard for me to phathom the loss of my father's touch, although I know that day will come...  I often say to him as I hug him, "Daddy, please don't die."  He always smiles and reassures me of his love, something I will forever hold on to even when he's absent from this earth. 

However, there is a love that comes from our HEAVENLY Father that we will never be separated from.  The Bible speaks of this love found in Romans 8:38,39 it says, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God found in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Father God, let the person reading this blog post feel your love right now.  Allow them to feel the embrace of a loving Father... Heal their wounds and restore their souls....Be real to them like never before, show them your will for their life, and encourage them today.  Bless them with peace that surpasses all understanding and joy unspeakable!

In Jesus Name,

Faith

Pic:  Daddy & Tiffany

"Brotherly Love"

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity...

(Psalm 133:1)

Faith Jaudon

Pic:  Daddy & Mark (son-in-law's father)

"Valley Of Decisions"

Multitudes, multitudes, in the "valley of decisions"... (Joel 3:14)

I must admit there are days I find myself....a little lost.  I'm sure you know the feeling.  It's like one moment you know exactly why you were put on this earth, and within the next moment you doubt why you were born!  We all have days like this, days of certainty and days of uncertainty... 

I love this picture of Laura Grace.  It reminds me of a scene in the movies where someone steps off the train and appears lost.  They look to the left and right not certain who or what they are looking to find.  It's that way in life sometimes isn't it?  As children growing up we have all these dreams of what we want to be or do  with our lives and then when we reach adulthood and those visions of grandeur seem to fade into thin air!

However, it's not that way with God.  He is steadfast, secure, and never waivers!  His love for us is secure, and His promises true!  So, whether your're in the process of a job change, or maybe you've lost your job and you're debating whether or not to return to school, whatever the case may be...  God loves you and desires for you to prosper, not as the world necessarily, but eternally.  Let's face it...money can't buy love, peace, joy, and purpose.

There's a scripture that comes to mind found in Isaiah 30:21,22, it says, " Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying...THIS IS THE WAY; WALK IN IT".

Father God, thank you for your word of truth that sets us free.  Help us trust you with our futures and finances.  Give us favor and promotion in the land of the living!  Your word reminds us that if we commit all our ways unto you that you will indeed direct our paths.  We do that now, Lord.  We cast our cares upon you and ask for you to breathe life on our dry and desolate situations and give us the strength to carry on in this hour of need.

I love you, Lord, and thank you for the valley.

Faith

Pic:  Laura Grace

"Yuck Bugs"

Alright, I know what you're thinking...what in the world is going on with this child's mouth, better yet, what's in it?  Laura Grace had been playing in the dirt when she inhaled a large amount of it in her mouth!  If you look closely you can see the dirt lodge between her teeth! 

I suppose we all have "dirty mouth's" and say things we shouldn't from time to time.  There is a book I read to my grandchildren called:  "TALE OF THE POISONOUS YUCK BUGS", a story about our language. These yuk-bugs are poisonous, toxic, they reek.  For their poison is found in the words that they speak!  One day they reach a point of total destruction, when a beautiful butterfly named, "WATCH-WHAT-YOU-UTTERFLY" comes on the scene.  This butterfly has a great power because she drinks nectar from truth and speaks words of healing.

She basically reverses the entire bug kingdom's destructive speech by teaching them to build with their words, instead of destroying.  Suddenly, wounds are healed, playmates return, and leaves begin to grow on the branches again!

Proverbs 12:18, "Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise brings healing."

Father God, help us to speak words of life and healing.  Forgive us for our ungodly speech and may all we do and say, bring you glory.

Faith Jaudon

Pic:  Laura Grace

"Butterfly Kisses"

There's two things I know for sure: She was sent here from heaven and she's daddy's little girl. As I drop to my knees by her bed at night, she talks to Jesus and I close my eyes, and I thank God for all the joy in my life....Oh, but most of all.....For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer; sticking little white flowers all up in her hair; "Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride, I know the cake looks funny Daddy, but I sure tried." In all that I've done wrong I know I must have done something right to deserve a hug every morning and butterfly kisses at night.... What a lovely reflection of a father's love for his daughter.

The other day I asked my husband what was his most memorable moment with our daughter, Tiffany, and he said, "I suppose it was when I was teaching her to ride her bike". He vividly recalled the emotion he felt when she pulled away from him for the very first time with no training wheels. It was bitter-sweet he described. Here she was on her own, no longer did he have to run behind her with his hand on the back of her seat to help her balance. She was a big girl now, and determined to do it herself.

The years have come and gone, and his responsibilties have shifted from taking the training wheels off her bike to rotating the wheels on her car, yet her determination to pull away still persist. As parents, letting go of our children is not an easy task. To watch them pull away and become independent is a challenge for them as well as us. But, for the parents who have placed their hope and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have a peace. A peace that surpasses all understanding, that God's hand reaches and remains on the back of their seats, no matter where they go.

Father, we thank you that when our children are out of our sight, they're not out of yours!

In all that I've done wrong, I know I must have done something right....to deserve a hug every morning and butterfly kisses at night...

Faith Jaudon

Pic: deWayne& Tiffany

Song Lyrics: Bob Carlisle

"First Love"

If you follow my blog, you will notice I use photo's of my family in most of my stories.   Several years ago, our son was dating a young girl that we had gotten very attached to.  In fact, they dated so long that we came to love her as our daughter.  It's hard to believe this picture was taken over eight years ago, my how time flies!  We sowed into her spiritual seeds just as we would our own children.  Sadly, she and our son went seperate ways, and we lost contact with her.  But, our affections for her never changed.  God had allowed her to cross our path for a season, and we had peace that He was working all things out for all of our good,  as we moved forward. 

I received a letter from this young lady last night that had me laughing one minute and crying the next.  Memories have a way of doing that I suppose. Anyway, I decided to post it on my blog for you to be blessed.  I copied and pasted it just as it appeared in my message box.  I hope it will serve as a source of encouragement for all those  struggling with broken relationships that have been severed through various ways.  God desires to heal us of these past hurts and wounds, if we will let him.  We have but a  "moment in time"  to make a difference in a life....the question is are we a stepping stone for them to reach their potential in Christ or a stumbling block?

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless!  ( 1Corinthians 15:58)

Healing rain is falling down!  Let it rain, Lord, let it rain!

Faith Jaudon

Pic:  Timothy & Heidi

Below is the letter:


so i wanted to tell you that i went to church last sunday..

a friend of mine and i decided to find a church over here in hilton head. so sunday as i was getting dressed i decided that no matter where we went i wanted to get something out of the message. i did not know where we were going or what to expect. the church was called North Island Baptist. i pulled into the parking lot of about 15 cars and got nervous because i knew everyone in this church would know we were visiting and it was a little intimidating at first. well, we walk inside and NO ONE in the church was under 70. so i laughed and thought i'd at least TRY to enjoy the sermon and we could go somewhere else next sunday. WELL. as you know, im a VERY indecisive person. i cant make up my mind on ANYTHING and i was really struggling about school because i couldnt decide on a major and im running out of classes to take. anyway, i sat down and looked at the bulletin...the name of the message was "how to make a decision" i almost hit the floor. how many 70 year olds have big decisions to make?? (that sounds awful, but really?) so needless to say, i think God spoke to me!

when he was reading james 1:8 and said "he is a double minded man, unstable in all of his ways" i thought it was time i stopped being so fickle and make some decisions for my life.

just thought you might like to know.

"Mother's Hands"

Her hands appear old now, with wrinkles on top,
A life full of service to the King that never stops...

Trembling they do, from time to time,
A family trait she doesn't seem to mine..

Always grasping beyond her reach,
To help others who are in need...

It's funny how time changes everything,
And one inherits another ones rings...

This is my precious mother of whom I speak,
Looking down as I type, her hands I now see...

I love you, Mama, more than words could ever say,
Thank you for your sacrifice, I could never repay...

Faith Jaudon
Pic:  Mother & CJ

"And The Greatest Of These..."

And this is my command... LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

John 15:16

Lord, help us love one another as you have loved us.  Forgive us for our hateful ways, and bitterness.  Be merciful to your people as we strive to be more like you, in your son's name....amen.

Faith Jaudon

Pic:  Trista & Laura Grace

"Heart To Heart"

A heart at peace gives LIFE to the body...

Proverbs 14:30

Lord, give us peace...

Faith Jaudon

Pic: Kristen & Laura Grace

"Teacher's Pet"

I know we have all known a "teacher's pet", or maybe even been one in our life-time.  The other day I walked into my exercise class and began to set-up for the routine when a lady mistakenly thought I was the teacher/instructor of the course.  I laughed and told her that I wasn't the instructor, but felt honored that she would think that of me.  Now, you would have to know my instructor, Mary, to really appreciate being mistaken for her.  Mary is a personal trainer who possesses the perfect body!  She has competed and won several body building competitions, so the thoughts of someone getting the two of us confused with one another is a compliment for sure!

Mary teaches several classes:  kickboxing, cardio, cycling, strength training, and other such classes that I take on a weekly basis.  Her classes are so full that it's not uncommon for her students to be left scrambling for a station or space in the room.  As for myself, I am guaranteed a spot up front next to Mary because everyone else rushes to the back of the room away from Mary and the mirrors!  I must admit I am one of the older individuals in the class and actually enjoy being up front where I have a better chance of keeping up with the instructor.   However, I am often referred to as "low impact", while the other students are considered as "high impact".  But, whether low or high impact, I'm just glad to be part of the "pact", if you know what I mean!

Nonetheless, I couldn't help but think of the lady in my class who mistakenly thought I was the instructor. Mary and I look nothing alike, so to assume we were the same person had to stem from the fact that we worked-out so closely together.  It made me wonder how often Christians (students) reflect their instructor, Jesus Christ.  How many times do believers get accused of being their instructor, Jesus?  Wouldn't it be a wonderful testimony to think that we spent so much time training, and being next to our teacher building our spiritual muscles that we could look like him?  

Then God said, " Let us make man in OUR IMAGE, according to OUR LIKENESS."  God created man, He made him in the LIKENESS OF GOD. ( Genesis 1:26, Genesis 5:1)

Bottom line....WE REFLECT WHAT OR WHO WE'RE CLOSE TO....

Father, change my heart Oh, God,  may my life be so engrossed within your image that unbelievers see you when they look at me.  Help me to always reflect your likeness and your love in my actions.

Faith Jaudon

Pic:  Laura Grace & Jeremy

"Free From Accusation"

AND YE SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE!  (John 8:32)

I suppose there is nothing more disheartening than to be "falsely accused".  To be declared at fault for something you had absolutely no hand in.  To be charged with blame, and feel as though you have no defense in the situation.  We've all been there right?  I know I have!

Several nights ago I had a dream that I was subbing in the Pre-K class at our local high school.  So, the following morning when I approached my supervisor for that day's assignment, I wasn't surprised when she said, "Your working in our Pre-K class today."  A smile came across my face as I realized my dream the night before was a "God" thing and that He was about to speak to me through these kids.  I quickly made my way to the classroom full of anticipation for a word from the Lord regarding my present situation involving false accusations made against my character.  It's amazing how quickly your joy and peace leaves you when that happens! Within a matter of two days, I was lost.  I questioned my purpose, vision, and destiny.  Until....

As I was saying, I am standing there surrounded by twenty little four and five year olds.  The teacher says, "Ok class....what do we do when someone accuses us of something we did NOT do?".  In unison, they all screamed the words:  "IGNORE THEM"!  She later followed-up with the words, "it's all about love". 

Woe.  What a lesson!  And to think I had to go all the way back to Pre-Kindergarden to learn it.  This has to be what Christ meant when He said unless you become as little children.  Suddenly, I felt the offense of being accused leave and my joy return!  The wrestling stopped, I regained my spiritual footing, and moved on to my next assignment.

The scriptures are full of those who were falsely accused.  Job's friends made accusations about him during his sufferings. (Job 1:6-11, 2:1-6, and 4:7-9)  And Christ in Matthew 12: 22-24 when the religious leaders accused him of casting out demons in the name of the devil!  I am certain we all have had our goodness be evil spoken of, and our motives questioned.  But we have a hope of vindication found in the word of God that says, "HE WILL MAKE YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS SHINE LIKE THE DAWN, THE JUSTICE OF YOUR CAUSE LIKE THE NOONDAY SUN.  (Psalm 37:6)

Father God, thank you for your gentle reminders...and for children who possess such a level of freedom we adults seem to be lacking.  Help us Lord, not to be concerned with the "court of public opinion" but rather  YOUR HEAVENLY COURT.  Remind us that you are the great JUDGE, and your TRUTH WILL PREVAIL and it's all about love.  Forgive me for fretting and help me to IGNORE those who are sent by the enemy to distract and destroy the works of the spirit.   May I be as Christ and say, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do".

Faith Jaudon

Pic: Laura Grace

"The Great Search"

Jeremiah 29:13

AND YE SHALL SEEK ME, AND FIND ME, WHEN YE SHALL SEARCH FOR ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART...

Father God, so many are searching for truth.  Put within our hearts a desire to SEARCH for time to be in your presence and discover such truth,  just as a mother searches for a lost child. 

Forgive us, Lord, for pushing you away and substituting everything else in your place.  

Faith Jaudon

Pic:  Laura Grace & CJ

Searching...