You know when I spent 8 months in New Zealand, I kept hearing the words, “Evelyn, you must be courageous!” I did not feel that way at all. I felt alone in the midst of a country that I did not know. God spoke to my heart and said, “Evelyn, you know me!” With this, I was able to continue my service there. On the other hand, I wanted to learn more about the word courageous. I wanted to know what other people saw that I could not see. After this week, again I look to the words, courageous and I learn something from it. I found this article from Mark Putnam on ethics and it defines my heart and what I learned so well.

Mark Putnam:
Standing up for your ethical principles takes courage. Courage is the ability to face danger, difficulty, uncertainty, or pain without being overcome by fear. When you see something happening in the workplace that just doesn’t seem right do you have the courage to stand-up and do something? What are you afraid of…Retribution, disapproval, your image, damaged relationships, or simply the unknown? Courage is about setting aside your fear and taking action for the good of yourself or someone else.

We must have a sense of moral justice in our approach to unethical behavior so it disturbs something deep within our character when we see it…but simply being offended by wrongdoing is not enough. Courage comes in confronting those feelings inside and taking action.

Human nature tells us that if nothing is ever said or done about bad behavior it will continue or get worse. Allowing things to “slide” will eventually take everything else for the same ride. Ethics without the component of courage to stand-up for it keeps it in the realm of heady philosophy and out reality.

Principles of decency, integrity and what is good and right are not to be treaded upon lightly. Ethics is more than just following a set of rules; it is a part of our deeply-held belief system that makes-up the core of our character. It is worth protecting. It is worth stepping out in courage and making personal sacrifices. Whether you think you share the courageous qualities of a hero or not…rest assured that you do.

I cannot take credit for these words, but they speak well of my heart and what I believe. When we know who our source is, then we can stand because the battle is not mine, but the battle belongs to the Lord. He will take care of us we simply must step back and allow Him to do. That does not mean to be walked upon, but to stand firm in the faith, be courageous and be strong.

1Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. (NIV)
1Corinthians 16:13 Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, (Message bible)

I work at a major hospital in Louisville, KY. Generally speaking it is a good place to work and is based upon strong principles; but as with every business in our society today, it battles major issues. When one deals with multiple people with many backgrounds you can expect battles such as this. The factor of ‘caring’ for one another must not be removed from the equation. Sometimes we must look beyond what we see and understand how we got there. Do not make a judgment call solely upon the facts. As Patch Adams said as his friend held up 4 fingers, “what do you see?” Patch saw a lot more than 4 fingers! Can we see more? Do we look beyond?

I know that there are rules and protocols that we must abide by. Even Scripture says that ‘everything must be done decently and in order’. But on the flip side, Jesus had compassion to the woman who was not one of the chosen people. Are we not to follow the message that Jesus brought to us? We have placed the Swanson Theory of Caring as a tool or a standard of care with our service provided. Let us practice this beginning with our own family/staff/employees.

Standing up for what I believe has weighed heavy on my heart this past week, not only for my friend Beverly, but for my own life in general. Time is so short and Jesus is going to return very, very soon. I want that my family and friends realize that we must have a belief for which we can stand up strong in. This may be all that we have towards the end. The world can take away my job and all my possessions, but it cannot take away my faith. That is MINE.

I wish to leave a legacy of truth, honesty and integrity. Will I make mistakes? Absolutely! As long as I walk in this fleshly body it is imperfect but my heart belongs to the Creator. Those of you who read this article, please pray for Beverly as she needs strength and guidance to walk through the test that she is in. We must uphold one another knowing that on the other side we will stand together.

I will be going to Oklahoma City (via Ada, OK) for the Marathon on April 28th & 29th … not real sure of the details but will have them up later. I look forward to this. I will also be going to the Dominican Republic over Memorial Day week end to join forces with the group to help build a home for one of our families over there. I will visit my child Estarling Herrera who is a child I sponsor with the Viva Kids International. There are many children who have no sponsors. Should you have an interest please contact me and I will facilitate the connection.

STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN

Bible reading for: (please continue to walk through the Bible with me)
Week Feb. 19: Leviticus 14-25; Psalms 53-59; Luke 17-23
Week Feb. 28: Leviticus 26-27; Numbers 1-11; Psalms 60-66; Luke 24; John 1-7

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It has been almost 9 years since my husband whom I lived with 35years was taken home. We shared a lifetime together and it was good. As I move into a new chapter of my life, I find that I feel again. God is so faithful and when we listen to His voice, He will guide us through. I am not as young as I use to be. I do not move as fast as I did in my 20’s, but my spirit is alive and full of life.

Happy Valentine’s Day
The year is moving along and not waiting for anyone. Middle of February-WOW! Where has the time gone?

I have not been working the Exfuze Business as I should due to family drama, but this is changing. Stephanie has already acquired a Metabolic Scale to use in some meetings. I will be purchasing one soon. ANYONE who is interested in learning more about how this works, contact Steph or myself. We will be more than happy to do an assessment and educate you on how the weight management program works. IT DOES WORK!

Regionals are coming up in Oklahoma the week end of April 28th so if you are anywhere in the area, please try to attend. I will be joining Loretta and the team there during that week.

We must not grow slack in sharing about our product. I know that God will make a way where there is no way. My passion for the product has not changed nor have I lost my pizzazz … I have simply been off the beaten path for a short while. I am now climbing back on board.

As I was completing my taxes today, I thought about the Scripture where Jesus said to render unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar and unto God what belongs to God. My business is not my business, it belongs to God. Exfuze does not belong to Rick Cotton, it belongs to God. I can pay my taxes, but I will share Exfuze with my neighbors. It is amazing when I did my ledger today, that I gave more of the product away than I sold. This if alright because I know that I cannot out give God. GO EXFUZE!!!!

Rick and Ann have invited ANYONE who wants to go with them to experience the VIVA KIDS Outreach Trip over the Memorial Day Weekend.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012 we will leave from Miami International Airport on a short flight to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where we will join our VivaKids Regional Directors, Dan and & Shana Gower. They have arranged for us to stay at a lovely beachfront all-inclusive hotel. From there, we will venture out to the rural communities and visit the Children’s Centers where our sponsored children attend school. For the first time, eXfuze distributors will rally together and build a new home for a family in our child sponsorship program who desperately need a safe place to live. This adventure is bound to be an experience of a lifetime! All are welcome.

Every bottle of Exfuze that is sold helps to nourish a child. This is what this business is all about. Helping the orphans as well as improving the health.

Rick Cotton:

This was out last team that went to the Dominican Republic. Lives were changed! Join us again.

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I FIND THAT OUR GREATER ENEMY IS OURSELVES…WHAT WE THINK OF OURSELF. WE CAN BELIEVE THE LIE OF THE ENEMY OR WE CAN KNOW OURSELF AND WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST!

The Apostle Paul said that he had to die daily and I believe that this is something that I must do as well. As I place the Word of God into my heart and into my soul, I must allow it to replace the flesh and what the world tries to put there. This will be a daily walk. Some of my family has made bitter accusations but who am I to be any different from Jesus. Even He had disbelief within His countrymen and family. I love my family and pray each day that the restoration process continues and I know that before the Father returns it will take place. The Word says that in my lifetime I can have the desires of my heart. My desire is to relish in the joy of my family’s love. I want to be a blessing in all ways to each of my children and grandchildren.

I am behind with this post so pray for me to be more diligent!!

God bless ALL of my family and may this year 2012 bring us closer together!

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The enemy will use those who are close to your heart when he can…against you. We must strive to ‘put on the Word’ because without the Word, the armor will not protect us. We must rise above circumstances that hold us in bondage. I must rise above this situation. I cannot speak for anyone else but I know what God has spoken to my heart. I know how He has brought me through many situations over my 62 years of service. Have I been perfect or always right? Absolutely not! But I do know that I am a child of the Most High…and I do know that I seek Him for my guidance. I strive for perfection. I strive to serve others.

I strive to walk in the Shadow of the Almighty.

I am so glad that God has given me Christian brothers and sisters who pray for me and hold my arms up through the storm.

There is so much that I do not understand, but I have learned that I do not have to understand all things. I simply must walk in obedience to the nudging of the Holy Spirit. The Word tells me that God is a God of reconciliation. He will restore relationships if we stand firm believing that he will do that. Love overcomes many things when we walk in love and obedience.

Reading through the Bible in a year:
Week of January 22nd: Genesis 49-50, Exodus 1-12; Psalms 5-31; Mark 5-11

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Adam and Eve were given an opportunity to acquire the so-called knowledge of good and evil, and they chose to acquire it, to become more like God. What does the author mean by the term knowledge of good and evil? This calls for speculation, but I think one reasonable definition would be the knowledge of the consequences of our actions. We make hundreds of choices each day, and as time progresses, we learn which of our choices produce pain and misery, and which produce love and peace. To Adam and Eve, acquiring the knowledge of good and evil was portrayed to be as simple as eating a particular fruit. But in truth, the knowledge didn’t come from eating a fruit; it came from being pushed out of the womb that was Eden, and into the real world, where it is a constant struggle to survive.

It is now universally recognized that through adversity, through pain, we grow. Some say pain is the only teacher. So here is my conclusion: For Adam and Eve to truly mature, to become all that they were meant to be, they had to leave Eden, and although this story makes it look like it was a punishment, it seems clear that God always intended us to leave Eden, to migrate down the paths of those four rivers, and multiply, because only in the real world could we truly begin to acquire the knowledge we needed to become strong, mature children of God.

It hurts to come out of the security of the womb.
We are exposed to cold, hunger and pain.

I began this blog this way because I made some choices this past week that were viewed as wrong and evil. I am by no means perfect and have a long way to go but I make every effort to hear that small voice of the Father. My struggles are many as with every Christian but we learn with each step we make. I was told today that because I raised my children in the 70’s that I did not know how to raise kids in this era! (Very interesting to say the least) God is no respecter of time and He is the same God now that He was then. The same Scriptures that I used then I read now. It is the same 10 commandments that were given in Biblical times that we use as our guide today.

If we must face disaster to arouse within us the desire to do God’s will then disaster is a blessing in disguise. We must move from the comfort of the womb or the comfort of the Garden to become what God wants us to become. We must stop tolerating disobedience and deception and manipulation.

I did ask where God was when we had a family meeting today and with tears in my eyes my friend reminded me to stand firm and rise above any accusations because the Spirit of God does not accuse. I recall Pastor Steve a few weeks ago referenced how FB was used to blast so to speak one another. Christians were criticizing each other on a public forum. I did not understand what he meant till this week end. We should NEVER criticize ANYONE…Christian or not…particularly over the public airways. If there is ‘aught’ with someone we should go to that person and work it out or we give the enemy the edge. God is a God of reconciliation and LOVE.

Proverbs 3:5-6 bids you to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. But in all of your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.

My prayer partner also encouraged me with this: THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD
Even though I know this it becomes heavy when it is your own child. I will repeat over and over the words to this song, the battle belongs to the Lord.

I will continue to praise YOU in the Storm because you know that my heart is broken.

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Each of us must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling as the Scripture says. I can only hope that I can influence my children, grandchildren and friends. The 12 strategies that Pastor Steve presented to us on New Year’s Eve is appropriate for this blog as I wrote it on the other one.

Reading through the Bible incorporates the first 3 of the above strategies! Now the next one #4…WOW…it is easy to get offended when we do not get our way. I am very guilty of this much of the time. As Paul said in Scripture: I die daily! I must put the flesh under the Blood every day that I walk in the world. This is not as easy as it is for me to write it in this blog.

I have known for a while that we should get our financial matters in order. I have been walking in that direction and with building my business with Exfuze Nutritional Products, I have a plan. Our economy is not very stable but I know that God will take care of his people as He did the Children of Israel. He has always told me to ‘take care of what I can’ and He would do the rest.

He will bring Divine connections and I (we) must exercise the ‘law of recognition’ and know when the door opens. I must continue to TRUST in HIM and know that He has it under control.

As we enter the New Year we must begin to strategize with the new ideas…we must elevate our thinking above what we have EVER done. (The old adage that if you do the same old things in the same old ways you will get the same results) I do not want what I already have…I am ready to enter the next level!

WE MUST KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PROPHETIC VOICE ....LISTEN CLOSELY…

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This is my last opportunity to say Thank you God in 2011. I so appreciate what God has done for me this past year. I could not name all the things He has given me nor the blessings that He has bestowed upon me, but Holy Spirit rest assured that I give praise, honor and glory to the Giver of Life. Let my praises ring in the heavens as loud as those of the angels at this moment!!!

This is the last day of the year December 31, 2011. The last of a passing time that I will never see again…I look forward to a new adventure that I know the Father has before me. Thank you father… for what you have already done. Thank you for what you have prepared for me in this year of 2012.

I am not getting any younger and work seems to consume much of my time. Family is very important to me yet they (children and grandchildren) all pull in other directions. I see this also with my patients (and their children) that are placed into homes or have no one who can attend to their needs sufficiently. I see a generation of young adults who have little to no respect for what the elderly can offer. I have thought many times that “I have much to say if someone will listen”. Experience is a wonderful teacher but boxed inside it does not produce. It seems as though when I want to share this I get voted down as ‘you don’t understand!’ I must say that as the prophet said, “There is nothing new under the sun.” I have been there! The thing is “I have graciously, by the Grace of our Father, come through.”

There seems to be two views of age in today’s society. The most prevalent view seems to be that of repulsion. Age is looked upon as an incurable disease. We fight against aging, we do not want to be reminded of what time can do to us. Thus, the aged elderly person is cast from society. They are made to feel useless, a burden to family, and often are cast off, avoided except on rare occasions of birthdays and Christmas morning. — Another view is that age is beautiful. That age demands respect and dignity. That the elderly are giants of the forest, wise, full of experience, worthy of our praise and adoration. This is the view the Bible holds on age.

In Proverbs 23:22, Solomon exhorts his son to “harken to your Father who begot you and do not despise your mother when she is old.” In the story of Job, we find that Elihu the younger of Job’s friends waited until the older men had spoken to Job. He also treated his communication to Job with admiration and respect, since Job was his elder. In Exodus 20:12 we find the commandment – to honor your -father and mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you. In Mark 7:10-12, we find Jesus saying, “He who speaks evil of his father and mother, let him surely die.” He goes on to say that the Pharisees had made void the law of God by their disgraceful treatment of the elderly.

I am reminded of Caleb, who at the age of 85 came to Joshua and took possession of that inheritance he had earned. Age demands an inheritance. Old age should be a time for ego integrity. The elderly have made their mark on life. They have performed well, and have confidence that their life was well spent in raising children, making the world a better place, and in training the next generation. They have a wealth of wisdom to share, experience to relate, expressions and advice on life to share. They await new experiences, and are getting prepared for the last experience of this life, and for a whole new world beyond death. They have earned our love and respect.

I HAVE EARNED THE RIGHT OF LOVE AND RESPECT

I know who I am in the Spirit of God, but even knowing this I sometimes let oppression overwhelm me. I have done this over this past year. My beautiful prayer partner Tina, in Arizona reminded me that I must rise above the circumstances and not allow old slew foot to gain that foothold. I have heard the ‘you don’t understand’, the ‘I am clinically depressed’, ‘All you do is tell me what to do’. The leaving the room when I enter it…’I cannot find a job because there is none’ there…’I don’t want to volunteer because I have no way to get there’…’I have to finish my book’…’you did not tell me that’… ‘I forgot to do that’.

This has been a never-ending record in my home…but…it will end with 2012. I will rise above because I am a chosen vessel of the creator. I have favor as the promise of Abraham has fallen upon me. If my family…children and grandchildren wish to share this they must begin to walk in the same victory that I choose to walk in. This is a choice that we all are accountable to make. I have chosen to go forward. I pray that my family can walk with me but I cannot drag them nor can I carry them. They must walk in the ‘Shadow of the Almighty’ as I am. I want to be a blessing to each of my grandchildren. I want to share my experiences in a positive way. I want to grow into my golden years knowing who I am and enjoying the privilege of age. My ministry has only begun. Watch out slew foot!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

This is a year of New Beginnings. This is a year for a Fresh start for many of us. Dreams do come true yet sometimes we must reach out for them. It takes action. We can believe all we want to but if we do not take a foot hold and begin to walk, we will never get there. I pray that all who read this blog will take a definitive step into that FRESH START!

The year 2012 is a time for VICTORY. You must take that step.

Happy New Year {2012}

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This initiative encourages all of us to do one good deed for 1 to 3 other people, expecting nothing in return. You could pay for a stranger’s food or coffee at a drive-thru, buy an extra Christmas gift for a child in need, leave an anonymous gift in a hospital waiting room, check on an elderly neighbor, volunteer for the day, or take dinner to a sick friend or new mom. Visit a nursing home, children’s hospital, or volunteer at an animal…

• Pay the toll for the car behind you
• Pay for a strangers food at a drive-thru
• Buy an extra Christmas gift for a child in need
• Check on an elderly neighbor
• Volunteer
• Take dinner to a sick friend or even new mom
• Visit a nursing home or children’s hospital [This is something I would LOVE to do around Christmas or even with stuffed animals.]
• If you are in a restaurant and feel the need to pay for a strangers meal.

The world can seem like an unfriendly, threatening place, yet we all want safety, health, and happiness for ourselves and our loved ones.
How can one ordinary person make a positive difference in this world?
One way is the practice “paying it forward.” You can “pay it forward” by doing something for someone you don’t know…not simply your family.

This season spawns many feelings and mixed emotions to many people. For me, I think of family and the true meaning of Christmas…celebrating the birth of Jesus!

We spend so much time trying to figure out what to buy for so and so that we forget what life is all about.

I was in Aldi’s last week shopping for groceries. Upon arriving at the checkout a stranger walked up to the counter and said “may I pay for this for you?” Now this was unusual for me as I had never had anyone do this for me. I am a giving person, but this reminded me about the season and the value of looking beyond you. The greatest part of this season is “giving” expecting nothing in return. It is not about ‘having to buy’ for anyone, but giving. I believe that we should look for opportunities to do good deeds, whether it is with money or with actions in other ways…helping each other.

I had a family Christmas Eve gathering at my home. This is something that I choose to do each year in the effort to bring together the family. It was a joyous time with those who came. I actually had 2 of my sons and my daughter come with their children. I have tried for soooo long to create an atmosphere of “family” with my children and grandchildren with this being one of those efforts. There have been many times that I have failed but what I do know is that FAMILY is what is most important as…

God organizes us into families so that we can grow up in happiness and safety, and so that we can learn to love others selflessly—the key to true joy. Within the family is the best place to learn to love others the way Heavenly Father loves each one of us.

THANK YOU FOR FAMILY!!

We had a beautiful birthday party today in Church…it was Jesus’ birthday. Len Mink came to TWOC on this special occasion to remind us that Jesus is the reason for the season. Cathy Mink came to give us the prophetic message that in the year of 2012…beginning today…there were no more limits! We should walk in the affirmation that the enemy limits us but with God…and the ULTIMATE gift of His Son Jesus…there are no more limits. I choose to receive this Word on this date, so the enemy can just look out. I choose to move forward.

In conclusion of this blog I declare the there are no more limits…I declare that I will pay it forward in every opportunity that I can…I declare that FAMILY is the most important thing in my life apart from my faith and love for the Father.

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Till Next week…
Covenantangel says Happy Holidays!

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James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

I have often pondered, Why is it that all the faithful Saints have trials and tribulations, even when they are trying to do God’s will? Why is it so hard, especially for them?

This Covenantangel has had some rough times over the past few months. There are times that I seem to not know whether I am coming or going. My home should be quiet and a place of serenity and peace but seems to be the melting pot for tenseness at times. As the trials are coming my way, I examine myself and my own attitude. Much of the solution resides in this very thing. What the Spirit is speaking to me is “stay put…”stand firm”… the battle is Mine. Do you know how hard this is? Surely you do if you are reading this blog.

Service this morning at Trinity was great. Pastor Steve preached on how to get out of the MESS that we sometimes find ourselves in. Does not matter how we got there but how we get out is the most important thing. With tears in my eyes I prayed and asked the Father to ‘rain’ His presence in my life and cleanse me from all that did not belong to Him. My prayer partner in Arizona (Tina) called me and encouraged me to pray for ‘favor’ with my children and grandchildren. She reminded me that greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. God does not bring the spirit of confusion but of Peace, love and a Sound Mind. These are words that I am quite familiar with but sometimes we are soooo close to the smoke that it is difficult to see clearly. This is why it is important to have prayer partners!

When the world that I’ve been living in…
Collapses at my feet;
when my life is shattered and torn;
Tho’ I’m wind-swept and battered,
I can cling to His cross
And find peace in the midst of the storm.

When in twenty-four short hours…
Years of living are brought to ‘moments’,
And when life’s final picture
Is taking form;
In the darkroom of my suffering,
There’s a light comes shining through
He gives me peace in the midst of the storm.