GOD'S DIFFICULT LESSONS

First of all, I'd like to apologize for not posting for a very long time. In truth, it seems like forever but it has only been five weeks. I'm not trying to minimize my misdeed at all. I ask for your forgiveness. I'll not promise this won't happen again but I'll try my very best to be regular.
There are ones reading this post who have had loved ones die or injured in bombings, injured or killed in senseless shootings, injured or died in earthquakes and mudslides, raped and murdered senselessly by terrorists, had their homes destroyed by floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and mudslides.  The largest followers after the United States are countries who have been affected by each of these disasters in the last three months. To the ones who have found comfort here may God be praised. They are not my words but His. The path I have walked these past few weeks in no way compares to what you have endured; however, please let me share a few things He has taught me--especially this past week.
As I've shared with you in previous posts,  in the summer of 2003 God gave me the gift of evangelism. Before I could utilize this gift God had to heal my heart of many areas the Enemy had used to  impriston me.  The prison doors were unlocked the winter of 2004-5 by the Great Healer Himself through the Bible study by Beth Moore, BREAKING FREE. Through the years He has continued to unlock the doors of those cells caused by abuse, death, divorce, and life using words of pastors, friends, Bible studies, and most importantly His Word. This past week, I've learned where God has healed the only person who can take that healing away is ME. He has reminded me, "...the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." Am I completely healed? NO. That will not happen until I see Him face to face. Am I discounting doctors, Christian counselors, pastors, psychologists, or psychiatrists? NO. All of these people have been gifted by God for His purposes.
This picture was taken outside a friend's house this week. When I showed her and two other friends who had walked by them on there way into the house for dinner none of them could tell me where these flowers were located. All week I prayed for answers and all week in my quiet place was a journal He was prompting me to pick up and read. Several times I glanced at it and quickly dismissed it. Finally, last night, I picked it up. In the journal was the answers to the prayers I had been desparately praying all week. Sometimes His beauty is hidden in plain sight...sometimes right under our noses...
NOW TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO DO IMMEASURABLY MORE THAN ALL WE ASK OR IMAGINE, ACCORDING TO HIS POWER THAT IS AT WORK WITHIN US, TO HIM BE GLORY IN THE CHURCH AND IN CHRIST JESUS THROUGHOUT ALL GENERATIONS FOREVER AND EVER! AMEN. (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV)