Threads of Hope - Margaret Kennedy

EVERYWHERE I GO; THERE I AM!

2012-01-23T18:40:00.000-08:00

EVERYWHERE I GO; THERE I AM is a saying I cross stitched some years ago that I used to describe myself back then. Recently I found myself revisiting that statement and was saddened somewhat because I think it would have described my 2011. Ever been somewhere in body, but somewhere else in mind and spirit. There but not there? Has your child ever looked at you and asked, “Mommy, are you listening to me?” Or have you spent a rare date night with your hubby, only to realize at the end of the evening that you were there, but not really there. I have missed some major moments with God, some precious experiences with loved ones, and opportunities to minster to strangers because I was there, but not there. Oh, we women pride ourselves at being great multi-taskers. I wonder if God does? Maybe you, like me, spent a good deal of my time rushing through one activity to get to another one. Hurrying to get children undressed, through the bath, and into the bed so that I could find time to fold clothes, wash dishes, etc. In the first chapter of Resolution for Women, Priscila Shirer labels this feeling “Discontentment”. If not rushing through the moment, I often found myself worrying through the moment. The Greek word for worry means “to divide the mind”. Anxiety splits our energy between today’s priorities and tomorrow’s problems. Part of our mind is on the now and part of our mind is on the not yet and the result is half-minded living.
God has reminded me that if I become habited to this way of life, I will not only miss moments, but I will miss days and even years that will never be mine again. My granddaughter drove herself to school yesterday for the first time; just yesterday it seems she was driving her Barbie jeep. Life will not stand still for us to slow down or wait for us to finish worrying. It will move on with or without our being there!
So, ladies, let us adopt this motto for 2012 and mean it: “Everywhere I go; there I will be!”

Way too long!

2012-01-23T18:36:00.000-08:00

It has been way too long since I have blogged on this website. Trust me when I say I have been blogging. On the LifeWay women's site, on Facebook, in my personal journal, and it seems so many other places. However, I apologize for not blogging here. I have been sweetly reminded of how long it has been and how some of you have checked and rechecked and found nothing new. So, please know that I thank you for checking on Margaret Kennedy at Threads of Hope.

A unseen thing: a partially detached retina!

2010-11-17T14:53:00.000-08:00

As I was traveling to Atlanta today, I saw a few new spots in my eye and I pulled off the road twice, asking God if it was something that should interrupt my 2 day visit. I asked Him to show me if it was an issue and then I saw a strange clear cluster move across the eye. I pulled over again and called the doctor, who suggested I come in this aft. It was God who caused me to turn around for he discovered that I had a small retina detachment in the corner of my eye. He immediately did a laser procedure to keep the detachment from becoming a full retina detachment. He kept saying how glad he was that I turned around and that if I had gone on to Atlanta it would definitely have resulted in a full detachment of the retina which requires major surgery.
I will be "laying low" for several days and will return on Friday.
My prayer is this: that the laser procedure will protect this from happening.
However, in the meantime, I will choose to continue to give thanks (this eye thing is a part of the everything) we give thanks for! I am thankful that I can still see, thankful that I have been able to read and teach His word, thankful that He went before me and gave me directions to return home in the middle of a very desired visit with my grands, thankful for a husband who cares for and listens to me, and thankful that God knows the future and that it is in His hands.

love, margaret

Count It All Joy!

2010-10-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

God has never given me an opportunity to teach, speak, or write that He does not go before me. Sometimes with the prayers of the people, which I so feel and appreciate. But very often, He allows me to experience first hand, upclose and personal, the teaching that is on my heart to bring. He never ceases to amaze me with these happenings.

Recently I had the chance to share "God's Waiting Room" with a group of women at Lakepointe Church in Rockwell, Texas near Dallas. It was my joy to serve this word to these women.

This past weekend, I was able to share "Count it all Joy" - first session being "When Trials Come"!

Last week, on my birthday to be exact, my vision became blurred and the next morning a black dot appeared in my line of vision. I was sent to a retina specialist to learn that the gel has softened between the retina and eyeball and that left me in a dangerous place.

So, what does one do? He takes a seat in one of God's divinely designed "waiting rooms". Now I know how to do this because I just taught on it a few weeks ago. Right?

So, what does one do when trials come? Do not be surprised - they will come! Then James says that we are to "count it all joy"! Now I know what it takes to count it all joy in trials because I just taught it this past weekend. Right?

This is how I can be still in this place and even count it all joy - because my Almighty, all knowing, all seeing God knew what I was going to encounter and He knew that I needed to be knee deep in the Word concerning the matters at hand. For that, I am thanking and praising Him.

Months ago, He gave me the word to teach "God's Waiting Room" and months ago, I was impressed to teach "Count it all Joy when Trials Come".

Is this condition exasperating, a huge nuisance, frightening, bothersome, irritating - need I go on? Yes, to all of those and many other.

However, Psalms 46:10 says "Be still and know that I am God." I am able to be still because I know God knew this ahead of time and is working all things out for my good and His glory. Knowing this about my Father enables me to be still while I know that the only way to "know Him" is to be still. Stillness and knowing work so well together. They are dependent upon one another.

But it is sill a choice I have to make personally when I encounter trials! To be still so that I can know and remembering that knowing enables stillness.

Perhaps you need to make the same choice. Let me hear from you and we will pray for one another in this matter!

While we wait and while we choose to count it all joy!

love, margaret

LIVE FROM HOUSTON

2010-09-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I am so thankful to pass on to you this excellent report from Houston: all is clear and we have been given a huge reason to celebrate. We have now passed the 2 year mark from completion of the last treatment which means that, with our type of cancer, we now have an 80% chance that the cancer will NOT reoccur. Wednesday, we were told that we needed to celebrate and Ross was called a Poster Boy. Thursday, our primary doctor called him "quite amazing." We will return for one more 6 month checkup with scans and then will probably be transferred to the "wellness program."
Now we all know Ross is not the amazing one in this case - He would be the Lord Jesus Christ! But we are so humbled and grateful for His favor upon us!
Thank you for your prayers. You are a huge part of this report!

love, ross and margaret

Living Up to my Motto!

2010-08-30T13:16:00.000-07:00

"My motto to live by" hanging on my study wall reads: "Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming, 'WOO HOO what a ride."!
If I went on to glory this week, I would have to say I have lived up to my motto, at least, this summer. We have had guests in our home or been the guests in someone else's home at least a part of every week this summer. Some planned. Some unexpected. But all were such a blessing. A blessing because we had a home to offer and a blessing that friends and family wanted to come. Worn out? Thoroughly! Worth it? Absolutely.
In the middle of it all, though, God has been so faithful to speak clearly to me through friends and family and through His Word. This is the phrase I am meditating upon and praying daily. "God take away anything that is of me so that everything that is of you may be resurrected in me. I want desperately to be Margaret Kennedy: full of Jesus"!
What's up with you? I'd love to know.
love, margaret

A LONG WAY TO GO FOR A CHANGE OF HEART

2010-05-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

I left Dothan Alabama Thursday a.m., flew to Atlanta, Ga., on to Salt Lake City, Utah, and finally arrived in Twin Falls, Idaho before driving to my final destination in Burley, Idaho! A long way to go! A day of traveling and then a repeat day lay ahead for me on Sunday, with an added 5 hour layover in Salt Lake City.
Yes, It was a long way to go but I would repeat it again this coming weekend if it meant my heart would be changed as it was this weekend. You see, I live in the Bible belt where we lavished with fine huge buildings, and large numbers of people each week, and resources at our fingertips, with a church on every corner. We definitely are blessed!
But these women do not seem to need all of the "stuff" we have to be "on mission with God." They just take the meager things of life and watch God do incredible work with their "little". I was reduced to tears so many times during this weekend - so humbled to see how happy these women were to be on mission with God, anxiously learning how to reach the lost around them. They are doing it right in Idaho and they are doing it well and I believe that when they worship, it brings a very sweet aroma up to the Father.
I had prayed for a year to be a part of a mission trip, but my schedule has not allowed it. God was saving this weekend for that purpose. It was my "mission trip." I will be forever partnering with my friends in Idaho and am praying God will allow me to return if He doesn't come for us before then.
Are you basking in your "muchness" my friend or are you "living large with your little"?
love, margaret

WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?

2010-04-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

Can not believe it has been so long since I blogged on my website. Facebook has been my most visited venue.
Ross and I have returned to Houston since I last wrote and gotten a great gift. For 6 years, we have returned to Houston every 3 months for evaluations and tests. For 2 years now, we have had no cancer to reoccur, so on the last visit, we were given a 6 month reprieve. Yeah! Helps the pocketbook, the energy, and the time factors.
I am packing today to travel to Burley, Idaho, tomorrow to speak at a statewide ladies conference. If you are anywhere near, it is an open event and I would love to visit with you there.
I am teaching through the book of James on Sunday mornings and absolutely loving the learning. I highly recommend that journey!
I am speaking often these days out of the depths of my heart on "knowing God" - it is my obsession! Talk about gifts - knowing Him is the gift of a lifetime!
Thanks for visiting me here.
love, margaret

Christmas gifts

2009-12-26T15:22:00.000-08:00

Ross and I just returned last week from another trip to Houston for a 3 month checkup and got a great Christmas gift - another good report. No sign of reoccurring cancer!
Spending time with the family has been such a great gift this year. Since we gave each other a Disney Cruise in November, gift giving amounted to each one bringing a $10 gift and playing Bingo for the gifts. Bartering was allowed at the end so that everyone went home with a gift of their choice. What fun we had. Then off to the movies to see new movie with the chipmunks.
The joy of laughter is such a great gift from God isn't it. Sometimes it is easy and sometimes it has to be a choice so I encourage you friends - enjoy the gift of laughter when it is easily obtained and when it has to be a choice. It is so contagious!
Thank you God for the greatest gift of all! Happy birthday Jesus!
Receive Him and His joy this Christmas season!
love, margaret

2009-10-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

Well, it certainly feels great to be connecting with you once again. Sorry for the inconvenience or confusion this interruption may have caused you. Thank you for "missing me".

I have been busy teaching God's Word with women even though I was unable to share my heart with you.

I have been in Irving, Texas with women who definitely did things with a wow! How I loved teaching them wrapped around the theme of "Extreme Makeover: Heart Edition". The women received the Word with open hearts and I was so blessed to be the vessel that God chose to pour through. These women had ears and hearts to hear from God and He was faithful to speak to them. What a joy! My friend and co-author of Heart Friends, Shirley Moses, came over from Pottsboro and that was an added pleasure for me.

God gave me opportunities to teach and speak in my hometown this past week several times. At a local Bible study, a sister church at lunch, and then at "Joyful Refuge" over the weekend. I had not realized how long it had been since I have spoken in my hometown. I love making new friends that I keep in my mind and heart, but it is a blessing to share with those who have occupied individual places in my heart for years. Both are blessings straight from the Lord and I cherish friendships greatly!

And that my friend, is why I love to hear from you. Feel free to contact me at the email provided.

Love, margaret

LOVIN' LARAMIE

2009-05-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

What an awesome first time trip to Wyoming for me. LifeWay sent me, along with 2 of my best LMM buddies, on an assignment to serve the women of Laramie, Wyoming. There we found some precious women with hungry hearts ready to receive the implanted Word into their lives. It was an absolute joy to teach Pursuing Holiness and Heart Friends.
Thank you, sweet friends, for opening up your doors and your hearts to receive the three of us. We walked away feeling so blessed and privileged to have been with you. Your faces are before me still!
What a great time we had Friday evening and Sat morning at the Living Proof Live Event. Thank you Beth for sharing the Word with us and issuing such challenges. I feel that we all committed to run our race, stay in our lane, forsake cherished sin, and pass on the truth to the generations coming along behind us. Whew!
I love Laramie!
love, margaret

LOVING MY DAYS IN PARADISE

2009-04-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I have just returned from spending a few days in Paradise.
Paradise, California that is - just about an hour away from Sacramento.
Thank you, Libby, Lisa, and the other ladies, for sharing your Paradise with me.
What a joy to teach women who were so receptive to receiving the truths of God. What fun we had reflecting on "makeovers" the way the world offers us. How our hearts were challenged to dig deeper into the Word and learn about true transformation, God's way. Not as easy, not as quick, but surely incorruptible! Thanks for letting me share about my mom. I miss her so.
We opened up our hearts to Him and because "He is faithful and he will do it", we left our time together with a renewed determination to become women after God's own heart.
You were a blast to teach, pray for, love on, hang with, eat with, cry with and laugh out loud with. Do you think that could be a glimpse of what our real Paradise has pending for us?
You are loved,
margaret

California Dreamin'

2009-03-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

How I did love the way our Lord worked this past weekend among us! In my life, to give me strength and energy to stand up and speak after flying across the country to San Francisco California. This was after a 2 hour delay in my home town, missing my flight in Atlanta, that entailed another 5 hour wait. When I stood up to speak it was 10:00 Ala. time and I had been up since 3:30 a.m. I am truly not whining, as it sounds, I am boasting in the Lord! He truly means it when He promises to be our Restorer! You, Campbell Church of Christ women, are a joy to know and a blessing to hang around with. Thank you for being so receptive to receive the deep things of God. You are a joy to serve! I know without a shadow of doubt that God began a deep work in all of us that will continue until the Day of Christ Jesus! He is "performing" so many things in us so that we become conformed more and more to the image of Jesus.
I truly love you and appreciate your allowing me to share my life with you!
margaret

GOOD NEWS FROM HOUSTON!

2009-03-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

Ross and I made a fast and furious trip to MD Anderson in Houston for a 3 month checkup. Seems like we were there only yesterday! The tiring travel in the middle of tax season proved to be worth the weariness of it all. The head and neck region was clear of any new tumors and the spot on the lung the doctors have been watching was proven to be only inflammation! We received the news as we were driving home and can I tell you this - our car ROCKED as we shouted our praises to our God!
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts of us!
love, margaret

Greetings to my Mississippi "sun" sisters!

2009-02-09T18:21:00.000-08:00

I am smiling as I recall my creative pajama pals! We did have a fun party for sure! I felt like Paula Abdul sitting at the judge's table. I have heard of good group participation but that was over the top - that was full group participation! I have bragged on you all to many of my friends and family here. Thanks for allowing me to share my "Once Upon a Time Story"!
I shared with Julie that I knew in my spirit before I even came that God was going to do a good work among us. And after getting to know you, I can see how and why He could - you had hearts that were open and seeking Him. Thanks for allowing me to be a "part" of you all.
I have loved hearing from you via email and Facebook. Feel free to share with me!
Now as I promised, here is the only recipe every requested from me in the whole wide world:
Chicken Salad Recipe:
Generally, for a group of 12, I purchase 8 large split chicken breasts (bone in). Clean and wash well, cutting away most of the fatty skin. After filling large pot with water, add 2 chicken bouillon cubes, plus 1/4 cup of cooking oil. Boil for 45 minutes. Turn off, cover pot, and allow chicken to sit and soak for 1 - 2 hours before boning. Debone chicken in extra large bowl. Add a quart of mayonnaise. Peel and cut into small chunks approx. 6 Braeburn apples, mixing them with the mayo to avoid turning. Wash and drain approx. 2 pounds of whole red grapes. You can use green but I believe the red ones are sweeter. Add salt and pepper to taste as you stir the mixture. Mix very well, breaking apart any chicken chunks. This salad is better served when chilled first. I always make enough for my son's family and have enough to share with friends. This dish may be served on lettuce surrounded by fruit, or on croissants as sandwich and chips.
May God bless every person who is served this chicken salad from your hands.
Again, let me say that I will not forget our weekend together and may God bless you richly as you surrender to become His slave!
love, margaret

OFF TO OPP!

2009-01-26T19:41:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the wonderful ladies at First Baptist of Opp, Alabama. You were a joy to be with and another exceeding great joy to share the Word with. It was such a blessing to be with old friends, some radio listening friends, and some new friends. You were great and gracious and the Lord was so "with us" Thursday night.
God be with you 'til we meet again!
love, margaret

A MIRACLE YEAR ALREADY!

2008-12-31T09:41:00.000-08:00

What a God story I have to share with you! Ross and I returned this week to Houston to have a lung needle biopsy done on a suspicious spot that had grown over the past 3 months. It was a quick return trip of only 2 weeks. When the radiologist did the scan that would guide the needle, he discovered that the spot has shrunk considerably and announced that he would not recommend the biopsy be done. Ross was free to go home.
I had barely nestled down for my 4 hour wait when Ross came out fully dressed wearing a huge smile. I made him repeat the miracle news to me 3 times before we reached the elevator. This, my friend, can only be from the hand of our mighty God. What a gift!
He had so gone before us in this already. We had a peace that was from the Prince of Peace alone. And also, the day we got the news that we had to return to Houston so soon, I received a royalty check from the sale of my book which covered our trip almost to the very penny. Another good gift!
So, I am praying for you and me that in every situation, we will see God for who He is and find ourselves consistent and constant worshippers.
I know I have made a great start!
love, margaret

Good News and Bad News

2008-12-19T09:38:00.000-08:00

Ross and I returned to Houston this week for his 3 month checkup of his Squamos Cell Carsinoma (head and neck cancer). We got good news concerning the head and neck region that has been so attacked from the cancer. The radiologist reported no new activity found there. We were given a 6 month return of window - the longest time ever for a return visit.
However, the next day, a suspicious spot was detected in the lung. We will need to return in a couple of weeks to have a needle aspiration done on that spot.
I must say that we both experienced God's peace on the flight and drive home that could only have come from the Prince of Peace. Until God reveals what this spot truly is, we have decided to deal with it as something yet unknown to us.
So, please continue to pray for us as we take a seat, once again, in one of God's waiting rooms.
love, margaret and ross

Meeting My Savannah Sisters!

2008-10-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago, I traveled to Savannah - not Georgia, but Tennessee - and received such a sweet portion from the Lord as I came to know and truly love some new Savannah sisters. I had felt such an expectancy from the Lord in my Spirit even before I made this trip. Beforehand, God had planted in my heart such a seed of expectancy that I could hardly wait to see the fruit come to fruition. And he was so faithful to do that thing. A friend and I made the 6 hour trip through gorgeous country, winding roads, and we laughed all the way. Then, God blessed us with the time to walk slowly among the women, getting to know them, pray for them, and experience His love and graciousness from their hands. That is the way God knits His body together. I left Tennessee with new Savannah sisters in our heart. Your faces are before me as I write as they have been so many times since I met you. Thank you for your acceptance, your provisions provided, and especially for sharing God's love with me. We were so blessed by God.
I have learned to pray and stand upon the fact that when "God's word goes forth it will accomplish that for which He sent it." The Word went out and God worked it in our hearts and into the soil of our everyday lives. Who could ask for anything more?
You are loved,
margaret

At home in Wynne, Arkansas

2008-09-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

Traveling from Dothan to Montgomery to Atlanta to Memphis to arrive in Wynne Arkansas was so worth the ride! A huge thank you goes out to Glenda and Randall Caldwell who treated me like royalty and making me feel so right at home. How I enjoyed sharing the Word with the ladies of Wynne Baptist Church. The fellowship afterwards was so meaningful to me as I was able to "get among the women" and hear their stories, share mine, and pray with some. Thank you for opening up your hearts, home, and His home with me. I feel that I have some new forever friends. Amazing to me how God is able to knit our hearts together in His body of believers. What a gift!
love, margaret

HIGHLY FAVORED!

2008-08-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

That's the way I felt this past weekend as I so enjoyed the Father and His children in San Antonio, Texas. Get a load of this! I participated with 400 women in Women Reaching Women Fully Loaded with so many of my LifeWay friends. I loved being with Janet and Jane, Pat, Shirley, Chris, Deb, Darlene, Becky and others as Max Lucado's church opened its doors and welcomed us in. Travis Cottrell led the praise and worship for us! I had the privilege of sharing a message on "How's Your Heart" on Thursday evening and then teaching Heart Friends twice on Friday. That in itself would have been enough to walk away fully blessed.
But there is more!
Friday evening and Saturday morning we were able to attend a Living Proof Life Event there in San Antonio. My life was forever changed as Beth taught on "Our Inheritance"! Crystal clear message that rings out loud from Genesis to Revelation. The best message I have heard ever! I am planning to transcribe my notes on the computer on Thursday so that I can feast on the Word she shared forever!
But there is more!
Arriving at the arena early on Sat. afforded me the opportunity to meet many women who were sitting near me or who happened by God's design to walk in front of me. Everybody has a story and I was able to hear so many and actually pray with them on the spot. When Beth offerred the invitation that morning, I thought "Lord, I surely would like to pray with someone to receive you this morning." I wasn't even scheduled to pray, but all at once someone grabbed my hand and said, "come on, we need more people to pray." The first person who came to me for prayer was - you guessed it - a prayer to receive Jesus!
But there is more!
Sat. afternoon, my cousin Cindy who lives in San Antonio, picked me up and we were able to attend together the 5:00 service in Max Lucado's church. Once again, Travis Cotrell led the praise and worship before Max delivered his message on "How we try to put Jesus in a box!" I pinched myself to see if I was actually listening to the man I had read for years!
But there is more!
On the flight home, I sat by 3 ladies from Rome Georgia who had been to the Event also! Becoming instant friends, we fellowshipped all the way to Atlanta.
Whew! Now do you see why I call this blog "Highly favored"?!?
You, too, are highly favored my friend. Life in Christ is sooo not meant to be boring nor are we meant to be a bore! So, you go forth - highly favored one!
love,
margaret

HOME FROM HOUSTON

2008-08-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

Ross and I returned home from Houston this afternoon after a week of testing, evaluations, examinations, and visiting with our Houston friends.
God has so heard and responded to your prayers for Ross. His preliminary report is good. The chest, head and neck are clear! We are so humbly grateful and appreciative to the Father for His continued healing. We were even given an additional month before returning for next appointment. The doctors continue to marvel at how well he is doing. Even said he should be written up in the books. And I thought - he is written up in The Book - the Lamb's Book of God and the Father has his eye and hand upon that name!
We are gloriously exhausted from the drive to and from Houston!!!!!!!
I will be speaking in San Antonio, Texas, next weekend for LifeWay in Max Lucado's church and then staying over for Beth Moore's Living Proof Live Event. If you are there, I would love to meet you, get a hug, and share a smile!
love, margaret

BACK TO HOUSTON

2008-08-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

Ross and I covet your prayers as we leave for Houston on Sunday afternoon after morning worship and teaching my ladies class.
Ross will have testing and evaluations Tuesday through Thursday. We are believing God for His continual healing, though we get our "physical proof" every 3 months as we travel back to M. D. Anderson in Houston. We have made so many friends in Houston, it is almost like "going home". We love Texas!
Two weeks ago, Ross and I and my Heart Friends co-author and her husband were in the mountains of Tennessee on a getaway vacation. God was so sweet to allow me to meet 2 new friends from First Baptist Houston (the church we attend when we are there). In the workout room of all places. They came by our cabin and we fellowshipped as if we had known each other forever. What joy!
Please be praying until you hear from me after next Thursday.
You are loved by God and soooo appreciated by me!
margaret

A VISIT TO SAGEMONT BAPTIST

2008-06-12T19:18:00.000-07:00

Did we not just bask in the presence of God all evening long!?! What a joy to be a part of the ladies who assembled at Sagemont Baptist Church in Houston on Tuesday evening to worship! And that we did! Thanks to the awesome praise and worship team. Thank you ladies for being so receptive to the Father and His Word. How readily you received the Word and sowed it into your personal lives. What a privilege was mine to pray over several of you as the evening ended. God continues to bring your faces before my mind and I continue to ask Him to do His work while you wait on Him. It is my hope that you received practical help and encouragement when He whispers "Have a seat" in one of His divinely designed waiting rooms. May you be equipped to wait on Him!
I love you and will recount our evening together many times over.
Thank you for praying for Ross. I will keep you updated on his health after we return to Houston the first of August for evaluation.
I plan to take some time this month and the next for fishing, gardening, swimming, and being the best grandma ever!
love, margaret

THANKS KATY!

2008-05-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the First Baptist Church of Katy, Texas. I enjoyed our evening together. My prayer is that you walked away with a greater understanding and a deeper desire to become a People Who Pour. Thank you for allowing me to pour out God's Word to you!
love, margaret

REPORT ON ROSS!

2008-05-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

Ross and I returned to Houston last week for tests, exams, and evaluations. We received some very good news - the doctors saw nothing "worrisome" and felt that "everything looked clean". We will return in 3 months for another time of testing and evaluations. In the meantime, we are going to thoroughly rejoice in and enjoy to the max the next 3 months.
We thank you for every prayer you have uttered on our behalf! Please feel free to rejoice with us and enjoy the days God is giving you!
love, margaret and ross

TO MY MAYFIELD FRIENDS!

2008-05-11T19:51:00.000-07:00

Well ladies....can we just all agree that we had a "good God time together"? Thank you for the fellowship we shared around the dinner table on Friday evening. That was a rich, sweet time! Your prayers beforehand were so honored by our Father and His presence among us was so real as we met together. You will forever hold a special place in my heart!
love, margaret

A VISIT TO THE CHURCH CIRCLE CITY!

2008-04-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

How I loved getting to know so many of you at the First Baptist Church of Kingsport, Tennessee! Thanks for your warm acceptance of this South Alabama girl ( I do use that term loosely at my age). You were awesome listeners! Therefore, I know that many of you had some huge God encounters throughout the weekend. My prayer is that you and I will choose to become "heart healthy"!
I came home telling others about the 3 big churches that form the church circle in the center of your town. And I loved hearing how the churches work together so well.
You will remain in my heart as God faithfully brings your faces to my mind. I have smiled many time since leaving you all over the things you shared with me, some serious and some just plain fun! I can assure you of this: I experienced the joy that comes from the fellowship shared with other believers.
Ross will take his second chemo treatment on Monday. He will wrap up tax season on Tuesday and then we will take 3 days to rest and relax at the beach. Thank you for praying for his healing!
You are loved!
margaret

Blessings Beyond!

2008-03-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

What a blessing it is to me to have my heart intertwined by the Spirit of God with women beyond my natural boundaries!
Thank you to the women of Langston Baptist Church in Myrtle Beach. My heart was so tendered by your love and acceptance of me during our weekend together. Thank you for allowing me to share with you strong messages on "the heart." I smile even now as I can see you individual faces and feel the prompting of God to pray for you as you shared with me your needs. I will continue to hold you up.
To the women of Calvary Baptist church in Clearwater Florida. Can I just tell you how much I learned to love you through our time together. I loved you before I came because I loved Cheryl, your pastor's wife, first. Now, my love has blossomed for you all. Maybe that is because the Lord not only let me teach on "The Gift of Togetherness" but He allowed us to experience it! I love you - "sun" sisters!
Thank you for your prayers for my sweet husband, who continues to work everyday. I asked him last week if he felt "healed" yet and he thought a moment and replied - "I'm not sure because I have never really felt sick." What a blessing.
He will begin his chemotherapy treatments a week from today - please pray for his healing and his continued "experiencing" health.
I thank God for every remembrance of you!
love, margaret

A BEND IN THE ROAD

2008-02-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

Ross and I wanted to update you as to where we are on this 8-year journey of living with Squamos Cell Carcinoma (cancer of head and neck). After 6 surgeries, 4 radiation treatments, and 2 chemo treatments, the doctors in Houston have drawn these conclusions: That radiation, though the preferred treatment, is not an option. The risks are greater than the benefits. (One of the cancerous spots even returned in radiated tissue.) Also, it is predicted that, based on prior behavior, this cancer will return. Therefore, the only viable option is chemotheraphy. That can be done here in Dothan. We do not know the regimen or time that will actually begin. So, we, like so many of you, need a miracle of healing. We all see miracles everyday. The doctors are in awe of how well Ross has prospered throughout this journey. They still call him their "poster boy". Ross is feeling well and continues to work everyday. We are in the process of thinking through some future decisions while we continue walking out this journey. Meanwhile, he is in the midst of "tax season" and the next couple of months are my busiest speaking schedule. We are "hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair, struck down but not destroyed."We are walking with God together through this and we have learned that guidance in specifics comes out of an intimate love relationship with God. We are pursuing that!
love, margaret

RETURN FROM HOUSTON

2008-02-08T12:23:00.000-08:00

Ross returned from Houston (3rd trip) recently to remove stitches, receive pathology report, and suggestive further treatment.
Out of the 7 nodes removed, 2 were malignant - one was encapsulated and one was not. What does that mean? One was contained to that spot and one was not therefore enhancing the chance for spreading elsewhere in the head and neck region. Ross receives checkups every 3 months so we feel confident that his situation is being closely monitored. However, for 8 years, we have played the game of "hide and seek" with this cancer. It hides and the doctors seek until that find it. It is removed and treated with radiation and/or chemo. We do not feel that radiation, though it is the preferred treatment, will be an option. We will hear in the next few weeks after the doctors consult with one another.
Though we humans are playing "hide and seek", our God is not playing. Because there is nothing hidden from His sight - all things are naked and opened before Him, and because as our shepherd, He goes before us, Ross and I are choosing to trust Him with whatever lies ahead.
Thank you for your prayer support.
You are soooo appreciated.
love, margaret

San Francisco!

2008-02-05T08:45:00.000-08:00

"I left my heart in San Francisco" is much more than merely a song to me this week. As I am reflecting about my weekend retreat there, I am humming the tune and thanking God for each of the women who became a part of my life. I surely left of peace of my heart there. It was such a blessing to actually be "among" the women and closely connect with them - heart to heart. God began "a good work and He will be faithful to complete it". I am praying for each one of you and I thank God for my remembrance of you. Your faces are before me!
Ross is returning to Houston today for the pathology report and plans for further treatment. It was so good to see him on my return. This trip was difficult for me to make, yet I went with the peace of God all over me. I think that's how we are instructed in His Word to "step out in faith." It is not always easy nor comfortable but it is the just the way we walk!
God is so trustworthy so step forth my friend!
love, margaret

Stepping Forth in Faith

2008-01-24T16:08:00.000-08:00

Thank you for every prayer you have uttered on behalf of Ross. God is moving us right along on this journey. This bend in our road.
Ross came through the neck dissection well. The surgeon removed the 2 cancerous nodes and a few others that looked worrisome. We will receive the pathology report and the proposed treatment plan in 10 days or so.
Several hours after his surgery yesterday, Ross was eating soft foods and walking around and was experiencing very minimal pain. In fact, when asked for a level of pain, he stated it was a 2! I have higher than that with a headache!
We were dismissed to the motel today and tomorrow he will have the drain removed and we will head back for Alabama.
Please pray for travel safety for us and the ability to focus for myself.
I was to be speaking this weekend in Florida, but God knew that He really had that assignment saved for a young lady I spend time mentoring. It will be a huge opportunity for her and I am so blessed to be able to be a part of that kingdom work!
I will be traveling to California next weekend for a ladies retreat so I would appreciate your praying over that!
Thank you, dear friend, for reading this and sharing your gift of time with me.
love, margaret

REPORT FROM HOUSTON

2008-01-20T19:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,
Ross and I were in Houston for our 3 month checkup and were surprised to learn that Ross has developed 2 spots that were biopsied and determined to be Squamos cells. We are returning to Houston tomorrow and are scheduled for surgery to remove the tumors on Wednesday. We are not sure whether follow up treatment will be required and what that treatment will be. This battle with head and neck cancer has been raging for 8 years now.
I will continue to post a report after Tuesday. Thank you for continued prayer support and for believing that God is able to heal Ross.
We are encouraged knowing that this diagnosis was not a surprise to God - did not catch him off guard.
I have teaching the last 3 weeks from chapter 3 of Genesis and God has been so faithful to prepare me for the journey ahead straight from His Word. He is my defender and I am so thankful that I am on His side and He is on mine!
love, margaret

My Christmas message to you!

2007-12-17T05:42:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of sharing the thoughts below with the ladies in Valdosta Georgia. What a beautiful evening we shared together celebrating the coming of our Savior into this world. Thank you ladies for your love and fellowship and especially for your listening ears. I was so blessed by you!
Allow me to share this Christmas thought with you:
"I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people" the angel in Luke 2 exclaimed! And, my friend, listen to the news the angel brings: "For there is born unto you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Though these are the most familiar words in the Christmas story - seen on billboards and Christmas cards - I would like to ask you this? Have you received them as YOUR words? Have you received Jesus as your Savior? Not just to save you from the eternal consequences of your sins, but to save you to live your life to the fullest extent in the day to day. In Luke 4, Jesus says that He has come to heal the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom to the captives, recover the sight of the blind, and set at liberty those who are oppressed." Would that be you? If so, why not open up your heart and receive your Savior today! Appropriate the good tidings of great joy for yourself for unto YOU this day a Savior is born!
Merry Christmas to you, my friend!
love, margaret

AUTHOR'S RECEPTION AND NATIONAL WOMEN'S FORUM

2007-11-26T10:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,
What a joy to revisit the other LifeWay authors and to be a part of the author's reception, which served as an opening for the National Women's Forum in Nashville. Nearly 900 women from all over the U.S. and other countries converged to share what God is doing among them, personally and corporately among their women. I know of no other training offered anywhere that offers women the height and depth and breadth that the women's forum does. Many women came alone and most in small groups from churches everywhere. I got to see some old friends and make tons of new ones. It is so easy to do that when the Spirit unites us as women in the body of Christ. Please plan to join us next year for this happening!
You will be blessed from your head to your toes and will leave with a renewed heart!
love, margaret

MY EXPECTATIONS MET!

2007-10-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, it was my privilege to participate in a ladies conference in Lubbock, Texas. Priscilla Shirer was the keynote speaker and my heart was challenged, confronted, and cleansed through the Biblical teaching I heard.
It was my joy to teach on "Heart Friends" with my co author and friend, Shirley Moses, and on "Pursuing Holiness", a lifelong passion of my heart.
The blessings came from the hearts of the women I met and had the opportunity to speak with and pray over.
I am generally flying back to Alabama on Sat. afternoons, but this time, I had to stay over on Sat. night affording me the opportunity to go to dinner with some special new friends from the church. Thank you for the food and fellowship.
This week I covet your prayers. God is doing a work in my heart cutting away some dead flesh and it is proving to be a painful process. The plea to "Create in me a clean heart" often invites the knife to be applied to it. Painfully but never without purpose does our Lord perform His work!
Thanks for sharing these moments with me!
love, margaret

A HUGE TIME IN TEXAS!

2007-10-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

Ross and I returned last Sunday to Houston for our 3 months checkup and Ross received a great report - nothing new or suspicious was detected concerning his squamos cell (head and neck) cancer. We have been blessed with miracle upon miracle as we have fought this 7 year illness. Through 4 radiation treatments, 4 surgeries, and 2 chemo treatments, Ross has continued to work. Thank you God for this continual healing and thank you, too, for every prayer uttered on our behalf.
Ross flew home on Wednesday as I was flying on to Dallas, to drive to Lufkin, Texas for a weekend conference. God truly blessed the 300 women who gathered to praise Him and experience His presence. What a joyous time we had doing just that!
They tell me "things are always bigger in Texas. Maybe that's why I always manage to have such a huge time there! So huge in fact, that I am returning to the state again this weekend!
And I'm expecting another huge time!

Sweet Carolina

2007-10-04T08:44:00.000-07:00

Ross and I were privileged to have a few days on our own. We stopped in and visited the grandchildren (we visited their parents, too) before heading to the hills. What a great time we had just spending time together roaming through the hills of North Carolina.
I was speaking at the Sweet Fragrance Women's Conference in Hendersonville, North Carolina. And what a sweet spirit was there! God really blessed and we experienced His presence and power throughout the weekend. Thanks for allowing me to be a small part of His work!
love, margaret

Farmville Friends!

2007-09-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

God has created us with a "with it" need. For Him first and secondly for the people within His body.
Well, I got my needs met as I gathered with my friends in Farmville Baptist Church Monday evening. God met with us and we met with one another. It is a privilege and a joy to be a part of the family of God and meet relatives at these reunions!
Thanks Bill Cannon for inviting me to meet your flock!
Last week, I had the honor of serving my little twins a hearty dose of love and lots of sustenance. Both Maggie and William are edible! Jackson and I played and laughed and shared hugs and kisses. Now that's "the good life."
My daughter in law is an amazing mommy! I am so proud of her and her mothering skills.
It makes me so thankful that I began praying for the mates of my 2 sons when they were in elementary school. God truly honored those prayers - my 2 daughter in laws are gifts from God to my sons and to this family!
Thanks for listening.
love, margaret

Blessings Upon Blessings

2007-09-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

It was my absolute privilege to serve some precious people in Las Vegas, Nevada the weekend after my twins were born. What a receptive group of women we found in Nevada. When women are anxious to grasp all that God has for them; He is so faithful to show up! Thank you, sweet friends, for the privilege of watching God speak to you and seeing you respond!
God was gracious to allow me to arrive shortly after their birth, make the trip to Vegas that weekend, hop off the plane in Atlanta on the return trip for my week at home with brother Jackson, Maggie, and William. Oh yea, their mom and dad were there, also. What a blessing to be a part of such a precious homecoming. Mom came home on Friday and the babies came home on Sunday just in time to greet Mimi! The babies are fine! Everyone is adjusting but don't we spend a lifetime doing just that!
This weekend was a time away with the ladies of my home church. My daughter in law was the vessel God used to provide us with a perfectly coordinated bus trip to Nashville to be a part of Deeper Still. Our women loved it! Repeatedly I heard, "That was my very favorite conference ever." Thank you Lifeway, Priscilla, Beth and Kay Arthur for your vision for such a conference!
Blessings upon blessings! I do pray that describes your life right now. Our God is gracious, loving, and able to do exceedingly, abundantly, more than we can ever ask or imagine. Are you in need of a blessing today? Just ask for it my friend!
love, margaret

2007-08-21T18:29:00.000-07:00

MAJOR PRAISE REPORT:
Maggie Grace and William Ross made their debut Monday at 5:40 via c-section. William Ross weighed in at 5 lbs. 12 oz. and little Maggie at 4 lbs. 15 oz. Both babies are doing well at this time. William Ross has dark curly hair and Maggie is fair with blond hair. (I think that means she looks like me but I may be jumping to conclusions here). Brother Jackson does not have a clue about his siblings yet since children are not allowed in the NICU and pictures alone would not suffice him. I should have pictures soon so that I can do some major flashing! Thank you for every prayer that you said for these little ones! Ross and I arrived just minutes after the babies were born and are spending the night at Brandon and Christy's tonight with Jackson.
Today I personally took the babies temperature, changed a diaper and held each one before heading back to Alabama. What an awesome privilege.
love, margaret

Fun-Filled Days

2007-08-16T11:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you ladies of Holmes Creek Baptist Church for welcoming me into the midst of you. What a beautiful sight to see the fellowship room filled with the love and joy of Jesus. You did fill it! I had such a blast sharing God's Word with you and worshipping with Michele Holloway as well. We do have such a great time being together, even if we did get lost on the return trip on Friday evening!
Thank you for responding to the Lord and thank you for listening as "ones being taught". Not by me, but by the Holy Spirit through me! You shared about how your lives were changed. That's Him!
I am already missing you, Heather, and my other "new best friends."
The twins are keeping us guessing, but for now, it seems that they will probably arrive on Monday or Tuesday of next week. I surely am glad that God knows their birthday and that He had it planned from the start! I am praying that He will favor me by allowing me to be there!
I will be in Columbus this Sat. speaking and will leave for Las Vegas (honestly to teach) the next Friday.
Days in Christ are so not boring! They are rich with meaning and purpose and joy!
I am reading a great book that has lit my fire further and answered a question or two for me - "Holy Discontent" by Bill Hybels.
Looking for a Bible study with your name already written on the inside flap? I have found one - "No Other Gods" by Kelly Minter.
Guard your hearts, friend, by filling it with the good things of Jesus!
love, margaret

2007-07-29T20:01:00.001-07:00

What a blessing was mine to share God's Word with the women at Woodlawn Methodist Church in Panama City Beach, Florida this past weekend. Thanks for the privilege to get to know you and learn to love you. I always feel that I leave a bit of my heart in places where I feel the love of God shed abroad through the women who attend such a conference. Though I can not remember your names, let me assure you that your faces will stay before me in the days ahead and I will be faithful to pray for you as God brings you to my mind.
love, margaret

Great news!

2007-07-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

Ross returned to Houston this week for his 3-month checkup. After several tests and 3 doctor visits, he heard the great news we were praying for - "everything looks fine - I see no reason to be concerned."
Thank you for praying and believing with us for his continued healing.
I spoke to a most precious group of ladies at Paxton Baptist Church this evening- they were appreciative and hungry for the Word! We enjoyed a spiritual feast!
The babies are still thriving and growing inside their mommy's tummy. We are thankful for that "staying power" God is providing for them.
I hope you are enjoying these lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer with family and friends!
love, margaret

AWESOME CALIFORNIA TRIP

2007-06-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

What a joy to be in Sacramento California this past weekend teaching my book Heart Friends, Holiness, and Digging Deeper into God's Word! Thank you ladies for being so eager to learn and soak up the truths of God. Your desire to grow and go on with God was so apparent and that is fuels my passion to teach His Word. Thank you too for allowing God to "anoint your ears to hear" and interpret even through this Southern accent. I left a piece of my heart in Sacramento!
I came home with many God stories in my heart. I will feast on them in the days and months ahead.
The twins are still intact in Christy's womb - I will travel to Atlanta next week for a couple of days. I will be able to accompany her to a doctor's appointment and view those babies for myself. I hope I can contain myself when I actually view William Ross and Margaret Grace!
Thank you for your continued prayers for these babies, their brother Jackson, Mommy and Daddy.
love, margaret

2007-06-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

I thank God for every remembrance I have of women who God has placed in my life. I am amazed to receive emails from you saying that God has just placed me on your heart to pray for me. Prayer is truly the greatest gift we can offer for one another.
Many of you ask me how you can pray.
My son and daughter in law are expecting twins - a boy and a girl, William Ross and Margaret Grace (Maggie). Now isn't that special! Christy is confined to total bedrest until the twins are born. She is 25 weeks at this time. Jackson, the 2 1/2 year brother is not understanding this. Thank you for praying for safe delivery, Jackson's peace, and Brandon's strength to juggle his obligations.
I will be traveling to Sacramento California this weekend to teach. Please pray for safe and on time travel.
My ladies class has begun a study on "Telling Your Story." If you are interested in pursuing such a project within a small group of your own and you would like information, please feel free to email me.
Thank you for sharing these moments with me. I pray that God will lavishly pour out His blessings upon your life today!
love, margaret

2007-05-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

What an exciting time in the Lord I have enjoyed over the last two weeks!
How blessed I was to be in Cincinnati Ohio meeting with the women at Friendship Baptist Church sharing with them "Extreme Makeover: Heart Edition". Thank you ladies for the flowers, the new friendships I made, the convertible ride to the church, and especially for opening your hearts to the Lord and responding as you did. What a blessing to see the altar full of women doing business with the maker of our "new hearts". I will remember you fondly in my mind and in my prayers.
Last week held new and different adventures for me - in Nashville, doing a live webcast and an online training course on Heart Friends. Doing the things we have never done before surely stretches us, but no matter how far He stretches us, we do not come undone, and amazingly we need the repeated exercise of stretching over and over. It is the way we grow up without growing old. Sometimes I feel like a toy my boys had growing up called "Stretch Armstrong". He could be stretched across the room, but never too far. God knows our stretching needs and just how far we can go. He is always orchestrating opportunities for stretching and growing!

2007-04-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
What fun this is going to be for me.
Many of you have inquired about the health of my hubby, Ross. We returned from a 6-week stay in Houston on Feb. 14. He returned to work the day after returning home (as an accountant - his clients were waiting at the door). He has finished another tax season and doing well.
Thanks to Sagemont Baptist Church for your prayers and ministry to us when we were in Houston for return evaluations. The treatment is deemed successful at this time.
I was blessed to lead a retreat at the beach for the ladies of my own home church this past weekend, serving under the direction of our WM leader, Tonya Norris (who happens to be my precious daughter in law). That, in itself, was an honor. God so richly blessed and I do not believe a single lady left without a "changed heart."
I continue to covet your prayers and thank you for them immensely.
loving you,
margaret

Testing One

2007-04-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the blog of Threads of Hope Ministries.