This is Embarrassing!

Embarrassing, But True. 

At first I was really embarrassed, but as the song writer said, "I Can See Clearly Now That The Rain Has Gone." "Yes, I'm open, ... "  that's what I told God. " If you want me to share this Mess in the form of a positive message, have at it, cause I just wanna be FREE."  

Me at Monster Truck 2013, I'm Free to be Me!!! 

It all started with what I am now calling a  "make no sense fight" I had  with my husband. This verbal brawl was about .... well, really, God only knows what it was about. Actually, I think we fought about me doing something, researching something for hours that he could have, he should have been doing, but I didn't want to ask for the help I needed. Again. I still have a few issues in the area of asking, I guess, even after following him all across the country on our recumbent tricycles, being married 18 years, raising 3 plus children together, I still have issues with asking??? That's why I call it a " make no sense" fight.  Besides that, it was 1:00 in the morning, and anybody that knows ANYTHING about me knows that after 10 PM, I should not be speaking to anybody about anything, because like Cinderella, I turn. I become a  bone fide  whiner, not a pumpkin.  LOL Seriousy,  I whine about everything. Simply stated, I should have been asleep. 

From The Mission Possible Tour
 In our tent preparing for bed

Jon and I are the headwaters of The Mississippi River.
Getting ready to start a 2,222 mile tour, just the two of us.
I did it! Visit www.The WiFiPedalers.com 

So, it's now 2AM, And I'm on my knees (that's actually a good thing), whinning to God, hmmmmm, is that a good thing? Asking him, in my whinny voice, to help me not be sick and tired of my husband. Can you imagine? I found myself telling God that I  knew my  issue with my husband was petty, but nevertheless I  had an issue, and I was bringing it to Him. Sniff, sniff.

Pointing at a boo-boo I had happen on The Mission Possible Tour.
Yep, I whined, but kept going, all the way.  

I was exhausted and had stormed out of the bedroom, I wanted so badly just to be back in bed, but pride had me hold off in hopes that he'd come after me.  I had been battling a head cold and was not feeling well, all the medication and home remedies had me in a place that made it hard for me to sleep, and that's why I was still up anyways. Yada, Yada, Yada, this is my story and the song I sang at the time ... thus, my saga continued, through prayer that was. Yep, I prayed and talked my way through. 

That's when  I heard Him whisper, "baby girl, get up and go to bed. I covered all that with My blood, on The Cross.  ... You don't have to respond to everything, I didn't."  You're tired,  what do you want? Healing  or do you WANT to hurt? Is this your way of winning this " make no sense" fight you're trying to have with your husband ? This makes no sense, Go to bed." 

I hear the song  - "There's power in The blood " 

Often time our feelings are hurt, we feel crushed,  or we experience heart retching pain from the wrongs we've encountered on our journey. Albeit, sometimes these hurts have been intentional, while other times our loved ones and friends have no idea they have wounded us. But either way, these wrongs can hurt us deeply. If we are not careful, this kind of pain, especially when the offense has come from someone we know and love, can lead to: anger, restlessness, un-forgiveness, and so much more that is not like God. These negative emotions always lead to deeper roots of bitterness, can lead us to a place we really don't want to go, so be careful. Even as Blood brought Believers, we have to be especially careful not to abandoned The Mission Possible of "living peacefully with all men." 

I even learned how to live peacefully with Thor, a 3 foot high Great Dane
 we spent the night with at a Viking Bed & Breakfast in Minnesota. 

It is during times like these that we confuse peace with being vindicated in the here and now. We feel the need to be vindicated and therefore  ... in a very sin sick kinda way, our anger, our pain, and our hurt, starts to hurt really good. We think. These are those unsuspecting moments in our lives that the Devil seeks to reck havoc in the way we live out our faith, and we have to stop, drop and pray honest prayers to God. 

Girls just having fun, in-joying each other and
taking time for TEA/ Time to Encourage and Adorn.  

These ladies took time for TEA as well, which is VERY important,
because the next year one of these ladies was dead. 

 My daddy would say, "Tell the truth and shame the Devil." And really, even as embarrassing as it may be to admit, I was wrong, my attitude stinks, I did this to myself, etc..  It takes this kind of raw honesty to develop and grow a sincere desire to please God.  There is no other way, really, and yes, at times it will be super duper embarrassing to have to be the first one and maybe the only one that apologizes. Apologizing and asking for forgiveness when you honestly dont feel you did anything wrong. But it's about pleasing the Father. Remember that. So, how's a girl  live a life that's pleasing to God, stay cool, calm and collective all while experiencing life's bumps and bruises along the way? 


I hear the song - I Must Tell Jesus." 

                               In His infallible Word, as recorded by The Apostle John, The Beloved, God tells us about The Great Tribulation. See Revelation 7. But today I want to challenge you to read this portion of the scripture from the perspective of your own personal here and now tribulations. The kinds of trials, testings, troubles and tribulations that are being experienced  by saints and sinners alike.  In this upcoming portion of scripture, God has something to say about how we can respond to everything that comes up against us in a Christ like manner. No matter what, because there really is wonder-working power In The Blood of The Lamb.   


So, let's have some TEA time, meaning, let's take the Time to Explore/Encourage and Adorn ourselves with God's promises. Even those of us that have been abandoned and/or abused by those you loved, and those who may have a child, parent or spouse who is deathly ill and the doctors have done all they can do. Even those who are facing situations and challenges that require finances and there is no money, no job and apparently no help in sight. Maybe you're not quit sure how you're gonna make it and really your emotional and mental state is telling you to end it all right now. Hold on for a minute please, because I found a profound promise from our God just for us, Jesus' Blood Brought Believers. 

Come on where the table is spread for TEA time. 

TEA time makes us healthy and happy. 

So, join me in stopping, dropping and prayerfully considering what God Himself has to say to about the matter.  

Revelation chapter 7. 

14b ...  “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 

15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. 

16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 

17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Jon's Samson picture.
 Pitiful or Powerful, What will it be??? 

So, there you have it. God Himself says, "There's Power In The Blood." And like my friend  Joyce Meyer says, when we understand that , we then have the power to be  "...  Pitiful or Powerful, but we can't be both."

I hear the next verse of the song  - " There's Power In The Blood."  Asks the question,  "Would you  o'er  evil a victory win?" 

Just remember that ALL things are possible with God,
 even pink elephants. For Really. LOL 

As the young people say, "Dont get it twisted." The battle is between God and Satan, it's a battle for your soul. There's Good and there's Evil. Period. Jesus IS THE ANSWER to our most painful and embarrassing trials, troubles and tribulations. Seriously. It all goes back to what we decide to do with Jesus in every aspect of our lives. So, now is your time of decision. In the meantime, check out the lyrics below and seek to answer the questions honestly. 

 "There's Power In The Blood."

Written by Lewis E. Jones ( 1899) 

Would you be free from your passion and pride?
There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Come for a cleansing to Calvary’s tide;
There’s wonderful power in the blood.

Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow?
There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Sin stains are lost in its life giving flow.
There’s wonderful power in the blood.

Would you do service for Jesus your King?
There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you live daily His praises to sing?
There’s wonderful power in the blood.

Refrain
There is power, power, wonder working power
In the blood of the Lamb;
There is power, power, wonder working power
In the precious blood of the Lamb.


Imagine if ALL Believers lived as though we really believed that we embody Jesus' resurrection, wonder-working power. Wow!!!! That's an awesome thought. All so that THE World may know Him! 

Well, I've decided to recommit myself  to living life "like I know," and you're invited to please join me on this amazing journey, as I seek to: Live and Learn, Love and Lead others to Him. .

Earline E. Blumhagen
Live & Learn. Love & Lead. 

407.448.1987 voice 
407.504.0837 vp
www.GodsHandsAgency.com 
www.EarlineBlumhagen.com
www.The WiFiPedalers.com
www.aMessMinistry.com

Blumhagen, as she's affectionately called on The Urban Radio Network lives in Orlando, Fl  as an empty nester with her husband and best friend, Jon Anthony Blumhagen.  Earline in-joys teaching, traveling, and Biblically coaching others in how they too can reach their God-given potential. She is fluent in ASL/America Sign Language and is a first choice favorite speaker, teacher and emcee for special events. 

Day 2 - Frankfurt, Germany

Well, I made it through my first international flight across the Atlantic Ocean and what an experience that was. The airline is called Luftansa .... Huge planes with hundreds of folks packed in. You better believe I took the opportunity granted me to to Be a living " Circle Maker" as we traveled from one continent to another. I was just thinking about how timely that was that God would have me just finish that book study, which challenged me to make a habit of drawing circles around the promises of God in creative ways. Mark Batterson is the author, check it out.

All night long that's what I did, especially after I started to overheat and feel quizzy through the middle of the night. I literally prayed myself to sleep, as I was sitting in the inside of a very narrow row with 3 others. But I made it through. They even served dinner and breakfast on the flight, I wondered how they were gonna pull that off, but they did it. to my surprise the food was hot and pretty tasty for airplane food. I had the opportunity to watch the movie Lincoln and was deeply moved once again as to how God used him to orchestrate the processes of America coming to grips with the fact that we are all created equal.

I woke up early this morning, oh, please note that I'm gonna be 6 hours ahead of you, meaning it's currently 2:45 pm here in Germany while it's 8:45 there in Orlando. I am already experiencing jet lag, drinking cappuccino and even took a gulp of 5 hour. Thanks honey for packing that for me, albeit, this is NOT a habit I want to form. We noted that it was snowing from the air, but on the ground it's a bit warm, at least for me it is. Y'all know I have my own personal summers. LOL. I sure was looking forward to the cold weather the forecast promised us. But who knows, maybe it's not too late.

Our connecting flight left us, because we were behind schedule, so we are here in the airport til 4pm and then on to Rome for a hot shower, dinner and a bed. Yeeaayy God!!!! I've even enjoyed my time here in Frankfurt as you'll soon see in the pictures. Didnt find any of my Blumhagen relatives though. So, I'm working hard to remember the names of all my classmates ... That's challenging, but they are a GREAT group of young people.

In the pics you'll meet Natasha whose from Naples, 4 months pregnant, scheduled to marry next month, Iranian, well traveled, and my side kick for this trip. Stephania, the official photographer for our group as far as I'm concerned, and her sister Andrea whose a 4 month old newlywed, traveling without her hubby for the first time. And then there's Natalie, the sweet spirit of the bunch whose also a native of Orlando. There's also the birthday boy and his girlfriend who you'll see sleeping through the day. LOL

Check out the smoke shacks sponsored by the maker of camel cigarettes ... People actually lock themselves in this little room to smoke. For really. See the man that we call " The International Charger" seemingly recharging himself while sleeping. The new Mercedes and the cake on the stick that I left at the cafe, but they sure do look good. For really !!!

Well, I'm gonna seek to get a little shut eye while awaiting our plane, and we'll be back in touch after we arrive in Rome, God willing.
Love y'all, send me your comments and questions .... In the interim I'm calling this a rap.

Day -3, -2 and -1 ... God Is In Control!!!!

Happy Today yall! Sorry that I missed a few days, it's been a little hectic around here, but Not only is God in control y'all, but He's still "baking me cakes." Keep reading and I'll explain, how so. LOL

Well, tomorrow is almost here and so much has transpired since the last time we spoke. Somebody asked, am I ready? to which I will respond, ready or not, here we go!

- On Tuesday morning I facilitated the last "Club" session for this season. Club is actually The Deaf and Signing Divas Book & Bible Club we started through GHA. It's where Deaf and Hearing ladies come together weekly, every Tuesday actually, and study a book and the Bible for the purpose of growing in wisdom and strength. This past Tuesday we had our last session on the book "The Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson, and I don't think my prayer life will ever be the same again.



Together we learned how to draw circles around the promises of God, seek to remember the addresses as to where they can be found and creatively pray them back to our Father. After-all, He did promise not to withhold anything good from us if we'd walk in obedience to Him. Right?

New Living Translation (©2007)
For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

Actually on Tuesdays I teach all day, and love every waking moment of it, as this is what God has called me to do. Inspire, Influence and In-power others through His Word. I call it Biblical Life Coaching. We ended with a surprise birthday party for Vanessa and everybody left fatter and happier. Literally. LOL

On Tuesday afternoon I spent my usual time with the kids at MILLS, as they had their last sign language lesson in preparation for their Black History program on Wednesday. those babies keep me young and grounded. As a matter of fact, I'm looking for an intern .... Any bites out there????

I taught them the meaning behind the song "Kum Ba Ya" and they learned how to sign it. I am so proud of them, they have exceeded any expectations I had for them, and even though I still say teaching kids is not a part of my calling, I have found that as I walk in obedience and teach them anyway, I am growing in ways I probably would not otherwise. So, in essence, I think I need that weekly "dose" of "little people." LOL

- I've also been working on Tuesday afternoons with a Deaf young lady that we'll call "Mary." Mary is the single mother of 2 hearing young sons and she's placed them up for adoption. I have had the opportunity to be involved in this entire process with Mary from the very beginning and I hope and pray that God will allow me to someday see Mary be reunited with her kids after they all are healthy, happy and wise adults.

Mary is like so many others I have met over the years who just don't know how to parent. I mean really. I sat there and watched her interact with these little people, who by the way are highly intelligent, but she has no idea how to be their mother, and this is all too common yall.

But Mary has never had a healthy mother figure in her life. Her mom stills parties and drugs to this day I am told. She has never seen "effective parenting" played out, and remember, on top of all of this Mary is Deaf, so there is not a lot of "unintentional learning" taking place. Mary says she has been told in one way or another, over and over again, all of her life that she'll never amount to anything and she's an awful parent. So, in her mind, if this is who she is, then why bother????

When I met Mary she had already concluded that she can't and now she's not willing to even try to mother her children ... and yet, I can see clearly the hurt and pain that Mary is trying to stuff, because Mary really does love her kids. She loves her kids enough to give them to a family who can and will parent them, and help them be all they can be. Mary doesn't want to repeat the cycle of family dysfunction and/or abuse. So I say, hats off to Mary ... But pray is what she desperately needs us to do for her.

I have presented my Heavenly Father to Mary, but she's still at a place where she's not ready to trust even Him ... Especially Him really, as she was raised "in the church" and stills deal with much of those hurts.

So, will you join me in praying for this Mary and the Mary's of our community? Especially the Deaf Mary's who are sometimes limited in their understanding that there are resources available to them ... And then how about you, are you willing to be a resource to the Mary's in "your" world? Will you be a friend to, will you mentor, will you learn sign language???? Well, will you .... let me know, I'm looking for interns.

... then Wednesday soon followed with a very successful Black History program at MILLS and a concert with my family, The Wissmann Family.

See Wissmannfamily.com

Gloria, who is the mother of this clan is my husband's 2nd cousin, so they came to town and ministered at my home church, Mt Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, where Dr. Larry G Mills is my pastor. See MtSinaiOrlando.

They were such a blessing to our church family, and our church family was a true blessing to them as well. I am right proud to be a Sinaite y'all, meaning, I am capable and open to embracing all of God's children and His distinctive ways to grow me up like He did Jesus, in wisdom, stature, and in favor with both God and man. Luke 2:52

We had some good family time together over a late lunch and my sister Mae Frances even joined us. it was good is all I can say. Later in the evening I learned that God had been "baking yet another cake for me" as my son Reggie totaled the car we gifted him. Remember Jon just drove all the way out to Arizona two weeks ago to take him the car? Yep that car. The car was totaled internally, but without physical injury to Reggie or anybody else.

How GREAT Thou Art is all I could say. I've been praying for God to have His way, and I've invited Him to "do it" by any means He deems necessary. Well, He's a prayer answering God and I totally trust Him as I recognize that His ways and His thoughts are not the same as ours, they are higher. Period! Isaiah 55:8,9 ... Here's Reggie's new car that he/Reggie brought this time. LOL

Believe it or not, In between all of this very active daily living I do, I have been preparing as best as I can for Italy and Greece. for Really!!!! I've been reading, emailing, studying, working, and so much more.

This morning Jon and I went to his oral surgeon for a follow up to phase one of this whole dental implant procedure he is undergoing, which is a 4 or 5 phase journey. We were told that everything looks good and his running around snaggled tooth has really aided in that. LOL Meaning, he could be wearing a custom designed loosely fitted partial while awaiting the implants, but the pressure on the gum is not ideal for the bone from the graft to properly set. So, Jon has chosen to just tell people he's a hockey player. Need I say more? LOL

Anyhews, we go back in May for phase 2 .... And hopefully in 8 more months to a year, my boyfriend the hockey player will have his MILLION DOLLAR smile back. In the mean time, I will continue to love him dearly, snaggled tooth and all. Ha ..... Oh, God thank you sooooo much for my husband, and thank you for growing me up.

Well, with all that said and done, finally got some euros for our trip from the Millennia Mall concierge desk, took an afternoon nap, caught up this blog and now it's Hammer time, I mean packing time ..... Jon still has to take me through all the technical training I need for the trip, since he's not going with.

I have to learn how to operate the camera, the flip camera, my voice recorder, this iPad and download, transfer, save, and upload stuff and then some. That's a lot of work isn't it???

Remember, I'm doing all this for you. LOL .... Because if you're going to travel and study with me, then ALL of this and more is necessary to the success of our travels and studies. Sooooooo ... Pray me through. OK???

And hey, the purpose of a blog is for us to talk, so holler back at me sometime so I'll at least know you're still hanging out with me. Alright??? Gotta go for now ... Stay tuned, tomorrow is the big day. I have to be at the airport at 4pm, for a 8pm flight overnight flight to Frankfurt, Germany. Maybe I'll see "cousin em" on the airport. LOL

So, that's a wrap!

Eeb
Live & Learn. Love & Lead.

P.S. OH ... God's Cake Baking is based on Romans 8:28 .... Look up the scripture for yourself and consider the following ...
Separately the flour, eggs, oil, butter, sugar, water, jello, vanilla extract, and whatever you put in your bowl is not good in and of itself, is it? .... But when it's all mixed together, I don't know about you, but I still lick the spoon. LOL! Well, I do, and you probably do too.

And even so, the flavor of that batter doesn't compare to the taste of a good freshly baked, hot pineapple upside down cake. Right ???? So, God promises those who love Him and walk according to His plans for their lives that He'll work "it" ALL together for our good!!! His batter is better than good and His cakes are out of this world. So, go ahead God and bake me all the cakes you want to.