Things To Talk About

Why Prayer is So Important

2012-01-17T16:34:00.000-08:00

Last night our electricity went out for about 4 hours. The kids and I decided to make the best of it and had a Bible study. We read Matthew 9.

Matthew 9

Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man

¹ Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town. ² Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.”
³ But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?”
⁴ Jesus knew^[a] what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? ⁵ Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? ⁶ So I will prove to you that the Son of Man^[b] has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”
⁷ And the man jumped up and went home! ⁸ Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for sending a man with such great authority.^[c]

The part that stood out to me was the fact that Jesus saw their faith. There is so much more here, but this is what stood out.

There are times in our lives when we might be sick or we might be going through something hard, and our faith is shaken. When we ask others for prayer who do have the faith, God sees this.

When you are asked to pray, do so. Do it knowing that God is going to move in a powerful way.

I have been learning about faith lately. Not to waver in it, but believing in who Jesus is in my life. It is hard sometimes and my faith does get shaken, but I have seen God move in ways that I never thought possible or answer prayers that I thought that might be impossible. God is a God of the impossible.

If there is something that you are going through, just remember that God is God, no matter what. Just trust that He sees the past, present and future. When Jesus was here on this earth, He endured everything on the cross and knows exactly how you feel and what you are enduring. There is nothing new with God.

God will never leave you and He will not leave you alone. His loving arms are always around you. GOD LOVES YOU more than you will ever know!

Drawing From Ministry

2012-01-15T19:30:00.000-08:00

Today was an awesome day! There is so much to tell. I woke up, not really wanting to go to church because I was enjoying my sleep so much, but I could feel the stiring to go, so I went with my kiddos.

I am so glad that I made the choice to go because God was so awesome! Last Sunday, God ministered to me, and then today, God used me to minister to a few of my friends. I am still blown away that God wants to use little me to do something for Him.

When I got home, my mom called me to have one of our weekly chats and share what God had done all week. (I love our conversations)

She shared the story of when Jesus went to Samaria and was tired and went to get a drink from the well. The woman who came to draw water, got ministered to. Jesus was refreshed after pouring out to her. (John 4)

If you ever find a place in your life where you are tired and worn out from your journey, be open to God using you to minister to someone in need. It could be an encouraging word, a hug, a smile, a prayer, etc. You will find yourself refreshed afterwards.

Have a blessed week!

Young Love

2012-01-02T15:56:00.000-08:00

This morning, as I was almost at work, I asked God to show me something today. I want to always be in awe of God, even in the little things.

I had to a workshop to go to about Building Positive Behavior. It is such a great workshop and was my second time to be present for it. I learned so much more this time about Autism and children with different behavior challanges. (This was the first great part of the day)

After work, I had to go to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. You have to understand, my brain is so tired from sitting in a room and learning all day. I had forgotten about my prayer this morning and was just wanting to leave the parking lot when I noticed a couple standing near some cars. As I was pulling out of my parking space, I noticed the young man's expression on his face. He was so smitten by this young lady. It seemed that whatever she was saying to him, had him spell bound. I don't normally notice things like this, but I did this time and it made me think of God's love towards us. When love starts to form between 2 people and how it grows with excitement and wanting to be with that person all day, everyday. It is in the wanting to know that person more and more.

God's expressions of love that He gives to us in everything, throughout our days is amazing.

Filling in the cracks

2012-01-01T21:35:00.000-08:00

Yeah for 2012! I am so hoping that this new year will be one of rest. This past year was a year of stretching and growing. There were a lot of happy moments and a lot of sad moments. I thank God for it all!

In this year (not in any order):

My son's voice changed and he grew several inches and now is just as tall as I am and he is just 12.

My daughter closed out the last school year with A's and B's.

My husband got promoted at work.

I started working in the special education department at work which has been the most trying job of my life.

My nephew asked Jesus into His heart.

God provided at every turn and just continues to amaze me.

There are so many more things that I could list, but those seem to be the biggest. I am sure that after I walk away from the keyboard I will think of a few more things to add.

Just after Christmas, we made a trip to go see my in-laws. It is about a 2 and a half hour drive to their house. As I was driving, I noticed that the farm land had cracked in areas. (There were huge cracks) But because we have had a lot of rain recently this crack was filled up to the top. In my heart, I heard the Holy Spirit say, "Sometimes I allow you to go through the harsh summer season, so that I can fill you." I was in tears because it has felt like I had been through a very harsh, dry season and was cracked. I had moments of rain, but had been stretched so thin, spiritually. I have been feeling the rain lately and have been welcoming it in.

Happy New Year! May the Lord bless you in this new year in your relationships, your daily decisions, your goals, your jobs, your family, and friendships. God is good!

Going Crazy

2011-12-03T21:51:00.001-08:00

This past week was a hairy one. My goodness, on Tuesday, I thought that I was going to go crazy. We just got off of Thanksgiving Holiday break, which was great, by the way. The kids were in full form on Monday, but Tuesday, it was like they forgot that they were suppose to be in school and how to act and everyone was acting crazy. (I know that I was highly irritable, but I thought that I was controling it pretty well)

In the morning, I am in a classroom for about 2 hours. In this room is constant noise. If you have ever worked in special education, you know that there are good days and bad days, and if the days are bad, then you know that teaching is minimal. This constant noise and bad moods was driving me nuts! I did everything in my mind to keep me calm so that I could continue to work on them getting calm. I prayed under my breath, breathed deep breaths, counted, smiled, thanked God for my job and the wonderful students, but it seemed that I couldn't get it under control.

My co-worker had left the room to go to a meeting, and that is when the world caved in. The moods of the students went farther south. They turned off their hearing (at least to my voice), their voices were raised, talking back was a free for all, getting into my co-worker's things, etc. I prayed, "Lord tell me what to do! I need your peace and wisdom." I got their attention and calmed them down for a moment and I began to feel at peace.

After my co-worker came back to the room, they were pretty settled and I was feeling a lot better. I went to take a short break and I lost it. I went to call my husband and just cried like a baby. I felt like I was having a panic attack. He made me feel better, but it seemed that if anyone would ask me how my day was going, I would have cried some more. (I hate that feeling. I don't mind crying, but crying at the drop of a hat is something that I don't like to do)

I talked to another co-worker of mine if she had ever been on antidepression medication and she just encouraged me to talk to our principal (which is a great lady). I took her advice and went in and talked to her.

She just encouraged me. She lifted my spirits so much that the rest of the week was great. I felt so much better. I later sent her a text and thanked her for talking with me and encouraging me and she again encouraged me some more.

I so love the campus that I am on. I work with some awesome people!

Who are those people in your life that encourage you? Do you do this for others? Can you tell of a time that you made a difference in someone's day?

The Grace of Wonder

2011-10-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

In the book, The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning, he references a prayer prayed by rabbi, Joshua Abraham Heschel:

"Dear Lord, grant me the grace of wonder. Suprise me, amaze me, awe me in every crevice of your universe. Delight me to see how your Christ plays in ten thousand places, lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not His, to the Father through the features of men's faces. Each day enrapture me with Your marvelous things without number. I do not ask to see the reason for it all; I ask only to share the wonder of it all."

As I was finishing up chapter 5 this evening and read this prayer to close the chapter of Cormorants and kittiwakes, I know that God will do just this, He will show me His wonder.

This evening, as I was outside seeing my husband off to work, I looked up at the night sky and was blown away by the beauty above, and I suddenly felt so small. I could see so many stars in the cloudless sky. I know that God has placed me on this earth at this time for a reason, just like He has you. Yet, among the billions of people on this planet, He loves me and cares for me, just like He loves you. His love is so great that we only understand a fragment of His great love. If this is true, then why don't we trust Him? Why don't I trust Him like I should?

On Friday, during a morning class, my co-worker got onto a student who was squirming at his seat. She said, "Be still and quit moving around!" I then heard the Lord say, almost audibly, "BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!" I then felt such a peace come over me. It was all I could do to keep from crying. I hear God's still small voice often, but this was profound. It was like God was just saying, "Quiet yourself and trust in Me!" I felt His awesome love in that instance. I wasn't thinking about God at that moment, but was thinking about the noise in the room and wondering if it would subside. Isn't it neat how God will come to our situation, even when we aren't thinking about Him and get our attention? The thing is, He does this all of the time with the beauty around us, in the relationships that we have formed, in the many blessings that He has provided, and even in the beauty of the night sky after a very long and stressful day.

Lord, I want to share the wonder of it all.

Nathan's precious heart

2011-10-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

Nathan is 12 years old and quite the young man. He has always been sensitive to the things of God and at an early age accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. At the age of 4 he would pray with me and for me and this has continued through the years.

This morning, at church, we had a guest speaker. I was in the service for worship and then went back into the nursery to help out, so I wasn't in for the preaching, but Nathan stayed in and listened.

The pastor's daughter came into the nursery and told me that it was okay for me to go back into the sanctuary. At this time, the minister had everyone come up front, so I went up and prayed with everyone. When I turned around during this time, I noticed that Nathan was sitting in the same seat that he was in, so I motioned for him to come up with us. A few minutes later, the minister had us pray a corporate prayer, and during the prayer, I heard Nathan say it with us. After it was over, I looked at Nathan and he was weeping and started to hug me. We stood there hugging as everyone was leaving and he continued to weep. A new member of our church came up to Nathan and started to pray for him. He spoke over Nathan and said, "In my heart, I can tell that God loves you so much. He has a purpose and plan for your life. He has great things in store for you, so do not be discouraged because He is working in your life." We both hugged him. When we sat down, Nathan was still in tears, the minister came up to Nathan and just incouraged him.

Later, on our way home, Nathan said, "While I was sitting in my seat, I knew that I had to go up with everyone else. I could feel it and when you told me to come up with you, that is when I felt God."

I am so in awe of the Lord, and I hope that Nathan stays sensitive to the moving of the Holy Spirit. I can't wait to see what God has in store for that young man.

2011-10-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Kansas Bob for posting this video. It was an encouragement to watch. =) You never know how your encouragement to others could change, not only their lives, but your life as well.

In Wonder of God

2011-10-09T14:29:00.000-07:00

I am in chapter 5 of The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning. Last night, I read the rest of chapter 4, but before I finished the chapter, I told Chris that chapter 4 was my favorite chapter. Then, I started reading chapter 5, and I must admit, this is my favorite chapter so far.

It talks about the wonder of God. I have always been the type that finds the awe in God's beautiful handiwork, but this chapter goes even deeper into that.

God's love is everywhere. It is the sunrise and sunset, and in how He paints the sky with brilliant colors as the clouds are brushed across the sky. It is in the laughter of a child, in the simple hello and smile of someone that you do not know. It is in a day of peace, in a phone call, the sounds of a lightnighting storm, in a hug from a friend, etc. I could go on and on.

On page 94 and 95 Brennan Manning talks about how he had met a woman at a silent retreat that he had directed. During the retreat, he asked all woman (her life had been filled with service to the Lord) what grace desired from God and she wrote, "I want to experience the love of God." He told her that he wanted to know that too. He noticed that she went walking on the beach, which was not far from where they were staying, and as she walked barefoot and just let the cold water rush on her feet, a woman came up to her, hugged her and kissed her on the cheek and whispered, "I love you!" When she got back, she wrote him and said, "God answered our prayer." I just cried when I read this story. It was so precious! (I have cried a lot while reading this book and I am only in chapter 5)

How often do we ask God for something, but do not notice the answer because we are too busy with our day or lost in our stress to even see that God has answered our prayers.

I challenge you this week to open your eyes and ears and take in the beauty and splender of God. (I am going to do the same) Ask God for "wonder", and then sit back and see the miracles that take place before you.

This book has changed my outlook on life in such a huge way! Please, get a copy and read this book, you will not regret it.

Yesterday and then Today...I am a Ragamuffin

2011-09-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a very rough day. My days are totally consumed with trying to be patient, kind, loving and understanding, and at the same time, I am physically challenged to meet the needs of the students that I work with. Of all of the days this school year, yesterday was the hardest of all, but I needed to go through it.

I will not go into details of my job, but when I got home, I did a lot of crying. As I was laying in bed, about to go to sleep, I cried out to God and told Him that I needed Him so much and that the students that I work with need Him more, and that I can't do this job without Him. As I was crying, I could picture the little children coming to Jesus and His love toward them. It was amazing! All I could do was sob as I saw each of the faces of the students that I work with.

Chris and I are reading The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning. (I have to say, if you have not read this book, it is a must! It is a life changer and an eye opener of the grace of God.) In the 3rd chapter Manning goes into how Jesus tells us that we are to be like little children. They are uninhibited when they want something. They don't look at what they did wrong or what the future holds, they just come to us. He gave the example of a little boy, who was 3, who came to his door and asked, "Where are the cookies?" The little boy didn't greet him or anything, he just wanted some cookies. LOL When we come to the Father, we should just know that He excepts us as we are. We should not care about what we have done or what we might do or not do, but just to come as we are. The love of the Father is so great, so how can we not?

I have so much to learn from the students that I work with. They are, as my husband says, "The innocent of the innocent."

What is stopping you from letting the Heavenly Father embrace you? Is it your past, what you are doing now? Are you trying to earn His love? Just come as you are. I have made so many mistakes and am embarrassed by things that I have said, done, and will probably make more and more horrible mistakes, and hope that I don't. As for now, I know that I call upon the name of Jesus and I know that He is there for me. He loves me in spite of myself. He doesn't care about the wrong, He just loves me, just like He just loves you. We are all Ragamuffins.

This Year

2011-09-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

Wow! First off...God is awesome!!!

I found out, when school started this year that I was going to be back, working in special education. I was a little disappointed because I remember how hard it was. I worked in a life skills room and a resource room for 6 years. I would go home and cry because it seemed as though some of the students were abused, neglected or maybe it was the politics. It was just so tough!

This time around, I was, first of all, thankful that I had a job. I knew that God would provide and that I wanted to go in with a positive attitude and not let things get to me. I can only do so much, and if I allow the things that I can't control get to me, I will lose it! LOL

Since school has started, it has been hard and at times I would go home and cry, but I am not in the same mindset that I was in. I have had more laughs than I have had tears, and even in the tears, I have learned something about the babies that I work with and about myself and how to correct mistakes and those aspects of my life that need to be changed and seem hard, I give over to the Lord. Every morning has to be started off with prayer and just giving it over to Him. My prayer is that the Lord will use me, and that I would, all day, walk in patience.

God has been faithful to provide. I have had more hugs, laughs, and moments of joy. I enjoy what the Lord has blessed me with. I get to minister every single day and get paid for it. LOL What an awesome opportunity! I have no idea what is around the corner or why I am where I am at, but I do know that I am learning.

God is awesome!

3 Miracles

2011-08-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

This month my faith has grown. I have witnessed God move and have heard of incredible things that God has done. I know that everyday that we are alive is a miracle in itself. There are daily miracles that we see and take for granted, but there are those that we don't hear about all of the time.

There is a woman that I work with. In the first week of getting ready for students arrive, we had a few days to prepare our rooms in the midst of staff developement and meetings. I would see her working in her room. She told us on the last day of that week that her mother was in the hospital and was told that her mother would not make it that week. She then told us that her mother had pronounced brain dead. Over the next few days, they planned to take her off of life support and just give her over to the Lord. As they did so, she didn't die. In fact, she gained consciousness and woke up. She is now at home and doing fine. I asked her about it and she said it was just a miracle. She had a lot of people praying for her.

The next story was one that my mom told me about this past Sunday. A woman that she goes to church with shared the testimony of her daughter. She had gone up to a state up north to be with her daughter who was pregnant with twins. She, ontop of being pregnant had kidney stones. She was in constant pain, unable to urinate without pain. She called the church to pray for her daughter. The daughter went in for an ultra sound to see how what they could do as far as the kidney stones were concerned. (The mother was with her) As the doctor was looking in the area of the stones, he pointed at the screen and said "Look! Do you see the light thingies?" Before their eyes, the stones were being disolved. The doctor couldn't give a logical explaination of this. He just kept calling it light thingies. LOL It was a miracle!

The next one happened quickly too! A friend of mine was going through a really hard time in her marriage. She didn't see any hope in it. She went 6 + months in agony wondering if things were going to get better. She didn't know what to do at all! We prayed and other people were praying. They went to a marriage bootcamp and now their marriage is new now. There is no signs of the past. It is like they are newly weds. She is glowing and loving life. God restored them!

No matter what you are going through, God is able to heal and restore. He can do anything! If you are sick, believing for healing for you or a loved one, wondering if your marriage will ever get better, praying for lost loved ones and see no hope in sight, just know that God can do the impossible!

Hang in there!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2011-08-08T22:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the greatest man I know!

I love you very much! I feel so proud to call myself your daughter! Thank you for being the man that you are.

Over the years, through your example, you have taught me about integrity, trust, loyalty, honesty, kindness, and most of all...what it means to be a follower of Christ. Thank you!

I hope that your day was a great one!

Earmark

2011-08-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

earmark:
1. to set aside for a specific purpose, use, recipient, etc.
2. any distinguishing mark or characteristic
3. sign of ownership

This morning, I was in the prayer room before church started. I was praying and seeking God as to what He wanted to say. I kept on hearing the word "earmark".

I went to my husband who was in there with me and he pulled up the definition. I knew a little about it. I had heard it said in the news and such, but wanted to know more about this word. He pulled up the word on his phone's dictionary. The definitions above really stood out to me.

I went back to praying and seeking God as to what He was wanting to say concerning this word.

During worship, I kept on hearing it. It seemed that theme of worship was love and even in the prayer room as we assembled together to pray and give the morning over to Him; the theme was love and His great love for us.

Someone got up and spoke about the love of the Father and how great this love is. Throughout what this person was speaking, I kept on hearing it and felt impressed to go up and share what the Lord had laid on my heart.

We are earmarked by God. God has placed us this time and season for a purpose. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are made His. We are His very own. We need to trust in the fact that we are taken care of; every aspect of our lives.

The Lord also laid on my heart that there are many who have come under attack in the Body of Christ, but to not be afraid or worry because He is taking care of us. We just need to stand in Him and trust in this fact. He is also transitioning us from where we are to something greater. We just need to stay focused on Him and His love through it all because He loves us!

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

The Verdict

2011-07-31T16:51:00.000-07:00

This morning, our pastor talked about grace and loving others. He talked about God's love for all. He showed The Verdict <------- (watch the video) by the Skit Guys. (If you haven't watched their videos, please check them out) The video is called The Verdict.

(I tried posting the video so that you could just watch it, but I couldn't find it on You Tube) =(

I know that I beat myself up for things that I do wrong and have felt like I have a judge, jury and witnesses ready to convict me. The thing is, the Blood of Jesus covers all sins. I am free! I do have a lot of areas that need improvement, and daily, I am asking for forgiveness for whatever. I just need to remember the grace of God is sufficient. His love covers all sins, regret, humiliation, anger, etc.

Do you ever feel like you can't get past the past? Like you can't move on because you aren't forgiving yourself? Just remember that Jesus is your freedom. You don't have to walk around in chains. If you haven't tried a relationship with Jesus Christ, you might want to. Turning my heart over to Jesus was the best thing that I have ever done. I am not the same person that I was before. I will continue to be a better person because of the love of Jesus.

Family

2011-07-22T22:47:00.000-07:00

We are having such a great time with our family. I can't believe that a week has already passed by. We have had many laughs and a few tears. (I am sure in this next week, there are more to come in this next week) Isn't that what makes family so important? It is those special moments of sharing, laughing, crying, hugs and kisses, but most importantly, just being there for one another.

Uncertainty

2011-07-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 41:10
"I pulled you in from all over the world,

called you in from every dark corner of the earth,
Telling you, 'You're my servant, serving on my side.
I've picked you. I haven't dropped you.'
Don't panic. I'm with you.
There's no need to fear for I'm your God.
I'll give you strength. I'll help you.
I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you."

There are so many times that we face uncertainty in our lives. We don't know what tomorrow brings. In this verse, God promises that He is with us. He is not letting go of us. We are in His grip.

Please be encouraged to know that God is faithful through everything we face. Hang in there!

We Are His Treasures

2011-07-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 1:18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.^[g]

^{WE are God's holy people, who are His rich and glorious inheritance. Wow!!!}

^{On Sunday, we attended Brookside Church with our family. The pastor taught out of Ephesians 1. This really stood out to me. I have Ephesians 1 memorized because my mom taught me to pray this prayer over my loved ones. I have never done an in depth study on this passage before, but I knew that it was rich, in itself, with so much meaning. (That is why I prayed it over people that I know)}

^{His love for us is so immense! We can't even begin to grasp how much God loves us. It is beyond our imagination.}

^{Why is it so hard to lay aside our worries and fears? Knowing what we know about God, why can't we just trust Him? (I have problems at times in this area too) I almost want to put stickies all over my house that read, "I AM GOD'S TREASURE" so that I will not forget this fact when I am facing a really tough situation. He has our backs! He is not going to fail us. He is our Daddy! He sees our ins and outs of our situations and knows each intricate detail of our lives, down to the number of hairs we have on our heads. He sees the future and those that we are in contact with and who we will come into contact with.}

^{No matter what you are facing, just trust in His love and allow Him to heal, embrace, calm, comfort, and care for you and your needs. He loves you!}

Colossians 3:1-2

2011-07-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

^1-2 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.

I have been reading in Timothy for the past week. When I woke up this morning and decided to read, Colossians 3 was on my mind. (I am so glad that I did read this chapter)

God has been dealing with me, for the past month or so, on my perspective. What is important and what isn't. This chapter deals with that.

The first 2 verses were amazing in themselves.

We are to act like we are in Christ. Stop worrying about the past, the present or the future. It does no good. We are to just stay focused on Jesus. Not taking our eyes off of who He is. In this, we will stop walking around feeling defeated, overwhelmed, fearful, etc. We will begin to see ourselves and those around us, the way that God does.

Everything else around us works itself out because God is in control. Ask God for wisdom and direction in everything. In

Matthew 6:32-34

The Message (MSG)

^30-33"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
³⁴"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

It is very clear that God takes care of everything. We just need to seek Him first above all. The Holy Spirit is our helper and comforter. That is what He is there for. Let Him be so in your life.

I don't know about you, but I need to read this from time to time, just to gain perspective.
Remember, if you have lost who you are through your family, your job, school, etc., just know that when we lean on Jesus Christ and seek Him, we begin to gain our identity in who we should be and who we were created to be.

Lake Day Yesterday

2011-07-18T16:52:00.000-07:00

We had such a great day yesterday at the lake with family and friends. The time seemed to fly by too fast.

Longing For More

2011-07-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

This past week, I have made it a point to read my Bible everyday. Before this, I would read it on occassion and prayed everyday (throughout my day), but reading the Bible wasn't as much as a priority and it should be.

Since I have been reading, I am noticing a change. I am noticing my heart strings being tugged at a little more. There is a deeper desire to read more and to study more.

I can't wait to experience all that God has in store. I want more of Him! God is so amazing!

So Sad

2011-07-15T21:03:00.000-07:00

My family and I have taken a trip to Omaha. On the way, we took a more scenic route, but what we didn't expect was to have to take a long detour to Omaha because of the Missouri River flooding.

We saw acres and acres of flooded crops. My heart went out to the farmers and their families who have lost so much. It was so sad to see.

We hear about all of this going on, but until you have seen it with your own eyes, it is almost hard to believe.

Heart Strings

2011-07-07T17:23:00.000-07:00

Wow! I don't know what God is doing, but He is doing something in me.

It has been a normal day, but I have been so emotional to anything spiritual. For example, I was watching The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry with my kids and was just in tears. It does have its moments that will tug on your heart strings. (A very inspiring movie the inspires us to share our faith with others and not to judge someone based on how they act, but love them and reach out to them no matter how they may treat you or others)

Then earlier, Nathan (my son) and I were talking about Jesus. He asked me about the other men that were hanging on the cross beside Jesus. As we were talking about it, I broke down in tears. I kept on thinking about what Jesus did on the cross for us.

It all comes down to this...I am so thankful to the Lord Jesus for giving me a second chance and a third and fourth chance and more. He has been so amazing to me. I am just feeling so humbled by the fact that He loves me in spite of me.

Family Visit

2011-07-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

We had such a great visit with cousins and my sister-in-law. I so love it when they come to visit. There isn't much to do out here in the country, so long walks, long talks, and just hanging out are about it, but we make it fun. There is nothing like spending time with family!!! I love you!!!

SMILES Program

2011-06-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

Farm experience

College Experience

Restaurant Experience

Museum Experience

Water Park Experience

Our school hosts a summer program for children who are less fortunate than others and do not have the finances or the priveledge to go out to eat at a nice restaurant, experience a museum, visit a college campus, or go to a water park or a farm. (Or whatever the field trips are that summer)

The program was started 6 years ago and it has been such a blessing to the children as well as the adults. Through the 3-4 week program, in June, each week, we fit math, science and reading into field trip through projects. The children not only see a creative side to the "boring" school subjects, they have a way to apply it during the school year. The program also gives them the oportunity to have something to write about during the year. You know...when the teacher says, "I want you to write a paper on what you did this summer." They have that experience to write about what they got to see and experience. We give them pictures, so that they have those memories.

This year was just 3 weeks long, but it was so great! The kids had fun, and I know that I also had a blast. Seeing the kids get to experience things for the first time is so amazing! I hope that I get to be part of this next year.

Such Fun!

2011-06-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

My Sister-In-Law is visiting from Omaha, NE, with our her two babies

Fiona and....

Little Miss Kinsley

There is nothing like spending time my family! I love them so much!!!

Privilege

2011-05-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

God is so good!!!

I have so loved working in the library of our school this year. I never thought in a million years that I would be working in one, ever. I didn't realize how much work goes into working in one. (It is hard work! Especially when there are classes coming in and out most of the day.) It has been fun and so rewarding!

One of the custodians came in to clean because if you think about it, besides the bathroom and the nurses office, the library is the next germiest place. We got to talking about children and how many children she has and I have. (You know the bragging that goes on between moms) She told me that she was trying to get pregnant. And at that moment, I felt so impressed to pray for her. It was strong. (I know that when I feel that, I have to obey because if it is God saying to pray, He is going to do a work) I asked her if it was okay to pray that God would heal and restore her. She was excited and ready. I can't wait to hear her say, "I am pregnant!" =)

What an honor is it to be used by God! There isn't anything more fulfilling that to do His will.

Does anyone have an experience where you felt the same way? Maybe a story of hope or it may not be your story, but it is something that inspires you?

Barnes and Nobles Near You: Does it need to change it's arrangement of books?

2011-05-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

Go to your nearest Barnes and Nobles and check out the children section. Does it look like the one on this page? Domestic Divapalooza

The adult section is right infront of the children's section. It isn't just about the facts of life and how to teach your children these things, it is explicit ways to please your man kind of books. When my sister-in-law, Angela, called us up last night and told us about this, it made me so mad! Who was the moron or morons that decided to arrange the layout of the store this way?

If your nearest Barnes and Nobles like this one, take pictures and then call and complain. Post it on your blog, Twitter and Facebook account. Maybe they will change the way their stores look.

Another Day

2011-05-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

Another day of confussion. I am still relying on God. God is so faithful and true to His Word. He says that He will never leave us or forsake us. I believe this. He has never left me. He will not leave me during this time. Praise you Jesus!

When the weight of the world is on your shoulders, just know that Jesus is there to help you. He never gives us more than we can handle. (I just need to remember this)

God's Love

2011-05-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

Not sure what to say other than I believe that God does amazing things when things seem bleak. Praising Him when things seem uncertain is so hard to do. Right now, things are very uncertain, and all I know to do is praise Him. He is the one who parted the Red Sea, healed the sick, raised the dead, and best of all died on the cross for us and rose again.

I am uncertain of today, but I am confident in who I am in Christ. I am a new creation. The old things have passed away and all things have begun new. (This is a daily thing) I have made my fair share of mistakes and some seem worse than others, but He doesn't care about that. He cares about my relationship with Him and not allowing those hindrances to be hindrances in my relationship with Him.

His love is amazing! I thank God that I can go to Him in times like today and thank Him for His faithfulness, His love, His mercy, and His grace.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

2011-05-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

To my beautiful Mom!
She is such an amazing mother! She blesses me in so many ways. Her life is an example of the love of Jesus. In all that she does and says, she brings love. She is always encouraging not just me, but my family as well. She is a blessing!

I love you!!!!

What We Are Facing

2011-04-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

God is in control! I had to say that first before writing the rest. I am more at peace now than I was a few days ago.

Our wonderful government (being sarcastic) is in limbo at the moment concerning women's health. If they do not come to an agreement, my husband will not get a pay check until they come to one. At least he is getting one. (Thank the Lord) There are others that cannot go to work if our goverment shuts down. They will not get a check at all. What will happen to them. This isn't including our military and their dependants, and the elderly who will not get paid until there is an agreement.

Today is the last day. I am praying...

These are just scary times. Gas prices are going up and up and up, groceries are going up and up and up. Everything is going up. This morning, I thought, "Lord, you are in control. This is something that we can't control. We can control what is in our hands, but all in all, you are in control. You cloth the lillies of the field and feed the birds, so I know that you will provide. You have always provided before when things looked grim. We are at another point, and I know that you will see us through this."

Are you at a point right now that looks similar? Have you given it over to the Lord?
It is much easier to deal with when it is given to Him, than if we take it all on our own. Worrying does nothing but make your stomach hurt and puts a person in a bad mood. Why do that? Why not put a smile on and make yourself praise God? Just praise Him!! Just remember, it could be worse.

Help!!!

2011-03-30T16:11:00.001-07:00

To those that read my blog know that I work at a school. I am needing some help teaching the 4th and 5th graders that I work with how to see others above themselves. I work in a library and get 4 classes a day that come in. In 7 days, I see all of the classes.

Today, as I was watching one class leave, I noticed that one of the students dropped her books and a few papers. As she was about to pick it up, my next class was walking up to the doors to come in. They walked on her papers (not around them) and didn't even pay any attention to this student or what she was in need of. (I don't know if she said excuse me or please move or anything because she was in the hallway and I couldn't hear her or the students.) She was bent over waiting for the students to get out of the way so that she could pick up her things. This frustrated me so much.

I have seen more bullying in this week than I usually see. A lot of the students do not care about anything going on outside of their world. For example: The past few weeks, the students have cared less and less about my rules on how to treat the books. I have found books on the floors and books put here and there and walk away. (I don't mind picking them up and putting them away because that is part of my job, but they can help by doing their little part.) This is small compared to other matters, but if they totally disreguard my rules and just throw things here and there what are they doing outside of the school in the stores and, worse, at home?

I have noticed disrespect for each other and for those in authority.

Now, for what I need help with. I need to get their attention. I was thinking about having someone outside the door and needing help and seeing who helps or notices. Those that help, I give a little treat. I want to teach them about going out of their way to help someone and how that effects, not just the person that they are helping, but others that watch or that person's whole environment.

Is it is a loss cause? I see so many adults that are the same exact way and it is so frustrating. These babies are our future. It really scares me! I love these kids! It is such a blessing to teach them. I want them to remember and think about what I am teaching them and not be something that they will forget when they walk out of that room.

Thank you for your help!

God is AWESOME!!!!

2011-02-17T07:03:00.000-08:00

Psalm 145

1 I will exalt you, my God and King,
and praise your name forever and ever.
2 I will praise you every day;
yes, I will praise you forever.
3 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
No one can measure his greatness.

4 Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts;
let them proclaim your power.
5 I will meditate[b] on your majestic, glorious splendor
and your wonderful miracles.
6 Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue;
I will proclaim your greatness.
7 Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness;
they will sing with joy about your righteousness.

I just have to say that we serve an amazing awesome God! Just think, in the middle of the chaos that is going on in this world, God IS STILL God! He will always be God.

I was also thinking this morning, of just how Great He is! He is constantly moving in all things. Just look around? Even if we don't see it, it is still happening. God is speaking to us all of the time, but are we always listening? He longs for a relationship with us and to commune with us, but are we willing to take that time to spend it with Him?

Just wait and see, you will see the glory of God, and we are seeing it all around us now, but you have to get your eyes off of your situation and onto Him. When you do that, you will see and feel that peace, and you will know that He is with you in all things and through all things.

His love is so great! I know how much I love my children, and I don't know if I could love them more. God's love for us is even more so. His love is pure and perfect. Just think about that today.

GOD IS AWESOME!!!!!

Day 2 and 3

2011-01-04T11:31:00.000-08:00

I am on my 3rd day. YEAH! I ate really good yesterday and didn't go over my limit of 1,000 calories. I am trying to do the same today. I did splurge and have a Reeces Buttercup (2 of them), but it was 210 calories and I will excersize that off later when I excersize. I haven't had sweets since Saturday, so I am doing great! (Hey, for me that is great) I also got to excersize yesterday, but not as long as I would have liked. =( Since Sunday I have lost 5 pounds. Hopefully it keeps going like that. LOL

I am using loseit.com with a friend of mine. You can keep track of your calories and your excersize and having your friends on there kind of helps keep you accountable. (It does me at least)

Day 1 of diet and excersizing YEAH!!!

2011-01-02T13:10:00.000-08:00

Today is my first day of getting to be a better me. I am totally motivated and hopefully I stick with it.

I went to the store today and got a lot of healthy foods...non-processed and no diet anything. It has been a little over 24 hours since my last soda and I am a soda addict, so that is really great for me.

So, far, I have had 300 calories today. I will consume more in a bit after I exercise.

Like I said, I am motivated, but I have also been off of work for 2 weeks now.

I am excited and ready for the challenge. Woo Hoo!!!

Christmas Break...Coming Soon! ! !

2010-12-11T08:18:00.000-08:00

One more week of school left before Christmas break. OHHHHHHhhhhhh how I am looking forward to that time off.

This next week is going to be wild. The kids do not want to do their work and the teachers are ready to leave because the kids are already on break. (so to speak)

While off on break, I am going to spend time with family and friends, do some organizing, clean, clean, clean, and did I mention CLEAN!?!

Is there anyway to make my mind think that I am on vacation this last week of school? LOL

Jackson Jones....

2010-11-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

I am reading Jackson Jones, The Tale of a Boy, an Elf, and a Very Stinky Fish <---- This book is so great! If you have children or if you yourself wants to dive into a book that will make you laugh, choke up a bit, and make you wish that you were a child again, this book is just your book.

I borrowed the book from a child who wanted me to read it. I am so thankful that he did. (Thank you Justin) I can't wait to buy it for my kids. There are 78 chapters (which is what kids love to brag about) on 266 pages.

It is a book about a boy who is taken on a tour of self-discovery. He sees himself one way, but the Author sees him a different way.

Jenn Kelly did such a great job of writing this book! I laughed a lot. In one chapter, she calls herself mean because on one chapter, she brings you to a moment of suspense, only for you to turn the page to a chapter entitled A Chapter That Is Terribly Mean. The only thing that she says in this chapter is that she is mean for doing this to us. LOL The next one says that she is even more mean and continues to leave us hanging in suspense.

I got teary eyed thinking about my own life while reading it. About how I see myself and how God sees me. I am so hard on myself, but for what reason? I am doing things that I never thought that I would be doing. A lot of my dreams have come true and it is because of God. (She addresses this in the book) Jackson Jones has such a low self image of himself. He isn't good at this or that, but he has these dreams.

If you are looking for a great Christmas gift for a child or maybe you just might be curious yourself, get this book.

Oh' The Rainy Days

2010-11-02T06:19:00.000-07:00

I woke up last night in the middle of the night to thunderstorms hammering the sky. Right before I woke up, I dreamt that I was in the middle of a battle, and then when I was finally jarred awake by the loud bangs and booms, I realized that it was just the storm.

What I wouldn't give to crawl back into bed and sleep another 4 hours or just relax on my couch with my pillow and blanket watching movies all day.

There isn't any deep meaning in this or any inspiration, just rain making me want to sleep. LOL

Not Sure

2010-09-21T06:55:00.001-07:00

I titled this one "Not Sure" because I wasn't sure of a title. Actually, I am not sure of what I am about to write. I just want to write and feel inspired to do so. Maybe it should be entitled "Inspired". Nah...I will just stick with the original title. =)

I work in a library that have 500 plus students that come through these doors in a weeks time (or more) They are all of different backgrounds and cultures. Some are rich and some are extremely poor. They each have their own gifts, and not one child is alike. They all inspire me. Even the ones who struggle and fight me on reading, they are the ones that inspire me the most.
It is when they finally realize that they love to read or that when they read a book and that spark was there to read another book.

Or it the child with the poorest of a home life, who wears sometimes girl clothes, and has 9 or so other brothers and sisters, and finds the solitude to read a new book every single night. So, smart!!!!

I also have the students that are literally geniuses. You can see it in their eyes when they walk up with the biggest book in the library, and with such confidence, they say, "Miss, I can't wait to read this book!" We have a couple of students that read 6 novels over the summer. Not just any novels, huge novels. I am so impressed. I think, How much did I read over the summer? I know that I didn't do that much reading. Wow!

I am just inspired today....

The More I Seek You

2010-09-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

I hope that this song ministers to you as much as it has ministered to me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3GijrnfStk

Lyrics to The More I Seek You by Kari Jobe :
The more i seek you,
the more i find you.

The more i find you,
the more I love you

I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath,
hear your heart beat

This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming

The more i seek you,
the more i find you.

The more i find you,
the more I love you

I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath,
hear your heart beat

This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming

I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath,
hear your heart beat

This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming

I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath,
hear your heart beat

This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace...

Second Week of School

2010-08-31T19:45:00.000-07:00

This summer I was asked if I would like to work in the library at our school. (Of course, I said yes because I love the campus that I work on. It didn't matter where they put me, I just love being part of this little community of teachers.) After a few minutes of excepting, I thought about how much I have loved working with children who are struggling in their math or reading. (What I have done for the past few years) It was so much fun watching their eyes light up. I later went to my car and prayed and said, "God if this is where you would have me, I am all for it. I like to read and enjoy writing. I don't know what your plan is for me, but I want to serve you and do my best wherever you have me.

A week before school started I had tried to meet up with the previous librarian in order to learn the ins and outs, but she was so busy, and I was also busy. There was just no time. The closer we got to the first day of school, the more I got nervous. I kept on praying that I would learn quickly and that the kids would love coming to library. I had always enjoyed going to the library as a kid, but never had a person read to me there or do activities with my classmates. I was told that I had free reign of the place, and could teach the children anything that had to do with library activities and reading. (I was excited about that)

I am into my second week, and I am loving it! The librarian that I am working for has been awesome and very patient with me and has taught me a lot!

I already have the next week and a half planned out with the children and can't wait to get started on it all. I am so blessed to be part of this generations lives. I get the opportunity to sow into the their lives and get them excited about reading...YEAH!

I was watching the children read last week, and in the quiet, I was panning the room, just watching them get lost in whatever adventure they were on, and this joy rose up inside of me. "God thank you for blessing me with this job! I can't wait to get to know the new students, and am looking forward to working with the returning students. Let me be a light to them. May your love flow through me. I do not want to take for granted the position that I am in. I don't want to take for granted this joy that you have given me for these babies. You are an amazing God!"

Unity

2010-08-16T20:45:00.000-07:00

This past week the Lord has been showing me some things concerning unity in the Body of Christ, and how it is so important for us to be united. In Mark 3:25 it says, "if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand." When the Body of Christ is focused on God in all things, continually guarding their hearts, there will be unity. We cannot give into offense toward one another. We have to be open to communication, but most importantly, prayer for one another. The enemy is going after us hard because he knows that his time is short. The one thing, among many things, that I have seen him working in is deception. Once he has deceived us, we begin to walk to away from God. Lately, I have watched some of the most devout Christians walk away from God, their family, and friends because of deception. It is a subtle thing. It can happen to any of us, and we cannot judge others because we think that it will "never" happen to us because it can. All it takes is for us to open the door to the enemy in any area of our lives. We have to gaurd our hearts.

I am a paraprofessional at an awesome district. I have watched our district excell. Our superintendant has done an amazing job as our leader. I have never seen a superintendant do what this man has done. His encouragement has lead our principals and teachers and staff to do amazing things with our children. This year, our theme for the district is, "The Power of One". It is all about unity, and about serving one another and the children and putting them first. To not gossip, but to encourage one another. To not judge one another, but to be there for them.
I just pray that this catches on in the Body of Christ.

Our goals should be to pray and encourage one another. To put others before ourselves and help those who need it. Pastors and school teachers use to be the people that the people in the community looked up to and admired. It isn't that way anymore. We have watched the church get slammed because those who were pastors or really strong Christian fell into sin. They themselves got deceived. A lot of excuses that I hear from those who don't go to church is, "It is full of hypocrites." It is because those of us who have called ourselves "Christian" have not walked the walk. We have pushed people away or condemned others to hell because they walked away from God or don't live up to our standards of what a Christian should look like or sound like. We need to walk the walk and love those around us. Jesus is coming back for a church that is without spot or wrinkle. Are we there yet? We have to get united and begin to reach out to those in need.

So, will you pray with me? Will you begin to pray for the Body of Christ as a whole that we will become united? We need to be one voice.

Blessings

2010-07-28T23:07:00.000-07:00

I am so amazed at how God works! He has done so much in the past few months. (He always does so much for all of us)

About a month ago God blessed us with enough money to put new flooring in the kitchen, dining, living and master bedroom. A few weeks ago, we had the kitchen and diningroom done. On that Friday, our church had an awesome service. A worship team from South Texas came and blessed us. God moved in a mighty way. I have been in some really awesome worship services, but so far, this one topped them all. It was all I could do to stand at times because of the presence of the Father. At the end of the service, I went up to a lady who ministered and gave her a hug and thanked her, but as I hugged her, she began to speak a Word over my life. Wow! What she spoke just confirmed things that the Lord was already speaking to my heart.

That night, about 1AM my family and I left for Omaha, NE. Chris drove until I fully awoke at about 5AM or so.

This is a picture taken in Kansas just before we entered NE. (not the picture of the broken down Wal-Mart truck, but the picture of the barn or house in the background) There were so many old barns and houses. They were all so neat to see. If we hadn't of been driving so long, we probably would have stopped at times to take pictures, but we didn't have the time, so I did drive-by-photography. LOL

I know that this barn isn't so pretty, but it is old and so neat looking. If you could see the countryside around this barn, you would see the beauty in it. Of course, we passed nothing but farmland, so there was nothing but barns and farmhouses.

We finally arrived in Omaha at about 2 or 3 that Saturday afternoon. This is a picture of my beautiful, funloving neice Kinsley. She was entertaining us with her cheers. "Give me a Y! Give me a G! Give me a L! What does that spell? Aunt Heather!" LOL This went on about 30 minutes. She is too cute!

This is my other beautiful neice Fiona! She is so precious! She has such a servants heart and loves to be around her family. She is very squeezable as well. This picture was taken before we went to the Omaha zoo. If you have never been there and are in the area, please go. It is well worth the money. It might take you a day or so to see everything.

This is my beautiful sister-in-law, Angela. She is an amazing woman! I so loved hanging out with her. I am so blessed to have a sister-in-law that is also one of my best friends. God is good!

I don't know how well you can see him, but this is my awesome brother-in-law. He is also a blessing! He put up with us for the week. LOL (Just kidding) I so enjoyed hanging out with him. Angela did good by marrying him. He is a great guy and a great friend!

Last, but certainly not least is my other beautiful neice Lauren. I have known her since she was 2 years of age. I have so enjoyed knowing her all of these years. She is also a blessing to know and hang around.

We, sadly had to leave the following Sunday in the wee hours of the AM. It was so hard leaving. I am already missing the Stevens family. We had so much fun! I have over 200 pictures, but will spare you looking at them all.

When we returned home, we had to prepare for the carpet being placed in our living and bedroom.

Livingroom

Bedroom

God has just been so good and he continues to be so good! I just had to share it all! How has God blessed you?

Summer Enrichment Part 2

2010-07-06T17:05:00.000-07:00

The month of June ended and was a huge success! I got to work along side a really great teacher, Mr. Sanchez. I have watched him teach before for a few minutes here and there,but this month I watched as he taught the children about our environment i.e., habitat, prey, and preditor, the food chain, etc. He also taught them about the weather and geometry. Throughout this time, they did projects that went along with what they learned and went on field trips and coinsided with what they learned. He loved to teach the children and they loved to hear him.

In the first week of learning about the environment, they went to a farm and got to see the animals in their habitat. They got to play games and watch life there on a farm.

(In this picture, the horses got a little too close to the house, and so the dogs took it upon themselves to round them away from the kids and the house. It looked like they were having fun)

The next field trip was to the Town East Mall close to Dallas. They had learned about geometry and how the tall buildings in Dallas are part of this. They drew the buildings in Dallas as shapes. They also got to see other big cities and learn how to recognize which city is which by certain building structures.

(This a picture of my son)

During the mall experience, we took them to a nice restaurant, and they got to use their manners that we had been teaching them all week. (The waitors and waitresses commented on well behaved they were)

The last week the children learned about the water cycle and how the weather works. It was neat because our weather was a little stormy that week. We took them outside right before a huge downpour and Mr. Sanchez address all 150 students on what was about to happen and what to look for. The kids loved it!

For our field trip, we took them to a water park. They had so much fun! We were all wore out by the end of the day.

(This group of boys went round and round the lazy river fighting each other over the inner tube)

I hope that this program continues. Every year it grows so quickly, and all of the kids want to be part of it. The parents love the program as well. It is neat to hear the parents thank us over and over again, but what they do not realize that it isn't work at all, but so much fun! I get to be part of such a great group of children.

Hallmark Card being pulled

2010-06-12T04:34:00.001-07:00

I was reading the news this morning about how the NAACP read a card from Hallmark and has forced Hallmark to pull it. (News Article ) Go and listen to what the card says and what the NAACP are saying about it.

I don't normally put things like this on here, but every now and then I read something that just irritates me to the point that I have to blog about it.

Here goes: I don't get it. A person would have to really be grasping for straws to even think that this card was racially charged. Did they go into a Hallmark store and read every card until they found one that might have racial undertones? My other question is, why did Hallmark pull it? They should have fought that case and they would have won because there is no evidence of this card saying anything derogatory about African American women. With that being said, how is it that the NAACP allows rap artists to talk anyway they want about women and actually using the words that they assume are being used in this card. Give me a break!!

Was there not anyone from the NAACP that might have stood up and said, "Are you serious? This is going to make us look stupid. Why don't we just drop it?" Was there not one single person to speak up?

Summer Enrichment

2010-06-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

This summer, our school is getting together with other schools in our district from grades 1 to 5 to basically "enrich" the lives of the children for the month of June.

The children that we see are of a low socio enconmic group. A lot of the children haven't been to a nice restaurant, much less McDonalds, or do things that they wouldn't normally get to do in their young lives. One of our field trips is to go to a mall with escalators. They will ride those as long we let them. LOL They think that is the neatest thing in the world. I think that it is the neatest thing in the world that I get to be part of them experiencing this for the first time. Their faces just light up with anticipation when they see something like this.

When we do not go on field trips, we are teaching them basic things and playing with them. It is so much fun! We get to form a bond with these kids and hope that they take what they have learned and experienced and start to see a world beyond where they live and know that they can do anything that they set their little minds to do.

The kids that have been with us in the years passed have improved in a lot of areas in school. I know that seems strange but it is true. They had something to write about and share during regular school. What an awesome experience for them.

I, hopefully, will blog more about it as the month goes on.

TAKS Tests...My Kids Passed!

2010-05-29T20:50:00.000-07:00

In Texas, we have the TAKS test or Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. Texas use to be about just passing the grade. Now it has to do with passing the TAKS test. All year long the children and tested and tested some more to see how much they have improved in hopes of passing this test. We have gotten away from the text books (which is going down the drain with the new writings of the history books), so it probably doesn't matter anyway. LOL

My kids did it! They passed the TAKS test. I am so proud of them!!! They worked so hard. They also passed their grade, so off to the next one.

Children

2010-04-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

I am an educator and love what I do. I get the opportunity to teach children, encourage them, love on them, etc. I don't think that there is a more fulfulling job than being an educator.

At times I hear stories that break my heart. How do these babies come through the school doors, listen to their teachers, and still have a smile on their face? (This isn't in all cases)

There is a child that I have had the priveledge to work with that has been through hell on earth. Everyday he is happy to be at school and loves to cut up, dance and just have a good time. I would have never known that this child has a home life like he does. Oh, did I mention that this child makes good grades? He just amazes me.

There are children that have been through hello on earth who can't stand school. (I can totally understand that, seeing as how they have maybe gotten beat up the night before by a parent, molested, locked in a closet because they spilled their milk, etc.) It breaks my heart. All I can do is give them a hug and tell them that I care about them and love them. I do share the love of God with them through my arms. I can't tell them about Jesus, but I can show them Jesus and sneek in things that Jesus has done for them. he he

If you are an educator, you know what I am talking about. Even if you work around children, you know what I am writing is true. I am asking you to pray for this generation of children that are growing up. They need our prayers. When you are praying for your own children, include this generation in your prayers. It doesn't take but just a second. Also, pray for the educators because they are with this generation most of the day, almost everyday. They need wisdom and guidance as they teach and motivate the children. They need compassion when a child is acting out in class. They need eyes to see the children as they are. I know that it hard to do this when there are 25+ kids in a classroom, but they need to see the babies.

Getting Back Into the Swing of Things

2010-03-21T20:41:00.001-07:00

I am back and hopefully I will get to blog a little more often. For starters, this post is going to be about what is going on down the road for me. I could use some opinions too.

My son is going to be in school play. His whole class is going to be in this, and he is has a lead role as a shark. We are told to make costumes. Okay, I am creative, and I can sew... a little, but nothing huge like a shark costume. I have 2 weeks left and I do not know where to start. I have emailed his music teacher and she hasn't responded yet and I am a little freaked. LOL If anyone has any ideas, please feel free. He is going to be a mako shark, which looks like a regular shark. HELP!

Next Sunday, a friend of my mom is going to come to our church to give her testimony. This woman just radiates the love of Christ. She is so precious! I can't put into words what she is like to be around, other than she shows how much God loves her. It is amazing to talk to her. In part of her testimony she is going to tell about how that she was brain dead for 45 minutes and then came back to life. I will take notes and fill you all in. I can't wait to hear her speak. For those of you who pray, please pray that people come to know Jesus through her testimony.

My mom is going to sing "Let The Worshipers Arise" and I am going to dance to it that same Sunday. I am a little nervous because it is a long song and such a passionate song. I want to do my very best throughout the song and show how much God loves me through this. It is hard to put into words what goes through my mind before I dance. LOL

That is what is going on with me.
I need some costume advice on a very tight budget and prayers. Thank you!

Waiting on God

2009-12-27T13:00:00.000-08:00

I was watching sports highlights with my husband the other day. During the program, a man came on and was talking about what the players look for when they are playing football. They showed the defense waiting for the ball to be snapped. One of the signs that they look for are the hand signals. The guy who is about to snap the ball usually will begin to flex his hand.
As I sat and watched this, I could just imagine the defensive players heart racing, and once the ball is snapped, their adrenaline kicks in even harder. They do what they were planning to do with their team in hopes that the play goes as planned and that they read the other players just right.

I use to play football with my cousins, just a little. I just remember being nervous that I might or might not do the right thing. We had fun! My husband, on the other hand, played a little in high school. That night as we were watching, I asked him what he felt during that moment. I asked him about the adrenaline rush and what he experienced. He agreed that it was a rush. That was in high school and there is pressure there, but I couldn’t imagine what professional players go through. That is their career. That is their livelihood and way of life. They have millions of fans counting on them. I can imagine that the adrenaline rush is even greater when the hear the screams and cheers from the fans in the stands as they do what they do. Each player has their own assignment, but as a team they flow and move. If one player does something wrong, it messes up the flow.

All of this got me to thinking about when we are waiting on God to tell us to GO or when we are waiting for a promise to be fulfilled in our lives. We know that it is around the corner, but we wait patiently. We see the signs and know that it is soon, but we aren’t sure exactly when. When we see it happen, we get that excited feeling. We see it and are in awe of how God moves in us and through our lives. It doesn’t just effect us as individuals. It effects the Body of Christ.
Our lives are not our own. We do not just live for ourselves, but we live to do the will of the Father and what He desires for us for us to do. When we are in this flow, we all move like a stream. One prayer, one smile, one hug, one meal for someone in need, one hand reaching out to someone who needed it, etc. This effects so many of us. There is no breaking it. It is a chain reaction that can cause the biggest waves for the glory of God.

During this season, as we remember all that Christ has done for us, please don’t forget to walk in love. No matter where you go or who you see, walk in love. This can effect others in a huge way. We never know what God will do through us to effect someone who needs it. We just need to be ready for it because it could happen at any time.

Remember, Jesus is the reason for this season.

Will The Christ Child Come?

2009-12-15T15:05:00.000-08:00

WILL THE CHRIST CHILD COME ?

(Author - Gaye Willis)

Halfway through December, we were doing the regular evening things when there was a knock at the door. We opened it to find a small package with a beautiful ceramic lamb inside. We looked at the calendar and realized that the 12 days of Christmas were beginning!! We waited excitedly for the next night's surprise and only then, with the gift of a matching shepherd, did we realized that the lamb was part of a nativity set. Each night we grew more excited to see what piece we would receive. Each was exquisitely beautiful. The kids kept trying to catch the givers as we slowly built the scene at the manager and began to focus on Christ's birth. On Christmas Eve, all the pieces were in place, but the baby Jesus. My 12 year-old son really wanted to catch our benefactors and began to devise all kinds of ways to trap them. He ate his dinner in the mini-van watching and waiting, but no one came. Finally we called him in to go through our family's Christmas Eve traditions. But before the kids went to bed we checked the front step - no Baby Jesus!

We began to worry that my son had scared them off. My husband suggested that maybe they dropped the Jesus and there wouldn't be anything coming. Somehow, something was missing that Christmas Eve. There was a feeling that things weren't complete. The kids went to bed and I put out Christmas, but before I went to bed I again checked to see if the Jesus had come - no, the doorstep was empty. In our family the kids can open their stockings when they want to, but they have to wait to open any presents until Dad wakes up. So one by one they woke up very early and I also woke up to watch them. Even before they opened their stockings, each child checked to see if perhaps during the night the baby Jesus had come. Missing that piece of the set seemed to have an odd effect. At least it changed my focus. I knew there were presents under the tree for me and I was excited to watch the children open their gifts, but first on my mind was the feeling of waiting for the ceramic Christ Child. We had opened just about all of the presents when one of the children found one more for me buried deep beneath the limbs of the tree. He handed me a small package from my former visiting teaching companion. This sister was somewhat less active in the church. I had learned over time they didn't have much for Christmas, so that their focus was the children. It sounded like she didn't get many gifts to open, so I had always given her a small package - new dish towels, the next year's lesson manual-not much, but something for her to open. I was touched when at Church on the day before Christmas, she had given me this small package, saying it was just a token of her love and appreciation. As I took off the bow, I remembered my friendship with her and was filled with gratitude for knowing her and for her kindness and sacrifice in this year giving me a gift. But as the paper fell away, I began to tremble and cry.

There in the small brown box was the baby Jesus.

He had come! I realized on that Christmas Day that Christ will come into our lives in ways that we don't expect. The spirit of Christ comes into our hearts as we serve one another. We had waited and watched for Him to come, expecting the dramatic "knock at the door and scurrying of feet" but He came in a small, simple package that represented service, friendship, gratitude, and love. This experience taught me that the beginning of the true spirit of Christmas comes as we open our hearts and actively focus on the Savior. But we will most likely find Him in the small and simple acts of love, friendship and service that we give to each other.. This Christmas I want to feel again the joy of knowing that Christ is in our home. I want to focus on loving and serving. More than that I want to open my heart to Him all year that I may see Him again. Don't forget the reason for the Season.

A Lot On My Heart

2009-11-07T20:26:00.001-08:00

Lord knows that North Texas doesn't need anymore rain for a short while. We have been swamped by it here. We have a few people from our church that either do construction, painting, or are in the aspault business and need for there to be nice weather to do their jobs. They can't provide a living for their families if it rains all of the time.

It seems that spiritually, I have went through a dry spell in this season of my life. Yes, it has been pouring cats and dogs in the physical, but it has taken a tole on me spiritually. I have had awesome times in my times with the Lord, but there have been times where it took everything in me to pray. If you know me, then you know, I do my best to push through whatever I am going through and put my hope in the Lord. This season though, has been hard.

This past week, my daughter got sick. It really effected her today. You parents know that when your kids are sick, it effects you because you want to make them to be well. Today, I think that I came to a breaking point. It wasn't just with her, but it was with everything else.

This evening, I just began to call on the Lord. I layed it all at his feet. It is through him and only him that I am here where I am at. There are others who have it so much more worse than I do. In that thought I began to praise him. While I was praising, this song (below) came to my mind. Jesus heals, he sets free. He is my joy and my peace. He is the one who heals my babies when they are sick. He is the one who provides for us when I (we) am in need. We serve an amazing God!!!

With what happened on Thursday in Fort Hood, TX (which really hits home because I grew up around there. If you ever grew up near an army base, in a time of war, there is a feeling of family. It is just in the air. My heart goes out to the family and friends who lost loved ones on Thursday) The last part of this song really stood out to me. Our nation needs a revival. America has been hit hard in every aspect. If you aren't one who prays, you need to start. Our country needs it. We need God to just rain on us and bring refreshing. If you like our President or you don't, still pray for him and his family. Pray for those who make decisions for America. Pray for our troops and their families. Pray for your spiritual leaders. Pray for the lost souls that do not know Jesus and that God will open the door for you to lead someone to Christ. It starts with you and me.

I know this post is a lot, but this is just what was on my heart.
If you need prayer, please send me a message and I will pray for you.

Have a blessed week!

Let It Rain
(Andy Park)

I am dry and thirsty, Lord Send Your rain, send
Your rain Lord I need Your touch again
Send Your rain, send Your rain
Let it rain, let it pour from heaven
Let it rain, to revive my soul
I need Your rain, I need Your streams of refreshing
Until I thirst no more
Lord I need
Your cleansing now
Send Your rain, send Your rain
Please forgive my every sin Send Your rain, send Your rain
Let it rain, let it pour from heaven
Let it rain, to revive my soul
I need Your rain,
I need Your streams of refreshing
Until I thirst no more
To this dry and weary land
Send Your rain, send Your rain
Lord we need Your touch again
Send Your rain, send Your rain
Let it rain, all across this nation
Let it rain, let revival roll
We need Your rain
We need Your streams of refreshing
For every thirsty soul
Copyright © 1996 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.

Free CD Give Away

2009-10-26T17:27:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you have heard the song, "A More Beautiful You" by Jonny Diaz, but if you haven't, go to http://inorecords.com/jonnydiaz/ecard2/ and watch the video. The words are so profound and much needed for this generation of young ladies growing up in a society where everything is focused around the physical looks of a young woman and what she needs to do to fit in and to be excepted by men. I wish that there was a song like this when I was a teenager or in my early 20's.

My sister-in-law, Angela, from I Am Pooped is giving away a free Jonny Diaz CD to her readers. She has some rules to follow, but they are so simple to follow. I hope that you play along.

A Teenager's View of Heaven

2009-10-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

I received this today in an email. I just cried at the fact of how awesome Jesus is. You might have read this, but if you haven't, it is well worth the read.

A TEENAGER'S VIEW OF HEAVEN

17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. "It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote..." It also was the last.

Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.

The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him."

Brian's Essay: The Room...

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to real ize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.

This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at ." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.

Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.

I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

And then I saw it.. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused.. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.

He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next i nstant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.

He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Phil. 4:13 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." If you feel the same way forward it so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also. My "People I shared the gospel with" file just got bigger, how about yours?

So Tired

2009-10-10T21:10:00.001-07:00

I need to go to sleep, but my mind will not stop racing. Do you ever feel as though you aren't doing enough or in the things that you are doing, that you aren't doing them good enough?

My life, in looking around me, seems to be in disaray. I desire to be more and do more, but when faced with it, I feel like I am facing a giant. Am I doing my best? I don't feel like I am, and when I do put forth my whole heart, to me, it doesn't seem like it is good enough.

It is time for me to step up to the plate and do my best. It is time for me to stop being half hearted in efforts and put forth a whole effort, and not for me but for God. He does his all and gave his all. Why can't I do this?

God, create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Give me a heart of passion and desire to do your will. I want my life to be that of worship and praise before you, and I want others to see you through it all. Move me out of the way.

Happy Birthday Nathan

2009-09-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

My little man will be 10 tomorrow the 14th. I can't believe it! He is growing up so fast. He is such an amazing little boy and with a huge heart. I couldn't be more proud of him.

Saturday Post

2009-09-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

What a long week it has been. Though it has been long, it has been good. I have been learning a lot in my day to day events.

I realized on Monday that patients is a learned thing. I believe that I already knew that, but it actually sunk in that day. At work, we had our monthly, long meeting. When I finally made it home, it was about 5:30. The kids had a lot of homework. My children have to have one on one assistance. I can leave them alone for just a very short time, but majority of the time, I am either helping them or keeping them focused for whatever thing that is going on at the moment. As I sat there, going from my daughter to my son and then back again. I came to realize that I have a lot of patients. Now, I am not saying that I don't lose it because I do, a lot, but I think that by the grace of God, I had patients that day with my kids.

Patients is learned, and it is also a choice that we make in situations around us. The Bible even talks about love being patient. How much do you love? Do you live in fear and thus react with impatience? I have a lot of miles to go before I have this patients thing down, but I am still learning and continuing to receive the grace from God to have patience. I am also learning that instead of hanging on to things, I need to let them go so that I can focus on others and not situations that I am worried about.

I will probably write more later because there were some other nuggets of truth that I grasped along the way. God is so good!

Congressman Mike Rogers' Opening Statement on Health Care reform Washington DC

2009-08-26T16:43:00.000-07:00

This is a must watch video. I totally agree with Mr. Rogers. What do you think?

First Day of School

2009-08-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of the school year for my babies. They had a great day, and for that, I am so thankful. I am so proud of the both of them.

Angry Mob in Denton, TX

2009-08-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

LOL Very funny video! If you haven't watched Steven Crowder before, you need to watch all of his videos. He is a conservative political comedian. He has a really neat way of looking at what's going on in the US. Just enjoy!

Revelation Song

2009-08-08T21:16:00.000-07:00

This is one of the most awesome songs I have heard in a long time. I can just picture angels singing this song to God. I want to dance to this song soon.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2009-08-08T16:27:00.001-07:00

Today is my Dad's birthday. He is 55 today. It is so amazing how much time flies by. He is such a great father. God did a good job when he picked him for my daddy.
I love you!!!

Addiction

2009-08-07T22:28:00.000-07:00

I love the show, So You Think You Can Dance. I got to see this last night, and I was floored by it. Wow! It is about addiction.

Summer of 09

2009-08-06T22:40:00.001-07:00

I start back to work on Tuesday, and yes, I am ready, but I so have loved sleeping in every morning.

My summer started off with Summer Enrichment. June was such a fun month! Our school takes in about 150 children who do not get to do fun things over the summer, and we broaden their cultural advenues (so to speak). It is so neat to see a child, who has never been to a ranch, nice restaurant, etc. and give them the chance to experience those things. We also do class projects and other such things that keeps them learning that month. It is a blessing and a bonding time with the kids.

Daisy and I

My group at the Dallas Aquarium

In June, my sister-in-law, Angela and our nieces, came and stayed several days with us. That was so much fun! My brother-in-law, Don, was even in Dallas so we got to go up there and hang out with him for a day. I can't wait to see them again! I love them so much!

Angela and I

The kids, Don and I

Chris and Kinsley

In July, we didn't do much at all. I stayed home with the kids, went to church, hung out with family from time to time. It was just nice to be able to clean or do nothing from time to time. I did get to see my cousin Rachel and her cousin, our friend, Ben. We had so much fun! I hadn't seen her in years.

Rachel

Ben

My beautiful sister, Jennifer, who is 5 months pregnant

Now that August is here and I go back to work on Tuesday, I find myself thankful that I am able to have these summers with my kids, husband, family and friends. God is just so good!

Adoption

2009-07-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I was driving home and along the way I noticed a piece of property for sale. I noticed that there was a few older buildings on the property and some of it was cleared off. I think that it said that the total amount of land was like 57 achers for sale. I started to think about when a buyer purchases a home or property like this, they get everything that goes with it. A lot of times it is for the intent to make it better; make it their own.

God does this with us. When we accept Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He takes us as we are; the good, the bad and the ugly, so to speak. He begins to mold us and shape us as His own. He builds on the characteristics that He has already given us; the gifts and talents. He adopts us as His own.
The definition to adoption is "To take into one's family through legal means and raise as one's own child." When a parent adopts a child, they are the ones doing the choosing. The child doesn't pick the parents. God chose us before the foundation of the world. This is what the Bible dictionary (same link as above) says about adoption "the giving to any one the name and place and privileges of a son who is not a son by birth. (1.) Natural. Thus Pharaoh's daughter adopted Moses (Ex. 2:10), and Mordecai Esther (Esther 2:7). (2.) National. God adopted Israel (Ex. 4:22; Deut. 7:6; Hos. 11:1; Rom. 9:4). (3.) Spiritual. An act of God's grace by which he brings men into the number of his redeemed family, and makes them partakers of all the blessings he has provided for them. Adoption represents the new relations into which the believer is introduced by justification, and the privileges connected therewith, viz., an interest in God's peculiar love (John 17:23; Rom. 5:5-8), a spiritual nature (2 Pet. 1:4; John 1:13), the possession of a spirit becoming children of God (1 Pet. 1:14; 2 John 4; Rom. 8:15-21; Gal. 5:1; Heb. 2:15), present protection, consolation, supplies (Luke 12:27-32; John 14:18; 1 Cor. 3:21-23; 2 Cor. 1:4), fatherly chastisements (Heb. 12:5-11), and a future glorious inheritance (Rom. 8:17,23; James 2:5; Phil. 3:21)."

If you are having a tough time with your parents, or even if you do have a relationship with your parents, but still feel alone, just know that when you decide to give your heart over to Jesus, God doesn't see your sins. He doesn't see your past failures, He sees the blood of Jesus. God sees a complete, whole person. Even if you don't feel like you are complete or whole. All of that comes in time as your relationship with Jesus grows.

I wasn't perfect when I accepted Christ. I gave my heart over to Jesus when I was 4 years old and understood that. When I was a teenager, I turned my back on God and did a lot of things that I am not proud of. I felt so dirty and wondered why I still felt God pulling at my heart strings. Over the course of time, God healed my wounds and now I do not resemble the person that I use to be. I still have a long way to go, but because of Jesus, I am whole and complete. I am a child of the King.

God wants to adopt you too. If you have never given your heart over to Jesus, just know that He is so gracious and loving. If you have already given your heart to the Lord, but are feeling alone, that love is patient, and kind. It is unselfish. It never fails. That is the definition of God's heart toward you. He loves you and desires to have a relationship with you. Even if you never give your heart to Jesus, He will still go after your heart. He will set people in your path who will minister to you and give you chance after to chance. Believe me, it is worth it.

You Never Know

2009-07-05T17:44:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! It all started when I was about 3. We had 2 neighbor girls that would come over to our house and play with my sister and I. I remember my mom lead them to know Jesus, baptised them, and had Bible studies with them. (My mom has such a heart for children and has a way of teaching the Word and who Jesus is in a way that little children understand and listen) Their father was in the military and they ended up moving a few years after getting to know them.

My mom took pictures of the girls at times with us playing out in the yard. We often have wondered how they were doing. Thanks to Facebook, I looked the girls up a few days ago. I found one of them and wrote to her and asked if I had the right person. She wrote back and talked about how that she remembers my mom leading her to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Her and her sister still have a relationship with Jesus, 30 years later. Their mom, who was a Buddist at the time, came to know Jesus 8 years ago. I sat and cried while reading her email. God is so faithful!

I wrote this to encourage you becuase you never know how a planted seed will grow when you lead someone to Jesus. It could be just that one person, but that one person could live their life for Jesus and tells other people about Jesus and they come to the Lord. Your time with that person could effect so many lives in the future. I think of Billy Graham and about how that who ever lead him to the Lord, had a hand in leading thousands to Jesus or more. Go and be a light for Jesus. This country needs Jesus.

Offense

2009-06-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

"Offense", I have been hearing this word a lot lately. Have you noticed how people say that a lot now days? "I was so offended by what he/she said." "Do they not know how that offended me?" People hear something and they are offended, or they see something and it offends them, even if it isn't aimed at them. We are told all of the time to be tolerant, but for some reason, it seems to be the opposite now days.

To me, opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has one. There are people who love to offend people, and I am sure that you can think of some examples of people that you live around that do this. You pray for those that do this and walk in love. If we walk around looking to be offended then we will get offended. Sure, there are times that this might happen, but we deal with it and move on. Don't hang on to it. Let it go and if you can't, go and talk to the person about it. If they don't listen, then forgive them. There are steps to follow if you are offended by a brother or sister in Christ if they sin against you. Matthew 18

The Bible does tell us not to offend, but to do walk in love because we reflect Christ. People are watching us on a daily basis. You might not thank so, but if you say that you love Christ, but yet you are constantly running your mouth, you can cause someone harm spiritually. The Bible warns us of this in Matthew 18:6, 1 Corinthians 10:32, 2 Corinthians 6:3 and there are more.

We are to be a light to those around us. We are to always reflect the love of Jesus because there are so many who need Jesus and you might be the person that God has placed in someone's life to show love. Love is the key. If you are having problems with offense, try and give it over to the Lord and pray for those who have offended you and remember to forgive because you have been forgiven. Pray for God's blessings in their lives and if they don't know Jesus, pray for their salvation. Wherever you are, don't listen to gossip, don't gossip, stay out of the drama. Just stay focused on God and what he has you do and be obedient to his word. You will be seen as a man or woman of integrity and people will see the light of Jesus in you and be drawn to that.

Happy Prayer Day

2009-05-07T16:20:00.001-07:00

My Uncle Tim and Aunt Sharon

2009-04-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

My Uncle Tim and Aunt Sharon are missionaries in Sri Lanka. They print Bibles there. This is their latest update on a few blessings. God has been so faithful to them and their family over the years. One of these days I will write their testimony so that you will know just how faithful God has been in their lives.

Uncle Tim and Aunt Sharon are the neatest people. The love of Jesus just pours from them. They never meet a stranger and are always ministering to whomever they come across. Please pray for them and the people that help them bring the Bibles to Sri Lanka. They seem to face many obsticles, but God is bigger and has shown to be bigger than the problems that come about.

Singapore – April 8-15, 2009

Sharon and I were blessed to be able to travel to Singapore during April at a time when our offices were closed for Sri Lankan holidays. Singapore is a small island off the tip of Malaysia. The entire island is the city of Singapore, home to almost 5 million. It is unique in that English is the national language. It has the largest volume of sea container freight in the world. We found it to be a great place to purchase printing supplies for Sri Lanka. It is also home to some of the biggest churches in Asia.

We were blessed to meet with Chen Hui Lin, the Director of Campus Crusade Media, and Dan Foo, Pastor of Bethesda Church.

Sharon enjoyed visiting with Dan’s lovely wife, Yvonne. Here we were treated to the most unique and wonderful Chinese food.

Bethesda Church was holding special Good Friday and Easter Services. The Youth also put on a drama, “Blood Brothers” and had 92 decisions for Christ that weekend. We are very impressed with the Christian influence in that part of the world. There are thousands of believers and the numbers are growing daily.

Chen Hui Lin took us to the Campus Crusade Bookstore and showed us around. They have a terrific selection of books and Bibles in English and other languages. We stocked up on some new books.

Campus Crusade is constantly creating new books and materials in a number of languages.

Our last evening there, we were treated to a wonderful Chinese dinner by Philip Yeo from Toyochem, our new ink supplier. We were able to give him a new Bible we had purchased at the bookstore and a music CD from our daughter, Rachel.

Just before we left Sri Lanka, we joined our Muslim neighbors for a birthday party. Sharon is holding 3 year old Fahad on her lap. They are our precious friends and a sweet loving family.

About 4 weeks before we traveled, Sharon had sprained her ankle. Our Pastor Ranjith and his wife Susie came with the women’s class that Sharon teaches on Tuesday nights at Calvary Church to pray for her. What a blessing they are to us. She was able to walk slowly by the time we left for Singapore.

The Lord was gracious to allow us to travel and meet such great people. This trip to Singapore opened several new doors for us to purchase paper, ink and other supplies for our printing operation in Sri Lanka. We also visited a wonderful Home group from Bethesda Church where we met Dr. Chin, who provided some medical help for Sharon and me. That was another unexpected bonus.

We now have orders for 60,000 New Testaments for the Gideons of Sri Lanka. A little over 20,000 have been completed. We are also about to ship the next load of 30,000 for Burma (Myanmar). Another 5000 is going to the LISU speakers of Northern Thailand. Other projects include several books for India, Norway, Tanzania and the UK. We need lots of prayer for these projects as it makes the devil really angry and he uses various tactics to stop us. Sometimes our equipment breaks down; sometimes there are delays in supplies of paper, etc. Now we have a new potential problem with the Somalian pirates. It is important that these shipments are covered in prayer so that they arrive safely. Another need is for the insurance company to give the money for the Heidelberg press settlement so that we can finally get it installed and operational.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude for each one of you, our friends and family who have prayed and supported us. It is your faithfulness that keeps us here obeying the call of God, printing the Scriptures.

Tim and Sharon Comer

Director of Printing Operations

New Life Literature

Sri Lanka

Militia Member????

2009-03-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

I found this news article on www.foxnews.com I don't normally post political topics, but this one has me stunned, only just a little though. I knew that it was coming to this sooner or later. I guess you could consider me a Militia Member and you might be too. You just have to read this article.

"If you're an anti-abortion activist, or if you display political paraphernalia supporting a third-party candidate or a certain Republican member of Congress, if you possess subversive literature, you very well might be a member of a domestic paramilitary group.

That's according to "The Modern Militia Movement," a report by the Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC), a government collective that identifies the warning signs of potential domestic terrorists for law enforcement communities.

"Due to the current economical and political situation, a lush environment for militia activity has been created," the Feb. 20 report reads. "Unemployment rates are high, as well as costs of living expenses. Additionally, President Elect Barrack [sic] Obama is seen as tight on gun control and many extremists fear that he will enact firearms confiscations."

MIAC is one of 58 so-called "fusion centers" nationwide that were created by the Department of Homeland Security, in part, to collect local intelligence that authorities can use to combat terrorism and related criminal activities. More than $254 million from fiscal years 2004-2007 went to state and local governments to support the fusion centers, according to the DHS Web site.

During a press conference last week in Kansas City, Mo., DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano called fusion centers the "centerpiece of state, local, federal intelligence-sharing" in the future.

"Let us not forget the reason we are here, the reason we have the Department of Homeland Security and the reason we now have fusion centers, which is a relatively new concept, is because we did not have the capacity as a country to connect the dots on isolated bits of intelligence prior to 9/11," Napolitano said, according to a DHS transcript.

"That's why we started this.... Now we know that it's not just the 9/11-type incidents but many, many other types of incidents that we can benefit from having fusion centers that share information and product and analysis upwards and horizontally."

But some say the fusion centers are going too far in whom they identify as potential threats to American security.

People who supported former third-party presidential candidates like Texas Rep. Ron Paul, Chuck Baldwin and former Georgia Rep. Bob Barr are cited in the report, in addition to anti-abortion activists and conspiracy theorists who believe the United States, Mexico and Canada will someday form a North American Union.

"Militia members most commonly associate with 3rd party political groups," the report reads. "It is not uncommon for militia members to display Constitutional Party, Campaign for Liberty or Libertarian material."

Other potential signals of militia involvement, according to the report, are possession of the Gagsden "Don't Tread on Me" flag or the widely available anti-income tax film "America: Freedom to Fascism."

Barr, the 2008 Libertarian Party presidential nominee, told FOXNews.com that he's taking steps to get his name removed from the report, which he said could actually "dilute the effectiveness" of law enforcement agencies.

"It can subject people to unwarranted and inappropriate monitoring by the government," he said. "If I were the governor of Missouri, I'd be concerned that law enforcement agencies are wasting their time and effort on such nonsense."

Barr said his office has received "several dozen" complaints related to the report.

Mary Starrett, communications director for the Constitution Party, said Baldwin, the party's 2008 presidential candidate, was "outraged" that his name was included in the report.

"We were so astounded by it we couldn't believe it was real," Starrett told FOXNews.com. "It's painting such a large number of people with a broad brush in a dangerous light."

Michael German, national security policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union, said the report "crosses the line" and shows a disregard for civil liberties.

"It seems to implicate people who are engaging in First Amendment protected activities and suggest that something as innocuous as supporting a political candidate for office would mean that you're harboring some ill-intent," German told FOXNews.com. "It's completely inappropriate."

German, who claims the number of fusion centers nationwide is closer to 70, said the centers present several troubling concerns, including their excessive secrecy, ambiguous lines of authority, the use of data mining and military participation.

"No two are alike," German said. "And these things are expanding rapidly."

But MIAC officials defended their report, saying it's not a basis for officers to take enforcement action.

"These reports sometimes mention groups or individuals who are not the subject of the document, but may be relevant to describing tendencies or trends concerning the subject of the document," MIAC said in a statement.

"For example, a criminal group may use a particular wire service to transfer funds, but the mention of that wire service does not imply that it is part of that group, or a criminal enterprise.

Nor does it imply that all individuals who use that service are engaged in criminal activity."
The statement continues, "We are concerned about the mischaracterizations of a document following its recent unauthorized release and we regret that any citizens were unintentionally offended by the content of the document."

Donny Ferguson, a spokesman for the Libertarian Party, said he was concerned by the report's "poor choice of words," among other things.

"Unfortunately it is so broadly worded it could be interpreted as saying millions of peaceful, law-abiding Americans are involved in dangerous activities. These mistakes happen and we hope Missouri officials will correct the report," Ferguson wrote in an e-mail. "The Libertarian Party promotes the common-sense policies of fiscal responsibility and social tolerance. We are the only party in America who makes opposition to initiating violence a condition of membership."

Bob McCarty, a St. Louis resident who blogged about the MIAC report, said he's afraid he may be targeted, since he's previously sold Ron Paul-related merchandise.

"[The report] described me, so maybe I need to get a gun and build a shack out in the woods," McCarty said facetiously. "It's certainly an attempt to stifle political thought, especially in Missouri. It definitely makes me pause, if nothing else. Maybe Missouri is just a test bed for squelching political thought."

ACLU officials blasted a Texas fusion center last month for distributing a "Prevention Awareness Bulletin" that called on law enforcement officers to report activities of local lobbying groups, Muslim civil rights organizations and anti-war protest groups."

Psalms 91

2009-03-22T20:15:00.000-07:00

Psalms 91

This is such a powerful scripture. Our church is having our kids memorize this chapter. What makes it so powerful is the fact that when you get it in your spirit and understand the Truth of who God is in your life, fear has no place in your world. You understand the protection of God. You understand that under his wing, you do find refuge. Ever since the kids have been memorizing this chapter, I have been praying it over my loved ones.

My friend has a close friend who pointed out that in Hebrew, verse 4, (in the New Living translation) it reads, "He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings." She said that wing is singular and talks about how that is talking about Jesus. When we know Jesus and have that relationship with him, he is our wing. He is our refuge. He is our place of safety when there seems to be total destruction around us.

Tonight, our pastor's wife spoke on this chapter. She pointed out that there were several there tonight who have been through horrible life events. One person had lost her son not that long ago. Another lost her husband recently and also almost lost her son. People were struggling with work because they own their own business. The women that had lost their loved ones have been strong because of the Lord. The woman who had lost her son and her daughter was just taken to rehab 5 days prior to her sons death felt so alone. She felt like she had lost it all. She told God that no matter what happens and if worse was to come, she would still serve him. It has been amazing to watch her come through this time. She isn't bitter. In fact, her son had gotten his girlfriend pregnant right before he died. Because of unknown reasons, the little boy's mother is not in the picture and he is now raising her grandson. She says that he looks just like his dad did when he was a baby. She feels blessed to have this oportunity. She hurts because the mother isn't in the picture, but she would rather him be safe with her. her daughter is out of rehab and is doing great.

I was thinking about the scripture that talks about when Jesus and his disciples were in a boat during a really bad storm. Jesus was asleep while his disciples were scared and feared for their lives. Jesus was sleeping peacefully. They woke him up and asked him to do something. Jesus asked them where their faith was and he then rebuked the storm. Jesus is our peace. He is our calm. When we are in him, things going on around us will not effect us to where we think that our world is going to fall apart. We know that it will not because he is our shield and buckler. He is our Truth. We will not fear the arrow by day or the terrors of the night or of the destruction around us.

Walk in Peace becaues Jesus is Peace.

Movie Review on Coraline

2009-03-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Chris and I decided to have a family day, which we hadn't had in a while. We were excited, the kids were excited. We had something planned, but the plan fell through, so we decided to take the kids to the movies. (We live in a small town, so there isn't much to do out here) When we pulled up, we had 2 choices, Escape to Witch Mountain or Coraline. Kailey is reading Coraline at school, so we all agreed. We get in and waited for a few minutes and then the previews. We always like to see what are the new up and coming films, especially before a movie that is "kid friendly" or suppose to be. There were 4 previews. All of them, except for one had drugs, sex and violence. I was sitting there in panic mode thinking, "What the heck is this? Why are they showing these previews before a "kid movie, there are children in this place." There was one preview that was a Nickelodeon film and looked like it was going to be good, and I was so happy to see that one. Each of the previews lasted about 4 minutes. Maybe they weren't that long, but they sure seemed to take forever!

We start watching the movie, finally. There was water witching in the beginning and a few other hints to witchcraft, which could of been left out. The movie was a little scary to my 9 year old son, and I could see why he would get a little scared. One of the women who had befriended Coraline had like a HH bra size. She ended up wearing a thong and some sort of beaded thing over her nipples. I was shocked at the sight of this. I am glad that it was a clay or whatever it was animation, but all the same, it was very suggestive.

All in all, it was a very strange movie and wouldn't recommend going to see it. I just hope that the book that my daughter is reading is of better taste.

Anyone else see the movie? Have any comments on this?

We Surround Them

2009-03-13T16:01:00.000-07:00

I recieved this in an email today and thought that I would share it with you. If you agree with this post, please go to the web site in the link below. God Bless America!

We Surround Them

"Do you watch the direction that America is being taken in and feel powerless to stop it? Do you believe that your voice isn’t loud enough to be heard above the noise anymore? Do you read the headlines everyday and feel an empty pit in your stomach…as if you’re completely alone? If so, then you’ve fallen for the Wizard of Oz lie. While the voices you hear in the distance may sound intimidating, as if they surround us from all sides—the reality is very different. Once you pull the curtain away you realize that there are only a few people pressing the buttons, and their voices are weak. The truth is that they don’t surround us at all.

We surround them. So, how do we show America what’s really behind the curtain? Below are nine simple principles. If you believe in at least seven of them, then we have something in common. I urge you to read the instructions at the end for how to help make your voice heard.
The Nine Principles

1. America is good.
2. I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life.
3. I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday.
4. The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.
5. If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.
6. I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.
7. I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.
8. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion.
9. The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me.

You Are Not Alone If you agree with at least seven of those principles, then you are not alone. Please send a digital version of your picture to: wesurroundthem@foxnews.com and then stay tuned to the radio and television shows over the coming weeks to see how we intend to pull back the curtain."

12 Values
Honesty
Reverence
Hope
Thrift
Humility
Charity
Sincerity
Moderation
Hard Work
Courage
Personal Responsibility
Gratitude

Marriage

2009-03-07T20:17:00.000-08:00

I am married to a great guy! We have been through a lot in our marriage and stuck it out, and I am so thankful to the Lord for that. He helped us and is still helping us. It is funny that we have been married for 13 years and are still getting to know each other. (Which I think is neat) I love the fact that I still get excited when I know that I am going to get to spend an evening with Chris, or when he calls me out of the blue and tells me that he loves me.

Do you have a story to share of your marriage? A trying time and how you both worked it out? Have you had an awesome marriage and want to share your secret? Anything that you would like to share would be great!

Fireproof

2009-02-15T20:44:00.000-08:00

I had a very relaxing weekend! (Which I so needed) I had family time, which is something else that I was wanting. I haven't had hardly anytime with Chris, and I got to spend some time with him.

Has anyone seen the movie "Fireproof"? If you have not, it is such a wonderful movie! I want to get the book and do the study. I don't care if you have the best marriage in the world, no marriage is perfect, and they have their flaws somewhere. We all get into our routines and take things for granted. (I know that I have) I am ready for an even better marriage. (I have a pretty good marriage as it is)

Has anyone seen this movie? What is your take on it? Did it open your eyes to things in your marriage?

Complaining

2009-02-09T16:18:00.000-08:00

Phillipians 2:12-18

"Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God,[e] just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy."

I have been working at a local school, as many of you know, for the past 2 years. This is my 3rd year there. I love my job and really enjoy teaching the children there. I am a teachers aide and so I am asked from time to time to cover classes. There are a few classes that I really enjoy covering because the children listen and do what they are told, and the kids are just fun to be around. There are also classes that are hard to cover. The kids are bouncing off of the walls and have a really hard time not talking or doing what they are told. (This is the case even when there are teachers who are organized and are doing their best) This year I have done my best to, when asked to cover a class, to just say, "Okay, I will do it." I have not complained, even in my mind. (Don't get me wrong, there have been a few times that I have complained in my mind and thought about the stress that I was about to get into)

Today, in one of the classes, I noticed that the students were being great. They were quiet and did their work. I sat and just thanked God for the children. I, then, noticed that I was happy doing what I was doing. At that moment, I guess it was God, I heard, "You haven't complained. Joy comes when you don't complain." I have been asking the Lord for joy, but didn't realize (duhhh) that my complaining was keeping me from having that joy. I don't know about you, but when I complain, I feel yucky. There isn't joy in it.

Our lives are not our own, and when we do our jobs to the best of our ability, without complaining or arguing, how can anyone criticize us? (Like it says in the passage above) We represent Jesus Christ. When we complain, gossip and slack off, how is that representing Christ? People who know we are followers of Christ are watching us. Love is the key to everything.

I am sort of getting off topic here, but I just had to share with you what was on my heart. I am in the process of all of this. I think that I have a long way to go, but I have noticed that my days are so much better when I do not complain. I am thankful! I also believe that when I do not complain, I am giving thanks to the Lord. It is a form of worship.

Have a blessed day!

Fasting

2009-02-05T21:42:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law, Angela, and I were talking about something that was going on in a particular situation. I told her that I would fast, when she did concerning this situation and just seek God concerning it. She asked if I would blog about it and bring to light why I fast.

For me, fasting is between me and God the Father. There are have been times that I have refrained from food for 24 hours, refrained from drinking anything but water for a period of time, (which is a big thing for me) I have given up meat, not watched television, etc. In each one, it was something that God lead me to do for a period of time. I was wanting to seek his will concerning something. Believe me when I say that God moved during that time, in my life. He might not of answered a prayer the way that I wanted it answered or answered it fast enough, (in my timing, rather than his) but I always got closer to him and I learned wonderful things from him during those times. I came away with a knowledge that I hadn't had. I know people that fast all of the time, but I have only fasted a few times. There have been quite a few times that God has told me to fast and I didn't. I know now that I missed out in a big way.

In the Greek, fasting means, not eating. Most people see it as giving up food or water or both. Esther did this in the Bible. Paul and Ezra went on a 3 day fast, just like Esther did. I know 2 people who went on a 40 day fast of food and just drank liquids. Jesus fasted when he was in the wilderness. I would not recommend this to anyone, unless you are in great health and know that God is calling you to do so. I have watched people who had been through horrible things in their lives and knew that God was about to do something big in their lives, but their circumstances were saying that their worlds were falling apart. God had called them to a fast, and at the end of that time, God began to move them into the place that he wanted them to be. It took a rough patch, a time of waiting and waiting on God, but in the end, God opened their eyes to see what he saw. Fasting is not to manipulate God into what you desire, but to draw you closer to God so that you see things the way that he sees them. It is a laying down of yourself for a time, and pressing into the heart of the Father. It isn't for losing weight or anything selfish, but it is for total selflessness.

I do not fast unless I am feeling God directing me to do so. If God isn't leading me to do it, then I don't know that I will reap what he desires me to. I might do it for selfish reasons if I did it on my own. I have also done this.

I believe in these days, we need to be in prayer and fasting more than we are now. These are crucial times in this world. I don't know if you believe this or not, but I believe that we are living in the last days. We are seeing things come to pass and rather quickly. God is calling us to a place of laying down ourselves and our childish ways in order to seek him and his Kingdom. Isn't it all about his Kingdom? It isn't about us or our world. God is wanting to accomplish a lot and there are things that he has set for us to do, but if we aren't willing to lay down our lives, then how will we find out what he wants us to do? I believe that fasting is one of those things that we need to be asking God about; when, how long and what to fast.

Have you ever fasted and what was the outcome. Did you ever fast on your own? What happened? Do you believe in fasting?

Support the Mexico City Policy in Congress

2009-01-31T22:05:00.000-08:00

I just read Angela's, my sister-in-law, blog concerning supporting the Mexico City Policy. Please write and voice your conern for this issue. There is no need for our tax money to go to another country to support the killing of unborn children. We have enough debt of our own as it is.

Angela wrote:

"Just a few days ago, President Obama signed an executive order rescinding Reagan’s pro-life Mexico City Policy.

This week an amendment to reinstate the Pro-Life Mexico City Policy, introduced by Senator Mel Martinez of Florida, was defeated in the Senate.

Despite these bitter defeats, hope still remains to keep the Mexico City Policy as the law of our land.

Thanks to great Congressmen, like Chris Smith (R-NJ) and James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) we have the chance to pass a Mexico City Policy bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Mexico City Policy, which President Bush enacted on his first day in office, was originally established by President Reagan to keep your tax dollars from overseas abortion providers.

Go to www.sba-list.org/mexicocitypolicy and tell your Representative that you don’t want your tax dollars going to abortion providers in other countries.

President Obama has already spoken on the Mexico City Policy and we had no voice. Now we have the opportunity to support the Mexico City Policy through the legislative process.

Let your voice be heard in the democratic process and take a legislative stand against President Obama and his policies!

Go to www.sba-list.org/mexicocitypolicy"

Freedom

2009-01-18T21:10:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about the freedom that I have in my relationship with God since I read the book, The Shack. God is so huge, and I am no where near discovering how awesome he is.

This morning, before church, a few of us normally get together and pray over the service and for the people in need. My husband began to pray over the service, and he began to pray that God would open up our eyes to the "religion" that we had ignored. He prayed for freedom to abound and that we would see God the way that we are suppose to see him. That truth would be heard. As he was praying, in my minds eye, I saw words written on walls. They were written all over the walls, everywhere. I knew that this was truth. As I looked around the room, I noticed that someone was painting over the words with white paint. This person was white washing the walls. I then, knew that this had been what I have done and what others have done. By taking the Word of God and replacing it with their own interpretation. How often had I given my own interpretation of the Word. I had taken how I saw God and used the scripture to make him look like I saw him. I had put God in this box and told myself that is how he is. I have since repented and am now open to reading the Bible and looking for his love. I want to say that I understand love, but I do not think that I, or anyone else has even a glimpse of love the way that God describes it. He is love and he is so vast. I am not going to even try to wrap my mind around it, but just enjoy my relationship with him.

We were singing a song during praise and worship that is a prayer. It speaks about wanting to know God more. As we were singing this song, I found myself praying that I would know him more. Not just in my prayer time, but that I would feel his presence throughout my day. Even at times when I am talking with my friends at work and we are talking about shopping or whatever. I desire to experience him in such a way that I never lose, the knowing, of his presence. At that moment, I thought about my relationship with my husband. We are very close, but I don't think about him 24/7 and he doesn't with me, but I have that security, in knowing that he is there for me when I need him, and visa versa. I think about his love during odd times of the day when I am at work. Our relationship isn't perfect, but we have a great relationship. Our relationship cannot even compare to the slightest of what a relationship is like with God. His love for us is always. He never leaves us and is always there for us. He is just awesome!

Please write about your week or something that God has shown you recently. Have a blessed week in the Lord!

Why Not Birthdays

2009-01-15T20:26:00.001-08:00

I don't know how to write this to where I can openly say this. I do not want to offend anyone of the Jehovah Witness faith. I know a little bit about the belief system because I have had friends who were Jehovah Witnesses.

I know that Jehovah Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays, but I did witness something that broke my heart. I got to be a part of a student who brought cup cakes and kool-aide for the class for this student's Birthday. We sang Happy Birthday to this student and another student who had a birthday the previous weekend. There were a few students that are JW and didn't sing. One of the children continued working on some homework and the other student went outside. I can understand that, sort of. I respect certain faiths and why they do things, even if I don't agree with them. I have my own set of beliefs and ways of doing things. However, as the cup cakes were being passed out, they both declined. I was so proud of them. When the drinks were being passed out, the kids were all thirsty. One of the students, who is a JW, was in tears because this student wanted something to drink. It wasn't punch or anything like that, it was just kool-aide. The student, who's birthday it was, said, "You can have some. This is just a drink and not part of the birthday." The one who was in tears looked at me and asked me if it was okay. I told this student that I thought that it was okay. The other student was reluctant in it, but was also so thirsty had accepted the offer of the student passing it out.

The thing is that broke my heart was that God isn't like this. He isn't overbearing and condemns us for choices that we make. He is a loving and caring God. His grace abounds so much. We have no idea of the grace that is given to us so freely. He isn't sitting up there saying, "You can't do this or that. If you do, I will not accept you." I know that the students believe the way that they do for a reason, but it just broke my heart to see this. It was just Kool-Aide. It wasn't anything that would harm the kids. They might have a sugar rush afterwards, but it was just a drink that they wanted because they were thirsty. They didn't even participate in the singing of the birthday song and didn't have a cup cake. I could see the struggle that they were having over it. (I couldn't imagine the thoughts that they were having up to that point. I was proud of them for not taking a cup cake or singing because of their beliefs. The birthday student, was so understanding.

I just had to blog about this. Anyone have anything that they would like to add to this? If I am wrong in my view point, please let me know what you have to say.

God's Creativity

2009-01-06T15:32:00.000-08:00

It is January 6, 2009, 5:30PM. I went to take the trash out and looked up at the sky. All I could say was, "WOW"! God is just amazing in showing us his creativity. Isn't it such a blessing? I think that my favorite time of the day is when the sun is going down. The colors in the sky are brilliant. I just wanted to share with you what I saw in the East Texas sky this evening. Enjoy!

The Shack

2009-01-04T21:10:00.001-08:00

I can't believe that it is 2009. Where have the years gone? I am so thankful to God for who he is. He is an amazing God.

I did read a book this past week called, The Shack. It is a life changing book. Anyone who is struggling with their relationship with God, not understanding his grace, questioning his existance, wanting a closer relationship with him, have lost a lot, are angry, need to feel love, don't believe in God, etc. This is the book to read. It is the best book that I have ever read. It isn't next to the Bible, but it is sure darn close. It is a fictional novel, but it is so packed with truth, it will change your perception of God. It did mine. I hate "religion". I thought that I was pretty darn close to not being that way. After reading this, I realized how "religious" I have been. I can't tell you what the book is about because it will spoil it. The man who wrote this, was inspired by God. A healing took place in me while reading this and know that God has done the same for other people through this book. I can now see the love of God in a way that I have never seen it before. My faith has been restored in a huge way.

If you are making a list of things to do this year, make this one of them. If you have read the book, please let me know what you thought about it.

Link Love from Domestic Divapalooza

2008-12-17T20:14:00.000-08:00

My wonderful sister-in-law Angela posted on this on her blog and I thought that I would do the same. It is a wonderful way to get to read some really great blogs from different people. Just follow the rules below:

Just copy paste THIS and everything below up until my Five links:
I thought it would be cool to have a meme where we post links. We can post up to five. Then we tell five more people to share their links. If we all share who tagged us, our links are sure to be seen!

They can be business links, favorite sites, affiliate links, whatever you want…
There are Five Rules:
1. MUST be clean. No R rated sites.2. Only FIVE links.3. MUST tell 5 people.4. A link back to the person who tagged you 5. Angela

———– end copy paste ———————————–>
1. Ashley is such a great friend! She is a very talented woman! I have known her for many years, but just recently found out that she loves to write. A few months ago, she gave blogging a try and finds that she really likes it. She is a very creative writer and love to read her blogs. I just know that one day, she may write a book. (hint, hint)

2. Kenzie is also a good friend of mine. I have known Kenzie most of her life. She is an amazing young woman who loves the Lord. She writes about family and everyday things. She is a great role model for the youth.

3. Biscotti-Brain is inspirational to me. She has a way of opening up the eyes of her readers to life and the reality of it. She has a heart for the hurting and those less fortunate. She is also a very talented photographer.

4. Angela (I don't know if I am allowed to do this but I want to) I love this blog! It is the same Angela that writes Domestic Divapalooza that I wrote about at the very beginning of this post. Out of the blogs that she has, this one is my favorite of hers. She talks about everyday life and what is going on in her life. (I love you Angela!) Angela just pulls her readers into her world and what is going on.

5. Rachel is one blog that I visit quite often. She shares her experiences in her walk with the Lord, her life as a mother to an adorable son and anything else that life throws her way. I have only been a follower of her blog a few months, but I love to read it!

Cornerstone Youth Center-Awesome Night!

2008-12-15T16:55:00.000-08:00

The show was awesome! To those that prayed, thank you! I could feel
the presence of God. If I had planned a head a little more, I would have had the youth from our church go. They would have loved it!

The night opened with Jake Orler who lead us into worship. He did such a great job! He was very anointed!

The next band was Standing Stones which continued to lead us into praise and worship. The lead singer, April, helps lead the youth at the youth center, Cornerstone Youth Center. Everyone in the band is part of the youth group. It was so wonderful to continue in the praise and worship!

The next band who played was Never Nothing! This is a 2 man band, with drums and electric guitar. The lead had an amazing voice and could rock the guitar. The drummer, sounded like he had been playing for 20 years, but is just a teenager. They continued leading us into worship, but with a heavier sound. I loved it!

The next group that performed were Kold Kon and C-Note. They are brothers who both love the Lord and perform so well together. Kold Kon is Dälom's producer and has done such an awesome job getting her started. He has been a blessing! Both Kold Kon and C-Note performed a hip hop praise song. It rocked! I don't know if it was meant to be a praise song, but I know that it glorified God, so I consider that a praise song.

Dälom performed next. This band is special to me because the lead is my best friend. They are considered trip hop, which totally makes sense when you hear them. They were awesome! God really moved through them.

The next band was Letter 25 which are a Christian punk rock band. They were so great! I didn't get to talk to them, but from what I noticed, they love the Lord!

Nova Glow (http://www.myspace.com/thenovaglow ) was the last band to perform. We were all tired, but once they started, we were all in it with them. They have such a heart for the Lord and for the youth. Chris and I got the privilege of meeting the drummer, Mikael. He is a guy who reminds me so much of my husband. If you scroll down, you will kind of see why, but it is also his heart. This band is the one that got the whole night together. They did awesome!

To close the night out, all of the bands got together and had a jamming praise and worship service. It was one of the best times that I have had praising.

The youth were not inhibited at all. They did whatever a young person would do at a concert. The neat thing is, they were doing it for the Lord. They were screaming, jumping up and down, you know just rockin'! I couldn't help myself, I joined in and had fun with them.

Here are some more pictures from Saturday night.

Dälom

Phillip, my best friend's husband, being silly. He was having a blast!

Kold Kon and his baby! Aren't they cute?!

Phillip and Chris after the show.

My best friend and I

Chris and Mikael (drummer from Nova Glow)

Nathan on a skate board.

Kailey found a friend to play with.

Dälom-Tonight

2008-12-13T12:04:00.000-08:00

Tonight, Chris, the kids and I are going to Italy, TX to see Dälom perform. The lead of the band is my best friend. I am so proud of her. She is an amazing new artist.

It is going to be held at Cornerstone Youth Center there. There are going to be some other great bands performing there. Please pray for the youth that will be attending. That God will pour out his spirit there and that lives will be changed and turn to Jesus Christ.

Thank you and God Bless!
I will make another post with pictures of the event. If you happen to live in the area, please stop by!

Mom's Overture by Anita Renfroe

2008-12-08T18:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I good friend of mine sent me a list of videos of Anita Renfroe. I had so much fun laughing at her jokes.

In this video, she goes through, in a song, what a mother goes through on any given day. Enjoy! (If you can hear the music in the background, go down to the pink player that I have with the song list and up at the top of it, you will see a pause button on the left hand side. Just hit that and you will be able to hear Anita without the background noise)

God's Love Song

2008-12-06T20:26:00.000-08:00

Love takes on different forms throughout our lives. It can be magical, as when a man and woman find themselves enchanted in each others embrace and can see each other as a unit for the rest of their lives. It can also be when we make a friend and that person seems to have all of the answers and you for that person. It also takes form when a woman knows that she has a precious little being inside of her, and on the day that little one comes into this world, she takes a deep breath, knowing that little person is hers. It is also enduring, when two peole have been married for years, and even though they may be in a routine, there is comfort in knowing that the other person knows their ins and outs. They may disagree on issues, there is that constant bond between them.

There are so many forms of love that we may not even know about, but there is a love that goes deeper than words cannot even express. It goes beyond anything that we have ever experienced. Our expressions of love are just glimpses of it.

God's love for us goes so deep. Beyond that of a lover, a mother's touch, a hug from a friend or even the comfort of years of marriage. This love knows our hearts, and even when our hearts are far from him, God's love is still there. It is a constant song playing. All we have to do is listen. Each one of us has our own song that was created by God. It symbolizes his heart beat for us. This love song plays all of the time.

When you feel alone or so sad that you don't think that anyone could even begin to know the ache that is felt. Just know that God knows. His song for you is playing. Can you hear it?

Neat Video

2008-12-05T16:50:00.000-08:00

From The Phil Files. I thought that this video was really neat. It made me think.

My Short Story

2008-12-02T20:26:00.000-08:00

I love my husband so much! When we met, I had just got through making a 6 month commitment to God. In this step, I told God that I was ready to give my life over to him and serve him. In this, I wasn't going to date anyone. I wanted to see myself the way that God saw me. I also was tired of dating. (I know that it seems strange that a 19 year old would be tired of dating, but I had dated so many rotten guys that I wanted to meet the man that God intended on me to marry) My vision was skewed by the messes that I had gotten myself into. One of the nights in the beginning of this time, God promised me that I would meet the man that I was to marry.

My best friend and I were over the youth group in our church. I was 19 and our church didn't have a youth leader, so we took over. One of the nights of our youth services, Chris walked in. I remember thinking, "God, I made that commitment to you, so why is this really cute guy coming in now?" I watched him that night worship the Lord and wasn't inhibited by anyone there. It is as if it was just he and God in that room. I then again asked God why he would bring him into my life? I was floored that there were actually guys out there, my age that loved God this much. Little did I know...

Chris and I became fast friends. He listened to me when I would pour my heart out to him. I did the same in return. At one point, to get my mind off of him, I tried setting him up with my sister. Chris later told me that when I asked him if he would be interested in her, that he was thinking, "Why isn't she interested in me?" He, of course, gently turned down the offer. Don't get me wrong, my sister is beautiful! I dated a few guys that wouldn't take their eyes off of her when she was in their presence. Chris just wasn't interested in her.

About 4 months into my commitment, I was talking to Chris on the phone and telling him about my relationship with the Lord and my promise to him. Chris sat silent for a moment,he kind of giggled and said, "I made the same one", and he said that it would end in January. I started to laugh because that is when mine ended. I had no idea that Chris was interested in me, and I was getting to the point to where I really didn't care if anyone liked me. I was growing in my relationship with Christ, and I was enjoying it.

At the beginning of January, I was thinking that this man that I was to marry was someone else, but my heart was still clinging to the Lord and my relationship with him. I loved my time with the Lord. I remember talking to God whenever I had alone time. My thoughts were always on Jesus.

In the middle of January, I remember sitting in a room with the man that I thought might be the one and a lot of other people. It was a late New Years get together, and I looked at this man, and I remember thinking, "this isn't the one." He was a good man, but wasn't who God had intended for me. I went home that night and got before the Lord. I remember that Chris kept on coming to my mind. I couldn't shake this feeling that I had toward Chris. We had grown really close as friends. I asked God if this man was him. I called Chris up, I am not sure if it was that night or the next, but when I told Chris that I had feelings for him, he started to laugh and said, "It is about time." He had been praying for me and told me that he knew that I was going to be his wife the first time that he layed eyes on me. I asked him why he never told me. His reply was, "It wasn't time, and I told God that if this was truly the woman that he had for me, then she would have to make the first move." I did just that.

We went on our first date when our commitments to the Lord were over with. On our first date, we told each other that we wanted to marry each other. A year and a half later, we were married.

We have been through so much in our marriage. During these wonderful 13 years, I have seen Chris grow spiritually in the Lord. This evening, he was telling me that he doesn't recognize the man that God has made him into. Who knew that the "really cute guy" that walked through the church doors that July evening would be my husband of 13 years. I thank God for this man. He is a blessing to me, and I am so proud of him.

I love you baby!

Forgiveness

2008-11-30T12:14:00.000-08:00

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things to give. Forgiveness is the act of pardoning ones mistakes or offenses against you. It doesn't mean to go and talk about it to other people after someone has wronged you. It is an act that you do in your own heart toward that person/s. Did you know that it is a sin to get offended and hang on to it?

In the body of Christ, we are to be a unit. How can that unit function as one if there is offense and gossip? It breaks up the body. We are to reflect Christ, but we can't reflect Christ if we are walking in offense and then blabb about it to others. Our pastor spoke about this this morning. He said, to him, forgiveness means to "Shut your mouth!"

In Proverbs 25:21-22 it says,
"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the LORD will reward you."

We have taken this scripture out of context for a long time. (I know that I have) I always thought that it meant that when you do good to your enemies that it would be as a shock and they would see the error and feel badly. (Hense the hot coals) Some people even think that you should get revenge on them. My pastor explained this to us. When families would run out of hot coals to warm their homes, they would go to their neighbors and ask for them. They would carry a large basket on their heads and ask for them. This is how they would carry them out. This is a total act of unselfishness. You know that you have forgiven someone when you can extend your hand to help them and not withhold kindness when they need it. It is when you don't feel the need to punish them.

I am helping teach the 5th grade students that come into our classroom Latin root words. It is has been such a neat learning experience. One of the words was enemy. It comes from the Latin root word "amo" which is love. I know that this would seem to be the opposite of love. In the definition that I was teaching the children said that this is a person/s that does you wrong, that wishes you harm. It has nothing to do with how you treat them or how you feel about them. It has to do with how they feel toward you. I asked them "Those who wrong you, do they have power over you? Do they control your actions?" I told them that our enemies do not. We control our behaviors and actions. The Bible tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Yes, they may do things that would seem harmful to us, but when we forgive them, we are giving up bitterness and anger in our own lives and walking in freedom. There is joy in forgiving.

I have watched people in my life who walked in unforgiveness. It has basically destroyed their happiness. They walk in depression and anxiety. Their lives revolve around the wrong that they have experienced. In their eyes they are victims and over time they think that everyone is out to get them. Their vision is skewed. They end up alone, which is how satan wants them to end up, alone.

It is so much easier to forgive than to hang on. God commanded us to forgive, not to be mean, but to bring us freedom from more pain. We were forgiven our sins when Jesus died on the cross, why can't we do the same for others. I know that I don't deserve forgiveness, but I ask for it and know that I have it and I want to walk in that forgiveness and not go back to the very thing that I asked for forgiveness for. Unforgiveness blocks our relationship with Jesus. It isn't Jesus who turns his back on us, but there is a wall that is built up in our hearts and effects our relationship with him. Do not walk with your feelings on your sleeves, but make sure that you are doing right in the eyes of the Lord. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Do good to those around you and show the love of Jesus by walking in forgiveness.

Saturday At The Museum

2008-11-26T22:03:00.001-08:00

This past Saturday, My mom, sister, my neice, Kailey and I went to Waco to see a Museum at Baylor University, Mayborn Museum. It was so much fun! If you live around Waco and are wanting something to do for a few hours, take your kids and go have some fun.

On the first floor is all about Central Texas. They have fossils from pre-historic times found in that area. They have a room with a glass floor and underneith is an exhibit of 2 elephants that were excavated. There is so much more. It is really amazing!

On the second floor is all about the kids. Each room is a place that deals with listening, seeing, the world, magnets, etc.

They had a huge Christmas tree in the middle of the museum. The place was decorated so nicely!

The best part was spending that time with my family. Just us girls!

Happy Turkey Day Everyone

2008-11-26T16:47:00.000-08:00

To those who are reading this post, please write and let us know the top 10 things that you are thankful for.

Here is my list: (Not in any particular order)

1. My relationship with Jesus because without him, I have no idea how my life would have turned out.

2. My husband and children

3. My extended family; my parents, sister, sis and bro-in-law, neices and nephews.

4. My friends (You know who you are)

5. My pastors and church family

6. The ability to minister to those around me

7. My job

8. My husband's job

9. Our home and the material things that God has blessed us with

10. The ability to get up every morning and take care of my family, speak to those around me, pray, eat, walk, clean my house, cook, etc.

God is so good!

Bragging on My Children

2008-11-17T20:22:00.000-08:00

This past Tuesday, Kailey had a concert at her school where all of the 5th graders (who wanted to) honored the Veterans. She did so good and played an instrument. She was so nervous, even though she said that she wasn't. Right before we had to leave, she told me that she had a stomach ache. She had never done anything like this, and I don't know if she knows what this kind of thing really felt like. She was so cute! I don't know if she will ever do this kind of thing again, but I sure hope that she does.

Nathan got a Good Citizen Award at school. His teacher has said that he helps the little kids out by taking care of them when they get picked on and does his best to do what is right, most of the time. The principal that morning went around and asked what they think they did to deserve this award. There were kids who declined answering because they were too shy to speak to everyone. Those who did speak said that they were respectful, kind to others, followed directions, etc. When it came to Nathan's turn, he said, "I don't hit people." LOL He got a lot of laughs. It was cute!

Another Update

2008-11-10T03:47:00.000-08:00

Thank you for praying! The events aren't over with yet, but God is moving on her behalf. My cousin's brother wrote this, "There are some doctors who are going to champion for her case at Georgetown Hospital. She is in a lot of pain still and is so ready for this surgery."

Your prayers are such a blessing!

Update on my cousin

2008-11-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you again for praying for Anna. For the past few years she has been really sick. She has been so sick that when her daughter was 2, she had to put her in day care while her husband went to work because she couldn't take care of her. The doctors told her that it was in her head and told her that she needed to see a phsyciatrist about this.

She finally figured out what it was. She had been doing some digging and told the doctors that her kidneys were failing. They did a complete scan of her and found out that she has blockage to her kidneys. Please keep on praying for her. She is needing a really good surgeon. They also found out that she has a cyst on her ovaries or in her uterus. (My mom wasn't clear on which one)

I am just so thankful that they found the source of the kidneys shutting down. God is good! It is neat because last night I kept on feeling that I needed to pray concerning them finding the source. I did, and they did find the source.

Thanks again for your prayers!
Have a blessed week in the Lord!

prayer for my cousin

2008-10-31T20:02:00.000-07:00

Please be in prayer for my cousin, Anna. She is 34, married and has a little girl that is 4 years old. I was just informed tonight that her kidneys are failing. I know that Jesus heals, and this is not impossible for him. Thank you in advance!

Making A Choice

2008-10-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize that I had hit a slump, emotionally, until Sunday morning. My husband was going through something difficult at work, and there were some other things that were weighing on me. I seem to be one that takes on whatever everyone else is going through. I know that it is unhealthy, but I find myself praying, which I suppose to do, and then taking it all on. Last Thursday, I had talked to someone and it made me so sad. I just kept thinking about what they were going through. It really hit me hard. I just wanted to cry. Anyone around me could probably tell that I was upset, even though I tried to fake it. (I am not good at hiding my emotions) I was in a classroom and tried to just sit there and do my best to get my mind off of things and help the children. I went back to my classroom, children were not present. My co-worker didn't know anything, and she began to talk about something that made me laugh. A few minutes later she walked out, and at that moment, I heard the Holy Spirit say, "You have choice. You can either let this get you down and take over your whole day, or you can choose to walk in joy." I sat there for a few minutes thinking about that, and then I gave it over to the Lord and chose joy. My day got so much better. I prayed for that person and even their circumstance got better.

Sunday morning, during praise and worship, I drowned everyone out. I found myself crying through every song, even the ones where people were rejoicing. It wasn't a sad cry, but just a cry of gratitude. I kept on saying, "Thank you Jesus!" Over and over again. Normally, I am the one rejoicing out loud, but Sunday, I just wanted to sit at the feet of Jesus and just cry out of gratitude. The Lord showed me of where I was and what he was doing in my heart. Even now, I am in tears thinking about how awesome he is. THANK YOU JESUS!

Joy is there for those who believe in Jesus. It is part of the package of Salvation. Sure we don't feel it when we have hit a brick wall and things are falling apart around us. It is a choice though. When we choose to let God be God, because he is God no matter how we feel, our vision changes.
It also is a testiment of Jesus in us. He is our strength and hope in all things. Our emotions can overflow to those around us, good or bad. When we give those emotions to the Lord, and make the choice to let God do what he is going to do without our help, we walk in safety. It is like how a child feels when they are being held by their parent when they have had a tough day at school or they get hurt or they are scared. There is a comfort there.

Seasons In Life

2008-10-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 3:11-12 (New Living Translation)
11 "Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. 12 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can."

Chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes is about seasons that we go through in life, but in reading this chapter a lot of times, I never noticed this little gem until this morning when our pastor read it. It was like a beautiful song being played. I fell inlove with this verse and it is so true.

We go through seasons in our lives, good and bad, but they are all for a reason. We are to learn from them. We should notice that we are in a season when we are in one. Our pastor talked about that the ending of a season is up to us, and all we have to do is yield to God's leading.

There is beauty in every season. If you think about our earthly seasons; winter, spring, summer and fall, each one is beautiful. Each one has it purpose. We have our favorites, mine are the spring and fall months because they are the changing times. When we are going through a rough season, we don't normally see it as beautiful. We usually complain and wonder when things will get better. During these times, just start thanking God for the blessings, because God blesses us even during the rough seasons. You will see the beauty and the full picture when it is all over with.

I often think about when I started to learn dance, oh, I was horrible. I had 2 left feet and wondered if I would ever get it. It was not pretty or beautiful for that matter. I am a clumsy person naturally anyway. I run into things all of the time. I would have never guessed that God would use me to minister through dance. After 20 years of dance, I am still learning, but I am a heck of a whole lot better than I use to be. People can see the beauty when I dance. All of the trials and getting to know myself, and getting to know who I am in Christ really made a difference in my dance moves. I can now teach others what I know. God made it beautiful. He saw this in me before I could even dance, heck, before I could even walk. I now see the bigger picture and sometimes, I wonder if I am seeing the full picture because I know that I am not through dancing.

Just remember to thank God in this season and focus on him. It will go smoother and it will go by faster. Who knows, you might not have to go through another season for a long time. Are you going through a season or have just gotten out of one? Want to share your story?

Complaining

2008-10-04T19:28:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was such a busy day at work. I don't think that I had a moment to sit down, except to eat lunch in a hurry, and then I was back to work. Needless to say, I was a bit tired when I got home, but I knew that I had several things to do when I got home.

Our mailbox had been hit by a car the week before, and we just recently bought a new one to replace it. I was bound and determined to put that thing together and put it up, and I did just that, all but the putting it up part. I began carrying it outside and realized that I didn't have a thing to dig the hole with. I did have a hand shovel and also a small trimmer, you know the one with the sharp edges. I knew that one way or another, I was going to have that post in the ground by later that day even if I had to use my hands.

As I was walking out to the road, I was thinking of everything and complaining about not having any help with it, except for my 9 year old son, God bless his little heart. He was ready to help me. I was wanting my husband to help me. He was busy, but I never did ask him for help and just assumed that he noticed me putting the box together. As I was walking, I noticed a piece of glass on the driveway. In a previous post, I had talked about this on going uncovering of a broken bottle in our driveway and what God showed me. Things Being Uncovered I just laughed because it was another peice of glass uncovered by the wind in our sandy driveway. Yet another thing that God allowed me to see in myself that needed to be thrown away. I was complaining, when I should of been happy. As I was giggling, I also felt bad and repented. I then asked my son to go and get his daddy and ask him to come out and help.

As I was out there getting a little bit done, my neighbor, from across the street had been watching me and had a hole digger in his truck. It took him 2 minutes and that thing was in the ground. I had been out there for 30 minutes trying to dig a hole. I thanked him for digging the hole, and then I thanked the Lord for showing me an area of my heart that needed to be dealt with. My husband did come out right after that and was amazed that it was up. He was ready to help, but it was finished.

I am watching my mental comments more and more now. I thought that I had backed off in my complaining and had been more thankful. (It had gotten better, but there was an area that I hadn't noticed) I do not want to complain because I have so much to be thankful for. God has blessed my life.