The Thief

John 10:10 says; "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly," Satan is only here to do one thing, destroy us. The closer we are to God, the better we are. Does it mean that satan won't attack us? No,he will, and he attacks those who are living for Christ. He already knows those who are away from Christ, he wants to destroy those who are close to Christ. I have a friend who says," Atleast we know we are living for Christ, since we are being attacked, nonstop!" We use that as a way for us to get through, knowing that we are serving Christ, and living for Him, we are getting attacked. The thief comes to our families, our schools, and towns, and our country. He touches those who are weak, and strong. The thief came, and almost destroyed my family, almost destroyed me. We cannot give in to him, we cannot let him have one cornerstone of our lives. He comes when we least expect it, and attacks with a vengence,for he does not want anything good to work for God. Though we already know how the chapter ends, we already know Christ is the winner, we may have to suffer long. Is it worth it? Is it worth the hurt? I have to say yes, it is,since I know Christ is my Savior and He will overcome, and He is there for us when the thief strikes. God can change all into the good of eternity. Get close to Christ, and watch out for the thief, who will stike, but we can be prepared, by knowing God's word, and the will of God. We have nothing to fear. Fear does not come from God. With God we can have peace knowing He is in control. Jer.29:11.

Saul, he wasn't a hopeless case, was he?

Many times we look at others and say, goodness there is no help for them, or maybe, they should not be forgiven for that, or nothing is going to help them, or why should we help them, do they help anyone? We could go on and on with the comments that we choose to make about others who have gone astray, or have made mistakes. Are we not all sinners? I think we tend to forget that at times. Some think that since I am a christian I am better now. No, you are still a sinner, just a saved one. If God could change Saul, one who persecuted Christians, had Stephen stoned,and was one of the most evil people in that time, He can change anyone. He changed Saul into Paul, and Paul gave his all for Christ, he was a martyr for Christ. Paul did great things for Christ, because he allowed Christ to change, and mold him, and to be used of God. If God can do these wonderful things He has done through Paul, He can do them with anyone,anyone willing to open their hearts, and walk with Him. No one is hopeless, no one is unchanging, no one is a lost cause. Jesus wants all His children to be saved and walk with Him. We can be the light upon the hill, instead of the judge in the stand. We need to change the way we look at others. Not through our eyes, but with the eyes of Christ. That is how people will be changed, and come to know Him. They will look at our example, and what example are we giving them? I was once a Saul, and God was able to change me, what about you?

A new friendship I cherish

I have a friend that I get to decorate our church with. She has become a wonderful friend to me. As we began this new adventure,we really were not sure just how things were going to go, but it has been awesome. She is so very wise, in her relationship with the Lord, and just in life. She has taught me so many things about decorating, that I never knew before. I can remember how excited I was when I made my first flower basket all by myself. This was a great acievement for me, since I had never made one before. Its funny, she knows all about color schemes, and all kinds of things. If I dare to pick up a bunch of flowers that really look good to me, she wont really say anything, and I know thats her saying, that no, it does not match, and we are not using that one!! We get to go shopping together, and when we do, we have so much fun together.You just never know how much you have in common with someone, or how great something will be, unless you are willing to try something new. I am so glad we tried this out together, she has taught me many things, and we get to share so much. I am thankful for my new friend, and our great adventure.

Where is your prayer closet?

Where is that you go to spend time with the Lord? Is it outdoors, a long walk, maybe sitting out on the deck, listening to the frogs, curled up in your bed, in your closet, in your car, or just in a favorite room? Maybe is it not even just a place, but just doing something? When you are cleaning, are you spending time with God, doing the dishes, mowing the lawn,hunting out in the woods, or cleaning out the gargage? Many people have one special place where they can go and be with God. We can worship Him, and pray in the quiet of the day, the darkness of the night, or in the middle of the day with all the noise of the city. My point is, God is everywhere. It is awesome to know that we can go to Him anywhere, anytime of day, with anything,and He is always there. I happen to love cleaning with my music up loud, and praying as I go, and being in the car alone, just me and God, with the music up loud, and my hand raised, I worship Him, and pray. We don't just have to be in church, or with our head bowed. Its not just one prayer. We can go to Him with respect, but like He is our daddy, our friend, and one who loves us, and just share all we have. Open our hearts up to Him, and open our ears and listen also to what He says to us. Let us not just be the ones who are always talking, but let us listen and learn from our Father. Our prayer closets can be anywhere or anything we choose, just choosing a spot and spending that time is what truelly matters. Where is your prayer closet?

Prayer Friends, are you surrounded with them?

I am so very blessed as I wake this morning, I find myself thinking of my circle of friends. Not just my close friendships, but my prayer friends. They are such a part of my life. In one moment, in any situation, all I have to do is pick up my phone, call them, or leave a message, or text them. Then in moments they are texting back, letting me know they are praying. Prayer is such a big part of our lives, I cannot imagine life without it, or without my prayer circle. To know that others will take the time and pray for you or your family is so very special. You become connected to one another, giving each other a part of yourselves. Asking for prayer at first was very humbling to me, it was though I had to admit I couldn't face things on my own. You know what? We cannot. We are not suppose to. We are to bare one anothers burdens, carry each others loads, and lift each other up in prayer. We were never made to walk alone, nor do things all alone. With the support of Jesus, and our prayer circle, we can conquer anything.

If there was one show that described you perfectly, what would it be?

This is one just for fun, but it is true to my life. If there was one show on television that descibed me perfect it would be, "Everybody loves Raymand". Yes, and I, I would be Debra. Laugh if you must, but I have seen almost every episode, and yes, it is my life. Not that my husband is really Raymand, but he could be, I suppose, but its more the in-laws. Those that tend to drive you up a wall, and no matter what you do, it just will never be good enough for momma's baby. Since Momma can do it all better than you. I have even been told, I am not a real woman because I do not garden, do not can, and do not cut wood!!!I could give her a few people to choose from though...Its that you try, and try, but no matter what, there they are, and you are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I stopped crying about it a long time ago, now I just simply laugh. You have to laugh at some things in life just to get through.Debra and I would be wonderful friends, I just know it. It was like her character was picked out right from my life. We watch the show and just laugh at the resemblance to our lives. We cannot choose our in-laws, but we have to choose to love them, even if they drive us up a wall.

Refine Me

Psalm 66:10 says; " For you, O God, have tested us, You have refined us as silver is refined." When we come to Jesus we come as we are. He does the rest, He refines us like gold or silver. As it is found it melted down, all the impurities are taken out, and it is made into something beautiful.That is my prayer for me and for you, that Jesus would refine us, take all our impurities and make them new. That He would change us and mold us into something beautiful. Change our hearts to look like His, and change our attitudes to be like His. That He would look down upon His children and be proud. Can you see Him in Heaven? What would that be like to hear Him say He was proud of His children.If we will just give in, let go of ourselves, our wants, our needs, and focus on Him, and let Him refine us to look like beautiful creations, created only by Him. Refined by the best, what else could be better than that?

How many times have we denied Jesus, is it more than three?

Matthew 26:34 says;"Jesus said to him, " Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." Some look at Peter and say "How could he deny Jesus?" He even denied Him three times. Why did he deny? Was he afraid? Was he thinking of himself? Did he think he was more important? How many times have we denied Jesus? Has it been more than three? I would take a guess and say yes it has been. I think we deny Him all the time, even when we are not realizing it. When we disobey, when we turn the other way when He wants us to go one way, when we live for ourselves, when we wake up and say what do I want to do today, when we see a need and we choose not to fulfill it because maybe we dont know that person or just maybe we dont like them. How many times could we give, and we choose to keep for ourselves? If we really take a deep look inside ourselves, we may believe with all our heart, but we still deny Him in many ways. When we hurt others, gossip, lie, cheat, and walk a different way, we are denying Him to live within our hearts. When we choose not to listen to His word, and apply it to our hearts, we deny Him. I believe Peter was a lesson for us to learn about denying. The amazing thing is, is that Jesus forgives. We are all sinners and we deny Jesus, and ourselves to be used greatly by Him, for reasons that satan plant into our minds. At some point, we have to stop and listen for that rooster. Is he crowing in your ears, as he is mine? Don't waste time and deny Jesus one more day. Choose to listen, and walk with Him,and lets learn from Peter.

Fear

What is it that you fear? Is it the lose of your children, your parents? Is it the lose of your job, or income? Is it the lose of your reputation, or friends? Maybe its heights, elevators,spiders, or snakes? Is the fear of storms one for you, or maybe the fear of fire? Is it the fear of regret, or mistakes? So many of us carry so many fears with us. Some have fear of needles, doctors all together. I happen to be claustrophobic, and hate elevators. My two that people laugh at are grasshoppers and grand-daddy longlegs.Yes, go ahead and laugh...I have the same fears as you do, losing my children, illness in my family or friends. If we allow it, fear can overtake our lives.It can consume every part of us.We then become that fear. We cannot have faith if we have fear. Do we trust the Lord or not? Do we understand He is in control, and has a plan or not? Fear does not come from the Lord, it comes from satan. Why do we allow ourselves to fear things, the unknown, and things we cannot change one moment by worrying?Either God is our God, and Lord over all or not. We either trust Him or not. We should be able to face our fears with His strength and power. We need to face our fears head on, and know that God is with us all the way. Trusting and knowing that He is there makes all the difference in the world. In Isaiah 41:10 it says; "Fear not for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you,Yes I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." We should be able to open our hands and give Him everything we have,and trust Him with all, and have no fears. Knowing He is in control, and He is with us always. Not just some of the time, but always. Who else can you say that about? His love covers all, and it should be enough for us not to have any fears,knowing He will take care of us in all situations. The next time you have a bad dream, or you let a fear come to mind, don't allow it to consume you. Give it to Jesus, and let Him turn that fear into power. Power and strengh that only comes from Him.

acceptance

Why is it that we all so desire to be accepted by others? From growing as a child to being an adult,we all just want to be accepted no matter who we are.Why does it hurt so much when we are not accepted by others? We hear all the time,"Well,it doesn't matter if they like me or not",but doesn't it in some way or form matter to all of us? We all have struggled to fit in and make friends. Our young people today have no television shows to guide them to believe that they are important, beautiful,and special just the way they are.As far as that goes,adults don't have much to choose from,going from the wife being a nag, to the husband being really dumb, or lazy. Where are the examples? God accepts us just the way we are. We don't have to change our dress, our hair color, or our looks in anyway to go to Jesus. We don't have to drive the right car,live in the biggest house, or have the coolest clothes.We don't have to know the right people, or go to the right schools, or even have the right name. All we have to do is show up and answer the door when He is knocking.He accepts us, He accepted others along the way,and loved them into His arms. We don't have to change for Jesus, He does that all in His time, He molds us, and creates in us a masterpiece. That only He can do with His hands and with His love. We don't turn into Billy Graham over night,it takes time to teach us, and help us understand why we are here and what are purpose is. So does it matter if we are accepted by the cool crowd? Does it really matter if that one person just doesn't like you for some reason? No, it doesn't. A wise girlfriend helped me see, we cannot please everyone. We cannot be everyone to everybody all the time. That is for Jesus to do. We are the person God made us to be. The only person that matters in the end is Christ. Does He love us. Yes. He accepted us, why not accept Him in the same love?

All things made new

Revelation 21:4 says; "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Can you imagine? Heaven will be so awesome. If Jesus died 2009 years ago, and He is preparing a place for us now, and its taken this long, can you imagine how beautiful it will be? No pain. No tears. No sorrow. Jesus will wipe away all of those hurts. We will worship Him, and that alone will be enough.Just think upon that this week as things are hard, or going rotten for you, maybe your hurting, maybe your crying, maybe you feel the pain of this world. Just remember, its only for a short time, Jesus gave us this promise. He knows our pain and hurts, but one day as we sit with Him, there will be no more tears or pain. Think upon Him this week and the place He is preparing for us, those of us who believe upon His name,will get to be with Him forever. He will make all things new and wipe away all the old.

Texting, internet, or facebook,we can pray anywhere...

It wasn't long ago that I got texting. It wasn't long ago that I got the internet. Now here I am with facebook, and a blog. I always thought these things were just silly, or not really of any use to me, but I was wrong. Blogging has reached many people, and it is awesome to watch these keys just move. The internet is so cool,looking up many things. The texting is just great. Today while I took my mom to the eye doctor, she was in much pain, she has many things wrong with her eyes, and I was terrified for her. As I was sitting in the office, I was able to reach all of my friends and ask them to pray. God is awesome, it wasn't as bad as we thought it could have been. I felt those prayers, and my mom was blessed to know many were praying for her. I have been able to reach many with the internet, talking to our daughter, thousands of miles away, sending messages to others to lift them up, and also receiving them just at the right time. Facebook has helped me find a friend who moved away, and it helps just to send little notes or gifts to lift others up. It keeps you connected with others. This has all been a blessing to me. Writing , searching, and just talking with people who you love. Its funny how those messages just come at the right time, the ones that lift you up when you need it the most. Wherever I am, in a doctors office, walmart, or just out, all I have to do is pick up my phone and start pushing those little letters, and I know all my friends are going to go to the Lord in prayer. God has us all connected in many ways.

What are you ready to give up?

What are you ready to give up to look more like Jesus? We all have them, sins. They seem to take over our lives at times. Sometimes we try to hide them. Sometimes we try to make ourselves think, its no big deal, others we may say well I'm worth it. All it takes is one to get started, then next time another, then soon we are so caught up in our own sin, we just can't see straight. Its funny, we can always see others sins, we can always point out what they need to change.The question is are we ready to look at ourselves and see our sin? Are we ready to give up the things that are keeping us from moving forward? Are we ready to give up the things that are so holding us back? When it really comes down to the truth of the matter, what are we really ready to give up for Jesus? Jesus gave all He had, He gave His life. Are you or I willing to do that? Are we willing to take a stand when no one else will? In this world of wants, what are we ready to give to up for Christ and to better ourselves? Why do we want to hold on to things we know are really holding us back? Just humble ourselves and let it go, let what we are holding on to go. Open our hands, and our hearts and just let it all go for Him.For what we count as loss, He counts for gain.

Do you love to sing?

We all have many gifts, we just have to understand what they are. My son is gifted with the guitar and mandolin. My daughters can sing beautifully. Now me, I cannot sing in front of others very well to save my life,but put me in the shower or in the car alone,and I can sing like the wind.I can sing loud, I can give it all I have. Its funny, I cant do that in front of others. I love singing. I have wanted to sing at church,but I know it will never work right, I'd have to sing barefooted,and sing with my eyes shut....I have figured it out this way.There are those who are gifted to sing and play music,then there are those of us who are gifted to listen..To me, I think I sound awesome in the car,when the radio is turned up too loud to hear my voice. It never matters to me if I sing in front of thousands or just in front of church. If it is only just me and Jesus in the car, or the house while I am cleaning,I think that is just awesome. If He is the only one who really ever hears me give it my all, then its all worth it. I love music, the louder the better.I'm sure thats why I think I sound good in the car. I just cant hear myself, I'm hearing the music and I am just blending in. Just me and God is great, worshipping Him all alone is so amazing. I'm sure others have driven past me and thought,oh my, that girl needs serious help, but ya know,it just doesn't matter when your really spending time with God.I think He has heard the best voices and then He hears mine. As long as we are worshipping Him, I think He might just be singing along with us.

Love

We all carry love in our hearts. Before we can really love,we have to give it away first. Thats what Jesus did for us,and that is how we are to love. He gave His love away freely, without keeping score,without wanting in return.That is how we are to love. He gave us an example of how to love, and that is what we should follow. If we cannot give it away,then we cannot love at all.Its all about giving.Not what we are going to get in return.Love is a gift, a gift to share from our hearts to others hearts.We cannot put a price on it.God loved us, way before we ever loved Him. Love is not always easy, sometimes it hurts, sometimes it carries us through. Each day we wake, we have a choice. We have a choice to love freely,or to keep our hearts hidden,and not let anyone in. That would be a sad way to live. Open our hearts as Jesus did, love as Jesus did, and share as Jesus did. Thats what everyday should hold, and thats what everyday should be made of, love.

Our eyes

When my Mother started losing her sight, and having surgery,it made me so thankful for my sight,my eyes that the Lord had given me.Each day we take for granit small to large things we have to use everyday.When we wake in the morning we open our eyes to see the sun coming in the window,or our husband or maybe our beautiful children looking down upon us. We look at faces,pictures,nature,everything around us we look at ,at awe.Our eyes are something so intricately,special. They are beautiful,many times they are the first thing we notice on a person. When we go to bed at night, we often watch the sun go down,and see beautiful sunsets.We get to see so many things with our eyes. So,I started thinking. Do we really see all with our eyes or with our hearts? Many times when we should be seeing with our hearts, we look with our eyes instead. They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.Then that would clearly make my point,we really see with our hearts. Our whole body is connected for a purpose. Everything works together,our eyes and our hearts. Many times with our eyes we will see something and immediatly our hearts will go into action. At other times our hearts will feel something, and our eyes will say whats really inside us. Its amazing how God created our eyes, its heart breaking that we take them for granit daily. Some things are right in front of us and we choose not to see them, when the truth is staring us in the face, we still cannot see.Start a new day,take a look at all God has trully given us, start with our eyes and see Him before us, wanting to give so many blessings,we just have to open our eyes and see.

Time

We have 24 hours in a day.Thats 1440 minutes. What do you do with your time? I often think of how much time I wasted as a young person. Doing things I thought were fun for the moment.As you grow up, and watch your children grow, you realize how fast time goes by. Have you just ever sat a listened to a clock tick away? Each moment that goes by, we can never get back.Yesterday is gone forever. I can read a book in a day, make a few scarves, watch numerous television shows or movies, and I could go on and on. We often say I don't have anytime for that. We always have time for what we want to do.How much time do I give to Christ each day? How much of my time is just wasted away by doing nothing? Time is something we take for granit, we just assume it will be there tomorrow. As the saying goes, don't put off tomorrow, what you could do today. Look around us. Does everyone you know, know Christ? Your family, your friends, people that we just randomly see?We have alot of work to do, and we don't know just how much time we have left to do it in. What are we waiting for? One question often asked of people, older people is, if you could have something, one thing what would it be? You know what their answer is? More time.

If you could leave behind one thing what would it be?

We put many epigraphs on tombstones, what would you want yours to say? What is one thing you would want to leave behind for others? Is it that you were pretty. Maybe you could party with the best. Maybe you were a strong person or really smart. Maybe you were a hard worker. Maybe you even traveled up the ladder quickly, or you went to the best schools. Maybe you had all the money in the world, nice car,boat,camper, and a woman or man each night of the week. It could be that you were popular,had many friends. You might even have your name in lights or be a great baseball player. In the end, is all that really going to matter? Its not how long we live, its what we have done with the time given to use. In the end I want to hear well done my good and faithful servent. I want to give all I have to give. I want to be remembered as the girl who tried with all her might to win others to Christ and let Him shine through her. I often tell others, Jesus looks good on you. That is what I want said about me someday. Although I still have a long way to go, and I make many mistakes along the way,I want to strive to live for Him. I want to leave behind a legacy of love, not my love, but Christs love. In the end, its not going to matter who has a star, if you made 6,000 touchdowns, or if you could purchase all you want, whats going to really matter,is what did we do for Christ who died for us? What do you want to leave behind.

It begins with me

We want to change our families, we want to change our friends,we want to change our neighbors,we want to change our town, we want to change our cities, we want to change our states, we want to change our country. We seem to want to change everything around us. We see that people or things could be better if only they would.... but in reality, change has to begin with me! We have to look to ourselves before others. We have to take a stand before we say others should stand. We want so many things to change, but the only person we can truthfully change is ourselves. We cannot change others, but we can be an example. We can begin to change the world we live in with standing for the rights of our nation,but in order to do so, we must first begin with ourselves.

My Anniversary

Today was my anniversary. My husband and I have been married for 18 years today. Usually its the man who forgets the date or how many years. Well the day is easy since its Valentines Day,but I always seem to add a year and he has to correct me. Today was a blessing. To us, our anniversary just wasn't the day we married, but the day our families came together, so we celebrate together. Now its harder with all our kids all spread out. Today was great. We ate dinner with our sons, took a long drive, got lots of well wishes, gifts from my Mother, texts from our daughter, and an e-mail from another. The best part of the whole day was when my husband gave me a homemade card. Just from him, with his words of love. It even rhymed, it was beautiful. He has made many days so special, some days he has come home with flowers he has picked from the side of the road, he has brought me home a soda, or a candy bar thats a favorite. He helps with the house cleaning, and shares in my chores when I do not feel well at all. Not everyday is perfect, some are just kinda rotten, but most are the best when we are just not thinking about me, and we are knocking ourselves out to do something special for the other. I am blessed to have this day to remember,and I will remember for always the special words he gave just to me, no one else wrote them, they came straight from his heart, and that is the way it should be. So thank you Lord, for this day that was much needed. As parents we often forget just how to be a couple, we often loose track, or get off course, because we are doing for our children. But our children need an example of what love is, and we should show them by our actions of love for one another, I believe my husband did that today, by showing a piece of his heart to me.

Advice

Advice is a funny thing. Sometimes it is needed, and others it is not. Sometimes it may lift a person up or others it may just tear them down. When do we give advice? When we someone hurting, when we see someone falling, when we see someone making a grave mistake, when we see them going down a wrong road? Do we give it freely or should we wait until its asked for? Sometimes maybe we give advice when we just think we can help out or we know a little more,but in reality we do not. Many times we don't know the whole story, and by speaking we have just make things worse. Many times its better just to pray for our friends and let them know we are here for them if needed, unless it is something that is terribly wrong and is hurting the friend we love, if its just our opinion, then maybe we just need to keep it to ourselves and let our friend figure this out on their own. This is how we grow,this is how we learn,and this is a part of maturing is figuring things out on our own. I am blessed to have friends who love me, and know when to give advice and know just when to pray. Sometimes we can, if we are not careful, and overstep our bounds and end up hurting the other person. So the nest time you think a friend needs advice, pray about this first and see if its truely needed.

The Fruit of the Spirit, Can you see it in yourself....

Galations 5:22-25 says"; But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodnesss, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirt."Is it always easy to live by the fruit of the spirit? No, it is not, but we should be trying everyday , not for ourselves, not for others, but for Christ. I always taught my children to put everything in its order. If we choose to put Christ first, everything else seems to fall into place, and we bring Him glory by doing so. It doesn't say we should do these things just with our family or just with friends, it's meaning everyone. If we put on all these just think how much better our days would go,does it mean each day will be perfect? No, but we will have a better attitude towards our situations. How much better we could reach out to others, if only we had more of the fruit of the Spirit. The world teaches us the opposite, to put ourselves first. That we deserve what we have or want. Just do it, is the motto of many. This is simply not the way. If we choose to put on these things we too will look more like Jesus, and others might just catch on to what we have....

Examine ourselves, not others.....

2 Corinthians 13:5 says; "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is with you?Unless indeed you are disqualified." So when we are sitting in church are you one of those who sit and agree with what the preacher says, only you don't think its directed at you, its for someone sitting down from you? I believe we are all guilty of this. We are listening to the sermon and in our minds we are thinking I wish so and so was here today to hear this one. Maybe your sitting there and you nudge the person next to you and say "Are you listening, cause he is speaking to you?" Why do we sit and always think this person or that person would benefit from hearing Gods word being spoken, when in reality we should be the ones listening with all our hearts? Its harder to examine ourselves, and easier to point that finger at others and say,"Boy, she should be listening to this one. Is she here today?" None of us want to look at ourselves in that light, we might have to change something and that would hurt. We need to be doers of the word not just hearers of the word. James 1:22. Next time we walk by that mirror, lets examine ourselves,and not just be hearers, and think others need to hear the word, but let us put it into practice. Just think what a blessing that would be if we all did that, What glory God would have just by us listening, we might look a little more like Him....

Do you ever feel discouraged....

Some days we wake and we feel the world is coming down around us.We feel as though there is no control,that everything is going wrong.You wake and you just want to pull the covers back up over your head. We don't have to feel that way. We can change our attitudes.We can let the joy overcome our feelings,and give God control of every situation in our lives. There is a verse from 2 Corinthians that lets us know God is always there in every situation and we don't have to be in despair. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 says this "We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken,struck down,but not destroyed."If we let Him, God will conquer all for us in His name. We just have to give it to Him, and trust Him with everything we have.In these days when sickness overtakes us, jobs are being lost by the minute, people are hurting everywhere for some reason or another,we don't have to fear yesterday, today, or tomorrow. God knows our needs and He is there for us every step of the way. So throw those covers off your head, change your attitude to look like Christs, and give Him all the glory of today and just see what amazing things come your way.....

Theres something sweet about helping our parents..

When we were small our parents took care of us,they raised us, loved us, and provided us with our needs,they paved the way for our dreams to be fulfilled. Now as I am a woman,I am taking care of my Mother. The table has turned. Although she is always there for me,gives advice, and is a wonderful mom,now I have begun to care for her in the ways she cared for me. I take her to the doctor, to the store, and do her laundry.I meet my mom's needs,as she met mine long ago. There is a joy in taking care of your parent. In giving just a little back of what they so freely gave. I could never repay my mom for all that she has done for me or my family,but it is such a blessing to be there for her today. Our parents sacrificed so much for us, they gave until there was nothing more to give. I talk to my mom everyday,and just to check on her, to see if she needs anything. She has always been a giver, someone who steps out to give until her hands are empty.Today is my mom's birthday.She is 71 years old.She faces many struggles,and has so much pain daily.The amazing thing about my mom is that she never complains. She takes each day as they come,and knows her blessings. For us to give back to our parents,if only just a portion will bless you as much as it does them. For me to check her mail, or take out the trash,means the world to her. Just stopping by to say hello is a gift of its own. We always think our parents will be here forever, we sometimes take them for granit. I count each day I have my mom a blessing,just to hear her voice. Take the time to reach out to your parents,and see what a blessing it will be for them and for you. Its not always the big things we do, its the small things that matter the most.....

Do you ever feel lost?

Do you ever feel like you just don't know where life is taking you,or if you even want to go on that ride?Sometimes we just can't see whats in front of us.We get scared at whats ahead or what we are unsure of. Many times we just don't know if we make the right decision. Sometimes we just ask ourselves why things happen,or when they are gonna get better. There is a verse that can help us out with these questions. It comes from Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."God knows all that is around us,and about us. He knows our past and our future. He has our interests in His hands. If we can just remember to put our trust in Him, and know that He sees all and knows all.He knows where our life is taking us,and whats just around the corner. Open your hands to Him,and trust Him with all you have,and with all you do not have. Theres no reason for us to ever feel lost again, once we put our trust in Him....

A Hand Given ......

It always seems that when we are in need, someone pops up out of the blue. I have to tell this story and say thank you for the loving hand given to me when it was least expected. Last summer, many of the ladies of our church went to a conference called Women of Faith. It was amazing in itself. This year we tried something new, we thought we would try the Metro Link.Oh,yea,bad idea... Anyway on with my story. As we were leaving the conference one night the Metro Link was over crowded you could say the least. I am one who suffers from severe panic attacks. The one person who knows is not there with me at the time, so as we are boarding this train, we here "Push yourself forward, be aggressive,keep pushing until you are in!" I'm about to die, thinking there is no way in the world I am gettting on that thing with all those people. I know I have to though, so I try my best to push my fears aside, and I try to be aggressive,(which is a joke,getting on a train full of men!)so when I finally get on,I think I'm gonna stop breathing.Some would laugh, or say "thats no big deal",but if you have panic attacks, sometimses it is.Just when I think I'm now gonna fall,a hand comes out for me and pulls me toward her. She pulls me to her seat, which she is also sharing, sits me on her lap. To me, this was a lifesaver,this meant the world to me. She reached out for me,and had no idea what was going on,but God knew. He knew I needed a touch, and He came through this wonderful friend. I never told her of this story, you dont really tell people ya have panic attacks all the time.I have kept this close to my heart.We'll just call her the secretary,and that will be enough.I just want to say thank you for the hand you held out to me. For the comfort you gave me in a time when you didn't even know,but God knew and you were there for me.....

The son who shines on the field.....

The first time I met him he was dressed in boots. I fell in love with his smile, the way he looked at you with his big brown eyes that just tugged at your heart. He loved to laugh,and he loved everything about life. As a child he was the adventurous one. He had the biggest heart,and would always want to help. In school he was always great,with handwriting that just amazed you, he could write stories and have them posted.He always loved riding the three-wheeler,he loved to hunt with his dad,even got his first deer with him. He loves to dig, and just see how far he can go. He can make you laugh with just a look,and always has a joke. He loved being with dad,just being together. God gives us many gifts and he is one. He has touched our hearts as we have watched him grow into a young man. I still remember the first time we got to watch him play ball. He could pick up a bat, kick a soccer ball, dribble a basketball, but the best was watching him play football. Its funny really, each time I saw him go onto the field, I would bow my head and pray for his protection and pray he would really see his gifts.To watch him play was so, so amazing,he really is fun to watch, as he puts his whole heart into it,and really seems to give it all hes got.Whether he won or lost, he was a winner to us, for we were very proud. As he still plays now, its great fun to see, and to cheer him on,but whats more amazing is that he is our number one. Although we have sometimes differed I hope he knows,just how much I really do love him .He was a special gift I did not expect in life, he has given lots to cherish, and great memories to hold. Hes one great young man that will go very far, he has always reached for his dreams, and may they always come true.God has truelly gifted him, with gifts that he can share. He loves to have fun,and has a friend everywhere he goes. When you get a glimpse of his big heart,you will some to see why we love him so....

A day of Love......

Valentines Day comes once a year. I was even married on the day, eighteen years ago. Should we just celebrate our love just one day a year? My thinking is this, we should show our love everyday of the year to all those who we love.Not just one holiday a year. We should show our love through words and actions everyday to those we love.When our husband goes out the door to go to work,when are children leave for school, when our mother needs something done, when our neighbor calls and just wants to chat. We tend to take all these things for granit, those who have not lost. We never know when that day will come, and that will be our last.We shouldn't wait a year to say I love you, or to do something nice.Do it everyday,and dont take a day for waste,and make everyday last......

Grace....

What is grace to us? It is a free gift from Christ,something we do not deserve.He loved us enough to die for us, He gave us the free gift of salvation. When we go to Him He accepts us with love,and grace. When we go to Him in times of trouble He is there, when we go to Him in times we need forgiveness, He is there.Why? Because of grace,nothing but,pure grace.So why is it so hard for us to accept others, to love others, to forgive others,and to help when others are in need?Are we better than Jesus? Is what He did for us not enough?It should be enough,that we show it to other people,that we share with others what He has done for us. So the next time someone wants forgiveness,they are in need, or they just need to be accepted, let us remember grace......

A little lady we'll just call "D".......

In this world we live in we meet many types of people. Some just always seem to have a frown, no matter what the situation,others,well,they carry a smile every where they go no matter whats going on around them. They have the capability to light up a room with a smile, give laughter with each new day,and they can share a tear from the heart. I know a woman like this,they are truelly hard to find,but she is right here in our lives. She carries many burdens, many hurts in her life.The amazing thing is you never hear her complain or cry out why. She takes each day as they come,and she chooses to take them with a smile.She is an example to me,and a light each time I see her. Although I know she hurts, she gives the pain to the Lord,and she carries on in her life with all the possibilites that can bring a smile......

Should we always be talkers or should we begin to listen?

How many times do we just talk and talk and talk? When sometimes we just need to be quiet, and listen. Have you ever noticed when you talk, and talk,and talk, people begin not to listen? We always learn more by just sitting and listening. We always seem to think we know more than the next guy, but in reality we dont know much of anything. We just need to sit and listen. So many others can teach us lessons if we just give them the chance, but if we're always talking, no one has that chance. So next when you want to speak, think about things you might want to say. Are they really important, will they matter the next day? Maybe we should just begin to listen and see what we can learn......

"ME" can it ever be about someone else?

For us to be humble we have to take our eyes off ourselves, turn them to Christ, and to others.This world has become just all about ME, my troubles,my hurts,my business,my kids, my work, my life. Everything seems to revolve around ME these days. We cannot be humble if we're not doing for others, if we're not puting others first, if we're not spending our time blessing other people. We can be givers in this world or we can just receive. Once we start to take our eyes off of ME, we can start to see a whole new world in need, others who are hurting, others who have troubles, others who dont have jobs right now, others who need a blessing from above. Before we can reach out to others, we have to take our eyes off ME. How much time do we just give to ME? How much time do we reach out and give to others? Me should be a four letter word, it is just as bad. We can all have pity parties with the best, but instead,lets just reach out and touch others instead.....

Michael Phelps,have you chosen to judge?

How many of us make mistakes? How many times a day do we wish we would have not done something? How many times do we go to our God and ask forgiveness for the things we have done? Is there any sin greater than another? Are we better than anyone else? Who are we to sit and judge others so easily, when in reality we might need to take a good look at ourselves. In Matthew 7:1-2 is says the following,"Do not judge or you will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."I'm glad I have a God before me, and He is who I have to go to, to be judged. It is not the people of this world who will judge me, praise the Lord, or I just might be thrown to the wolves as Mr. Phelps is. As christians we should be the example, not say,I have a low tolerance for this, but say he made a grave mistake, and hopefully he will learn from his mistake and become a better person for it. We all stuble daily at many things, ours might be in private, his was just for the world to see. What if your sins were put on the screen for the whole world to see, what would they say about you? Would you want forgiveness, and love, or would you want judgement from people who dont even know you or really care one way or the other? It is sad to hear people judge so quickly. We all are sinners, looking for forgiveness, none of us are righteous, no not one. We are all just people trying to do as we should, we stumble and fall, thank God for mercy and grace, thank God we have a forgiving God, because people are not so forgiving. As for me. I will look to Micheal Phelps as I always did, a kid, who can swim like a winner, who puts his heart into what he does. I enjoyed watching him, and I will watch him again. Its not my place to judge him for his mistakes, its my place to pray for him,and to look to my own face.......

The woman I admire and want to be......

We have been studying the virtous woman. We were finding examples of this character, and I could think of one who stood out among all others. She was also the salt of the earth. That was Ms. Venida Powers. She is now with the Lord,and I am most sure He is smiling to have her near Him, as she too, is most happy to be with the one she loved and served. How can I even think of words to describe her? There are so many qualities she possessed that all women want to be. She was honorable, she was full of wisdom, she carried in her heart so much joy,that it just oversplashed on to others. You could not be in her presence without feeling loved. She was herself, and always was willing to give, to give all she had. She taught me many things, and we shared many days together, along with many laughs. She was a woman like no other I have yet to meet. She loved the Lord with all her heart, and she shared Christ's love with everyone she would meet. She was honored by her family,and friends. She taught us by example how to be the best wives we could be, the best everything we needed to be. She always wore a smile, and was ready to give you a hug. She was thoughful,and so unselfish. She was a hard worker, who usually could out work anyone. Every thing she did, she gave it her all. She was honest,and would give you advice,and her opinion. She was grace, class, and beauty all rolled up in one tiny,and spunky lady. If I grow to become half the woman she was, my family will be blessed. I always looked to her as my second momma. She had a place in her heart for everyone. I miss her today, the talks we shared over a class of lemon tea, the hugs she gave so freely. She was a woman who put Christ first, then her wonderful family, and friends. She was someone you looked forward to seeing, and felt good after a visit. We could all learn from Ms. Venida, she walked the walk and talked the talk. She was ready to stand for her faith. Although she is no longer with us here on this earth, her presence,and her memory are always near in my heart...

Faith.....

Some seem to have alot, some seem to want none. We all put faith into something, why not put it into something real and lasting? Some seem to put their faith in the things of the world. Why do that when they won't last very long? Some put their faith in people, why choose to do that? None of of our perfect, and we all seem to let others down. We wern't meant to put our faith in this world, the things of this world or the people of this world. We were meant to put our faith in one thing and one thing only, the only one who will always be there, and who will never let us down. He will never change, nor stumble. He has our best interests at heart. Nothing else comes before Him, but the ones He gave His heart..... Romans 5:1-2 says, " Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

Dogs, are you a pet person?.

I think we are either pet people or not. Some have big pets, some have small. Some hate them all together, some just couldn't live without. Some keep theirs outside, some choose to stay in. We all have our favorites, but no ones seems to be the same. I love little kittens, but absolutly hate cats, thats just me, but some would think I was crazy for loving my little Daisy. She is a little Dachsund, as cute as can be. Yes, she has papers, her mommas name was Minnie pearl, Her daddy was just a little bigger, with the name of Oscar Meyer. I did not pick her out, she was a gift from my husband,just four summers ago. She is the best little dog I have ever known. She is very smart,loves to eat, Yes, she is a happy eater,some would say she eats all the time! She hears the cheese raper and comes running through the kitchen, she loves carrots,but her favorite seems to be banannas! She loves to play outside, loves the snow, except when its too deep, shes way below. She loves everyone she meets, she wiggles and barks, and tells who is here. She is spoiled rotten I'm sure you would say, but we love our little Daisy, the way she brightens up our day.......

Where does your strengh come from?

Psalm 121:1-2 says, I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my strength come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. A friend sent this to me a few days ago just when I needed it the most. We tend to always look other places for strength first, when we should always go to the Lord first. He knows all about us, loves us the most, and will listen to our requests and teach us the most......

Goodbyes.....

Why does it hurt so much to say goodbye? Why does the pain seem to just take over everything we have? Why cant things just be simple, just be the way they used to be? When we all make mistakes they not only change that day, they change forever, not just the life of the one who made the mistake, but everyone around. Why cant we just heal from the painful past, and forgive and love again?Why cant we just start again, new and fresh, with Gods love, everything is possible right? It is so hard to have to let go, to have to say goodbye to those you love so very much and hold so dear inside. The tears , you just cant hide them, they just seem to flow, and where do you want to go? You feel like crawling up and just letting go. I will never understand goodbyes, or why we have to say them. Our hearts were made to love inside, to always say hello. Why, oh why, do we always have to say goodbye.....

Color....

Why is it so hard ot look at a person and just see whats inside,not seeing the color of their skin?This has been a problem since way back when. I don't understand, I never have, a person is a person, no matter what color he may be. My parents grew up in the south, so I heard all the comments, growing up, I did not agree. I always saw the people, not the skin. God created us all in His image. The same blood that runs through Jesus, runs through you and me too. Our blood is no different, nor color shouldnt matter. Does Jesus love one more than He does the other? No, and if we want to get real for a moment, the Lords skin color was probably not pure white as many pictures portray. His skin would be darker, he came from the middle east, would this too anger some of you? Why does it really matter, where we came from or what our color is? Why cant we just love as Jesus did?

Bitter or Better.....

Many things happen in our lives, from our childhood to the present day. We wake up everyday,and we wake with a choice, we can be bitter or better. We cant change things of the past, we cant even change others, but we can change ourselves and how we react to situations around us.Some things and people hurt us to the core, and we think we will never recover. We can let that hurt overtake us, or we can choose to see the great things around us. If we give into the pain of the past, we let it consume us, and it overtakes everything about us. Dont let the past become your future, let it go, and with it let the pain go, the hurtful words, and painful past.Look ahead to what Christ has instore, give Him the chance to bless us each day, if we stay in our pain that is the only thing we will see. Bitterness will make you ugly, it will change you deeply, dont for one minute let that win and rule you day. Live and live to the fullest, with forgiveness and mercy. Put the past where it belongs, we cant go back, we cant change things that happened,but we can decide for right now, what we will do, with Christ by our side, anything is possible.We can learn from the past, and be better for it. Remember its not the people who hurt us, its satan attacking through them, what better way to hurt us then through our loved ones and friends? Dont give satan another day of your heart. Give it all to Jesus, and let Him move you and live in you giving you all that you need. Stop searching in the past for redemption and reasons why, just look forward and at you have and live for today, live with a joy that overflows inside that only comes from our Father and He is the reason why,we should live each day with Him at our side and forgive those who chose not be on your side......

Back in Mayberry........

Remember "Leave it to Beaver", "Andy Griffith", "Dont eat the Daisies", and so many more? Those were the days when you played outside all day, came in for lunch, went back out, and came in for dinner. You rode your bike, and caught frogs, played ball, and jacks with your friends. Mom always had dinner on just when dad was walking in the door. You could smell the food as she was calling you in. Dad would always tell how work was, and ask "what did you do today?". Dinner was a time of talking about it all, then at night all the great shows came on to watch as a family. We didn't have internet, cell phones, and texting. No video games, no t.v all day, and it went off at midnight. No stores were open on Sundays, you could not even get gas. No beer was sold on Sundays, it was family day. You caught fireflies in a jar, and used your imagination to play all sorts of things. People seemed to care, they went next door to say hello. It seems a lifetime ago, when all this was here. We have those elderly,who have so many beautiful stories, so much to teach and share. It was a time when I was just a child, but remember days so well. Times of simple life, a time that is no more. What a memory to have, of fireflies and "the Beav".

Drinking, what a waste of time.....

Through my young years I too thought drinking was cool. I drank with my friends, and after work,and school. I had my first drink way before I was 21,as sad as that is. Every weekend there was a party, a get together, whatever reason we could think of to drink and have a good time. It is so strange to me now, now as a christian. To think I havent had a drink since my wedding night, 18 years ago. I grew up in a drinking family, everyone drank, my parents down to my cousins. I grew up thinking everyone did it, it was the "normal" way of life. Not until I met my husband did that all change for me. He did not drink, stopped long after his teenage years. My husband took my to his families gathering, with many folks there, not one was drinking, it wasnt even served. I thought to myself, what is wrong with these people? do they not want to have fun? My way of thinking stopped on that very night. That was the best party I had ever been to in my life. Everyone was laughing, celebrating, having such a great time. I had never seen this before. My husband later told me, no, they do not drink, they are all christians, we can have a great time without drinking. That was the first night for me, that I had seen what christians were like. They had joy in there hearts, they glowed with happiness, and it spread to others there. The whole room was lit up with laughter from everywhere. Many think you cant have fun without having a beer, or one to loosen you up. Many think its okay to just drink on the weekends and they arent hurting anyone. I use to be that person, and no judgement passed, since I lived that and knew it from a child of the past. We can have a great time just being real, being all there, laughing and sharing, being goofy as can be, remember the fun you had as a kid, there was no liquor there. As christians we have to take a stand, be the example, show others its okay to understand. We have all entered a room and felt a little nervous at times, or went to a gathering not knowing anyone. Who said you have to drink to have more fun? who wants to vomit the next morning all over the front lawn? Do we really want people to see us acting like fools,taking pictures that will end up on Facebook in someones spool. So many times I thought I was having fun, but did I really remember what I did on all those nights of "fun"? The bible gives many verses that tell us we should not drink, its unhealthy, and it makes you look like a fool. I have a father in law, who I'm proud to say, at 76, he has never once in his life had a drink to his lips. That is something proud to have, to be able to say, instead of counting the wasted days I spent out having so called"fun". All the time I wasted I could have done so much more, made my Father look down on me, and say well done, now lets do some more.I want my children to be able to look to me today, and be proud of who I have become, not look at my past and see all my wasted time, may they learn from my mistakes, and know its not so much fun, it only last a little while, and your reputation will be known, but real joy and laughter doesnt have to have something added, its just that natural feeling of blessings from above......

Teenage racers.......

Remember when you felt invincible?You thought you could do it all, and never get hurt? I was like that at a time, a time when things seemed so different,but I think all young people go through this at one age or another. I had great friends die when they were young, because of mistakes,that should not have been. My daughters have had friends to die at the same aweful mistakes.Young people seem to think they can get in a car and go, not just go but race. They arent just putting their own lives at risk, but others out on the road. I know of kids who race today, and no one seems to care. They just let them go and forget what they do once they are out the door. But what happens when an officer comes to the door, to tell them their child is no more? Will they then remember, and wish they had said something once before? What happens when that child takes another precious life,while thinking they own the road before them,and then have to spend 20 to life? Why do we stand by and let this happen and say nothing? Do we not care enough or is it just not our place? If it was Your child would you want to know? Do you even think it is wrong? If you thought it would save your child,would you take a stand? Or wait until there is no more, and have nothing to hold your hand?

What would you do?

We all like to think we would all do the right thing in the situation around us, but we never really know unless we are right there in the moment. What if you saw a woman being mistreated,would you step in? What if you saw a baby all alone in a hot car,would you step in? If you saw someone steal from the store, would you not say anything? If you saw a teenager, with a gang around them waiting to bounce, would you step in?What if you saw someone fall over with a heart attack,would you stop to help? When we see someone in need, in danger, in trouble of sorts, what goes through our minds? Should there even be a second thought? What if it was you who were on the street about to be raped, would you want someone to step in? If you just got robbed and beaten and people just stood and stared, how would you feel? If people mocked you, called you names, and just stood, would you feel anger or say forgive, for they do not know? Thats what Jesus chose to say, when others beat and mocked, and scorned Him, They just stood by and stared, watching Him die for all sin the world did. We should be Jesus to others or how will they know, it may be the only vision they glimpse, of how He loves them so.Lets just take that question out of the theme, and put in I'll do it, I'll do what ever Jesus would ask of me, thats what I would do,I will give all for the one who gave all for me.

Words

Words are part of our daily life. Some give us laughter, some love, some knowledge, some hurt forever. My Mother always said she would rather someone spit on her, than call her a bad name or say harsh things. You could wipe the spit off, but the words stung your soul. They are embedded down deep. It takes a mighty God to help you over the regret. The regret of hearing those words, and forgiving, when forgiveness has never been asked. We can say I love you, or some may say I hate you. Those words stain our hearts with a hurt to last a lifetime. We teach our young children right from wrong, dont say those words , they hurt awfully long. Jesus has heard those same hurtful words, the ugly ones that stay with you. Did he give them back, or did He say Father forgive them? We should so chose our words wisely. They may be the last words you ever say , or the last words your loved ones will hear. In many books there are many wonderful quotes, words spoken from others, that are written down today. What if ours were written down too? Which ones would you choose? Someday all will be shown, we will be reminded of all those words, which ones would you take back? Next time before we speak, let us think upon who those words are there to beat. Gods people are more precious than any awful words, maybe we should think upon His words...Proverbs14:In the mouth of a fool is pride, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.

BLESSINGS ARE ALL AROUND.......

We can often overlook what is right there in front of us. Many times we're too caught up in the pain to clearly see.We are feeling so very low, but forget to look up. Jesus is always right there where He said He would be.He promised never to leave or forsake us. When we are in need, blessings can come in small packages like a text, or a little bigger like a card, go even a little bigger, say 5'4, and you have a friend giving words of encouragment, showing love from up above. Those blessings are held dear, and are not forgotten. For when we are blessed, lets turn around and bless some other.....

Do you ever feel like enough is enough........

When you wake up and you think its gonna be a beautiful day, then everything seems to go wrong. You take a total 180. Can you please everyone all the time? Can we be what everyone needs us to be? When we try and try, say we are sorry over and over again, but nothing seems to work,what do ya do? When you want so very much for peace, and as soon as you think its in your grasp, its gone,what do ya do? When you hear words that cut like a knife,and ya cant let go, what do ya do? When you have tried each way a thousand different times, and it still doesnt work, what do ya do? When you want something so badly, and its out of your grasp, what do ya do?Just when ya think ya got it, its all gone, what do ya do? Life just hurts sometimes, for no reason at all,atleast we cant seem to find one.Life always takes so many twists and turns, like were on a ride, but its dark and you don't really know which way your going, so you feel the fear, and in the pit of your being you dont know if you can finish,what do ya do? You call upon your Savior, you cry out his name,you hang on and dont let go, you feel His touch, His strength, His love, His forgivness, His mercy, and He holds you until you can stand. When enough is enough, dont give up, just run into the arms of your Savior.......

Do ya ever feel like ya just can't get it right.......

Do you have those days where you look at yourself and you think, ok, this is pretty good, I've got everything together here. I'm doing really good today, got my shower, got school going, breakfast, the chores are getting done, the whole day is just fitting together, and you look at yourself and say ok, I'm doing good so far. Then you get a phone call from a friend who has three jobs, or another who works and calls and says she's cleaning the garage,plus making a homemade cake and dinner for eight. Then you turn on the television and theres Oprah praising a woman who just finished publishing a book, while raising her eighteen kids. Then ya decide to call a friend for some major support,since now your feeling pretty darn lazy, and what do ya know? She's got a cake in the oven, cleaning the lint out of the dryer, and doing something bizarre, you don't even want to know. You start to tell her how ya feel, and tell her your just feeling low, she tells ya to suck it up, and get moving.... No mercy from her, so you think oh, I'll call my friend of mercy, she'll totally understand, shes not home!!!! Really, I have raised five children, homeschooled three, and take care of my mother, and I know I do alot. I Know I always stay busy, but give myself time to read a book, and crochet.Haha. I do have those days where I just keep on trying and the floor is never clean enough, I just dont cook like Martha, the laundry just seems like it is never ending, every day the hamper is full. It seems impossible to wear that many clothes... Am I the only one who feels this way,like just sometimes people dont think ya do enough, or work hard enough, and what ya do is just not good enough? Now, I'm starting to sound like my complainer I wrote about.... sometimes we just feel like we're not good enough. Kids feel like that all the time, youth struggle with it everyday, wives, even husbands, we all have those struggles. But I know in my heart I don't have to fit in, I already have an R.S.V.P to where I'm heading, and as for getting it right. I try my very best. I give my all, and that is all I can give, and thats all I'm asked to give. Even in Gods word, in Romans 3:23 it says " For all have sinned, and fall short of the Glory of God". No one can live up to Gods perfect way. No one can live up to what God created us to be,we all fall short of His glory. We cannot save ourselves because as sinners we can never meet Gods requirements. Our only hope is faith in Jesus Christ. See we can fit that verse in with anything we are going through. We all want to do better, we all see what others are doing and let satan tell us, your not very good,your never gonna be Martha, and we can let that get us down. But we must remember, God loves us for who we are, and for trying to do our best, but our best is still not going to be perfect, and that OKAY. Put your faith in the only one who can get it all right, Jesus Christ, and He'll give us the strength to push forward on those days we feel that we just can't get it right......

Marriage, is it easy for you?

Okay, I found in 1 Peter 3:1-7, where it is talking about husband and wife.It gives very sound advice,but do any of you struggle in this area also? I love my husband with all my heart and I know he loves me, but I know we sure don't always show it. Its either me saying its his fault, or him saying its mine. Why does marriage have to be so hard at times? Remember when you first met, and you knocked yourselves out for one another? Now its kinda like oh, whatever, you go your way and I'll do my thing. Its not suppose to be that way. Love is suppose to strengthen, and grow, not weaken and wilt. Why do we tend to hurt each other? Is it because we have just become so complacent? We have just gotten so use to the other, and we have taken them for granit? I want those first days back, I want to feel love everyday. In so many ways I still do, but there should be more. Yes, it takes two people. Why do we tend to give up so easily? Do we stick it out and talk, pray together, and just even listen to what the other is saying? Or our we just seeing ourselves? My mom had told me long ago, marriage was like a job, you have to work at it all the time. I believe this is true. If our marriages are intertwined with Christ, then there are those three strands that will not break, with Christ that middle strand, and us the other two. We seem to leave Christ out, when He should be right there in the middle, holding our marriage together,and solid. we want our children to grow and have wonderful marriages, we need to give them good examples to follow. Every day we should be praying for our spouse, for Christ to lead them, and for them to follow,and to be the person Christ wants them to be. So I guess, it all starts with prayer. So thats the question I will leave you with, how are you doing with that prayer, me? I believe I need some work.....

Teachers who give from their heart.....

I have many friends who are teachers. Some teachers started out great, but lost something along the way. Now, they seem to be there for a paycheck, and thats not good for anyones children. They need a teacher with love and compassion. Some of my friends work with special needs children. I admire them with all my heart. It takes a very special person to give from their heart, to give so much time and love. The women I know teach with a passion, with a heart ready to give and receive. They give uncondisionally. Thats what a teacher is, she is love. She not only demands respect, but she gives respect equally. Teachers are a wonderful gift we have, they are overworked and underpaid. They have one of the hardest jobs ever, and deserve our praise. I would like to say thank you to all those teachers who work, not just for pay, but for love of what they do....

The Rapture,Do you believe ?

We all have theories on when Jesus will come. I do not base my thoughts just on my own basis, but in scripture. Will we be here for the tribulation? No, from Gods word, I think it clearly states the facts. I am going to give some verses for you to decide yourself. I would love to know what your thoughts are. When Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us, and we would here a trumpet sound, and in the twinkling of and eye, we would go,and some would still be standing. I believe upon these words. John 14:3, 1 Cor.15:51-52, Titus 2:13, John 14:1-3, 1Thes. 4:16, 1 Thes.4:14-15, 1 Cor. 15:52, Romans 14:10, 2 Cor. 5:10, 1 Cor.3:11-15,and Matthew 24:21. These things happen before the tribulation period. Tim LaHaye, has an awesome book called " charting the end times". The question is are you ready? Have you decided to follow Christ? don't waste another day waiting and thinking you have time to decide, no one knows when He will appear. Wouldn't you want to be ready?

How many spend their lives searching?

John 14:6 says:"I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Jesus clearly tells us here that He is the only way to Heaven, but how many of us spent so much time, searching in so many places for something so give us what He can only give? I know I did. It wasn't until I was much older did I realize all the places I searched for happiness, joy, and love. Some continue to search, in very dark places. Some believe just by being a good person will take him to Heaven. Some as we look around are so very unhappy, they keep searching, but in all the wrong places. We can't even find true happiness and joy in people and our loved ones, our friends. Shopping, gambling, relationships with the other sex, drinking, and going to parties. It all may bring happiness,but just for a moment. Its not lasting joy, the love that only comes from Jesus. We all have a special place in our heart, I call it our Jesus spot. Its where He wants to abide, but unless we stop searching in other places and turn to Him, He cannot enter and live there within us. Today is the day for you to stop hurting, to stop searching in all the wrong places for your joy. Let Christ show you the way, the only way to Heaven......