Isaiah 60:1
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you."
Isaiah 7:14
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
I love the beauty and imagery of those verses when it speaks of the birth of Jesus! So beautiful!
I know it's been awhile since I posted. I have noticed that there are just periods of time when I don't feel the need to blog. And then there are times when God impresses upon me urgently to put some things down. This past Sunday morning at church was one of those times. It was so strong I actually had to write it down as it came into my mind which I don't usually like to do because my mind is racing so much faster then I can write and it gets pretty garbled. But not this time.
But it has still has taken me a few days to find the quiet time that I needed to put these things down. This is never a quick process for me. There's a lot of prayer, reflection, etc that goes into this for the most part. Sometimes I try to rush it and end up with a mess that I have to go back and straighten out later. LOL!
Before I get into the main part of this post, I want to share a little bit with you about my first season with Undivided. It was really amazing. It has given me a whole new lease on Christmas. And I have made new family members within the group. We usually say "friends" but these people are much more than that to me.
We are performing at Marietta Square if the weather permits. I'm hoping we will be able to so please keep praying. Check out the link at http://nativityonthemariettasquare.org. This entire experience has been one of the most blessed of any in my entire life! We have a break until the end of January and I'm bummed! I'm going to attach a couple of our videos here, let me know what you think.
Also this is our website. http://undividedvocalorchestra.weebly.com/ It's new so there's not a lot of info on there yet.
This is such a wonderful Christmas this year for us because Sebastian is 2 and he's enjoying Christmas so much this year. Amanda brought him to our concert at Sanctuary the other night & it was so cute. He kept hollering "there she is!" "Gramma" it was so sweet. But then Santa came out & I no longer existed. It has been wonderful to have a little one to share the season with again!
I very much want to close this on a positive note but I would be remiss not to write the things that God laid on my heart because of the events of last Friday in Connecticut.
First of all, my heart has grieved greatly over these things but maybe not for the reason that you think. It is but it isn't. When great tragedy strikes we are shaken, staggered & stricken. We are at a loss for words & we try to make sense of the senseless. We look for reasons but the reasons are not what we expect them to be. They are simply a symptom of the fallen condition of mankind.
Because we have made certain decisions, we must live with the inevitable outcome. And this is just one of those situations. No one wants to believe that but it's true nonetheless. It's scriptural, it's prophecy & it's unavoidable.
This is what the Lord spoke to me when I sat in church with tears streaming down my face: He said as grieved as you are by what has happened to those precious, innocent children, how do you think I feel? I couldn't even imagine an answer to that. But He said, You grieve for these children whose lives were cut short, who had only begun to live but do you grieve for the millions who were never even given a chance? He does! He grieves for every single child sacrificed for the sake of convenience.
I remember being shocked when the Old Testament spoke of people who worshipped Molech sacrificing their children. How awful but we do the same thing. Where are the tears shed for them? Who are the ones calling out for a ban on those methods of killing? It's heart wrenching. But all this is simply a symptom of a society that no longer values human life, specifically children's. We value animals more. But then we're shocked when these things happen. It's all related to our morals & to our priorities.
A little over 2000 years ago, God sent a baby into the world, He stepped down from heaven's throne, wrapped himself in human flesh & became one of us so that He could experience what we experience & give His life for us.
It was the grandest expression of God's love, grace and mercy upon the human race since the beginning of time. God could have turned His back on fallen man and said that it was not worth the sacrifice of His beloved Son, but He didn't. He chose to send Jesus Christ into the world as a ransom for our sins.
I just want to remind everyone that after the flood, God promised He would not destroy humankind again no matter how wicked they became. But He does allow us to live with the consequences of our actions. That's what FREE WILL is all about. As you reflect on the events in Connecticut & the Christmas season, try to think about how God feels, of all He's given to you, your blessings, His Son, a wonderful life. Then think about what you owe Him. Everything! Then live like you know this!
I love you & pray that you have a wonderful & meaningful Christmas every day of your life!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
A Heart of Gratitude!
I hope everyone who reads this is preparing for a day of excessive gluttony tomorrow! I have actually forced myself to lose a little more weight so that I don't have to worry about how much I eat. Personally, Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday. My VFH! My version of BFF. I love all the wonderful food that will be presented to us that day. The only downside is that there doesn't seem to be enough leftovers. It seems like when I was a kid we had leftovers for days. Not anymore. *Sigh*
Anyway, I have noticed on Facebook that a lot of people like to take one thing and express their thanks for that particular item daily. I think that's great but I try to thank God everyday for everything that He has done for me. Mainly because I heard something on the radio one day that got me thinking. They said what if the only things you had today were what you thanked God for yesterday? Wow! But Charles Stanley said something Sunday morning that really resonated with me. He said that we need to be thanking Him for His Grace, for His plan that He put in place before the foundation of the world, that He knew me & chose me even then. That's awesome! Then He put a plan in place to provide a Savior for me because He knew that I would need one. Amazing!
Rom 8:29-30
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
2 Thess 2:13
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.
I have a particular reason to be thankful today. Today is the 28th Anniversary of the night that Charles & I first met - November 21, 1984. Where does the time go? In my mind I'm still 26 years old. Who is this old woman in the mirror?? LOL!
Ok, here's the story. Some of you may very well be shocked to hear this but I have not always lived my life as a Christian. Yeah, I know....Shocking. Even though I was saved as a young child I was not raised in a Christian home or in a church. Thus, On the evening of November 21, 1986 I was a single mother & working in a rock 'n' roll club called MacArthur Park In Atlanta, GA as a cocktail waitress. I tried the secretarial route but I couldn't make enough money doing that.
On that particular night, it was Wednesday night, Ladies' Night. I was off that evening but I procured a babysitter & went down there to pick up my check. To you young'uns out there, that was how we received our pay before the days of direct deposit. Very antiquated.
When I walked in, one of our bouncers, Steve Priest, waved me over to his table. When I went over he introduced me to his boss, Charles Walthour, and invited me to sit down with them, which I did. I remember that we started talking and that was it. I had never been able to talk to any other man before or since the way I can with him. There was no awkwardness or searching for something to say. We always have so much to talk about. It's special. No matter what a woman tells you that she needs, men, being able to talk to you is paramount in a good relationship. Even if there's times you disagree or get upset at least you're communicating and you can work anything out. We shared photos of our kids, danced, laughed, and then he took me and my friends out for breakfast after we closed up the joint. He was so generous. Another plus!
He didn't push to come in when he took me home. A true gentleman and I'm afraid, a dying art. Of course, I did play hard to get. That's just what we did where I come from. Anyway, there's more to the story. My knight in shining armor (an answer to prayer, by the way) came into my life at the perfect time. On. December 12th the club I was working in was closed down because some under cover cops bought some drugs there. Go figure. Anyway, I was out of a job right before Christmas. Well, everyone who knows me knows the story, Charles stepped up- he gave me a Christmas tree off of his lot. I picked one that was almost too big for my living room, decorations and toys for my boys. I got the Llama rug, Amanda, too! LOL! He also had to bail me out of jail and pay some debts for me. That's a whole 'nother story.
Even so there, have been times through the years when things were a little bumpy. Sometimes people wonder how I can let him go hunting all the times, or get away with other various and sundry things, I find it oh, so easy to let him have his way & forgive him of anything because I have such a heart of gratitude towards this man because he stepped up, stepped in and he saved my life & the lives of my children. I was going down the tubes in a hurry & no matter what happens to us, together it is infinitely better then my life would have been without him. Perfect, no! But who needs perfect? I have a perfect love. And a beautiful daughter & 2 precious step sons. God took a bad situation & brought beauty from it, to His glory.
Anyway, he'll read this & get the big head but I don't care. He deserves it. He's the most selfless, loving person I've ever known. He always says I'm his rock but the truth is he's mine. As long as I have him I have an anchor, a place to call home no matter where it is. Thank you, Honey, for everything you've done for me & your family!
Saying thank you just somehow isn't enough. You have my devotion always!
Anyway, I have noticed on Facebook that a lot of people like to take one thing and express their thanks for that particular item daily. I think that's great but I try to thank God everyday for everything that He has done for me. Mainly because I heard something on the radio one day that got me thinking. They said what if the only things you had today were what you thanked God for yesterday? Wow! But Charles Stanley said something Sunday morning that really resonated with me. He said that we need to be thanking Him for His Grace, for His plan that He put in place before the foundation of the world, that He knew me & chose me even then. That's awesome! Then He put a plan in place to provide a Savior for me because He knew that I would need one. Amazing!
Rom 8:29-30
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
2 Thess 2:13
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.
I have a particular reason to be thankful today. Today is the 28th Anniversary of the night that Charles & I first met - November 21, 1984. Where does the time go? In my mind I'm still 26 years old. Who is this old woman in the mirror?? LOL!
Ok, here's the story. Some of you may very well be shocked to hear this but I have not always lived my life as a Christian. Yeah, I know....Shocking. Even though I was saved as a young child I was not raised in a Christian home or in a church. Thus, On the evening of November 21, 1986 I was a single mother & working in a rock 'n' roll club called MacArthur Park In Atlanta, GA as a cocktail waitress. I tried the secretarial route but I couldn't make enough money doing that.
On that particular night, it was Wednesday night, Ladies' Night. I was off that evening but I procured a babysitter & went down there to pick up my check. To you young'uns out there, that was how we received our pay before the days of direct deposit. Very antiquated.
When I walked in, one of our bouncers, Steve Priest, waved me over to his table. When I went over he introduced me to his boss, Charles Walthour, and invited me to sit down with them, which I did. I remember that we started talking and that was it. I had never been able to talk to any other man before or since the way I can with him. There was no awkwardness or searching for something to say. We always have so much to talk about. It's special. No matter what a woman tells you that she needs, men, being able to talk to you is paramount in a good relationship. Even if there's times you disagree or get upset at least you're communicating and you can work anything out. We shared photos of our kids, danced, laughed, and then he took me and my friends out for breakfast after we closed up the joint. He was so generous. Another plus!
He didn't push to come in when he took me home. A true gentleman and I'm afraid, a dying art. Of course, I did play hard to get. That's just what we did where I come from. Anyway, there's more to the story. My knight in shining armor (an answer to prayer, by the way) came into my life at the perfect time. On. December 12th the club I was working in was closed down because some under cover cops bought some drugs there. Go figure. Anyway, I was out of a job right before Christmas. Well, everyone who knows me knows the story, Charles stepped up- he gave me a Christmas tree off of his lot. I picked one that was almost too big for my living room, decorations and toys for my boys. I got the Llama rug, Amanda, too! LOL! He also had to bail me out of jail and pay some debts for me. That's a whole 'nother story.
Even so there, have been times through the years when things were a little bumpy. Sometimes people wonder how I can let him go hunting all the times, or get away with other various and sundry things, I find it oh, so easy to let him have his way & forgive him of anything because I have such a heart of gratitude towards this man because he stepped up, stepped in and he saved my life & the lives of my children. I was going down the tubes in a hurry & no matter what happens to us, together it is infinitely better then my life would have been without him. Perfect, no! But who needs perfect? I have a perfect love. And a beautiful daughter & 2 precious step sons. God took a bad situation & brought beauty from it, to His glory.
Anyway, he'll read this & get the big head but I don't care. He deserves it. He's the most selfless, loving person I've ever known. He always says I'm his rock but the truth is he's mine. As long as I have him I have an anchor, a place to call home no matter where it is. Thank you, Honey, for everything you've done for me & your family!
Saying thank you just somehow isn't enough. You have my devotion always!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
My Responsibility as a Christian!
It is getting down to the wire. A lot is riding on the next few weeks until November 6th 2012. I wouldn't want to be a political candidate right now for all the tea in China, even though I really don't know how much that is. I assume it's a lot. Now if it was all the shoes in Beverly Hills we might be talking about it.
Anyway, I don't know if I have an overdeveloped sense of responsibility. Probably so. My Mom was the master at guilt trips. To this day I often feel guilty about things that are completely out of my control. But I know that when it comes to voting I'm extremely careful & prayerful (hey, that rhymes) about who I vote for.
I will be completely honest with you. While the economy, foreign affairs, job growth, women's rights, and all that stuff are important, I don't vote on that. I know already that we need to be aware of those issues and to keep ourselves abreast (ha) of what's going on but those are not the most important things to me. You can sit there and try to impress me by rattling off all this stuff about gross national product, interest rates, tax codes, blah blah blah but I will yawn in your face.
The fact is that because I am a Christian first and foremost in my life i have to vote according to what the Word of God tells me fits who I am and Who I belong to. Not what is politically correct or popular with the teeming masses. When you are a child of the King you are held to a much greater standard. Where much is given, much is required.
And this of course, brings it's own set of problems. I really do try to listen to what all the candidates say but I have to look at what they represent. Words and deeds must match. I understand that people do change their minds and I don't have a problem with that. I know I have developed different ideas over the years. But there are certain immutable facts that must be observed.
Therefore, His word tells me it is wrong to destroy life, what He has created in His own image. Psalm 139:13 Says, "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb". All human life is sacred to God, no matter how it was conceived. The most important thing to me is the issue of abortion. I cannot ever vote for a candidate that supports abortion. I don't care what party he is with I will not do it under no uncertain terms. Ain't happening. Sorry.
Then there is the issue of same sex marriage. The Bible says that God ordained marriage between a man and a woman. He designed it, therefore He gets to make the rules. You can't call it marriage if you do it differently. Just call it something else, I don't care. I don't mind if your significant other gets benefits of a legal union, you just can't call it a marriage.
And of course, freedom of religion which is what this nation was originally based on. I don't think we have much of a problem with that but I will do everything that I can to defend that right.
There's other things but I just wanted to give you an idea why I am so Anti-Democratic. I'm sorry but there is nothing in that party that I can find any common ground with. They value the lives of animals, going to great lengths to preserve wildlife, even to the point of suffering from the high cost of fuel, but they think it's ok to destroy babies. If my heart grieves at the attitude of these people and the millions upon millions of unborn that have been slaughtered, imagine how God feels. And there will be a reckoning. His word tells us that.
You can say it's my body all you want to but you will answer to God for your actions someday. For one thing, in this age of all the contraceptive options we have, there is no excuse for an unwanted pregnancy. Most of the people I know who have had abortions have done so because it's just not convenient for them to have a baby. I understand that there can be exceptions but there have not been millions and millions of exceptions. Let's face it.Human beings have a tendency to abuse things. We are self absorbed creatures. Probably the people who really should have them don't. They're not done for the right reasons.
You may vote the way you wish to. You certainly have that right but please stop trying to say that I'm trying to enslave women or whatever and stop you from your freedoms, etc because that's a bunch of crap. If you want to see what true enslavement is go to a 3rd world country. If I'm being honest I'm just trying to save some babies lives because they may grow up to be the President of the United States or win a Nobel Peace Prize. They should have the opportunity to grow up to be everything that God intended for them to be. Wouldn't that be wonderful!
Now I've got myself all worked up so I'm going to have to go pray for awhile. I love you guys and I'm not judging anyone. Jesus died so that you may be forgiven for anything that you have done, no exceptions. But I just want you to think about these things before you go and vote. Don't just do what any party tells you to. Don't be a sheep. Ask God what He would have you to do. That's the most important question there is. No matter what the government does, you have to be responsible for the decisions you make. That's a fact.
Anyway, I don't know if I have an overdeveloped sense of responsibility. Probably so. My Mom was the master at guilt trips. To this day I often feel guilty about things that are completely out of my control. But I know that when it comes to voting I'm extremely careful & prayerful (hey, that rhymes) about who I vote for.
I will be completely honest with you. While the economy, foreign affairs, job growth, women's rights, and all that stuff are important, I don't vote on that. I know already that we need to be aware of those issues and to keep ourselves abreast (ha) of what's going on but those are not the most important things to me. You can sit there and try to impress me by rattling off all this stuff about gross national product, interest rates, tax codes, blah blah blah but I will yawn in your face.
The fact is that because I am a Christian first and foremost in my life i have to vote according to what the Word of God tells me fits who I am and Who I belong to. Not what is politically correct or popular with the teeming masses. When you are a child of the King you are held to a much greater standard. Where much is given, much is required.
And this of course, brings it's own set of problems. I really do try to listen to what all the candidates say but I have to look at what they represent. Words and deeds must match. I understand that people do change their minds and I don't have a problem with that. I know I have developed different ideas over the years. But there are certain immutable facts that must be observed.
Therefore, His word tells me it is wrong to destroy life, what He has created in His own image. Psalm 139:13 Says, "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb". All human life is sacred to God, no matter how it was conceived. The most important thing to me is the issue of abortion. I cannot ever vote for a candidate that supports abortion. I don't care what party he is with I will not do it under no uncertain terms. Ain't happening. Sorry.
Then there is the issue of same sex marriage. The Bible says that God ordained marriage between a man and a woman. He designed it, therefore He gets to make the rules. You can't call it marriage if you do it differently. Just call it something else, I don't care. I don't mind if your significant other gets benefits of a legal union, you just can't call it a marriage.
And of course, freedom of religion which is what this nation was originally based on. I don't think we have much of a problem with that but I will do everything that I can to defend that right.
There's other things but I just wanted to give you an idea why I am so Anti-Democratic. I'm sorry but there is nothing in that party that I can find any common ground with. They value the lives of animals, going to great lengths to preserve wildlife, even to the point of suffering from the high cost of fuel, but they think it's ok to destroy babies. If my heart grieves at the attitude of these people and the millions upon millions of unborn that have been slaughtered, imagine how God feels. And there will be a reckoning. His word tells us that.
You can say it's my body all you want to but you will answer to God for your actions someday. For one thing, in this age of all the contraceptive options we have, there is no excuse for an unwanted pregnancy. Most of the people I know who have had abortions have done so because it's just not convenient for them to have a baby. I understand that there can be exceptions but there have not been millions and millions of exceptions. Let's face it.Human beings have a tendency to abuse things. We are self absorbed creatures. Probably the people who really should have them don't. They're not done for the right reasons.
You may vote the way you wish to. You certainly have that right but please stop trying to say that I'm trying to enslave women or whatever and stop you from your freedoms, etc because that's a bunch of crap. If you want to see what true enslavement is go to a 3rd world country. If I'm being honest I'm just trying to save some babies lives because they may grow up to be the President of the United States or win a Nobel Peace Prize. They should have the opportunity to grow up to be everything that God intended for them to be. Wouldn't that be wonderful!
Now I've got myself all worked up so I'm going to have to go pray for awhile. I love you guys and I'm not judging anyone. Jesus died so that you may be forgiven for anything that you have done, no exceptions. But I just want you to think about these things before you go and vote. Don't just do what any party tells you to. Don't be a sheep. Ask God what He would have you to do. That's the most important question there is. No matter what the government does, you have to be responsible for the decisions you make. That's a fact.
Tuesday, October 09, 2012
Where Does Your Treasure Lie?
If someone were to ask you right now what gives your life meaning, what would you say? Is it the same as it would have been 10 or 20 years ago? Has it changed over the years?
Family has always been very important to me, especially because I didn't have any for so many years. Now I have an abundance of family members and often feel bad because I am not able to keep up with them as closely as I'd like to sometimes. But I'll tell you one thing that I know with absolute certainty. When you are blessed with family you are blessed indeed! And I am so blessed it's crazy!!
Another way that I have been blessed beyond measure is the fact the our Gracious Heavenly Father gave me a precious & wonderful daughter!! I prayed for her before she was conceived. She was a miracle from God, my husband wasn't supposed to be able to have children without medical intervention. That's how he was able to have his boys. But the Lord heard my prayers and answered them abundantly! What joy filled my heart when I learned that I would have a little girl(she wouldn't have to be named Kudzu Gazebo!) (Long story)
I can feel myself beginning to get all mushy here talking about Amanda because they are about to embark on a new chapter of their lives & we may actually be separated for the first time since she was conceived. I mean she's probably going to be moving out of state because her husband is going active duty very soon. This is much worse then when I had to move her into her Freshman dorm in college, or even her first apartment. This is more than a relatively short drive away. Ugh! Lord, please give me strength!
ENOUGH OF THE PITY PARTY!
Don't get me wrong, I am so very proud of her. I love the fact that she's a strong, independent young woman and that she shares a certain adventurous spirit with me. She wants to see other places and experience new things. The difference is that I left Chicago because I had no family left there. My Mom & Sister were deceased. No reason to stay. If they had been alive, I'd still be there.
But I also know that nowadays, even when you live far apart it is so much easier to keep in touch. There's Skype and FB and all kinds of things. I just know it's going to be difficult, especially around the holidays. That's when it's the hardest to be apart. But fortunately I still have Adam & his family living close by.
And who knows, maybe wherever they're living, we'll like it, too, and move out there. I'm so ready for a move anywhere. I am definitely a gypsy at heart and I need a change! LOL!
But what I want to say, right now, is that I love my daughter so much and I just pray daily that she & her little family will be happy no matter where they are. And I pray that the Lord will protect them and keep them from harm. I know I can trust Him to do that because He told me from the beginning that she really doesn't belong to me. She belongs to Him and He's allowing me to be a part of her life. Just like Hannah in the Old Testament (Samuel's Mother) I can be confident in giving her over to God because I know I can trust Him to take of her when I'm not around.
Sometimes it's just so hard to let go no matter how old they are.
Proverbs 27:11 You are a wise son/daughter who makes his parents' hearts glad.
A son is a son till he takes him a wife, a daughter is a daughter all of her life.
--Irish Saying
A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart.
-- Author Unknown
Family has always been very important to me, especially because I didn't have any for so many years. Now I have an abundance of family members and often feel bad because I am not able to keep up with them as closely as I'd like to sometimes. But I'll tell you one thing that I know with absolute certainty. When you are blessed with family you are blessed indeed! And I am so blessed it's crazy!!
Another way that I have been blessed beyond measure is the fact the our Gracious Heavenly Father gave me a precious & wonderful daughter!! I prayed for her before she was conceived. She was a miracle from God, my husband wasn't supposed to be able to have children without medical intervention. That's how he was able to have his boys. But the Lord heard my prayers and answered them abundantly! What joy filled my heart when I learned that I would have a little girl(she wouldn't have to be named Kudzu Gazebo!) (Long story)
I can feel myself beginning to get all mushy here talking about Amanda because they are about to embark on a new chapter of their lives & we may actually be separated for the first time since she was conceived. I mean she's probably going to be moving out of state because her husband is going active duty very soon. This is much worse then when I had to move her into her Freshman dorm in college, or even her first apartment. This is more than a relatively short drive away. Ugh! Lord, please give me strength!
ENOUGH OF THE PITY PARTY!
Don't get me wrong, I am so very proud of her. I love the fact that she's a strong, independent young woman and that she shares a certain adventurous spirit with me. She wants to see other places and experience new things. The difference is that I left Chicago because I had no family left there. My Mom & Sister were deceased. No reason to stay. If they had been alive, I'd still be there.
But I also know that nowadays, even when you live far apart it is so much easier to keep in touch. There's Skype and FB and all kinds of things. I just know it's going to be difficult, especially around the holidays. That's when it's the hardest to be apart. But fortunately I still have Adam & his family living close by.
And who knows, maybe wherever they're living, we'll like it, too, and move out there. I'm so ready for a move anywhere. I am definitely a gypsy at heart and I need a change! LOL!
But what I want to say, right now, is that I love my daughter so much and I just pray daily that she & her little family will be happy no matter where they are. And I pray that the Lord will protect them and keep them from harm. I know I can trust Him to do that because He told me from the beginning that she really doesn't belong to me. She belongs to Him and He's allowing me to be a part of her life. Just like Hannah in the Old Testament (Samuel's Mother) I can be confident in giving her over to God because I know I can trust Him to take of her when I'm not around.
Sometimes it's just so hard to let go no matter how old they are.
Proverbs 27:11 You are a wise son/daughter who makes his parents' hearts glad.
A son is a son till he takes him a wife, a daughter is a daughter all of her life.
--Irish Saying
A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart.
-- Author Unknown
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
True Friendship
Hello, my loves!
I hope everyone is doing wonderfully! If you're not, please let me know so that I can be praying for you. There is no joy in this old sinful world quite like the joy of lifting your brothers & sisters in Christ up to The Lord and knowing that He is listening and will intervene. It's such a privilege coming before the throne of God on your behalf.
If you can count on one hand the number of true friends that you have, you are blessed beyond measure. Here are some of my favorite Bible verses about friendship:
True Friends Strengthen and Help Each Other.
Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 18:24
Some friends don't help, but a true friend is closer than your own family.
The list goes on. There's something so special about this kind of friend. You may not see them for many years, but they are always in the forefront of your mind. Even more so then family. You know that if anything were to happen and you called them, regardless of the circumstances they would drop everything to be by your side.
I can have issues with my memory about a lot of things but I can remember things about these friends like it was yesterday, they never fade with time. I wouldn't take anything for those memories I have of them.
This person knows your flaws and loves you anyway, unconditionally. That's so amazing. It's like Jesus' love wrapped in someone else' arms. Warm & safe. I can't imagine what it would be like not to have that. I pray I never do.
I know when my brother, Jerry, passed I had that feeling. Even if I didn't see him or speak to him for long periods of time, just knowing he was there was so reassuring. I knew he loved me and always would. Now there's a void there but I'm blessed to have others to fill it as well.
It's one of those things that people tell me won't concern me anymore when I get to heaven but I would like to ask God why there are some people who can pass in and out of your life without leaving much of an impression. But others have such a large part of your heart that you could not survive if they were ever removed from it. I happen to think that they're like what the Bible describes as "meeting Angels unaware".
That's what used to make me wonder if there was such a thing as reincarnation. I know the Bible says there's not but it just seemed to be the perfect explanation because it was as if you were recognizing someone you knew in a past life. An instant, unexplainable connection.
I often ponder these mysteries that make life so sweet. I pity those poor souls who seem to think they know the answers to everything and that there are no surprises in life anymore. How wrong can you be?? If you open your eyes and your heart to new and interesting ideas and people, you will find yourself constantly amazed at the God of the universe and it will keep you young in so many ways. Learning & growing is the way to enjoy life to the fullest!
If you have anything you would like to share, or if you would like to tell me about someone that you have in your life like this, please let me know. I love to hear from you.
You know I love you. Smooches!
I hope everyone is doing wonderfully! If you're not, please let me know so that I can be praying for you. There is no joy in this old sinful world quite like the joy of lifting your brothers & sisters in Christ up to The Lord and knowing that He is listening and will intervene. It's such a privilege coming before the throne of God on your behalf.
If you can count on one hand the number of true friends that you have, you are blessed beyond measure. Here are some of my favorite Bible verses about friendship:
True Friends Strengthen and Help Each Other.
Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 18:24
Some friends don't help, but a true friend is closer than your own family.
The list goes on. There's something so special about this kind of friend. You may not see them for many years, but they are always in the forefront of your mind. Even more so then family. You know that if anything were to happen and you called them, regardless of the circumstances they would drop everything to be by your side.
I can have issues with my memory about a lot of things but I can remember things about these friends like it was yesterday, they never fade with time. I wouldn't take anything for those memories I have of them.
This person knows your flaws and loves you anyway, unconditionally. That's so amazing. It's like Jesus' love wrapped in someone else' arms. Warm & safe. I can't imagine what it would be like not to have that. I pray I never do.
I know when my brother, Jerry, passed I had that feeling. Even if I didn't see him or speak to him for long periods of time, just knowing he was there was so reassuring. I knew he loved me and always would. Now there's a void there but I'm blessed to have others to fill it as well.
It's one of those things that people tell me won't concern me anymore when I get to heaven but I would like to ask God why there are some people who can pass in and out of your life without leaving much of an impression. But others have such a large part of your heart that you could not survive if they were ever removed from it. I happen to think that they're like what the Bible describes as "meeting Angels unaware".
That's what used to make me wonder if there was such a thing as reincarnation. I know the Bible says there's not but it just seemed to be the perfect explanation because it was as if you were recognizing someone you knew in a past life. An instant, unexplainable connection.
I often ponder these mysteries that make life so sweet. I pity those poor souls who seem to think they know the answers to everything and that there are no surprises in life anymore. How wrong can you be?? If you open your eyes and your heart to new and interesting ideas and people, you will find yourself constantly amazed at the God of the universe and it will keep you young in so many ways. Learning & growing is the way to enjoy life to the fullest!
If you have anything you would like to share, or if you would like to tell me about someone that you have in your life like this, please let me know. I love to hear from you.
You know I love you. Smooches!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Everybody Loves a Miracle!
Good morning, Ya'll!
I really do love summer but I'm happy that fall is coming. The only problem I have with it is that winter follows and I hate winter because we're all stuck here in the house together and it seems like an eternity, know what I mean? Whew! I'm trusting God to keep me from totally losing what's left of my sanity until spring arrives again.
Anyway, that brings me to my topic today. (nice segway, huh?) I was laying in the tanning bed (yes, I do) thinking, which we know I like to do when given the opportunity. And I started to think about why the current situation in this country is making me so anxious. The Bible tells me to be anxious about nothing. When I get that way I'm actually insulting God by implying that he's not able to handle his business. Really? How ridiculous could I possibly be??
So the progression from there was God reminding me that many people think that He no longer does miracles like He did in the Old Testament. And then there are many of us who are incredulous when we read about all of the amazing miracles that He performed and we can't believe the Israelites still continued to whine and complain. I mean, our Pastor talked about this yesterday. Here God had just parted the Red Sea and destroyed all the Egyptians who were pursuing them, demonstrating His power before them and they turn around in the next chapter and start griping about water. Really?? Oh, come on! No wonder He got frustrated with them. Talk about spoiled.
But here's the part that was brought home to me in that very moment. I'm just like that. I'm sitting here fretting about my finances, my this, my that, the world in general, just like a big ol' spoiled baby when there have been so many times that God has demonstrated His love & grace towards me in multiple ways on multiple occasions and what is my excuse?? I don't have one. The Bible tells me I am without excuse. I've been given everything that I could ever need by the God of the universe and what is my response?? I'm ashamed to say it's often not the correct one.
Ok, then I started thinking back to every miracle and answered prayer in my life. We can just kind of skim over the beginning. Just suffice it to say that the song, "The Little Girl" by John Michael Montgomery is pretty close to my life growing up. (I've attached it) I'm not going to list them all but they included meeting Charles, having Amanda, surviving after hemorrhaging during labor. There were all those times God saved Charles' life, he could have died many times over. Of course, there's Josh's brain tumor and the miracles God performed in his healing. I found my birth siblings and family members. Most recently was the CSF leak that I developed in my brain in 2005 that The Great Physician spontaneously healed when Ms. Darlene prayed over me and anointed me with oil.
There are more, and I fully intend to sit down and list all of them so that I can be reminded of His faithfulness even when I'm not quite so faithful. I am so thankful that His character and grace has nothing to do with what I do! I would be in big trouble but He is Who He is and He cannot be anything else. It's not about us!
Also, I have a PRAISE REPORT for you all about Undivided. Yesterday when I was coming home from the gym and tanning salon, I was talking to God about the job situation and he told me to call Brett Quinn, a Team Leader, about it. He had helped me put in my request online. So when I got home I called him and I told him everything that happened and that I didn't know what else to do. He asked me to forward him the email from my boss saying that he would do it. I did and within an hour it was all done and my schedule is now adjusted to allow me to get off early on Mondays to go to practice!! God is so good all the time!
Love you guys! Keep in touch.
I really do love summer but I'm happy that fall is coming. The only problem I have with it is that winter follows and I hate winter because we're all stuck here in the house together and it seems like an eternity, know what I mean? Whew! I'm trusting God to keep me from totally losing what's left of my sanity until spring arrives again.
Anyway, that brings me to my topic today. (nice segway, huh?) I was laying in the tanning bed (yes, I do) thinking, which we know I like to do when given the opportunity. And I started to think about why the current situation in this country is making me so anxious. The Bible tells me to be anxious about nothing. When I get that way I'm actually insulting God by implying that he's not able to handle his business. Really? How ridiculous could I possibly be??
So the progression from there was God reminding me that many people think that He no longer does miracles like He did in the Old Testament. And then there are many of us who are incredulous when we read about all of the amazing miracles that He performed and we can't believe the Israelites still continued to whine and complain. I mean, our Pastor talked about this yesterday. Here God had just parted the Red Sea and destroyed all the Egyptians who were pursuing them, demonstrating His power before them and they turn around in the next chapter and start griping about water. Really?? Oh, come on! No wonder He got frustrated with them. Talk about spoiled.
But here's the part that was brought home to me in that very moment. I'm just like that. I'm sitting here fretting about my finances, my this, my that, the world in general, just like a big ol' spoiled baby when there have been so many times that God has demonstrated His love & grace towards me in multiple ways on multiple occasions and what is my excuse?? I don't have one. The Bible tells me I am without excuse. I've been given everything that I could ever need by the God of the universe and what is my response?? I'm ashamed to say it's often not the correct one.
Ok, then I started thinking back to every miracle and answered prayer in my life. We can just kind of skim over the beginning. Just suffice it to say that the song, "The Little Girl" by John Michael Montgomery is pretty close to my life growing up. (I've attached it) I'm not going to list them all but they included meeting Charles, having Amanda, surviving after hemorrhaging during labor. There were all those times God saved Charles' life, he could have died many times over. Of course, there's Josh's brain tumor and the miracles God performed in his healing. I found my birth siblings and family members. Most recently was the CSF leak that I developed in my brain in 2005 that The Great Physician spontaneously healed when Ms. Darlene prayed over me and anointed me with oil.
There are more, and I fully intend to sit down and list all of them so that I can be reminded of His faithfulness even when I'm not quite so faithful. I am so thankful that His character and grace has nothing to do with what I do! I would be in big trouble but He is Who He is and He cannot be anything else. It's not about us!
Also, I have a PRAISE REPORT for you all about Undivided. Yesterday when I was coming home from the gym and tanning salon, I was talking to God about the job situation and he told me to call Brett Quinn, a Team Leader, about it. He had helped me put in my request online. So when I got home I called him and I told him everything that happened and that I didn't know what else to do. He asked me to forward him the email from my boss saying that he would do it. I did and within an hour it was all done and my schedule is now adjusted to allow me to get off early on Mondays to go to practice!! God is so good all the time!
Love you guys! Keep in touch.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
UNDIVIDED
Hello, everybody!
I'm so disturbed about the direction that the world is taking right now. Even though I know this is all Biblical and has to take place. But I know who holds the future and I can trust Him because He is in control. But please exercise your right to vote this November and make sure that Washington hears your voice. It's the most important responsibility you have, and you have no business complaining about anything the government does if you're not involved in the process. Make sure you research the issues for yourself and don't just take someone else' word for it. If you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem. Of course, you need to pray first so that God will lead you in the decisions that you make.
Here's the update on Undivided. We have tons of awesome music that we're learning. I'm trying to exercise my voice and work towards reaching those ultra high notes. (I'm a First Soprano) It's a lot harder than it used to be. I'm doing the usual voice exercises, do re me, etc. If you know of any other techniques I can use please let me know. I'm up for any new ideas. We're having a special practice session this Sunday for just the Sopranos so we can figure out how we all blend in. There are a few of us new kids on the block. I want to make sure I'm ready for that. I'm afraid my poor family is going to hear some pretty ugly sounds coming out of my room until then. LOL!
And one of the best parts is that we will be having concerts at various places this holiday season. I'm so excited! I'm finally rediscovering my Christmas spirit. Music has always been a big part of that for me and not being involved in it for so long has really put a damper on it. Not that I don't praise God for His magnificent gift. I do that every day, though. It's just been missing that certain element of joy and celebration. Being part of this group has certainly restored it for me, and I am so thankful!
This is a list of our appearances:
Sunday, Dec 2 - North Paulding Baptist Church
Saturday, Dec 15 - Sanctuary Church
Sunday, Dec 16 - Westside Church, Mableton
Thursday, Dec 20 - Marietta Square
We're doing a lot of traditional songs but very cool arrangements. It's going to be awesome. If anyone would like more information about these concerts, let me know. I hope I will see you there!
I'm so disturbed about the direction that the world is taking right now. Even though I know this is all Biblical and has to take place. But I know who holds the future and I can trust Him because He is in control. But please exercise your right to vote this November and make sure that Washington hears your voice. It's the most important responsibility you have, and you have no business complaining about anything the government does if you're not involved in the process. Make sure you research the issues for yourself and don't just take someone else' word for it. If you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem. Of course, you need to pray first so that God will lead you in the decisions that you make.
Here's the update on Undivided. We have tons of awesome music that we're learning. I'm trying to exercise my voice and work towards reaching those ultra high notes. (I'm a First Soprano) It's a lot harder than it used to be. I'm doing the usual voice exercises, do re me, etc. If you know of any other techniques I can use please let me know. I'm up for any new ideas. We're having a special practice session this Sunday for just the Sopranos so we can figure out how we all blend in. There are a few of us new kids on the block. I want to make sure I'm ready for that. I'm afraid my poor family is going to hear some pretty ugly sounds coming out of my room until then. LOL!
And one of the best parts is that we will be having concerts at various places this holiday season. I'm so excited! I'm finally rediscovering my Christmas spirit. Music has always been a big part of that for me and not being involved in it for so long has really put a damper on it. Not that I don't praise God for His magnificent gift. I do that every day, though. It's just been missing that certain element of joy and celebration. Being part of this group has certainly restored it for me, and I am so thankful!
This is a list of our appearances:
Sunday, Dec 2 - North Paulding Baptist Church
Saturday, Dec 15 - Sanctuary Church
Sunday, Dec 16 - Westside Church, Mableton
Thursday, Dec 20 - Marietta Square
We're doing a lot of traditional songs but very cool arrangements. It's going to be awesome. If anyone would like more information about these concerts, let me know. I hope I will see you there!
Monday, September 10, 2012
Watching God Move!
Hello, everybody!
Can you believe I'm back already? Ok, I hear you groaning from here. I told you that I had a lot to share so I would need to spread it out into several posts, right?
Well, I love starting out the day with giving you an update on a previous prayer request. I still need you to pray because the enemy is still trying to mess things up!
Remember when I shared with you that God was leading me to give up my Sunday School class because it was time for something new? Well, the very same week we had a concert at the church by a group called "Undivided". Kind of a choir but they do all kinds of music, secular and christian. Anyway, we went and they were awesome. Then they said they were looking for singers! Yes, that's what I said, dear ones! I knew immediately what God wanted me to do. I almost didn't go to that concert. I was tired, etc but I felt like I needed to go.
I love singing in a choir. I love singing praises to the Lord most of all! Don't get me wrong, I don't mind doing solos and small group stuff but there's just something wonderful about singing with a full choir of people singing in parts and harmonizing like that. And the camaraderie is amazing. We have so much fun!
Of course, I wanted in but there was only one problem. They practice on Monday nights at 7:00 PM. I work until 8:00! This sounds like a job for Super God! Here I come to save the day! I sent an email to my boss and asked him if it would be ok if I adjusted my schedule to get off earlier on Monday nights and make the time up during the week? He says that's fine, just put in a availability request & let me know when it's in. Awesome! I'm so excited & happy, I go to the first practice & join. It was awesome! I had such a wonderful time.
Now, dear loyal & listening friends, this is where it becomes strange. I send an email to my boss that I have done what he requested. No response. *Puzzled expression* Growing feeling of dread. I've sent several more. *crickets chirping* Well, I'm going to take off for practice whether or not my boss likes it. I made a commitment based on what I was told by him and I thoroughly plan on keeping it. That's how I roll. A friend is going to pick up my time today so I can go but I don't know what's going to happen next week, but you know what? I trust God, and no matter what else happens, I know it will be the best thing for me. Like Charles always says, "I was looking for a job when I found this one". Yep.
Now, here's where you come in. Would you please just be in prayer for me? I know it will be fine but it never hurts to get some back up, you know what I mean?
In the meantime, I love you and I hope you have a wonderful week! Let me know what's going on with you.
Can you believe I'm back already? Ok, I hear you groaning from here. I told you that I had a lot to share so I would need to spread it out into several posts, right?
Well, I love starting out the day with giving you an update on a previous prayer request. I still need you to pray because the enemy is still trying to mess things up!
Remember when I shared with you that God was leading me to give up my Sunday School class because it was time for something new? Well, the very same week we had a concert at the church by a group called "Undivided". Kind of a choir but they do all kinds of music, secular and christian. Anyway, we went and they were awesome. Then they said they were looking for singers! Yes, that's what I said, dear ones! I knew immediately what God wanted me to do. I almost didn't go to that concert. I was tired, etc but I felt like I needed to go.
I love singing in a choir. I love singing praises to the Lord most of all! Don't get me wrong, I don't mind doing solos and small group stuff but there's just something wonderful about singing with a full choir of people singing in parts and harmonizing like that. And the camaraderie is amazing. We have so much fun!
Of course, I wanted in but there was only one problem. They practice on Monday nights at 7:00 PM. I work until 8:00! This sounds like a job for Super God! Here I come to save the day! I sent an email to my boss and asked him if it would be ok if I adjusted my schedule to get off earlier on Monday nights and make the time up during the week? He says that's fine, just put in a availability request & let me know when it's in. Awesome! I'm so excited & happy, I go to the first practice & join. It was awesome! I had such a wonderful time.
Now, dear loyal & listening friends, this is where it becomes strange. I send an email to my boss that I have done what he requested. No response. *Puzzled expression* Growing feeling of dread. I've sent several more. *crickets chirping* Well, I'm going to take off for practice whether or not my boss likes it. I made a commitment based on what I was told by him and I thoroughly plan on keeping it. That's how I roll. A friend is going to pick up my time today so I can go but I don't know what's going to happen next week, but you know what? I trust God, and no matter what else happens, I know it will be the best thing for me. Like Charles always says, "I was looking for a job when I found this one". Yep.
Now, here's where you come in. Would you please just be in prayer for me? I know it will be fine but it never hurts to get some back up, you know what I mean?
In the meantime, I love you and I hope you have a wonderful week! Let me know what's going on with you.
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? I think not!
Hey, Ya'll!
know it's been awhile but there has really been a lot going on in my life the last few weeks. It actually took quite a while for me to come up with a title for this blog. Plus, there are so many different topics that I need to cover that I may have to split it up into more postings.
We all know people who are missing something in their lives. Whatever it is – love, security, self-esteem, whatever – they try to fill that void in some pretty amazing (read that “sad”) ways. We have all read about people who are promiscuous as a way to feel better about their lives. If you know anyone like that, you know what they say…”if you can’t say anything nice, come sit next to me!” Seriously.
Then there are people who attempt to fill their nonexistent lives by having bigger houses, more expensive cars, the latest fashions. I have yet to figure that one out, given that you can lose all those things in one natural disaster or huge financial downturn. Not to mention that someone else will always have bigger, flashier, more expensive, and unfortunately none of those things necessarily means taste or class. Quite the contrary.
But what really amazes me are people who have absolutely no life whatsoever so they have to try to create one. Here I’m thinking of stepparents who did NOT bear any of the responsibility, expense, heartbreak or joy of raising their stepchildren and yet feel free to claim credit for the good in those children, and have the gall to claim them as their own! (If you feel guilty reading this, yes, I MAY be talking about you. Or it may be your conscience calling.)
Oh, it goes deeper, Dear Reader. People who have no lives of their own who hold on to family members who AREN’T part of their lives anymore are so desperately sad. Do they not have their own families, their own weddings, births, funerals, etc. to attend?
Is it possible, I wonder, if people who do these things are sadder than those who gamble, spend, or fornicate to try to fill the void? If someone has to try constantly to make someone else unhappy to make themselves feel better, which one is the better person? And do they really think this is going to make their life better? What would happen to someone like that if the people they try to emulate and emotionally sabotage weren’t around for them anymore? Would the scrap of life they’ve built on wind collapse? Oh, you know it would!
The temptation is to feel sorry for people like that. I know I used to, but not anymore. They certainly feel no remorse regarding the people they hurt. Now I just find them pathetic.
So, here’s a little “How To” advice for anyone who is lacking in a real life, whether they want to admit it or not. Get off the Internet (and especially off social media) where you will be constantly tempted to create a virtual reality in which you actually have the things you lack in reality. Stay off because 1) you’re not fooling anybody but yourself, and and eventually you won’t be able to maintain the lies, and 2) it will never take the place of a real life. Do something for yourself that is real, personal and creative. Take a writing class and start working on the great American novel. Take art classes, or learn some new skill. DEVELOP an interest and you will develop more dimensions in your own life. You will have something real, personal, and creative to brag about, instead of siphoning off happiness from people who are really living. You will also feel better about yourself.
Well, folks, that’s my words of hard-won wisdom for the day. Thanks for listening. Love you!
know it's been awhile but there has really been a lot going on in my life the last few weeks. It actually took quite a while for me to come up with a title for this blog. Plus, there are so many different topics that I need to cover that I may have to split it up into more postings.
We all know people who are missing something in their lives. Whatever it is – love, security, self-esteem, whatever – they try to fill that void in some pretty amazing (read that “sad”) ways. We have all read about people who are promiscuous as a way to feel better about their lives. If you know anyone like that, you know what they say…”if you can’t say anything nice, come sit next to me!” Seriously.
Then there are people who attempt to fill their nonexistent lives by having bigger houses, more expensive cars, the latest fashions. I have yet to figure that one out, given that you can lose all those things in one natural disaster or huge financial downturn. Not to mention that someone else will always have bigger, flashier, more expensive, and unfortunately none of those things necessarily means taste or class. Quite the contrary.
But what really amazes me are people who have absolutely no life whatsoever so they have to try to create one. Here I’m thinking of stepparents who did NOT bear any of the responsibility, expense, heartbreak or joy of raising their stepchildren and yet feel free to claim credit for the good in those children, and have the gall to claim them as their own! (If you feel guilty reading this, yes, I MAY be talking about you. Or it may be your conscience calling.)
Oh, it goes deeper, Dear Reader. People who have no lives of their own who hold on to family members who AREN’T part of their lives anymore are so desperately sad. Do they not have their own families, their own weddings, births, funerals, etc. to attend?
Is it possible, I wonder, if people who do these things are sadder than those who gamble, spend, or fornicate to try to fill the void? If someone has to try constantly to make someone else unhappy to make themselves feel better, which one is the better person? And do they really think this is going to make their life better? What would happen to someone like that if the people they try to emulate and emotionally sabotage weren’t around for them anymore? Would the scrap of life they’ve built on wind collapse? Oh, you know it would!
The temptation is to feel sorry for people like that. I know I used to, but not anymore. They certainly feel no remorse regarding the people they hurt. Now I just find them pathetic.
So, here’s a little “How To” advice for anyone who is lacking in a real life, whether they want to admit it or not. Get off the Internet (and especially off social media) where you will be constantly tempted to create a virtual reality in which you actually have the things you lack in reality. Stay off because 1) you’re not fooling anybody but yourself, and and eventually you won’t be able to maintain the lies, and 2) it will never take the place of a real life. Do something for yourself that is real, personal and creative. Take a writing class and start working on the great American novel. Take art classes, or learn some new skill. DEVELOP an interest and you will develop more dimensions in your own life. You will have something real, personal, and creative to brag about, instead of siphoning off happiness from people who are really living. You will also feel better about yourself.
Well, folks, that’s my words of hard-won wisdom for the day. Thanks for listening. Love you!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Prayer Request!
I need to ask you guys a big favor. Would you please be in prayer for me? Remember when I shared with you that I felt God was leading me to resign from teaching Sunday School? Well, I feel like He's leading me in a new direction but I want to make absolutely sure that this is His will for me. I think this would be an awesome ministry to be involved in but there's one slight problem, my work hours.
I need to be available on Monday nights for practice and I currently have to work. But I also know that if God is calling me, He will make a way. I just would ask that you pray that if it is His will for me to do this, that He will work out the details for me and make smooth the path. You have to be careful sometimes what you ask for because last time I prayed like that, I lost the job. If that happens, He will provide but sometimes it can be a little bit scary and exciting at the same time.
On another note, I want to let you know that I have had an awesome week or so. I had a wonderful birthday. I don't care how old I get, I love birthdays. I love celebrating another year of life. I don't look at celebrating myself, per se, but just celebrating the fact that God has given me another year, and looking forward to how He's going to work in my remaining ones. You know, there's no retirement in the Bible. I will continue to serve Him until the day I go home to meet Him and beyond!
My sweet daughter, Amanda, threw me a birthday party this weekend at Lake Allatoona and it was a very special time. Not because of me. I get kind of embarrassed by the attention, believe it or not.(Amanda would say "whatever") But because so many of my friends and family came, I was able to look at my children & my grandchildren and people who are precious to me and realize just how blessed I am and consider the legacy that I'm leaving behind. When my life is over I want people to be able to say that I touched their lives in some way. I pray daily for wisdom to be the woman that God intends for me to be.
Hugging, laughing and sharing stories with my loved ones is one of the very best things there are in the world. Basking in the joy and love is a feeling beyond compare. I think maybe it's because I didn't really have any family left until I met Charles. It's a very lonely feeling. Now since I've found my siblings and I have grandchildren & church family, I have family in abundance. If only I could get everybody together at one time! That would be awesome!
There's a few of my siblings that I have never met. I'm not even sure if some of them are still alive. I pray that I get a chance to meet them someday. I have a great deal to look forward to. Praise God!
Love you guys, and I will keep you posted on how God answers our prayers!
I need to be available on Monday nights for practice and I currently have to work. But I also know that if God is calling me, He will make a way. I just would ask that you pray that if it is His will for me to do this, that He will work out the details for me and make smooth the path. You have to be careful sometimes what you ask for because last time I prayed like that, I lost the job. If that happens, He will provide but sometimes it can be a little bit scary and exciting at the same time.
On another note, I want to let you know that I have had an awesome week or so. I had a wonderful birthday. I don't care how old I get, I love birthdays. I love celebrating another year of life. I don't look at celebrating myself, per se, but just celebrating the fact that God has given me another year, and looking forward to how He's going to work in my remaining ones. You know, there's no retirement in the Bible. I will continue to serve Him until the day I go home to meet Him and beyond!
My sweet daughter, Amanda, threw me a birthday party this weekend at Lake Allatoona and it was a very special time. Not because of me. I get kind of embarrassed by the attention, believe it or not.(Amanda would say "whatever") But because so many of my friends and family came, I was able to look at my children & my grandchildren and people who are precious to me and realize just how blessed I am and consider the legacy that I'm leaving behind. When my life is over I want people to be able to say that I touched their lives in some way. I pray daily for wisdom to be the woman that God intends for me to be.
Hugging, laughing and sharing stories with my loved ones is one of the very best things there are in the world. Basking in the joy and love is a feeling beyond compare. I think maybe it's because I didn't really have any family left until I met Charles. It's a very lonely feeling. Now since I've found my siblings and I have grandchildren & church family, I have family in abundance. If only I could get everybody together at one time! That would be awesome!
There's a few of my siblings that I have never met. I'm not even sure if some of them are still alive. I pray that I get a chance to meet them someday. I have a great deal to look forward to. Praise God!
Love you guys, and I will keep you posted on how God answers our prayers!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Lord, I need You so much today!
Ok, that's it! I can't stand it anymore! I just have to vent, you guys, or explode!
It doesn't matter how old your children get, or even how big they are, they will always be your baby. And when your child calls you crying because they think that they don't deserve to be loved because their significant other is a psycho who does everything she can to make your child's life miserable, screams and yell at them, belittles them and treat them like crap, it just rips your heart out. I want to just grab ahold of that person and slap all kinds of sense into them. Oh, and by the way, this person claims to be a Christian, yet they will use profanity that you wouldn't believe and say things to their spouse that I wouldn't say to my worst enemy, in front of their child. And recently she has become physical abusive as well! It's incredible. Honestly, the only thing that stops me from going over there and showing that person what they deserve is that my child asks me not to because whenever someone else tries to step in & help it makes it worse. Also, I really don't want to get arrested. But that person's day is going to come. I've been praying about this for a long time and God will take care of it. I just don't know how much more I can take. I've already started thinking things like, "jail might not be that bad" I'm afraid that I would probably do something very bad if she hurt him.
Lord, please intervene in this situation. Show him that You love him and that You will take care of him and that he doesn't need to worry for You are in control. Nothing can happen to him that isn't filtered through fingers of love. I trust You, Father, to look after my child when I cannot & to protect him from the evil that is permeating his life & the lives of his children. I know I can trust You, Lord, to do this because You have demonstrated Your faithfulness to me over & over without fail for You always keep Your Word. My strength indeed is small, but Yours is sufficient for today & I stand upon that promise in my time of need. In Jesus name, Amen!
When you have a child, even if you haven't given birth to that child, but you are responsible for the daily care of them. When you focus on trying to raise them to be healthy, strong, productive members of society, good providers, responsible partners in marriage and pour yourself into them, it is so difficult to see them have to suffer at all. We often can see where it is necessary in order for them to mature and become the people that God intended them to be but all too often we don't know what possible good can come out of the situation but as Romans 8:28 & 29 says, He will work it all out for me when I trust Him and live my life accordingly. Tough to do, but so necessary. The alternatives are just not acceptable. I strive toward the prize which is becoming more like Him everyday. But if He is for us who can be against us?? I cling to that hope!
Thank you for the message his morning, Phil! It was just what my heart needed to hear today.
Those of you who are mothers I'm sure can identify with what I'm saying. Please pray for my child! I love you guys a lot!
It doesn't matter how old your children get, or even how big they are, they will always be your baby. And when your child calls you crying because they think that they don't deserve to be loved because their significant other is a psycho who does everything she can to make your child's life miserable, screams and yell at them, belittles them and treat them like crap, it just rips your heart out. I want to just grab ahold of that person and slap all kinds of sense into them. Oh, and by the way, this person claims to be a Christian, yet they will use profanity that you wouldn't believe and say things to their spouse that I wouldn't say to my worst enemy, in front of their child. And recently she has become physical abusive as well! It's incredible. Honestly, the only thing that stops me from going over there and showing that person what they deserve is that my child asks me not to because whenever someone else tries to step in & help it makes it worse. Also, I really don't want to get arrested. But that person's day is going to come. I've been praying about this for a long time and God will take care of it. I just don't know how much more I can take. I've already started thinking things like, "jail might not be that bad" I'm afraid that I would probably do something very bad if she hurt him.
Lord, please intervene in this situation. Show him that You love him and that You will take care of him and that he doesn't need to worry for You are in control. Nothing can happen to him that isn't filtered through fingers of love. I trust You, Father, to look after my child when I cannot & to protect him from the evil that is permeating his life & the lives of his children. I know I can trust You, Lord, to do this because You have demonstrated Your faithfulness to me over & over without fail for You always keep Your Word. My strength indeed is small, but Yours is sufficient for today & I stand upon that promise in my time of need. In Jesus name, Amen!
When you have a child, even if you haven't given birth to that child, but you are responsible for the daily care of them. When you focus on trying to raise them to be healthy, strong, productive members of society, good providers, responsible partners in marriage and pour yourself into them, it is so difficult to see them have to suffer at all. We often can see where it is necessary in order for them to mature and become the people that God intended them to be but all too often we don't know what possible good can come out of the situation but as Romans 8:28 & 29 says, He will work it all out for me when I trust Him and live my life accordingly. Tough to do, but so necessary. The alternatives are just not acceptable. I strive toward the prize which is becoming more like Him everyday. But if He is for us who can be against us?? I cling to that hope!
Thank you for the message his morning, Phil! It was just what my heart needed to hear today.
Those of you who are mothers I'm sure can identify with what I'm saying. Please pray for my child! I love you guys a lot!
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
AWESOME & AMAZING
Hello, everyone! I'm back. Yeah, I know, just like a bad penny. Ha!
There are a few reasons that I love deer hunting & sitting in a tree stand for hours & hours. One reason, of course, is getting to enjoy God's beautiful and majestic splendor (but sometimes the weather's not that great) but also, I really do get in some good naps. The trees sway in the wind and rock me to sleep and I have a very comfortable tree stand. But the main reason that I love to do it is because I can think. How often do we really have time, with no distractions, to just think? I like to use it as an exercise for my memory and see how far back I can go. I try to use any little opportunity that I can to just sit and think.
Well, today I had quite a bit of time to think while I was waiting on Amanda to get her MRI. I sat in the car with Sebastian because he was asleep, and during that entire time, I tried to concentrate on the book I was reading but I was unsuccessful.(I was also eating pistachios & drinking Coke Zero!) My mind was full of all the things that I wanted to write on my blog today but I had neglected to bring paper with me so now that I'm home and ready to begin, I'm hoping the thoughts will begin to flow. I'm asking The Lord to help me with that right now. I don't want to do any without getting Him involved beforehand.
I just love it when God does His thing and shows up! I get the biggest thrill when He reveals Himself in one situation or another unexpectedly. There's nothing in the world like watching Him work! I call it my God fix. It's exhilarating. Anyway, we used to see it on a regular basis when we had our ministry, Special Youth Challenge, & with Josh's healing and so many other times, but now it's not as often so it's even more coveted.
Sometimes we pray and pray and we think that He's not listening or He doesn't care. We get bored or tired & just give up. But actually what's happening is His perfect timing. That's right, that's what I said. His perfect timing, not ours. We have no clue what it's all about. He has the whole picture and knows exactly what needs to be done, and when, for the best possible outcome, FOR HIM! Yep, HIM, not us! It's not all about us. Sorry to burst your bubble but there it is. Chew on that a minute. It is in our best interest to be on the same page as Him, that way out requests will be in alignment with His will for our lives & there won't be any problem. But still it's not always immediate.
This week has been one of those times for me. I've been teaching children's Sunday School at our church for several years now. I can't even remember how many. And for the last year or so I've been feeling that maybe it's time to pass the torch to someone else for awhile. I love the kids & I didn't want them to feel abandoned so I prayed for God's will to be done, not mine. My husband has been wanting me to go to Sunday School class with him. Sometimes my kids want me to come to church with them, or I want to keep Bash on Saturday night and I couldn't because of the commitment that made to God, my church (Hickory Heights Baptist Church, which started in our house) and to the children.
Finally, last week He laid it on my heart to let Dana (Children's Ministry Director) know about my decision. Miracle of miracles she tells me yesterday that there's actually someone else she knows that's interested in being involved in Children's ministry. Coincidence? I think not. And she's one of the mothers and they know her and I have such a peace about it. So as of September I will be free. It's a bitter sweet feeling because I loved doing it but I'm just thrilled to know God is in control, and He will give me a new path. I'm excited to see where He's leading me next.
Also, one of the things that I was reflecting on today as I was shelling those pistachios and tossing them out the window, was the discussion we had in Sunday School class this week How every single one of us was made uniquely for God's purposes. He gave each of us the qualities that He needed in order for us to fulfill the purpose He preordained for us.(Don't get all hung up on that word, it just means He knew what He wanted us to do beforehand.)
I believe that if you look at human beings you see undeniable proof that we were created by God and in His image. Because if you think about it, each and every one of us believes that what we think and feels really matters, is important. Hmmm. With the exception of a few truly selfless human beings, like Mother Theresa and Ghandi, the majority of us are only concerned about our feelings and our pitiful existence. That has to be from God.
Let me see how to put this. There have been billions and billions of people created since Adam & Eve. Not one of them is alike, not even identical twins. A friend of ours showed us a video of the universe. It showed that when you look at the vastness of space the earth is only the size of a ping pong ball, compared to the sun and the other planets. When you look at a ping pong ball and try to envision the United States, then try to envision yourself in your state on that ping pong ball. Do you get my drift? We are minute! Smaller than a speck of dust. But The God of the universe is personally involved in our lives, even down to the smallest detail. That just blows my mind. We're like God's ant farm. You know? He wants to be a part of everything we do. Only He could have instilled within each and every one of His creation this self-preservation mechanism that enables us to survive and thrive on this little, tiny planet, with these enormous egos that we have. LOL!
It's the only possible way that makes sense. If you're on the fence about Creationism or Evolution, think of it. If it hadn't been for God's intervention, we would have killed ourselves off a long time ago. We really are stupid. When I see some of the things that mankind has done and continues to do on a daily basis, I'm amazed that we're still in existence & thoroughly awestruck by the mercy of grace of our Heavenly Father. He pulls our bacon out of the pan over and over. And what thanks does He get? Don't even get me started! That's a blog for another day.
I didn't even get to all of the things that I was thinking about today (I had a whole hour) but I will save the others for the next time. If you have anything that you would like to add or share on this subject please feel free to. I love to hear from you. It lets me know I'm not just talking to myself. (Which I do all too frequently) Ha! Plus I like to know if you like reading this kind of stuff. I find it fascinating but that doesn't mean anyone else does. Love you! Muah!
I think next time I would like to discuss the difference between judging & admonishing. We seem to have a big problem with that.
Thursday, August 02, 2012
I'll Be Back
I'm sorry that I haven't posted for awhile. There's just been a whole lotta family mess going on right now with my son, and I'm not at liberty to divulge it but suffice it to say that we all need & cherish your prayers. But this is an exciting time for me right now because so many awesome things are coming up. We have the GA Outdoor Blast this weekend, Hunter's Birthday, My Birthday (Amanda's throwing me a cool beach party), Sarah's Birthday Party, Buckarama & vacation to Miami. Whew! I'm so excited I'm doing the pee pee dance. I will be posting again as soon as I can. Love you guys & talk to you soon! I almost forgot to mention, my baby boy, Eric's 35th birthday. Lord, how did I get so old??
Muah!
Muah!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Just When You Thought You've Heard Everything!
Ok, I'm kind of old. I've seen and heard a lot of things during the course of my lifetime but this one really does take the cake. LOL!
Have you ever heard of something called POLYAMORY? Huh? Well, I hadn't either but I was watching TV the other day and they were talking about it. Of course, I sat up and took notice.
Ok, here it is from the Urban Dictionary: The practice, state or ability of having more than one sexual loving relationship at the same time, with the full knowledge and consent of all partners involved.
This is the definition used by California polyamorist Morning Glory Zell, who coined the term in the early 1980's. Polyamory differs from adultery because all the partners know about each others' lovers, so there is not secrecy or betrayal.
Ok, what?? First of all, I knew someone who was in this lifestyle & I just thought of them as swingers or to put it mildly, people of loose morals and scruples. Cough, cough, slut. Shhh. You know what I mean. I've always believed that marriage was between one man and one woman as the Bible says. What do you mean it's not adultery if your partner knows about the other ones?? Why bother to get married if you want to have multiple sex partners?
Believe it or not, these are mostly women that do this. In one of the stories I saw two men lived with her and she had a child with one of them. Am I the only one that thinks this is really weird? Anyway, I thought this might be a great way to open up a discussion about this.
Because we didn't know what this type of lifestyle was termed, we would get very confused because we would see this person, who was married, in public, cuddling, hugging and kissing other men. Sometimes they would go on excursions with us, with full knowledge of the husband. I was stunned.
According to this television show I watched, I think it was called "Strange Sex" but I'm not sure, these people think it's totally natural to have multiple partners and it's not about the sex, they actually love & are committed to these relationships. That just makes me tired.
Here's another definition:
Polyamorous Means "Many Loves". It means having multiple commited relationships with people you are mutally in love with, and everyone wants it to be that way.
This is not to be confused with swinging or multiple relationships, where you are sleeping with the other people or they are friends with bennies, whom you love. That is called non-monogamy, and to say it is polyamory is a lie.
"I told Brad I'm in love with him, and my husband Rick is very happy for us."
"That's cheating!"
"No, we're polyamorous. You can only cheat on rules that exist. We don't have an agreement to be exclusive. But an example of me cheating would be to not tell Rick that I'm in love, because the rule of honesty is right up there with the rule that the primary relationship comes first"
"I could never do that. I'm too jealous"
"Then don't."
"Are you sleeping with both these guys?"
"Now that I'm in love with both of them, yes. But you don't have to be having sex to be polyamorous, because what it means is that you are mutually in love with more than one person at a time. Most people do sleep with those they love, but sex is not what makes you poly"
I'm really cracking up here. What do you think? Let me know. I think it's hysterical!
Have you ever heard of something called POLYAMORY? Huh? Well, I hadn't either but I was watching TV the other day and they were talking about it. Of course, I sat up and took notice.
Ok, here it is from the Urban Dictionary: The practice, state or ability of having more than one sexual loving relationship at the same time, with the full knowledge and consent of all partners involved.
This is the definition used by California polyamorist Morning Glory Zell, who coined the term in the early 1980's. Polyamory differs from adultery because all the partners know about each others' lovers, so there is not secrecy or betrayal.
Ok, what?? First of all, I knew someone who was in this lifestyle & I just thought of them as swingers or to put it mildly, people of loose morals and scruples. Cough, cough, slut. Shhh. You know what I mean. I've always believed that marriage was between one man and one woman as the Bible says. What do you mean it's not adultery if your partner knows about the other ones?? Why bother to get married if you want to have multiple sex partners?
Believe it or not, these are mostly women that do this. In one of the stories I saw two men lived with her and she had a child with one of them. Am I the only one that thinks this is really weird? Anyway, I thought this might be a great way to open up a discussion about this.
Because we didn't know what this type of lifestyle was termed, we would get very confused because we would see this person, who was married, in public, cuddling, hugging and kissing other men. Sometimes they would go on excursions with us, with full knowledge of the husband. I was stunned.
According to this television show I watched, I think it was called "Strange Sex" but I'm not sure, these people think it's totally natural to have multiple partners and it's not about the sex, they actually love & are committed to these relationships. That just makes me tired.
Here's another definition:
Polyamorous Means "Many Loves". It means having multiple commited relationships with people you are mutally in love with, and everyone wants it to be that way.
This is not to be confused with swinging or multiple relationships, where you are sleeping with the other people or they are friends with bennies, whom you love. That is called non-monogamy, and to say it is polyamory is a lie.
"I told Brad I'm in love with him, and my husband Rick is very happy for us."
"That's cheating!"
"No, we're polyamorous. You can only cheat on rules that exist. We don't have an agreement to be exclusive. But an example of me cheating would be to not tell Rick that I'm in love, because the rule of honesty is right up there with the rule that the primary relationship comes first"
"I could never do that. I'm too jealous"
"Then don't."
"Are you sleeping with both these guys?"
"Now that I'm in love with both of them, yes. But you don't have to be having sex to be polyamorous, because what it means is that you are mutually in love with more than one person at a time. Most people do sleep with those they love, but sex is not what makes you poly"
I'm really cracking up here. What do you think? Let me know. I think it's hysterical!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Counterfeit Christians or The Art of Forgiveness
I've always been inordinately good at forgiving people. I'm not really sure why. I like to think that it's because I was saved at the age of 4 or 5 in VBS and even though we never went to church when I was growing up except at Easter and really didn't know the Bible at all, I had the Holy Spirit in my heart to instruct me and guide me. It's really amazing considering the warrior redneck family that I grew up in. My Mom could hold grudges like nobody's business and stop talking to people and never budge...ever. Never mind the ability she had to give the cold shoulder! I still shudder when I think about it. Actually, if there was Olympic event in that category, she would no doubt get the gold. And talk about a temper!! Whew! I've seen that woman beat up grown men and she used a pool cue on more than one occasion on guys that got out of line in her tavern. She once threw a television at my stepfather. Add in the fact that I grew up in a neighborhood where people's idea of working out their differences was to meet outside after school. I stuck out like a sore thumb. There was so much drama and violence going on in my own home that I wanted to go to school to get a break. Don't get me wrong, I had a temper. Still do, but most of time it was directed at inanimate objects until I discovered if I broke something I would not have it any longer. Very counter productive. But it's rare that I turn it on a person. I have to really be pushed. But I do have to admit that when it comes to my children or loved ones. Whew! If someone messes with one of them I definitely come unglued and it's not a pretty sight. You know that whole "seeing red" thing? Yep, it's true. Like a bull! Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead. LOL!
Anyway, getting back to the subject of forgiveness. I don't know why it has always come easily to me but it has. Now don't get me wrong, forgiveness doesn't mean that we're going to necessarily embrace this person & be BFFs but, depending on the circumstances, it can mean that I can let go of the resentment, put it out of my mind and get on with my life. Not to mention what a wonderful witness it is.
So if we go about our daily lives proclaiming throughout the world that we are Christians but refuse to forgive, that is a serious sin, according to Jesus.
Here are some of the verses in the Bible that speaks about it:
Luke 6:37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. (NIV)
Matthew 6:14-16
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)
Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. (NIV)
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)
My Pastor says that whenever Jesus emphasized something this many times He was very serious. This was not a suggestions but a command. I once asked someone who claimed to be a Christian to forgive me. I didn't ask that person to admit to their part in the whole thing. I can only do what I'm told to do. After I did that this person told me, "I don't think I can forgive you right now".
Can you believe that? I have never told anyone that in my entire life. When my brother-in-law shot my sister to death, I forgave him. It doesn't mean I wrote to him in prison or even checked on him but it did free me to live my life without obsessing about him.
So the question bears asking, can you be a "real" Christian and not at least attempt to forgive others at all? Is it just another way to inflict more pain and continue a problem that I was trying to put an end to? That's what I think.
Lewis B. Smedes wrote in his book, Forgive and Forget, "When you release the wrongdoer from the wrong, you cut a malignant tumor out of your inner life. You set a prisoner free, but you discover that the real prisoner was yourself."
We will know the work of forgiveness is complete when we experience the freedom that comes as a result. We are the ones who suffer most when we choose not to forgive. When we do forgive, the Lord sets our hearts free from the anger, bitterness, resentment and hurt that previously imprisoned us. Learning how to forgive is one of the most unnatural duties in the Christian life.
It goes against our human nature. Forgiving is a supernatural act that Jesus Christ was capable of, but when we are hurt by someone, we want to hold a grudge. We want justice. Sadly, we don't trust God with that. There is a secret to successfully living the Christian life, however, and that same secret applies when we're struggling with how to forgive. it go when we have been unjustly hurt?
The answer lies in understanding the Trinity's role in forgiveness. Christ's role was to die for our sins. God the Father's role was to accept Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf and forgive us. Today, the Holy Spirit's role is to enable us to do those things in the Christian life we cannot do on our own, namely forgive others because God has forgiven us.
While I was writing this today, I did a lot of research on this and it was really fascinating. If you get a chance go online and check it out. By writing this and sharing it, it's helping me to deal with unforgiveness in my life. I don't want to be imprisoned in that place forever.
Let me know if you agree or share with me the ways you've found to deal with these things in your lives!
Love you guys!
Anyway, getting back to the subject of forgiveness. I don't know why it has always come easily to me but it has. Now don't get me wrong, forgiveness doesn't mean that we're going to necessarily embrace this person & be BFFs but, depending on the circumstances, it can mean that I can let go of the resentment, put it out of my mind and get on with my life. Not to mention what a wonderful witness it is.
So if we go about our daily lives proclaiming throughout the world that we are Christians but refuse to forgive, that is a serious sin, according to Jesus.
Here are some of the verses in the Bible that speaks about it:
Luke 6:37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. (NIV)
Matthew 6:14-16
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)
Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. (NIV)
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)
My Pastor says that whenever Jesus emphasized something this many times He was very serious. This was not a suggestions but a command. I once asked someone who claimed to be a Christian to forgive me. I didn't ask that person to admit to their part in the whole thing. I can only do what I'm told to do. After I did that this person told me, "I don't think I can forgive you right now".
Can you believe that? I have never told anyone that in my entire life. When my brother-in-law shot my sister to death, I forgave him. It doesn't mean I wrote to him in prison or even checked on him but it did free me to live my life without obsessing about him.
So the question bears asking, can you be a "real" Christian and not at least attempt to forgive others at all? Is it just another way to inflict more pain and continue a problem that I was trying to put an end to? That's what I think.
Lewis B. Smedes wrote in his book, Forgive and Forget, "When you release the wrongdoer from the wrong, you cut a malignant tumor out of your inner life. You set a prisoner free, but you discover that the real prisoner was yourself."
We will know the work of forgiveness is complete when we experience the freedom that comes as a result. We are the ones who suffer most when we choose not to forgive. When we do forgive, the Lord sets our hearts free from the anger, bitterness, resentment and hurt that previously imprisoned us. Learning how to forgive is one of the most unnatural duties in the Christian life.
It goes against our human nature. Forgiving is a supernatural act that Jesus Christ was capable of, but when we are hurt by someone, we want to hold a grudge. We want justice. Sadly, we don't trust God with that. There is a secret to successfully living the Christian life, however, and that same secret applies when we're struggling with how to forgive. it go when we have been unjustly hurt?
The answer lies in understanding the Trinity's role in forgiveness. Christ's role was to die for our sins. God the Father's role was to accept Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf and forgive us. Today, the Holy Spirit's role is to enable us to do those things in the Christian life we cannot do on our own, namely forgive others because God has forgiven us.
While I was writing this today, I did a lot of research on this and it was really fascinating. If you get a chance go online and check it out. By writing this and sharing it, it's helping me to deal with unforgiveness in my life. I don't want to be imprisoned in that place forever.
Let me know if you agree or share with me the ways you've found to deal with these things in your lives!
Love you guys!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Virtue Is It's Own Reward or No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
Every day I get a daily devotion from Charles Swindoll & they are awesome. This morning I was reading one of them and something he said really struck home. He said that we Americans like things to be logical and fair. We not only like that, we operate our lives on that basis. It's a big deal to us. Meaning this: if I do what is right, good will come to me, and if I do what is wrong, bad things will happen to me. Right brings rewards and wrong brings consequences. That's a very logical and fair axiom of life, but there's only one problem with it. It isn't always true. Life doesn't always work out that way. We HATE being ripped off. Consequences belong to wrong actions. When they attach themselves to right actions, we struggle with resentment and anger. Boy, oh boy, that hit the nail right on the head for me, Mr. Swindoll! You got me where I live! So now I come to the crux of my story today.....
Some of you reading this will not believe this but I have really never had any big aspirations in my life besides being a wife and mother. That's the God's honest truth. I know, right? - not a popular thing to say but it's the truth. I look at people who spend their entire lives, or at least a large portion of it, training to do one thing and one thing only & I have to admire that, but it's entirely foreign-to me. I'm always interested in learning new things. A jack-of-all trades & master of none. The only thing that I have ever loved to spend a lot of time on was singing and even that was not for a career but to please God. Now having said that I am going to take you back down memory lane to 1984, I was living as a single mother with two little boys and working in a Rock & Roll club. (shhh, don't tell anybody. I remember praying to God and asking for him to send me the right person to be a father to my boys because I wasn't exactly moving in the right circles to meet the right kind of man but my options were limited. Isn't it incredible that God puts us in situations where we have no choice but to depend on Him for help? I just love that. Anyway, long story even longer (I won't bore you with the details unless you insist) I met Charles. It was an instant connection and we never looked back. Now when we met, he had custody of his two little boys also. They were 3 & 5 years old. Sweet little guys. Charles had gotten custody because he is an awesome father & their mother thought they should be with him because she wanted to focus on her career, (and someone else cough, cough) I think she instantly regretted that decision but by that time it was already too late because I knew the moment that I met him what a catch he was. The only way that I could meet a man like him was for God to fix us up and I was not going to let him go. Mama didn't raise no dummies. We clicked immediately. There is such a thing as love at first sight. Also, God touched my heart. I say two precious little boys that needed a mother and I was only too happy to step in and fill that roll. It seemed like a win-win situation to me.
From the beginning I worked very hard to blend our families. Was it easy? Heck no! Back then there was no internet or anything to help with that but I believed in us and I knew we could do it. There were challenges, jealousies, etc. my son wouldn't let them call me mom. I never demanded that they did that anyway. They had a mother and I didn't want to push issues that weren't important. What someone is called is not important, the relationship is. I tried to understand how their mother could leave them. It was hard but I told myself that she really did the selfless thing by letting their father have them, knowing they would get better care. But as time went on, it was obvious that instead of being grateful to me for trying to raise her children and take good care of them, she was doing everything she could to undermine me. I even tried to understand that. Even if she was already remarried, she viewed me as the person standing in the way of getting her family back. I get that! But that really wasn't my fault. I'm not going to go into all the ugly details right now, but let's just say that there were many years of struggle, pain & hardship. Doing without, stretching our budget, etc. Being a mother is hard enough but being a stepmother is incredibly difficult. I had all the responsibility and she took all the credit and turned everything against me every chance she got. I remember crying in Charles' arms and he would tell me that one day when the boys grew up, they would see the truth and that was the life raft that I clung to. Needless to say, I'm not sure exactly what went wrong but it didn't work out that way. I cannot even tell you the pain that I went through when I realized that she had "won". That's how I thought of it at the time. They were closer to her then they were me. She had "bought' them, Blah, blah, blah. Yadda, yadda, yadda. The self pity was terrible. I honestly didn't know what went wrong. I thought I had done everything right. Like I said in the first paragraph, I always believed that I would be rewarded for my actions, my sacrifices, etc. and she would have to face her consequences. Ha! What a joke. I was devastated. Then I became angry because I thought it was so unfair, and I tried to get even with her. Big mistake. That just made things worse . Remember that old joke, you can build a hundred buildings and not be called a builder but (bleep) one goat and your a goat (bleeper). You get my drift? It just gave her ammunition to use against me. She was able to turn so many people against me, they believed everything that she said about me and I know I shouldn't care what they thought but it's hard not to care about your reputation. The Bible says a good name is something to be valued. Mine was in the toilet. Well, to wrap this up, let me just say I ended up going into therapy to deal with my emotions and try to make sense of everything. it was a big help. My therapist showed me that I wasn't crazy, that I was going through a grieving process and that all I was trying to do and had done was because I was trying to make sense out of what went wrong, and not understanding why things didn't turn out the way I had believed it would. She actually said that I wasn't the one who needed to be in therapy, the other people were. Whew! What a relief!
Now I have arrived at the point I'm trying to make. During the course of all this,I think I might have gone through a period of being PO'd at God. Why did He put me in this position? Why didn't He do something about it? Why did He allow all this to happen?
Well, the truth is, I needed to take responsibility for some bad choices that I made. If I could go back and do some things differently I would. But that's a topic for another day. Also, Like I wrote in a previous blog, He has recently brought some things to light that have opened some people's eyes and I'm so happy about that. My whole problem was that I expected my fairy tale ending, just like in the movies. But you know what? God never promised me that. Charles Stanley always says, "Trust God and leave all the consequences to him." That's what I'm learning to do. The story isn't over yet & God can still make something beautiful come out of this entire stinky mess,and I trust Him to do that.Romans 8: 28 & 29. You know, I still love those boys like they're my own because they are! Born of my heart. I love you guys and thank you for letting me share my heart and bare my soul to you. Please feel free to share anything with me. I will pray for you! I'm attaching some pictures. Please let me know what you think, ok?
Some of you reading this will not believe this but I have really never had any big aspirations in my life besides being a wife and mother. That's the God's honest truth. I know, right? - not a popular thing to say but it's the truth. I look at people who spend their entire lives, or at least a large portion of it, training to do one thing and one thing only & I have to admire that, but it's entirely foreign-to me. I'm always interested in learning new things. A jack-of-all trades & master of none. The only thing that I have ever loved to spend a lot of time on was singing and even that was not for a career but to please God. Now having said that I am going to take you back down memory lane to 1984, I was living as a single mother with two little boys and working in a Rock & Roll club. (shhh, don't tell anybody. I remember praying to God and asking for him to send me the right person to be a father to my boys because I wasn't exactly moving in the right circles to meet the right kind of man but my options were limited. Isn't it incredible that God puts us in situations where we have no choice but to depend on Him for help? I just love that. Anyway, long story even longer (I won't bore you with the details unless you insist) I met Charles. It was an instant connection and we never looked back. Now when we met, he had custody of his two little boys also. They were 3 & 5 years old. Sweet little guys. Charles had gotten custody because he is an awesome father & their mother thought they should be with him because she wanted to focus on her career, (and someone else cough, cough) I think she instantly regretted that decision but by that time it was already too late because I knew the moment that I met him what a catch he was. The only way that I could meet a man like him was for God to fix us up and I was not going to let him go. Mama didn't raise no dummies. We clicked immediately. There is such a thing as love at first sight. Also, God touched my heart. I say two precious little boys that needed a mother and I was only too happy to step in and fill that roll. It seemed like a win-win situation to me.
From the beginning I worked very hard to blend our families. Was it easy? Heck no! Back then there was no internet or anything to help with that but I believed in us and I knew we could do it. There were challenges, jealousies, etc. my son wouldn't let them call me mom. I never demanded that they did that anyway. They had a mother and I didn't want to push issues that weren't important. What someone is called is not important, the relationship is. I tried to understand how their mother could leave them. It was hard but I told myself that she really did the selfless thing by letting their father have them, knowing they would get better care. But as time went on, it was obvious that instead of being grateful to me for trying to raise her children and take good care of them, she was doing everything she could to undermine me. I even tried to understand that. Even if she was already remarried, she viewed me as the person standing in the way of getting her family back. I get that! But that really wasn't my fault. I'm not going to go into all the ugly details right now, but let's just say that there were many years of struggle, pain & hardship. Doing without, stretching our budget, etc. Being a mother is hard enough but being a stepmother is incredibly difficult. I had all the responsibility and she took all the credit and turned everything against me every chance she got. I remember crying in Charles' arms and he would tell me that one day when the boys grew up, they would see the truth and that was the life raft that I clung to. Needless to say, I'm not sure exactly what went wrong but it didn't work out that way. I cannot even tell you the pain that I went through when I realized that she had "won". That's how I thought of it at the time. They were closer to her then they were me. She had "bought' them, Blah, blah, blah. Yadda, yadda, yadda. The self pity was terrible. I honestly didn't know what went wrong. I thought I had done everything right. Like I said in the first paragraph, I always believed that I would be rewarded for my actions, my sacrifices, etc. and she would have to face her consequences. Ha! What a joke. I was devastated. Then I became angry because I thought it was so unfair, and I tried to get even with her. Big mistake. That just made things worse . Remember that old joke, you can build a hundred buildings and not be called a builder but (bleep) one goat and your a goat (bleeper). You get my drift? It just gave her ammunition to use against me. She was able to turn so many people against me, they believed everything that she said about me and I know I shouldn't care what they thought but it's hard not to care about your reputation. The Bible says a good name is something to be valued. Mine was in the toilet. Well, to wrap this up, let me just say I ended up going into therapy to deal with my emotions and try to make sense of everything. it was a big help. My therapist showed me that I wasn't crazy, that I was going through a grieving process and that all I was trying to do and had done was because I was trying to make sense out of what went wrong, and not understanding why things didn't turn out the way I had believed it would. She actually said that I wasn't the one who needed to be in therapy, the other people were. Whew! What a relief!
Now I have arrived at the point I'm trying to make. During the course of all this,I think I might have gone through a period of being PO'd at God. Why did He put me in this position? Why didn't He do something about it? Why did He allow all this to happen?
Well, the truth is, I needed to take responsibility for some bad choices that I made. If I could go back and do some things differently I would. But that's a topic for another day. Also, Like I wrote in a previous blog, He has recently brought some things to light that have opened some people's eyes and I'm so happy about that. My whole problem was that I expected my fairy tale ending, just like in the movies. But you know what? God never promised me that. Charles Stanley always says, "Trust God and leave all the consequences to him." That's what I'm learning to do. The story isn't over yet & God can still make something beautiful come out of this entire stinky mess,and I trust Him to do that.Romans 8: 28 & 29. You know, I still love those boys like they're my own because they are! Born of my heart. I love you guys and thank you for letting me share my heart and bare my soul to you. Please feel free to share anything with me. I will pray for you! I'm attaching some pictures. Please let me know what you think, ok?
Sunday, July 15, 2012
God Showed Up!
Wow, is all that I can say. It doesn't happen every Sunday but this was one of those Sundays when God took me to the woodshed. Amazing! A little painful maybe but be aware; when you ask The Lord to change your heart & your life and to cleanse you, He's going to do it in a mighty way. I love it. I love feeling Him move in my life. It's the most incredilbe feeling ever! We sang a song this morning that was so convicting to me. I have to share the lyrics with you and see if they don't speak to your hearts as well. The song is called "Jesus, Friends of Sinners" by Casting Crowns. I know I have heard the song before but today God used it to wake me up. So read these lyrics and see if they don't touch you and then I'm going to try and attach the song as well. I've never done that on here but I want to.
Jesus Friend of sinners we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to
swing
Jesus friend of sinners the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided
Oh Jesus friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks yours
Yeah,yeah,yeah
Jesus friend of sinners the one who's writing in the sand
Make the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of thieves
Let the memory of Your mercy bring your people to their knees
Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against when we
judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and love like
You did
Oh Jesus friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks yours
You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me a grateful leper at Your feet
'Cause You are good, You are good And Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
Oh Jesus friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks Yours
And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast
Yeah(You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet.
What this all boils down to today for me is Grace & Forgiveness.
1 John 2:6 says "Anyone who says he is a Christian should live as Christ did." And in Matt 5:44 Jesus said, :...love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.
This is a fundamental lesson I learned a very long time and I used to be very good at it but I guess life and this sinful world has a a way of wearing us down over time but He is faithful & just to forgive us and cleanse of of all unrighteousness and he will create in us a new heart. I need a new heart, this is one realy hurting. I want to leave those old hurts in the past. I want newness in Him.
I really hope I didn't offend anyone here. I realize not everyone believes the same way that I do but I just wanted to share a little bit of my Spiritual journey with you and maybe it will help you with yours.
I have a couple of favorite things. One is a saying, Jesus loves you and I'm trying. If anyone tells me they can love just like Him, I wouldn't believe them. We're human. But we have to keep trying. The other is a bumper sticker that says, "I'm not perfect, just forgiven." Nuff said.
Jesus Friend of sinners we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to
swing
Jesus friend of sinners the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided
Oh Jesus friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks yours
Yeah,yeah,yeah
Jesus friend of sinners the one who's writing in the sand
Make the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of thieves
Let the memory of Your mercy bring your people to their knees
Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against when we
judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and love like
You did
Oh Jesus friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks yours
You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me a grateful leper at Your feet
'Cause You are good, You are good And Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
Oh Jesus friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks Yours
And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast
Yeah(You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet.
What this all boils down to today for me is Grace & Forgiveness.
1 John 2:6 says "Anyone who says he is a Christian should live as Christ did." And in Matt 5:44 Jesus said, :...love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.
This is a fundamental lesson I learned a very long time and I used to be very good at it but I guess life and this sinful world has a a way of wearing us down over time but He is faithful & just to forgive us and cleanse of of all unrighteousness and he will create in us a new heart. I need a new heart, this is one realy hurting. I want to leave those old hurts in the past. I want newness in Him.
I really hope I didn't offend anyone here. I realize not everyone believes the same way that I do but I just wanted to share a little bit of my Spiritual journey with you and maybe it will help you with yours.
I have a couple of favorite things. One is a saying, Jesus loves you and I'm trying. If anyone tells me they can love just like Him, I wouldn't believe them. We're human. But we have to keep trying. The other is a bumper sticker that says, "I'm not perfect, just forgiven." Nuff said.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Homicidal Maniac
Hi, Ya'll!
How the heck are you? I hope everyone is having an absolutely splendid Friday. I feel like this has been one of the longest days of my life! I don't know why but I have not been sleeping very well the last couple of nights. I hate that. At least if I did something I shouldn't have, I would have a reason for the sleeplessness but, unfortunately it's just one of those things. If I didn't have to work it would be one thing, but it is really difficult to be chipper and nice to people on the phone when you're not feeling it. Downright impossible. I'll probably get some low scores on my QA's but oh well. Everyone has an off day on occasion.
Anywho, I was sitting here thinking about a cute little status that I found yesterday and posted on Facebook that actually tickled me quite a bit. It said WARNING: To avoid suffocation, keep my hands away from your neck. That pretty much sums it up for me today. I guess the Good Lord decided to give me a thorn in my side who I always think of when I see something like that. It would probably delight these people to no end to think they drive me crazy sometimes but they'd never admit it. As a matter of fact, they try to do everything in there power to convince people that I'm the crazy one. *maniacal laugh* Whatever. If I'd have know 28 years ago that I would be having these problem I would have handled it quite differently right at the get-go. Charles has a saying "If I'd have killed her when I wanted to, I'd be out by now". Yeah, you get the picture. I sometimes daydream about how perfect my life would have been. But then the Lord speaks to me, much to my chagrin, and tell me that life isn't supposed to be perfect here on earth. That steel sharpens steel. And that His Grace is sufficient for me. He reminds me of all the blessings that I have. A wonderful husband, children & grandchildren, great health. Especially now that I've lost this weight. My extended family, sisters, brothes, neices, nephews, etc. I've decided that those people are not worth another minute of my time. I have a lot of living left to do and I want to get away from all the negative ugliness and embrace love and laughter, praise & joy to the utmost.
Now before you go thinking I've turned into St. Theresa or something, don't forget that I still grew up in Cicero so there are still times when I pray that the Lord would just let me get a few good punches in. *Sigh* He says leave that up to Him, He packs a much bigger wallop! I have to agree.
If you guys have any advice to give me on ways to get over this easier or want to get even for me (JK) please share them with me. I really value your input. When we share these things, we all learn and grow.
I love ya'll bunches!
How the heck are you? I hope everyone is having an absolutely splendid Friday. I feel like this has been one of the longest days of my life! I don't know why but I have not been sleeping very well the last couple of nights. I hate that. At least if I did something I shouldn't have, I would have a reason for the sleeplessness but, unfortunately it's just one of those things. If I didn't have to work it would be one thing, but it is really difficult to be chipper and nice to people on the phone when you're not feeling it. Downright impossible. I'll probably get some low scores on my QA's but oh well. Everyone has an off day on occasion.
Anywho, I was sitting here thinking about a cute little status that I found yesterday and posted on Facebook that actually tickled me quite a bit. It said WARNING: To avoid suffocation, keep my hands away from your neck. That pretty much sums it up for me today. I guess the Good Lord decided to give me a thorn in my side who I always think of when I see something like that. It would probably delight these people to no end to think they drive me crazy sometimes but they'd never admit it. As a matter of fact, they try to do everything in there power to convince people that I'm the crazy one. *maniacal laugh* Whatever. If I'd have know 28 years ago that I would be having these problem I would have handled it quite differently right at the get-go. Charles has a saying "If I'd have killed her when I wanted to, I'd be out by now". Yeah, you get the picture. I sometimes daydream about how perfect my life would have been. But then the Lord speaks to me, much to my chagrin, and tell me that life isn't supposed to be perfect here on earth. That steel sharpens steel. And that His Grace is sufficient for me. He reminds me of all the blessings that I have. A wonderful husband, children & grandchildren, great health. Especially now that I've lost this weight. My extended family, sisters, brothes, neices, nephews, etc. I've decided that those people are not worth another minute of my time. I have a lot of living left to do and I want to get away from all the negative ugliness and embrace love and laughter, praise & joy to the utmost.
Now before you go thinking I've turned into St. Theresa or something, don't forget that I still grew up in Cicero so there are still times when I pray that the Lord would just let me get a few good punches in. *Sigh* He says leave that up to Him, He packs a much bigger wallop! I have to agree.
If you guys have any advice to give me on ways to get over this easier or want to get even for me (JK) please share them with me. I really value your input. When we share these things, we all learn and grow.
I love ya'll bunches!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Welcome to my new blog.
This is a brand new experience for me so please bear with me until I get the hang of this. I have started this blog as a suggestion from my sister, Teresa. Previously I had kind of steered away from putting anything in writing that could be used against me. Know what I mean? Anyway, I decided to give this the old college try, so if you have any suggestions, quips, or anything whatsoever that you would like to contribute to it, please let me know and I will take it into consideration.
For the most part I want to keep this lighthearted and fun. But be forewarned, I probably will use it as a sounding board sometimes when I need to vent about something. This is my life and I'm not going to sugar coat it. I honestly don't want to offend anyone but if you don't like it, I suggest you just don't read it. It's just that simple. But I will also read your comments and let you know whether or not I agree with you. This is just the beginning, so hang on to your big girl panties!
This is a brand new experience for me so please bear with me until I get the hang of this. I have started this blog as a suggestion from my sister, Teresa. Previously I had kind of steered away from putting anything in writing that could be used against me. Know what I mean? Anyway, I decided to give this the old college try, so if you have any suggestions, quips, or anything whatsoever that you would like to contribute to it, please let me know and I will take it into consideration.
For the most part I want to keep this lighthearted and fun. But be forewarned, I probably will use it as a sounding board sometimes when I need to vent about something. This is my life and I'm not going to sugar coat it. I honestly don't want to offend anyone but if you don't like it, I suggest you just don't read it. It's just that simple. But I will also read your comments and let you know whether or not I agree with you. This is just the beginning, so hang on to your big girl panties!
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