American Idol Top 5

Ok, American Idol is winding down. I have really enjoyed this season. I know it is highly likely that my man will be going home tonight and if he doesn't it will be next week probably. But, I am ok with that. Because with the exception of Syesha I really like the top 5 as a whole. I think David Cook will be the winner because of how he has changed up the songs he has sang to fit his style.


How many caught Paula's slip up last night when she thought Jason had already sang 2 songs? Man, she is wacked out most of the time I think????


I stayed home today from work with a migraine and a little dizziness ( I know I know I am dizzy a lot). So, I am signing off for today.


Have a good Wednesday!!

Tuesday Tunes

Here is a song that literally makes me cry everytime I hear it.


Held by Natalie Grant


Two months is too little.
They let him go.
They had no sudden healing.
To think that providence would
Take a child from his mother while she prays
Is appalling.



Who told us we'd be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We're asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It's unfair.



Chorus:
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.



This hand is bitterness.
We want to taste it, let the hatred know our sorrow.
The wise hands opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow.




(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.



Bridge:
If hope is born of suffering.
If this is only the beginning.
Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?



(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

Tolerance and Courage

These are 2 words I want to touch on today.



There seems to be tolerance for everything in today's' world EXCEPT Christianity. William Penn once said “Right is right, even if everyone is against it; and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it”.



Joshua and Caleb were 2 of the spies sent into Canaan. Do you remember the song "10 were bad and 2 were good"?? Anyway, they were the 2 who came back with a good report, Caleb and Joshua. Imagine the courage it took for them to do this?? I mean they wandered around in the desert for 40 years...40 YEARS!! Even though God kept showing them miracle after miracle. Moses was sent to save them from slavery in Egypt and what do they do when they were freed??? They complained and moaned!!



How often after God provides for us do we start to complain and moan? Pretty soon most of the time it is sad to say!



The point: It takes courage to step out in faith. Someone will always tell you that you cannot do what you feel God is calling you to do. Sometimes that means you have to distance yourself from friends or a lifestyle. Is it easy?.....NO! However, it is necessary to be obedient to what God calls us to do. You know how we can go forward?? Because Jesus is with us constantly... I love that word constant. Never changing, or varying; uniform; regular; invariable. The Holy Spirit prompts us to go, gives us courage to do what we must, no matter what those around you tell you what to do or what they will think of it.



Ask God what he wants you to do for him this week but be prepared to have the faith and courage to go forward with it!!

Bitter Sweet Memories

If you have some time, I am posting a link to a blog to Todd & Angie Smith's. He sings in the group "Selah" if you aren't familiar with their music, you are really missing out on a blessing. They have such a story to tell. I recommend starting at the beginning of their blog and reading through what they have dealt with for the past year. Here is your warning: YOU WILL CRY! It is an amazing testimony of what God has done in their lives and what he is continuing to do. Enjoy.



http://www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com/

The Bumper Sticker Fad

I got up early today and went to breakfast with 4 of the best gals in the world! The JOYful one, the silent-strong one, the unsure one, and my sis (I need to give her a name). We talked, laughed, cried, and talked. It was a great way to start a Saturday!!

Have you ever read bumper stickers and wandered ...why?? I am a little picky about what I will put on my car but some people just don't care. Here are some examples:

1.) - Now, I am thinking if you are reloading, then who is driving and is this really funny??

2.) - ok not really, how many Ham radio operators do you know?? The ones I know are well...nerdy. I don't think I know any unless they are "closet operators"

3.) a little shady...but funny...

4.) - Funny!! I talk to myself and sometimes I answer but when they start arguing I am out of there!!

5.) - I know people like this, I live with 2 of them, I wonder if they would notice if I put this one on their cars???? hmmmm

6.) - LOL

7.) I'm still a hot babe, but now it it comes in flashes - For all my menopausal friends out there!

8.) - I think this often... :-)

9.) - This reminds me of well...me. I am very anal, but I like it that way and so do the voices in my head...

10.) What wouldn't Jesus do? - How true!

I have lots more, but for another day!!

Muddin'

A few weeks ago we took the kids for a country ride. We used to do this a lot when they were younger, before they made our lives very hectic! Anyway, on this one, they wanted to ride in the back of Ed's truck for a while. (I know I know, not safe but hey...whatever) They got in the back and Ed drove about 20 m.p.h I think :-/ They had a ball, we could hear them talking and laughing. Ed decided he wanted to find a mud hole to get them wet with. Men, and their trucks.. what a strange relationship! Well, needless to say we couldn't find on. So, what did he do...he gets a cup from the back seat, got out dipped it in a pothole and poured it on them. It was SO funny. Now, they didn't think it was too funny.

I love making memories like that. We have great kids, with great personalities in which we can have fun with. I like being "friends' with my kids, but there are times when you just cannot. I think that is where we as a society have failed our kids. We don't want to hurt their feelings, want them to be "happy", want them to get everything they want. We teach them not to take any crap off of anyone. Why do we do these things?? Kids learn SO much from us and what we set as examples for them. I can honestly say that I have failed my kids in many ways, but you know what...it's ok. We have to keep striving to teach them the best we can to face this world one day on their own. How scary!

I am very lucky to have parents who liked to have a good time as well, but taught us life lessons that we can carry on with.

One of my great friends has gave in to the blogging world. Check out her blog sometime!! www.andrea-l-jones.blogspot.com

I received this today from my sister, Andi. She gets a daily devotion from Kathy Stephens. If you do not know Kathy, WOW what a woman of God. When I read these I can just hear her speaking it. This was one that I really thought everyone needed to hear.


Date: Thursday, April 24, 2008, 4:57 AM


Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,

Our passage for today is Romans 12: 9-11


9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be
devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above
yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,
serving the Lord.



Sincere. Without pretense. Without false motives. Love simply for the
sake of loving. Love must be sincere. Not only those people who love
you back. Love must be sincere. How sincere are our hearts when it
comes to loving someone? Agape love. Transparent love. Do those you
meet each day feel your love for them? Is it evident? Is it sincere?



Hate what is evil.
I don’t know about you, but I can feel the increase in the spirit of the
Antichrist as we approach these last days. We are told it will happen
in scripture. Evil abounds! It saddens me to turn on my television set
to just about any station and witness evil abounding…..on the big screen
and on the news. Evil abounds. We are to hate what is evil. Too
often, we grow accustomed to evil. Accustomed to the world. Tolerant
of evil. God does not change! His standards have not changed since the
garden of Eden! We don’t fight against flesh and blood, remember. We
are fighting the powers of wickedness! Hate what is evil!



Cling to what is good
Here again, we can get way to worldly. CLING to good! Embrace all that
is good and pure and of GOD! When I think of the word cling I think of
static in my laundry. It causes things to “cling”, to stick together.
Often times we don’t stick closely enough to what is GOOD! What is God
speaking to you today? What evil to you need to be fleeing from and
what good do you need to be clinging more tightly too?



10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above
yourselves.
Here it is again…..LOVE! Devoted means loyal, faithful, dedicated. Are
there people that you have failed to be devoted to the past few days or
months or years? Is there someone you need to love with brotherly love?
As Christians we should just OOZE the love of God! Think about your
actions at work the past few days. Have you been devoted to loving with
brotherly love? And honor others above yourself. Ouch! Are there some
that you don’t honor at all? God calls us to treat the people around us
with respect. Now that is a tough order in some situations, I
know…..but it is what God requires of us! To treat others ABOVE
ourselves. (That is certainly not what the world teaches us to do, is
it?) Try living this verse today!



11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the
Lord.
Oh I love this verse! WAKE UP, CHURCH! WAKE UP, CHRISTIANS! Where is
our fervor? Where is our ZEAL for the LORD? Has it grown cold again?
Are you COOLING OFF? FAN THE FLAME! FAN THE FLAME! FAN THE FLAME!
You do this by being in His Word! You do this by being part of a body
of believers who have zeal for the LORD! You do this by finding someone
else to TALK GOD WITH! (New fourth day, have you found a reunion group
to join?) Does the ZEAL of the LORD CONSUME YOU? Ask God to renew your
ZEAL! Ask GOD to consume you and then start pursuing HIM with fervor!



Sincerity and Zeal. What a lethal combination for the enemy! Living
lives of sincere love for others with FIRE in our hearts for GOD! That
is a life of victory! Hallelujah!



Father GOD, HELP US TODAY! We know how far short of the mark we fall.
Give us agape love, sincere love for the people who cross our paths
today! Give us fresh FIRE in our hearts for YOU! Give us discernment
to KNOW good from evil and help us CLING to what is good! Oh, LORD,
encourage today! ENCOURAGE! RENEW US IN YOU! As the Spirit of the
Antichrist (evil) increases in these last days, help us to have such a
ZEAL and a FERVOR for you that we SHIFT the atmosphere in our families
and our workplaces and every where we go with our LOVE! FILL US AGAIN
with your spirit, JESUS JESUS we pray! AMEN AND AMEN!


I love you with an everlasting love,
Kathy


Reminder: for those who want to come…..Ark of Safety this Friday night
(tomorrow!) 7:00. Worship service led by Janet Douglas.

Wacky Wednesday

What a BEAUTIFUL day!!! I am sitting in my bedroom with the air conditioning on!! Ha, I know some of you probably think that is a little premature but I am hot natured and with my asthma, the older I get the more I cannot tolerate heat very well. However, my lil' Ed came home and put our window unit in the bedroom. Ahhh... I'll sleep good tonight!

Well, Cole didn't run the hurdles the other night so we made no trip to the Jones Wing at the ER BUT, he tells me he is doing them tomorrow. I personally think the hurdles are taller than him but often times I still see him as being 2 and not 12 (or 13 as he tells everyone).

It is "Hump Day" already. This week seems to be flying by for me. Of course it has been a busy busy one. Have you ever noticed how people's attitudes change (for a while anyway) when the weather breaks and the sun shines?? It makes me think that if everyone would just let the "Son" shine on them their attitudes might change forever! That is not to say there won't be bumps in the road but the perspective changes when you fully rely on God to carry you through this life, and when you mess up you have to make it right, apologize, and carry on.

Carry On Friends!!!

Tuesday Tunes

This song really spoke to me today. The video is a good one. However, it is not what I picture when I think of this song but it is still good.


SELAH RESCUE ME


Deep is the river that I have to cross
Heavy the weight on my shoulder
I have discovered how great is the cost
Of trying alone to cross over
I try and I try but the current’s too strong
It’s pulling me under and my strength is gone
Don’t leave me stranded


Rescue me, my God and my King,
Water is rising and I cannot breathe,
Wrap your arms all around me and
Carry me over (rescue me) Carry me over


There is a bridge that is easy to cross
While all of our burdens are lifted
Peace is the land that is waiting for us
Lord, give me faith to believe it
Cause I’m in a storm but I’m willing to fight
I’ll overcome and I will not die with You by my side


Rescue me, my God and my King,
Water’s are rising and I cannot breathe,
Wrap your arms all around me and
Carry me over (rescue me) Carry me over


I will sail over the oceans and
High over the mountains and
Soar up to the Heavens
Here is my hand is my heart and my soul and my mind


Rescue me, my God and my King,
The water’s are rising and I cannot breathe,
Wrap your arms all around me and
Carry me over
Rescue me, my God and my King,
You are the only one who can save me
Wrap your arms all around me and
Carry me over (rescue me)
Carry me over (rescue me)
Carry me over (rescue me)

Monday Mind Dump

Well, I am following Becky's Mind Dump theme for the day. So here goes....


*** It is such a BEAUTIFUL day to be sitting in here typing... aww but you all are SO worth it.


***I too have the greatest friends of all!! AND in Jesus..who could ask for a better friend huh???


*** I don't know why I stand amazed when things are revealed to me by God, it's like it has happened for the first time every time....I guess I get in too big a hurry in MY time not His


*** Kinda torn today, Cole has a track meet and Aimee has a softball game. I am going to softball with my bestest friend Annette, while Ed cheers Cole on at track. I am SERIOUSLY hoping he doesn't call from the ER, Cole informed us he may be running hurdles for the first time....


*** Keep my Mama in your prayers, I heard it from a birdie that she is trying to weasel her way out of her knee replacements in June! Don't push me MAMA, remember the last time I took you to the hospital :-)


Well, that's it for now....the taxi career begins from here.

I TRULY love each and everyone of you who reads this!! Have a blessed week!!

My Sistas!!

Last night I went out with 3 of my FAV-O-RITE girls! We went to eat at Bobe's then went on the the Gathering in Montgomery. And let me tell you we had a ball! These girls are great and you know the thing I like about it??? I can be real and they still love me. Not everywhere will you get that from people now-a-days.


At the Gathering we saw lots of Emmaus friends and had an AWESOME worship and testimony. Isn't God great, he revels things to us in his time, and last night gave not just one of us BUT all 4 the confirmation we needed for something we have been trying to accomplish. The other great thing is that he got us all there. You see we are super busy women with different lives and it is really hard to get together at times but we realized through last night that it is something we need to make a priority.


Another busy busy week is ahead of us but the great thing is I get to interact with these gals throughout the week so that is a big plus in my book.

Have a great week!!

Be Ready

Weekend, April 19 & 20


Winning Moments: Equipped to Win


Now may the God of peace . . . make you complete in every good work to do His will.Hebrews 13:20-21a



Recommended Reading2 Timothy 3:16-17



Basketball players dress simply: shoes, shirts, shorts, and sweatbands. But life is not so simple for football players—and what about ice hockey players? Besides clothes, the athletes in these two sports have to cover themselves with pads and helmets for protection. Regardless of the sport, no athlete can expect to win without the proper equipment.



Paul wrote to Timothy that Scripture was given by God to man that we might be "thoroughly equipped for every good work." How, exactly, does Scripture equip the believer? It teaches us doctrine, it reproves (disciplines) us, it corrects our path, and it instructs us in righteous living. And it gives us our uniform for "offense" (putting on Christ; Romans 13:14) and "defense" (spiritual armor; Ephesians 6:11-18). In addition, we are given our daily practice gear: service, Bible study, the fruit of the Spirit, prayer, and obedience. If that sounds like a lot of equipment, consider the stakes: The spiritual life is a winner-take-all contest.
In which kind of equipment have you invested more—the type for a temporal game or the kind for the eternal contest?



Precisely because we cannot predict the moment, we must be ready at all moments. C. S. Lewis

You are what you think...

I am sure you all either felt the earth move this morning or heard about it. I was driving to work and Ed called and said I think we just had a earthquake, I told him he was crazy and to go back to bed... Well, was I ever wrong. Soon after that I got bombarded with text messages (Have I mentioned I LOVE to text???) It really was an earthquake! ! It woke Ed and Aimee up but little Cole was just a snoozing away...he could literally sleep through an earthquake!!

Anyway~ To the "You are what you think" statement. If you really think about it, this statement is so true. Positive self talk is such a good way to keep yourself in check and well...Positive! I know you are thinking...you mean talk to myself...well..yea in a sense. What you think will directly affect what you are saying to people. With moods, body language, and talk. If you are consistently looking at the "bad" things in life or thinking negatively, not only will it affect your health, it will affect how people look at you. However, on the other hand if you are thinking positively or looking at things the way God would look at them it drastically changes what people see in you.

Try it and see....you just might like the results!!!

Friends

I am very blessed to have many friends in my life. All of which who bring something special to our relationship no matter how close we are or how often we talk.

Have you ever thought about your friends and characterized them into one word?? Here are some words for some of my friends. The JOYful one, the encourager, the downer (but I love them), the quiet, strong one, the unsure one, the warrior.

Now that is just a few but the few that I wanted to touch on.

1. The JOYful one - this gal is such a WONDERFUL sista who is the bright spot in my life. She is my soul sista as we call each other. She also helps keep me in check!!

2. The Encourager - she is the one who I can talk to and always feel better by doing so, she always has positive things to say and helps me be strong.

3. The Downer - I bet you looked at that and went... what??? But let's be honest we all have them and I can say I have even been "that friend" at times. This is the one who needs encouragement and seems to always look at the down side of things. Although he is a great great person who makes my life interesting!

4. The Quiet Strong one - This gal is amazing, although we have just gotten to really know each other well, I know she will be a blessing to me for many years to come. She has such a quiet spirit and she is SO much stronger than she gives herself credit for. She has been a blessing to me.

5. The Unsure one - this gal has it going on but cannot seem to get the confidence to go along with it. But when she does Look Out World!! She could change the world.

6. The Warrior - This gal is just that a Warrior. She has such a great enthusiasm for life and boy she stands up for what she believes in and if you tell her it is not right you better be ready to back up what you say!!

I Love ALL my friends and am very thankful to have them in my life. But I'll tell you what is great too, my best friend is my lil' Ed. We are more than just spouses, we are friends. We like to hang out together, now that is not to say that we don;t have our differences but like most friends we work through them. Take a moment and reflect on your friends and see if you can give them one word adjectives, it can be fun!!

Mushroom Season!

I like mushroom season. I like to get out in the woods and look for snakes.... I mean mushrooms! I am not good at mushroom hunting though because I just look out for snakes. I have a true fear of snakes. I have always had dreams about them since I was very little, I think I practically was raised sleeping on the floor beside my mom and dad's bed. Even now if I watch a movie or see something with a snake on it you can bet that I will dream about them that night. Ed has often times found me standing on the bed afraid of "it" being on the floor.


Another thing I fear are clowns! I hate clowns, I know what a weird thing to be scared of but that I blame on the Steven King movie "It".


Fears come in all shapes and sizes. It can dominate our lives. We must remember that fear is often times snares of the devil. When we find ourselves fearing something it helps to put our trust in Jesus!

Tuesday Tunes

We bow our hearts
We bend our knees
Oh Spirit come make us humble
We turn our eyes
From evil things
Oh Lord we cast down our idols


So give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let this be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob


We bow our hearts
We bend our knees
Oh Spirit come make us humble
We turn our eyes
From evil things
Oh Lord we cast down our idols


So give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands--Oh God
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob


Oh God of Jacob


(Give us clean hands)


So give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands--Oh God
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob


Oh God of Jacob
Oh God of Jacob


Give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands--Oh God
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob


Oh God of Jacob

Insensitive

Have you ever thought how sad it is that we have become a desensitized society of tolerance and indifference???


Think about it, we tolerate racism, homosexuality, abortion, and many many other sins. Now, I'm not saying that we like it necessarily but for the most part society as a whole would rather turn their heads then face the issues at hand. Why? Why? (Sorry to get on my soapbox today) :-)


I think it happens for a number of reasons. We see it all the time in the news, in the papers, on the internet. It gets shoved down our throats as being their "rights" to choose. What right does ANYONE have to take a child's life?? What right does ANYONE have to make racist jokes, or slander people of a different color, sex, age, religion, or background? What right does ANYONE have to be homosexual??


Are these not all sins??? And are not all sins the same?? From the worst sin you can think of to the most minor...Isn't a sin a sin?? God HATES all sins, not the sinners mind you. THE SIN! Our God is a God of Mercy, Love and Grace.


As Christians, we cannot let this attitude of tolerance invade our thoughts toward sin. When we encounter sin, we should not tolerate it; it ought to provoke our spirit and call us to action in an effort to destroy it. Let us never become so desensitized to "everyday sins" that we allow them to slowly creep back into our lives without our even realizing it.



1 Peter 5:8 (New International Version)

8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.


The devil's snare does not catch you, unless you are first caught by the devil's bait. St. Ambrose


So give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let this be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob

Blah!

Have you ever had one of those days where you were just blah? Well, that is where I am today. I know it is because I have been battling this sickness, whatever it is. Nothing tastes right, my mind is in a fog, and I just want to lay down. But for most of us we can't just do that. BUT, guess what? We got home from church today, I went to the store, I am writing this then I am going to lay on my bed and pleasure read and if I fall asleep, it will be an added bonus!!


I ABSOLUTELY love to read. It is one of my favorite things to do. How is it we find it so easy to read novels but sometimes a chore to read our Bible daily?? Hmmm....It is so easy to not think about Satan as being a fallen angel, with angels of his own to trip us up. There is an ever present danger in our midst. That we must take account of DAILY.


Have a great week!!


P.S. This Friday will be our 10 year anniversary!! My lil' Ed says we are going somewhere...ALONE!! We don't get that often. I can't wait!!

Walking Torches

Friday, April 11

Walking Torches

These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.Acts 17:6


The first Christians were walking torches who weren't afraid to share their faith, spread their news, praise their Lord, and set the world on fire. They'd discovered a secret that had turned them inside out. Gone were their inhibitions, failures, sins, and temporal concerns. The risen Christ was living within them, walking among them, and working through them. They were filled with the Spirit, and they shared the Word with boldness, though it sometimes brought the lash down on their backs and the government down on their heads. They didn't expect to be here long, so they made the most of every opportunity.


There are still Christians like that, but the majority of us are content with being middle-of-the-roaders whose lukewarm Laodicean faith won't even cause the world to tilt a little.
The Gospel isn't going to turn the world upside down until it turns us inside out and rightside up, and we'll not set others on fire until we become walking torches. But when the zeal of Christ sets a church afire, people will say of us as was said of old: "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too."


The Christians who have turned the world upside down have been men and women with vision in their hearts and the Bible in their hands.T. B. Maston

Pooped!!

Man, I am just plain ole' worn out. We have had games just about every night this week and I have had the early shift everyday this week, which means I get up at 3:30 to go to work...It has caught up with me! Tonight I have a school board meeting (which I get physically sick to my stomach before each one) then directly after that our winter sports awards at 7:00. To top it all off I got a sore throat and ear ache last night and woke up with a fever today....Tis' the season, with new seasons for me comes bronchitis EVERY year.

Ok Ok... I know I'm whining huh???

My point is this...we as a society are TOO BUSY! Which leads to fatigue, exhaustion, and just plain grumpiness...strangely enough I haven't been grumpy today. Do you want to know why??? Because I have the Joy Joy Joy Joy down in my heart.... WHERE down in my heart...Where.

Ok , you get the point but what a great old Sunday School song huh??

Our Christianity, folks, it such a battle. It really is a Battlefield of the Mind (if you haven't read Joyce Meyer's book with that title I suggest it). We have to get up every morning and choose how we are going to live, what kind of attitude we will have, and how we will handle stressful situations when they arise...

WOAH!! I know it's tough. I didn't say we wouldn't struggle and fail. Of course we will, BUT the main thing is are we striving to see the world through God's eyes?? Try it, you might be surprised!

Blessed is....

How amazing God is... My sister sent an e-mail about a bible study she was doing in Matthew, it was Matthew 5: 5 "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth". If you remember, God gave me a verse last Thursday that was Matthew 5:6 "Blessed are those who hunger for righteousness, for they will be filled", AND my Turning Point Devotion for April 8, yesterday, was Matthew 5:11-12 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven".


Do you think He is trying to tell us something????


Anyway, I wanted to include it so here it is:


Boston Commons is the oldest public park in the United States, a 50-acre refuge famous for its swan boats, its suspension bridge (the shortest in the world), and for being the setting of the children's story, Make Way for Ducklings. So it's surprising to learn that in 1651, the Reverend Obadiah Holmes was tied to a post in this park and whipped for preaching Baptist doctrine in Puritan New England. The blood overflowed his shoes.



In our age of religious freedom and pluralistic beliefs, we're apt to forget about the long line of martyrs who have spilled their blood for the sake of the cross, even in America.



When we're faithful to Christ, we too will suffer some level of rejection, ridicule, or disdain. All who are godly will be persecuted. But the sufferings of this life cannot be compared with the glory to be revealed. So when you encounter someone who disdains you for your faith, rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.



In truth, as the strokes fell upon me, I had such a manifestation of God's presence as the like thereof I never had nor felt, nor can with fleshy tongue express.Obadiah Holmes

Tuesday Tunes

I absolutely LOVE this song. It is "I believe in God" by ZoeGirl.We saw them at a Girls of Grace conference in St. Louis a couple of years ago. They are awesome! It has a catchy little tune too... see if if makes you want to dance!! :-)


"I believe in God"

I used to close my eyes and pray the time would pass me by
So I could fly away in my dreams to anywhere unreal
And I'd hide away from everything
I didn't know what was real, I didn't know the truth
There was a day when somebody introduced me to You
And You breathed Your life in me
You set me free...



Now I'll shout it from the mountain
That I'm not the same that I used to be
I believe in God, believe in God
I'm not ashamed to talk about it
To a world that slowly slips away
That I believe in God, believe in God


Now at the end of the day when nothing seems to go my way
I've got a friend, I've got a love that's never gonna let me go
Since You gave Your life for me
You set me free...



Now I'll shout it from the mountain
That I'm not the same that I used to be
I believe in God, believe in God
I'm not ashamed to talk about it
To a world that slowly slips away
That I believe in God, believe in God



Oh, when I feel so alone
He comes to sweetly say
It's all gonna be okay
Oh, when my emotions flow
He comes to sweetly say
It's all gonna be okay



Now I'll shout it from the mountain
That I'm not the same that I used to be
I believe in God, believe in God
I'm not ashamed to talk about it
To a world that slowly slips away
That I believe in God, believe in God

Wow

Isn't this wonderful weather?? Well, just wait it will change tomorrow. This makes me just want to be outside all day. I was at work, but now we have to get ready to go do our taxes.... YUK!!



We always put off doing them until the last minute which never proves to be a good thing. We seemed to have misplaced my W-2 for being on the school board (SOOO not worth it) so Ed was freaked out and stayed up until 3 a.m. looking for it.... who knows?? I called the school and they had copies of it so that was taken care of. The next issue is he (God love him) always worries so badly about going to do our taxes. You see, we always have to pay since he is self-employed. I told him worrying just makes it worse. It's not like you can change it, so why worry over something you cannot change right?? Ha Ha



Lol, Man am I good at giving advice but I sure need to listen to it at times as well!! Which led me to one of my favorite verses...



Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious for anything, but in EVERYTHING, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God. And the PEACE that transcends ALL understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus!!!

Confirmation

God is good!!


We had yet another awesome church service this morning. We have revival this week with "Standing Tall Ministries" so the speaker gave the sermon. I have told a few people in the last few weeks that I have really been feeling the Holy Spirit moving. Not just within me but through others as well. It is amazing...the VERY first sentence the speaker said this morning was my confirmation! I heard God say to me this is for you. The speaker (I cannot remember his name :-/) said "I am getting off my message a little but God is telling me I need to say this, people, there is something big getting ready to happen, God is preparing us through his Holy Spirit" You could have knocked me down with a feather! He went on to ask Pastor Jeanne if our worship service was always like this and she said pretty much. We have AWESOME worship time led by Joey Weitkamp.


He went on to say we needed 3 things...

Desperation

Hunger

and Determination

Once we are desperate for something it gives us the hunger and then determination to get filled up with God. He was more elaborate than that but you get the picture.

He will be there until Wednesday of this week. Dinner at 5:00, music and worship at 6:00 and sermon at 7:00. Come out if you can to Loogootee United Methodist Church!!

Hope to see you there!!

Oh Yea.... Last night Tyler Zeller was at Camp Illiana, if that wasn't cool enough we were taking communion and Aimee hit be (and I mean HIT me) and said "Who's that?? Who's that??" I looked up and it was Luke Zeller with his Notre Dame sweats on. I thought I was going to have to pick her up off the ground. She later said I knew who that was but it was like she wanted me to tell her for sure.. I told Luke that NC could have used Tyler last night...he said yea I heard. Us being the sports fanatics what we are we thought that was pretty cool. I mean it was a Saturday night and they could have been anywhere doing anything but they were worshipping God.. How awesome!

Ahhhhh

It is Saturday afternoon and I just got home from work so this will be short and sweet! Ed is out back building a new dog kennel for our zoo. I will be ready to get this Bluetick Coon dog puppy out of my house as will chopper!! It will be a really nice kennel with 5 separate doors for each dog.

Tonight we are going to Washington to Camp Illiana. We always get excited for these, it is such a great time of fellowship and worship. Tomorrow is church day. YEA!! Tomorrow night kicks off our revival at church with Tyler Zeller being there. The kids are so excited to hear him speak. How neat is that that we will be able to watch him play for North Carolina next year??? I hate to be a Tar Heel fan but I guess I can for a while anyway.

Well, I'm outta here, laundry calls!!

Finally Friday

Well, it is finally Friday. Unfortunately, I have to work tomorrow. This will be 2 Saturdays in a row that I have worked overtime. I do not like overtime, the money is good but I like my Saturdays off.

Today could have been just a plain ole' bad day for me. It started out a little rough but at one point I just stopped and made the decision that is wasn't going to be one of those days, and you know what it turned out to be a pretty good day.

I think that ole' scum dog is really working. My sister said she had a rough situation today as well and that it was satan's (he doesn't deserve a capital letter) way to snare her up but she wasn't going to let him to it! That is what we have to do. Just say stop this, get behind me and stay there! I really have felt the Holy Spirit moving lately so I just know that the devil and his angels will really be out in full force for those who put their hope and trust in the Lord.

Keep on keeping on friends!!

Thirsty Thursday

I know what you are thinking..... But I heard a girl today at work say it was "Thirsty Thursday" and she was really excited about it. HOWEVER, I dare say my definition and hers of this day are a little different. Of course she was talking about going to a bar after work to drink. I can't imagine looking forward all week to do that, not to sound self-righteous or anything.


I am giving this term a new meaning that I hope we can remember each week. I am making my own "Thirsty Thursday", but instead of looking for fulfillment with alcohol. I want to look for it in Jesus Christ!! I want my cup filled to overflowing endlessly with his love, mercy, grace, compassion, and understanding.


I asked God to give me a verse today and this is what he gave me.

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger for righteousness, for they will be filled.


I found it to be a God thing that I woke up singing "Blessed Be Your Name" as well. Did you know that "Blessed" means more than happiness?? It implies the fortunate or enviable state of those who are in God's kingdom. To Jesus "blessed" means the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. To find hope and joy, the deepest form of happiness, follow Jesus no matter what the cost.


So, here's to you!

Be Still and Know that I am God!!

I got this in my e-mail devotional yesterday and thought it was very appropriate and wanted to share it.


Tuesday, April 1

The Cushion of the Sea

Be still, and know that I am God.Psalm 46:10

Recommended ReadingMatthew 11:28-30

A number of years ago, a submarine being tested had to be submerged for several hours. Upon returning to harbor, the captain was asked, "How did that terrible storm last night affect you?" Surprised, the captain exclaimed, "Storm? We didn't even know there was one!" Their submarine had been so far beneath the surface that it had reached what sailors refer to as "the cushion of the sea"—a depth in the ocean where the waters below are never stirred despite any commotion on the surface.


In our fast-paced world, it is a challenge to slow down and remember that God is in control. We are a society of "do-everything," "go-everywhere," "get-it-done" people who mistakenly believe we can handle everything if we just keep going. In reality, we need to become so submerged in God's peace that no matter what's happening in our lives, we are able to remain as calm as "the cushion of the sea."


If you feel overwhelmed, bogged down, or burnt out, add one more activity to your daily schedule: Spend time with Almighty God. It is the only way to reach the depth needed to find true calm in the midst of any storm.


In the name of Jesus Christ, who was never in a hurry, we pray, O God, that You will slow us down, for we know that we live too fast.Peter Marshall

Tuesday Tunes

Andrea told me I had to listen to this song, but to have my Kleenex ready. She was right it is a good song!!

Trace Adkins "Your Gonna Miss This"

She was staring out the window of that SUV
Complaning, saying "I can't wait to turn 18"
She said "I'll make my own money, and I'll make my own rules"
Mamma put the car in park out there in front of the school
Then she kissed her head and said "I was just like you"


You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this


Before she knows it she's a brand new bride
In a one-bedroom apartment, and her daddy stops by
He tells her "It's a nice place"
She says "It'll do for now"
Starts talking about babies and buying a house
Daddy shakes his head and says "Baby, just slow down"


Cause you're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this


Five years later there's a plumber workin' on the water heater
Dog's barkin', phone's ringin'
One kid's cryin', one kid's screamin'
She keeps apologizin'
He says "They don't bother me.
I've got 2 babies of my own.
One's 36, one's 23.
Huh, it's hard to believe, but ...


You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this"