I haven't blogged in awhile. Mostly because I am exhausted when I get home after attending all the fall festivities. Wow, who knew there was so many harvest festivals to attend? On top of all that I had a very sick little boy who is a lot better now! I know that most of you who have kids or have had little ones know how busy it gets when you have kids in school and Girl Scouts and having to attend all their little functions so I will not go into long details about my busy last month. But I will tell you that through all this craziness I have leaned more on God than I ever have. I have felt his presence especially during my most stressful days. I have some of the best ladies who are covering me in prayer and believe me I feel them. It is so wonderful to know that your not in this crazy, stressful world alone. My friend Brandi gave me a book called "Jesus calling" and I have read it every morning. Each day it gives me the peace I need in knowing that God is with me every step of the way and I just have to trust in him and come to him for help. So many people think that they can fix their problems or deal with their stress on their own. God wants us to come to him and he wants us to do so persistently. This is how he works. We have to learn to let God work in our lives and stop trying to make our lives work for us. I have been thrown major curve balls this last month from emotional melt downs to spiritual warfare. But through it all I won. God won. He showed me that leaning on him to light the way makes me become less of me and more of him. His name shall be exalted above all! When I let go and lay all my burdens down he picks them up with one pinky and says this heavy weight you've been carrying is as light as a feather for me. Praise him! God makes all things good for those who love him. (Romans 8:28)
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
My Gods not Dead
I have been a tad bit busy this past week and I am sorry for the delay of post. God has been moving big time in my life and I couldnt be more happy!!!! This past week we have enjoyed the zoo, homecoming, and revival. To fully understand the reason for my title "My Gods Not Dead" I am going to have to guide you through my weeks journey starting with Saturday, the Zoo.
Day 1: Saturday-The Zoo:
Let me begin by saying how blessed and thankful I am for getting the opportunity to get off work on a Saturday. I was so excited to see the kids faces as they visited all the animals that I set my alarm clock to get up an hour earlier than I should just so I could cook them breakfast. I could have easily opted for the most convenient way to feed my little family. But I didnt. My kids will now always share that morning memory with me. They were so excited. The day was filled with many awes and wows and smiles all around!!!! I love seeing my little family so happy. God sure knew what he was doing when he made smiles. I believe he made them to melt mommas hearts :) My day was so stress free and relaxing...until I got home. Then the to-do list hit me. I had to make a meal for homecoming at our church and I had to come up with an outfit to wear for "Old Timers day". OH MY WORD! Here I was at roughly 7 oclock making my first every crockpot chicken and dressing, getting the kids ready for bed, getting church clothes out, and cleaning house.... All of a sudden the stress free fun day seemed like a long ago memory. As thing were wrapping up for the night I was able to get back to that stress free mood simply by having a little talk with God. He sure does know how to bring things into perspective.
Day 2: Sunday-Homecoming/Old timers day
The morning started off with me oversleeping. Ugh Oh. Never Good. I then had to rush out of bed and rush to get kids fed, dressed, and ready for church...After they were ready, I believe I had approximately 45 minutes to get myself ready. I am super mom, I can do this in 45 minutes!!! Shower-done. Hair fixed. BAM...A RUN IN MY PANTY HOSE! And lo and behold that was my only pair...I stepped back from the situation that would normally have me in a melt down and said alright devil you will not get me today...so I embraced those ripped panty hose and had at it... :))) Got out the door 5 minutes before church started and took a deep breath and pulled out of the driveway. We listened to Klove the entire way there. That radio station is a GodSend. Powerful spiritual uplifting through music. Got in church and enjoyed the morning service. Never anything short of a blessing from God from our church...:) Everything was going good and then sweet little Kayla got sick. So instead of us getting to spend time with our church family in fellowship after service I got to spend the rest of the afternoon taking care of a sick little one. Bless her heart, I do not like when any of my kids are sick. After an afternoon of sleeping and medicine, Kayla began to feel a lot better. Thank you Jesus.
Day 3: Monday-Revival day 1
Work day was good. Kayla was better. Everythings going smooth. Get to church and recieved a great message from Marvin Morrow. I get such a bessing out of watching all the kids in our church get up and sing praises to Our Lord.
Day 4: Tuesday-Revival day 2
Tuesday started of wonderful. It was a beautiful day and I was off work!!!! Just me and my little kman. We cleaned, played, had a lunch date, and took a nap! After naptime we picked up the girls from school. Then all of a sudden my two year old angel turned into a monster. He screamed from the second the girls were in the car until we got home. Get in the house and he decided to bite kayla, hit me, and throw one of the biggest temper tantrums i have ever seen. Where did my little angel go? Okay, I am stressed by now. Had to call my mother for her to talk my nerves down some. I then stepped back again and said "Devil your not getting to me tonight either"! Got to church and the woman had prayer before church started. I asked, in a serious manner, to pray for me to get through the night with caleb. We took our seats and I looked over as the singing started and couldnt believe my eyes. My little temper tantrum throwing two year old from two seconds ago just fell asleep! Many Many thanks to those ladies who praid for us that night! Revival was amazing and I could feel Gods presence.
Day 5: Wednesday-Revival Day 3
Wednesday started off not so great. My nine year old, hailie, had the same stomach bug that kayla had. Oh NO THAT DEVIL IS PERSISTENT!!!!! So hailie stayed home from school and thank God her daddy was off work so I didnt have to be. Word day went well and I was so pumped up and ready for this nights revival. The last two just left me wanting more and more. Since their daddy was home and hailie had been sick I decided to go solo. Oh my goodness that 5 minute drive to church turned into a 5 minute rock session in my car! God knew that My plate had been full and allowed me to have this night to myself so I can whole mindedly Glorify him. Oh how happy I was to actually get to listen to a sermon. And this sermon was very special to me. GETTING BACK TO YOUR FIRST LOVE. Oh my! The bible says in Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee". Wow! How amazing is that? Just imagine this....The second our baby has made it to this world and we lay eyes on them we love them more than anything else in this world....But God knew them first and loved them first. And He did the same thing with us. He loved us before we were even created!! How great is our God?!!!!!! It was through this message that I felt the Lord telling me to recommit my life to him. See even though my works are good and my heart is right he still told me to obey him and recommit myself to him. Trust him and obey him. Through all situations! My God is not Dead! Christ is able! My heart has been filled and my cup runeth over! I am not cold or lukewarm!
Day 6,7, &8...
Oh how I missed not having revival. But believe me I had plenty of other extra activities that had me occupied. Girl Scouts, sleepovers, and football. But nothing, I mean nothing, could get this peace that has been given to me from God away from me!
Day 9: SUNDAY!
BAPTISM...NEED I SAY MORE? I WAS REVIVED AND I WAS CLEANSED!
__________________________________________________________________________________
See that devil really tried hard to keep me from going to revival. I never gave up. I kept the faith. I never disobeyed God and he rewarded me with the Holy Spirit. Perserverance and determination never comes without reward...MY GODS NOT DEAD!
Day 1: Saturday-The Zoo:
Let me begin by saying how blessed and thankful I am for getting the opportunity to get off work on a Saturday. I was so excited to see the kids faces as they visited all the animals that I set my alarm clock to get up an hour earlier than I should just so I could cook them breakfast. I could have easily opted for the most convenient way to feed my little family. But I didnt. My kids will now always share that morning memory with me. They were so excited. The day was filled with many awes and wows and smiles all around!!!! I love seeing my little family so happy. God sure knew what he was doing when he made smiles. I believe he made them to melt mommas hearts :) My day was so stress free and relaxing...until I got home. Then the to-do list hit me. I had to make a meal for homecoming at our church and I had to come up with an outfit to wear for "Old Timers day". OH MY WORD! Here I was at roughly 7 oclock making my first every crockpot chicken and dressing, getting the kids ready for bed, getting church clothes out, and cleaning house.... All of a sudden the stress free fun day seemed like a long ago memory. As thing were wrapping up for the night I was able to get back to that stress free mood simply by having a little talk with God. He sure does know how to bring things into perspective.
Day 2: Sunday-Homecoming/Old timers day
The morning started off with me oversleeping. Ugh Oh. Never Good. I then had to rush out of bed and rush to get kids fed, dressed, and ready for church...After they were ready, I believe I had approximately 45 minutes to get myself ready. I am super mom, I can do this in 45 minutes!!! Shower-done. Hair fixed. BAM...A RUN IN MY PANTY HOSE! And lo and behold that was my only pair...I stepped back from the situation that would normally have me in a melt down and said alright devil you will not get me today...so I embraced those ripped panty hose and had at it... :))) Got out the door 5 minutes before church started and took a deep breath and pulled out of the driveway. We listened to Klove the entire way there. That radio station is a GodSend. Powerful spiritual uplifting through music. Got in church and enjoyed the morning service. Never anything short of a blessing from God from our church...:) Everything was going good and then sweet little Kayla got sick. So instead of us getting to spend time with our church family in fellowship after service I got to spend the rest of the afternoon taking care of a sick little one. Bless her heart, I do not like when any of my kids are sick. After an afternoon of sleeping and medicine, Kayla began to feel a lot better. Thank you Jesus.
Day 3: Monday-Revival day 1
Work day was good. Kayla was better. Everythings going smooth. Get to church and recieved a great message from Marvin Morrow. I get such a bessing out of watching all the kids in our church get up and sing praises to Our Lord.
Day 4: Tuesday-Revival day 2
Tuesday started of wonderful. It was a beautiful day and I was off work!!!! Just me and my little kman. We cleaned, played, had a lunch date, and took a nap! After naptime we picked up the girls from school. Then all of a sudden my two year old angel turned into a monster. He screamed from the second the girls were in the car until we got home. Get in the house and he decided to bite kayla, hit me, and throw one of the biggest temper tantrums i have ever seen. Where did my little angel go? Okay, I am stressed by now. Had to call my mother for her to talk my nerves down some. I then stepped back again and said "Devil your not getting to me tonight either"! Got to church and the woman had prayer before church started. I asked, in a serious manner, to pray for me to get through the night with caleb. We took our seats and I looked over as the singing started and couldnt believe my eyes. My little temper tantrum throwing two year old from two seconds ago just fell asleep! Many Many thanks to those ladies who praid for us that night! Revival was amazing and I could feel Gods presence.
Day 5: Wednesday-Revival Day 3
Wednesday started off not so great. My nine year old, hailie, had the same stomach bug that kayla had. Oh NO THAT DEVIL IS PERSISTENT!!!!! So hailie stayed home from school and thank God her daddy was off work so I didnt have to be. Word day went well and I was so pumped up and ready for this nights revival. The last two just left me wanting more and more. Since their daddy was home and hailie had been sick I decided to go solo. Oh my goodness that 5 minute drive to church turned into a 5 minute rock session in my car! God knew that My plate had been full and allowed me to have this night to myself so I can whole mindedly Glorify him. Oh how happy I was to actually get to listen to a sermon. And this sermon was very special to me. GETTING BACK TO YOUR FIRST LOVE. Oh my! The bible says in Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee". Wow! How amazing is that? Just imagine this....The second our baby has made it to this world and we lay eyes on them we love them more than anything else in this world....But God knew them first and loved them first. And He did the same thing with us. He loved us before we were even created!! How great is our God?!!!!!! It was through this message that I felt the Lord telling me to recommit my life to him. See even though my works are good and my heart is right he still told me to obey him and recommit myself to him. Trust him and obey him. Through all situations! My God is not Dead! Christ is able! My heart has been filled and my cup runeth over! I am not cold or lukewarm!
Day 6,7, &8...
Oh how I missed not having revival. But believe me I had plenty of other extra activities that had me occupied. Girl Scouts, sleepovers, and football. But nothing, I mean nothing, could get this peace that has been given to me from God away from me!
Day 9: SUNDAY!
BAPTISM...NEED I SAY MORE? I WAS REVIVED AND I WAS CLEANSED!
__________________________________________________________________________________
See that devil really tried hard to keep me from going to revival. I never gave up. I kept the faith. I never disobeyed God and he rewarded me with the Holy Spirit. Perserverance and determination never comes without reward...MY GODS NOT DEAD!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Being the Christian woman that God wants me to be
I have been reading a book that a really good friend let me borrow called "Becoming More" by Lisa Terkeurst. In this book there are many scenarios of a woman's day to day struggles and what the bible says on dealing with these struggles. This book has been such an eye opener to me. It has broadened my awareness on how God wants me to act as a Christian woman. I am a daughter of a King and I must act accordingly. I am expected to be on my best behavior at all times because I am an example to people, whether it be from near or far, I am watched. I should never act in a way that will make people believe that being a Christian is hard and unclean. The bible says in 1 Peter 14-16
"As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
These verses tells us that since we have laid down the old self we must now turn away from all that is evil or anything that will cause us to sin. He, referring to Jesus, is Holy and he wants us to act like him. Now we cannot be free from sin because we all stumble and fall but we must strive to live a Godly life.
Becoming what God wants me to be means that I must watch what I say even through the heat of the moment.
Good, Christian, women do not talk like everyone else. Instead of showing the anger that comes from evil, we should show love through all circumstances. God did not make us to be angry... He made us to love. We must love and show love to everyone. We must bridal our tongues to keep us from becoming tangled in a downward spiral of wrong doings or sayings.
Matthew 12:33
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
Hebrews 13:15-16 “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (NKJV)
God wants to show his love through us.
So I have been trying this lately. It's so easy to jump in those seemingly innocent conversations that ultimately end up with words that should never be said. It has been working well with so far. I was marveled at what just sitting back and keeping quiet really did for me. Receiving blessings by being the outsider:)
Bridal the tongue... Shut the lips... Spread the love <3
True blessings are to come from this!!!!
1 John 2:1-29 ESV /
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: ...
GOD IS SO GOOD
"As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
These verses tells us that since we have laid down the old self we must now turn away from all that is evil or anything that will cause us to sin. He, referring to Jesus, is Holy and he wants us to act like him. Now we cannot be free from sin because we all stumble and fall but we must strive to live a Godly life.
Becoming what God wants me to be means that I must watch what I say even through the heat of the moment.
Good, Christian, women do not talk like everyone else. Instead of showing the anger that comes from evil, we should show love through all circumstances. God did not make us to be angry... He made us to love. We must love and show love to everyone. We must bridal our tongues to keep us from becoming tangled in a downward spiral of wrong doings or sayings.
Matthew 12:33
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
Hebrews 13:15-16 “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (NKJV)
God wants to show his love through us.
So I have been trying this lately. It's so easy to jump in those seemingly innocent conversations that ultimately end up with words that should never be said. It has been working well with so far. I was marveled at what just sitting back and keeping quiet really did for me. Receiving blessings by being the outsider:)
Bridal the tongue... Shut the lips... Spread the love <3
True blessings are to come from this!!!!
1 John 2:1-29 ESV /
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: ...
GOD IS SO GOOD
Sunday, September 30, 2012
just a little chitter chatter
Its 10:55 pm and I cannot sleep. Does anyone else have this problem? My mind is racing from the excitement of this weekend. Friday night my little family spent a peaceful night at home. Which was well needed. Saturday was a crazy busy day at work and as soon as I got off I headed to our monthly ladies meeting at church. Whoa! Let me just say this, you people have not even begun to have fun until you get around these ladies!!!! Young and old we had a blast!!!! I woke up this morning feeling so refreshed and rejuvinated. Church was amazing as always. Paster M. really knows how to get the message across. After church we went to visit with my mom for awhile. Ahhh how I love sunday afternoon visits with her. We made it home around 3pm and somehow we all ended up taking a Sunday afternoon nap. :))))) I absolutely love Sunday afternoon naps! But as the saying goes "All good things come to an end but open the door for something better." ....The better was tonights church service. Footwashing and Communion. Yes, I am a foot washing baptist. lol. My daughter, Hailie, decided to participate tonight. And I believe she got more than just the normal foot washing treatment. Fool out foot spa for her!!! No fair! Before foot washing is communion. This was actually hailies first communion as well. I am so proud of her. She made me giggle while they were coming around with the grape juice. Pator M. was explaining how this drink was a symbol of the blood shed on the cross for us and I believe Hailie was not hearing the "symbol" part. Haha! She looked at me with a very confused look on her face and said "Momma what is that in that glass"?!!!! I had to re-explain. Gotta love them kids! After church services, my husband and I were able to go out to eat and to walmart by ourselves! Its so exciting to me to get to go to walmart with no kids to constantly chase or fuss with. Any who....that was my weekend and I hope you all have had just as amazing of a weekend as I have.
Also If there is anything I can pray about for you just inbox me. I am blessed to have so many of you who read this blog and get inspiration from it.
Also If there is anything I can pray about for you just inbox me. I am blessed to have so many of you who read this blog and get inspiration from it.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
finding the blessings in trials of this life
My favorite bible verse is John 16:33
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the wold."
This verse is read daily by me. It has so much meaning. No matter how big my problems are. No matter how horrible my day has been. I can take rest in knowing that My God is bigger and hes stronger than me and my problems. He is my comfort, my strength. He is my Hope. He is my fortress. He is my guide. He is my protector. He is my conscience. He is my father. He is my God.
I struggle daily with people who constantly try to drag me down. I struggle to keep my cool. I struggle to keep silent. Sometimes things are better left unsaid. Even in the midst of rage or hurt the thoughts that you are thinking should be taken to God in prayer before ever releasing them out of your mouth. Yes, this too I struggle with. We tend to say things we do not mean when we are angry. But take a moment to yourself and ask yourself "Is this the way that God would want me to act in this situation".
Here are some bible verses that help me and I hope will help you when dealing with anger:
James 4:11 " Do not speak against one another, brethern. He who speaks against a brother, or judge his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge of it"
Phillippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever is ture, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things."
Ephesians 4:29 "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear."
Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
James 3:5-7 "So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very wold of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds of reptiles and craetures of the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by the human race."
Psalms 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight."
We as christians must be careful of what we say and how we deal with situations. The devil is always looking for ways to make us fail. He is always looking for that gateway that will seperate us from good. We must stand together and love one another. We must treat each other the way we would want to be treated.
Be careful what you say by mouth or by message because you never know who may be listening or reading. Words are powerful. Especially, us christians. We are supposed to be the light. We are watched by many and you never know who may be listening and looking to us for inspiration. Retaliation and/or verbal disputes do not show people the Good way of a christian life.
We must show the love that Jesus showed us to everyone.
In saying all this, I would like to say now that I practice what I preach my life has been so much better. I am happy. I am at peace. I am loved and I love in return. Life is Good!
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the wold."
This verse is read daily by me. It has so much meaning. No matter how big my problems are. No matter how horrible my day has been. I can take rest in knowing that My God is bigger and hes stronger than me and my problems. He is my comfort, my strength. He is my Hope. He is my fortress. He is my guide. He is my protector. He is my conscience. He is my father. He is my God.
I struggle daily with people who constantly try to drag me down. I struggle to keep my cool. I struggle to keep silent. Sometimes things are better left unsaid. Even in the midst of rage or hurt the thoughts that you are thinking should be taken to God in prayer before ever releasing them out of your mouth. Yes, this too I struggle with. We tend to say things we do not mean when we are angry. But take a moment to yourself and ask yourself "Is this the way that God would want me to act in this situation".
Here are some bible verses that help me and I hope will help you when dealing with anger:
James 4:11 " Do not speak against one another, brethern. He who speaks against a brother, or judge his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge of it"
Phillippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever is ture, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things."
Ephesians 4:29 "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear."
Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
James 3:5-7 "So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very wold of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds of reptiles and craetures of the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by the human race."
Psalms 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight."
We as christians must be careful of what we say and how we deal with situations. The devil is always looking for ways to make us fail. He is always looking for that gateway that will seperate us from good. We must stand together and love one another. We must treat each other the way we would want to be treated.
Be careful what you say by mouth or by message because you never know who may be listening or reading. Words are powerful. Especially, us christians. We are supposed to be the light. We are watched by many and you never know who may be listening and looking to us for inspiration. Retaliation and/or verbal disputes do not show people the Good way of a christian life.
We must show the love that Jesus showed us to everyone.
In saying all this, I would like to say now that I practice what I preach my life has been so much better. I am happy. I am at peace. I am loved and I love in return. Life is Good!
Friday, September 21, 2012
yes...im going there!
Recently the FFR (Freedom From Religion) group decided that they would try to make the University of Tennessee stop praying during pregame.......
My thoughts:
When did we, christians, fail? How did such group even become acknowledgeable? Why do they care? Is saying a prayer really harming anyone else? What is the difference in imposing religion and imposing non-religion? Does "no prayer" really effect anyone other than the ones that believe turning to God for strength and guidance and to thank him for all that he has done?
My answers:
At some point in time christians decided to preserve the peace and became hushed because fighting a giant is kind of scary. Will you win or will you loose? Please revert back to the story of David and Galiath. We have a voice. We have strength from beyond our bodies. Its time to stand up and fight this giant.
We bow our heads for a "moment of silence"? Really, does saying its a "moment of silence" make you feel any better. You know we are praying!
Prayer has been around for thousands of years. Many organizations have turned to prayer before events for many years before one person decided that they didnt "like" prayer or they were "uncomfortable" during prayer. Is it any different that I as a christian feel uncomfortable about not having prayer before an event that has previously done so?
I see and hear stuff everyday that I do not like. I get over it and move on with my life. Quit worrying about what other people are doing with their lives. It has nothing to do with imposing beliefs on you or anyone else who do not believe in christianity.
Go Vols! Prayers WILL BE KEPT DURING PREGAME!
Our Founding Fathers:
George Washington (Inaugural Address)
George Washington (Farewell Address)
George Washington
George Washington
George Washington
George Washington
George Washington
John Adams
John Adams
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
James Madison
James Madison
John Jay (the First Chief Justice of the United States)
John Jay (the First Chief Justice of the United States)
Joseph Story (Supreme Court Justice)
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
Thomas Paine
George Mason
Alexander Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton
Samuel Adams
Benjamin Rush
Gouverneur Morris
Charles Carroll (Signer of the Declaration of Independence)
Jedidiah Morse
My thoughts:
When did we, christians, fail? How did such group even become acknowledgeable? Why do they care? Is saying a prayer really harming anyone else? What is the difference in imposing religion and imposing non-religion? Does "no prayer" really effect anyone other than the ones that believe turning to God for strength and guidance and to thank him for all that he has done?
My answers:
At some point in time christians decided to preserve the peace and became hushed because fighting a giant is kind of scary. Will you win or will you loose? Please revert back to the story of David and Galiath. We have a voice. We have strength from beyond our bodies. Its time to stand up and fight this giant.
We bow our heads for a "moment of silence"? Really, does saying its a "moment of silence" make you feel any better. You know we are praying!
Prayer has been around for thousands of years. Many organizations have turned to prayer before events for many years before one person decided that they didnt "like" prayer or they were "uncomfortable" during prayer. Is it any different that I as a christian feel uncomfortable about not having prayer before an event that has previously done so?
I see and hear stuff everyday that I do not like. I get over it and move on with my life. Quit worrying about what other people are doing with their lives. It has nothing to do with imposing beliefs on you or anyone else who do not believe in christianity.
Go Vols! Prayers WILL BE KEPT DURING PREGAME!
Our Founding Fathers:
George Washington (Inaugural Address)
"The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained."
George Washington (Farewell Address)
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness."
"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible."
"The future of our country depends upon the Christian training of our youth."
"Your love of liberty - your respect for the laws - your habits of industry - and your practice of the moral and religious obligations, are the strongest claims to national and individual happiness."
"It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almight God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favors."
"The Hand of providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitutde enough to acknowledge his obligations."
“Statesmen, my dear Sir, may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free Constitution is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People in a greater Measure, than they have it now, they may change their Rulers and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty.”
"We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
John Adams
"It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation's humble acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence."
Thomas Jefferson
"God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated by with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever."
Thomas Jefferson
"Adore God. Reverence and cherish your parents. Love your neighbor as yourself, and your country more than yourself. Be just. Be true. Murmur not at the ways of Providence. So shall the life into which you have entered be the portal to noe of eternal and ineffable bliss."
"It is the manners and spirit of a people which preserve a republic in vigor. A degeneracy in these is a canker which soon eats to the heart of its laws and constitution."
"We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government; far from it. We've staked the future of all our political institutions upon our capacity ...to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God."
James Madison
"The government of the United States is a definite government, confined to specified objects. It is not like the state government, whose powers are more general. Charit is no part of the legilsative dut of the government."
"It is impossible for the man of pious reflection not to perceive in it [the Constitution] a finger of that Almighty hand which has been so frequently and signally extended to our relief in the critical stages of the revolution."
"Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers."
"Whether our religion permits Christians to vote for infidel rulers is a question which merits more consideration than it seems yet to have generally received either from the clergy or the laity. It appears to me that what the prophet said to Jehoshaphat about his attachment to Ahab ["Shouldest thou help the ungodly and love them that hate the Lord?" 2nd Chronicles 19:2] affords a salutary lesson."
Joseph Story (Supreme Court Justice)
"I verily believe Christianity necessary to the support of civil society. One of the beautiful boasts of our minicipal jurisprudence is that Christianity is a part of the Common Law....There never has been a period in which Common Law did not recognize Christianity as laying its foundations."
Benjamin Franklin
"Whoever shall introduce into public affairs the principles of primitive Christianity will change the face of the world."
Benjamin Franklin
"If men are so wicked with religion, what would they be without it."
"The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind. Where, say some, is the king of America? I'll tell you, friend, He reigns above."
George Mason
"The laws of nature are the laws of God, whose authority can be superseded by no power on earth."
"For my own part, I sincerely esteem it [the Constitution] a system which, without the finger of God, never could have been suggested and agreed upon by such a diversity of interests."
Alexander Hamilton
"....the present constitution is the standard to which we are to cling....Let an association be formed to be denominated 'The Christian Constitutional Society,' its object to be first: The support of the Christian religion. second: The support of the United States."
Samuel Adams
"Religion and good morals are the only solid foundation of public liberty and happiness."
"The only foundation for...a republic is to be laid in Religion. Without this there can be no virtue, and without virtue there can be no liberty, and liberty is the object and life of all republican governments."
Gouverneur Morris
"Religion is the only solid Base of morals and Morals are the only possible Support of free governments."
"Without morals a repubic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure...are undermining the solid foundationof morals, the best security for the duration of free governnments."
Jedidiah Morse
"To the kindly influence of Christianity we owe that degree of civil freedom, and political and social happiness which mankind now enjoys....Whenever the pillars of Christianity shall be overthrown, our present republican forms of government, and all blessings which flow from them, must fall with them."
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
L. O. V. E
This last week has been so hectic for me. Let me just make a list for you so you can get the feel of it.
Monday- work then my wifely/motherly duties
Tuesday- day off...worked outside in flower beds all day. I even managed to completely kill an azaela bush.LOL.
Wednesday- work/sick/sore throat all day (I dislike allergies)
Thursday- work/parent teacher conference/cook supper/give kids bath/got them to bed/took husband supper/ cooked 2 french loaves and a cake.
Friday- work, husbands surprise bday party
saturday- work, football game at my house with friends/cooked vegetable beef soup
sunday- church, wedding, reception, then to jackson to see baby Elisabeth Ditto. (and i was not just attending this wedding, I had to take the pictures)Did not even get home until 10:30
Monday- work/then up to midnight editing photos....
Tuesday- slept until 10 thanks to my loving husband. Then up to clean a very very very dirty house! cooked soup, had parents over for supper, submitted recipes, now blogging.
Now if your not tired from just reading that then you must be super mom! I know my feet hurt every night and I think I fell asleep before my head hit the pillow!! I dont even think I came home at all until bed time sunday....
But let me just say this, I loved every minute of it. I have recieved so much blessings this week its unreal.
So let me share my story of blessings.
My week started off slow with normal day to day duties and crazy kids who mean the world to me but take every ounce of energy I have out of me. Tuesday was so refreshing being outside in the beautiful sunshine and cool breeze. There is absolutely something therapuetic about fall coming and being able to be outside without sweating! Thank you God for changing of the seasons!But along with changing of the seasons comes aweful allergies. My throat was so sore wednesday from either the refreshing time outside the day before or the cold ive been fighting for 2 weeks...I worked through it though. I hate missing church on wednesday nights but I couldnt stand the thought of giving any potentially contagious cough to those precious kiddos. Thursday, oh dreadful Thursday! Usually Thursday is a great day. Im usually so refreshed from church the night before. But as you read, I didnt go. And, yes, I felt it. I was so stressed all day thursday! I had a million things to get done before dannys surprise bday party and nothing was going right. The worst part about thursday was parent teacher conference. Any of you who know my daughter know that she struggles with school. Bless her heart. Im not going to get into detail but all I ask is that you pray for her. Friday comes along and im now sleepy, stressed, and excited. My husband turns 30!!! All in all his bday party turned out a success. Friday became a great day. Saturday as I was at work thinking about what I was going to feed everyone that was going to be at my house when I got off work for the football game, I prayed. We needed groceries in the house...which I neglected to get the week before. No time to go grocery shopping....and to be honest the bday party kind of put a damper on the grocery fund. I called dannys grandmother to see if she had a few of the ingredients that I needed for supper. She said "Sure come on over". I got off work and drove to her house expecting to get the few cans of vegetalbes that I needed. I walked in the door to a table completely covered in groceries!!!! I couldnt have thanked her enough. Only if she knew how much we needed that. But God did. He knew what our need was. He chose to bless me with a giving grandmother. Wow. Praise him. After that experience my night just went wonderful. One of these days I will learn to stop stressing and know and believe that God makes all things Good. Sunday was amazing at church! Wedding was stressfull for some but I didnt let that damper my happiness. I picked up my friend to go see our friends baby that was born in Jackson. Its an hour drive so we had plenty of time to chit chat. She began to tell me about her husband who is struggling with religion. I told her not to worry that God was working on him. I began to talk to her about how I became to know christ. How I actually had to put it through my head that hes not some story book character. How he holds this whole world in his hands and nothing is too big for him. He is God and wants to be recognized as the one and only God. He is merciful, giving, forgiving, amazing, trustworthy, and true. He is Love. He invented Love. He gives love without recieving love. He is the perfect definition of Love. He loves unconditionally. I told her to pray for him. I believe I had about a hour serman with her!! But she is a great listner. God put those words in my mouth because for some reason that im not aware of...she needed to hear them. That was a blessing!
Im sorry it took so long to get to my blessings story but I just had to set the mood. I hope you enjoy!
Monday- work then my wifely/motherly duties
Tuesday- day off...worked outside in flower beds all day. I even managed to completely kill an azaela bush.LOL.
Wednesday- work/sick/sore throat all day (I dislike allergies)
Thursday- work/parent teacher conference/cook supper/give kids bath/got them to bed/took husband supper/ cooked 2 french loaves and a cake.
Friday- work, husbands surprise bday party
saturday- work, football game at my house with friends/cooked vegetable beef soup
sunday- church, wedding, reception, then to jackson to see baby Elisabeth Ditto. (and i was not just attending this wedding, I had to take the pictures)Did not even get home until 10:30
Monday- work/then up to midnight editing photos....
Tuesday- slept until 10 thanks to my loving husband. Then up to clean a very very very dirty house! cooked soup, had parents over for supper, submitted recipes, now blogging.
Now if your not tired from just reading that then you must be super mom! I know my feet hurt every night and I think I fell asleep before my head hit the pillow!! I dont even think I came home at all until bed time sunday....
But let me just say this, I loved every minute of it. I have recieved so much blessings this week its unreal.
So let me share my story of blessings.
My week started off slow with normal day to day duties and crazy kids who mean the world to me but take every ounce of energy I have out of me. Tuesday was so refreshing being outside in the beautiful sunshine and cool breeze. There is absolutely something therapuetic about fall coming and being able to be outside without sweating! Thank you God for changing of the seasons!But along with changing of the seasons comes aweful allergies. My throat was so sore wednesday from either the refreshing time outside the day before or the cold ive been fighting for 2 weeks...I worked through it though. I hate missing church on wednesday nights but I couldnt stand the thought of giving any potentially contagious cough to those precious kiddos. Thursday, oh dreadful Thursday! Usually Thursday is a great day. Im usually so refreshed from church the night before. But as you read, I didnt go. And, yes, I felt it. I was so stressed all day thursday! I had a million things to get done before dannys surprise bday party and nothing was going right. The worst part about thursday was parent teacher conference. Any of you who know my daughter know that she struggles with school. Bless her heart. Im not going to get into detail but all I ask is that you pray for her. Friday comes along and im now sleepy, stressed, and excited. My husband turns 30!!! All in all his bday party turned out a success. Friday became a great day. Saturday as I was at work thinking about what I was going to feed everyone that was going to be at my house when I got off work for the football game, I prayed. We needed groceries in the house...which I neglected to get the week before. No time to go grocery shopping....and to be honest the bday party kind of put a damper on the grocery fund. I called dannys grandmother to see if she had a few of the ingredients that I needed for supper. She said "Sure come on over". I got off work and drove to her house expecting to get the few cans of vegetalbes that I needed. I walked in the door to a table completely covered in groceries!!!! I couldnt have thanked her enough. Only if she knew how much we needed that. But God did. He knew what our need was. He chose to bless me with a giving grandmother. Wow. Praise him. After that experience my night just went wonderful. One of these days I will learn to stop stressing and know and believe that God makes all things Good. Sunday was amazing at church! Wedding was stressfull for some but I didnt let that damper my happiness. I picked up my friend to go see our friends baby that was born in Jackson. Its an hour drive so we had plenty of time to chit chat. She began to tell me about her husband who is struggling with religion. I told her not to worry that God was working on him. I began to talk to her about how I became to know christ. How I actually had to put it through my head that hes not some story book character. How he holds this whole world in his hands and nothing is too big for him. He is God and wants to be recognized as the one and only God. He is merciful, giving, forgiving, amazing, trustworthy, and true. He is Love. He invented Love. He gives love without recieving love. He is the perfect definition of Love. He loves unconditionally. I told her to pray for him. I believe I had about a hour serman with her!! But she is a great listner. God put those words in my mouth because for some reason that im not aware of...she needed to hear them. That was a blessing!
Im sorry it took so long to get to my blessings story but I just had to set the mood. I hope you enjoy!
Friday, September 7, 2012
Fundraising/fair/sickness/God
This past Saturday our church set a booth up at the Adamsville Music Fest. Even though I was only able to be there a short time, we had a blast!!! The rain even held off a little :). I've added some pics of us at the music Fest!
Next our church youth is in full fundraising mode! We have these super cute girlie girl tshirts for sale from sizes youth small-youth large and they are 15.00 dollars Each! Support a good cause and help our youth!
The church decided that it was a good idea to spend Wednesday night at the fair with the church youth. We got it all set up and big thanks to Masonic lodge for getting 30 meals ready for us!!! We ate and enjoyed fellowship. The kids were even able to ride a few rides before the storm came!!! Lol! It always rains when we plan something!
So Now that it's storming we all meet up at the exhibit building. As we gather everyone and decide its best to he's home, the bottom drops! Yep! It's pouring!!!!! So I gather my little family together +Alaina and make a mad dash for the vehicle! We got soaked!!! Which leads to my next subject: sickness.
The very next day I am sick :( its aweful! My body hurts, my nose is running, fever, sweats... You name it I got it! Thanks to my wonderful boss I got to spend the Rest of afternoon in bed. And I must say my husband really stepped up to the plate taking care of kids and supper! He kinda got a little irritated bc he was doing a lot of my Thursday afternoon running. I just smiled and said "welcome to my world"!!! Go go go! But he handled it all do well! Bless him! So today I get up and go to work... Go to dr. Got a shot and bunch of meds! I am currently cuddled up in bed in this empty house because girls are at girlscouts sleepover and Caleb is with my most wonderful mother jn law!!!
I've been overwhelmed with prayers for my health. Thank you to all of you! I know they are working! Praises to God!!!!
Just to let y'all know I'm feeling somewhat better and I know that I'm climbing out of this valley!!!
Next our church youth is in full fundraising mode! We have these super cute girlie girl tshirts for sale from sizes youth small-youth large and they are 15.00 dollars Each! Support a good cause and help our youth!
The church decided that it was a good idea to spend Wednesday night at the fair with the church youth. We got it all set up and big thanks to Masonic lodge for getting 30 meals ready for us!!! We ate and enjoyed fellowship. The kids were even able to ride a few rides before the storm came!!! Lol! It always rains when we plan something!
So Now that it's storming we all meet up at the exhibit building. As we gather everyone and decide its best to he's home, the bottom drops! Yep! It's pouring!!!!! So I gather my little family together +Alaina and make a mad dash for the vehicle! We got soaked!!! Which leads to my next subject: sickness.
The very next day I am sick :( its aweful! My body hurts, my nose is running, fever, sweats... You name it I got it! Thanks to my wonderful boss I got to spend the Rest of afternoon in bed. And I must say my husband really stepped up to the plate taking care of kids and supper! He kinda got a little irritated bc he was doing a lot of my Thursday afternoon running. I just smiled and said "welcome to my world"!!! Go go go! But he handled it all do well! Bless him! So today I get up and go to work... Go to dr. Got a shot and bunch of meds! I am currently cuddled up in bed in this empty house because girls are at girlscouts sleepover and Caleb is with my most wonderful mother jn law!!!
I've been overwhelmed with prayers for my health. Thank you to all of you! I know they are working! Praises to God!!!!
Just to let y'all know I'm feeling somewhat better and I know that I'm climbing out of this valley!!!
Monday, September 3, 2012
football and glitter
Let me just start my post off by saying GO VOLS!!! So proud to be a Vols fan and I am loving some Cordorrelle Patterson
Next let me tell you about my nail polish revelation.
So its roughly around 9pm and the kids are in bed. I decide that I need some pampering so I decide to give myselp a mani/pedi. In the middle of painting my nails with some glittery polish the thought just popped in my head. Hear I am, in the new. I had scrubbed off all the ugly polish and loving the sparkle of my new polish. Oh how it shines and makes me feel so good! And that is exactly what Jesus does when he washes away our sins and makes us clean again. wow! Who knew painting your nails could be so spiritual??? lol. He will take away all of the unclean/unpretty things about us and leave us clean, shinning, sparkling with hope and faith in him. God is Good.
Next let me tell you about my nail polish revelation.
So its roughly around 9pm and the kids are in bed. I decide that I need some pampering so I decide to give myselp a mani/pedi. In the middle of painting my nails with some glittery polish the thought just popped in my head. Hear I am, in the new. I had scrubbed off all the ugly polish and loving the sparkle of my new polish. Oh how it shines and makes me feel so good! And that is exactly what Jesus does when he washes away our sins and makes us clean again. wow! Who knew painting your nails could be so spiritual??? lol. He will take away all of the unclean/unpretty things about us and leave us clean, shinning, sparkling with hope and faith in him. God is Good.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
my sunday :)
I laid in bed this morning struggling to get out of it. I wanted so bad to just lay there for the rest of the day. But then I thought to myself, Samantha today is the day the Lord has made. Today is a holy day. Today is the day you get the opportunity to worship the Lord in his house. I am always striving to do what God wants me to do....so I roll out of bed (literally) and begin to get everyone fed and ready for church. As I was getting ready, I realized that I had two girls that needed their hair fixed. I rushed them in the bathroom starting fixing their hair and my two year old son decides to get into everything on the bathroom counter. My 9 year old decides to try to be helpful and starts taking everything away from him. Whoa!!! You would have thought someone was pulling the teeth out of his head! He was just screaming so obnoxiously. After a few minutes of all the screaming I start to get major stressed. I have approximately 30 minutes to finish getting myself ready, get the girls ready, get caleb ready, get his bag ready, and get everyone loaded up in the car. Sunday mornings are so stressful! Why are Sunday mornings so much more stressful than any other morning? My theory: The devil. He will try every thing to get us to just give up and stay away from the Lord. So through the temper tamtrums and all the dressing up in a hurry I just slapped that devil in the face and put a smile on my face as I rolled into the parking lot of church..On Time!!!!! No hes not gonna win in this house! God must have smiled down on us today and rewarded us with a wonderful sermon. After a refreshing morning in church, I spent the afternoon with my mother. I love sunday afternoons spent at her house. Kids enjoy it as well. We ate lunch, played outside, cut calebs hair, cut kaylas hair, and the dogs hair! As five o clock was approaching, that exact same stress came tumblind down on me. We had around 30 minutes to get cleaned up and out the door on the way for afternoon service. Caleb decided that he would much rather stay and play...so that was a fight. Kayla didnt want her visitation with her daddy to end. She was upset. Bless her heart. Then she didnt have flip flops like hailie was wearing because all she had was her high heels she wore to church earlier. That upset her just a little. Hailie was on top of her game so that was helpful.. 10 minutes until church time and were finally making it out the door. All the time caleb screaming for his dinosaur he left in the house. I couldnt give in. I had to just get in that car and go! It would have been so easy just to stay and relax the rest of the afternoon. But again God rewarded us with another great sermon! He is such a rewarding God. You reap what you sow.
So if your mornings are like mine...put a smile on that face, push that devil to the side, and enjoy what God has given you.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.
So if your mornings are like mine...put a smile on that face, push that devil to the side, and enjoy what God has given you.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
life, death, and faith
Ecclesiastes 3 1:22
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; ...
I was recently informed that a dear friend of mine passed away. So many have passed away in this last month. My heart hurts for the families as they grieve. My heart hurts because this is such sad news. As I have a slide show of pictures going through my head of all the great memories my friend and I have had, I cant help but feel a tug at my heart and a comforting feeling all at the same time. I know that he is gone, I cannot change that. But I am so comforted by the fact that I had the pleasure of knowing him and having such great memories. Boo was such a great friend when i was in high school. He was always so kind and so full of energy. I never seen him without a smile on his face. Highschool went by...I married....he married and we both had kids and we just lost touch. Now i wish that I had taken the time out of my busy schedule to say "Hi". My heart hurts for his wife, his children, and his mother. I cannot imagine losing my husband, father, or child. Their lives were turned upside down in the matter of minutes. I never want to say that "i wish i would have" anymore. My children will know that I love them every second of the day. My parents will know that i love them every day! My husband will know that he is the love of my life every single moment. My friends will know how much I love them and appreciate them. I will not take this life for granted. My God will know that I serve him with a steadfast heart!
Thessalonians 4:13-17
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
Amen, to those verses. I know that I will be reunited again with all of my lost loved ones. I have hope that comes from my Lord. He is my comforter. He will lighten my heavy heart.
Phillipians 1:3
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; ...
I was recently informed that a dear friend of mine passed away. So many have passed away in this last month. My heart hurts for the families as they grieve. My heart hurts because this is such sad news. As I have a slide show of pictures going through my head of all the great memories my friend and I have had, I cant help but feel a tug at my heart and a comforting feeling all at the same time. I know that he is gone, I cannot change that. But I am so comforted by the fact that I had the pleasure of knowing him and having such great memories. Boo was such a great friend when i was in high school. He was always so kind and so full of energy. I never seen him without a smile on his face. Highschool went by...I married....he married and we both had kids and we just lost touch. Now i wish that I had taken the time out of my busy schedule to say "Hi". My heart hurts for his wife, his children, and his mother. I cannot imagine losing my husband, father, or child. Their lives were turned upside down in the matter of minutes. I never want to say that "i wish i would have" anymore. My children will know that I love them every second of the day. My parents will know that i love them every day! My husband will know that he is the love of my life every single moment. My friends will know how much I love them and appreciate them. I will not take this life for granted. My God will know that I serve him with a steadfast heart!
Thessalonians 4:13-17
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
Amen, to those verses. I know that I will be reunited again with all of my lost loved ones. I have hope that comes from my Lord. He is my comforter. He will lighten my heavy heart.
Phillipians 1:3
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Being the salt and light
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
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My instructions from God. I remember the song I learned when I was a child "this little light of mine". At that time i thought the importance of that song was waving my finger in the air pretending it was a candle.... Oh how I was so wrong. "This little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine". Now I see it so differently. God called me to my salvation so that I can follow his word and show other people the amazing life of a child reborn of God. The song goes on to say: "not gonna let Satan blow it out I'm gonna let it shine"... Wow! Amen to kids songs!!! The book of Matthew tells us "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." This is a simple instruction! Do not hide your love for God, let it shine bright! Shine so all of mankind can see the glow from miles away. Do not pass up a chance to do something good for someone or something.... Show them how gracious our father is through these works so that they will believe and follow God. Or maybe just be an inspiration to someone. My goal is to be the salt and the light!
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
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My instructions from God. I remember the song I learned when I was a child "this little light of mine". At that time i thought the importance of that song was waving my finger in the air pretending it was a candle.... Oh how I was so wrong. "This little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine". Now I see it so differently. God called me to my salvation so that I can follow his word and show other people the amazing life of a child reborn of God. The song goes on to say: "not gonna let Satan blow it out I'm gonna let it shine"... Wow! Amen to kids songs!!! The book of Matthew tells us "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." This is a simple instruction! Do not hide your love for God, let it shine bright! Shine so all of mankind can see the glow from miles away. Do not pass up a chance to do something good for someone or something.... Show them how gracious our father is through these works so that they will believe and follow God. Or maybe just be an inspiration to someone. My goal is to be the salt and the light!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
what im loving today
HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY CAITLIN!!!!!!!
BABY SHOWER FOOD!!!! :)))))
MY FRIENDS AT JACKIES BABY SHOWER
MS. JAYLEE GRACE OSTEEN
THE MEN IN MY LIFE
MY CHURCH!!!!!!!!!!!!
fighting my demons
Did I just say the unforbidden word? Yes, yes I did. You did read that right I said "fighting my demons". Even a christian woman like me has demons in her life. Now I am not talking about those possessive horror film demons, I am simply talking about those things that come between me and my father in Heaven. Even though my last post was full of spiritual upliftings and blessings in my life I still fight these demons everyday. First demon, anger. So many times I let anger come over me and without stopping to pray for peace I am quick to respond to this anger. .... feeding that demon....putting fuel on that fire. I must learn to stop, step back, talk to God, and learn how to deal with the problem without jumping to rage. Second demon, misplaced priorities. I have put my foot down...{Loud Stomp}!!!! MY GOD WILL COME FIRST OVER EVERYTHING. He did not put me second while he was on that cross. Serving God and doing what he wants me to do will come first in my life over everything. I know in the future this will be a problem for some to understand.. but they will learn to expect this out of me. Third demon, judgement. Yes, I know what the bible says. Judge not lest ye be judged. I can say all day long that I am not judging but __________ insert whatever im about to judge them on. But if I look at the big picture, I am doing just that. Lord help me fight that demon. And my last one is control. I feel like I must be in control of every aspect of my life. If a problem arises I often do not first turn to God but instead I look for a way to fix it myself. I must learn that God is the ultimate fixer upper. I must lay every problem big or little at the feet of Jesus. Are you fighting any demons tonight?
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Even though I fight these demons I know that I can turn to God and he will fight that battle for me. Praise him!
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Even though I fight these demons I know that I can turn to God and he will fight that battle for me. Praise him!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
My daily....
Schools started back. Thats a good thing, right? Maybe it is for some, but for a mother of 3 school starting back begins with high stress, no money, and early awakenings. Stress from the mountaning cost of school supplies (and we will not even touch on school clothes). The cost of school supplies and clothes is the reason my bank account is so thin.. Its not just the kids who enjoy summer break, I do too. I enjoyed not having to get up as early. And, yes, that whole extra 30 minutes makes a huge difference for me. Let me just say that the first day of school and the week after have been a major success. Both girls love their teachers and seem to be doing pretty well adjusting to the upper grade. Kids were on time!!!! Yay, Go me! I should get brownie points for that one :) Now here comes more to add to the stress: Extra Curricular Activities. And, yes, that is an option. But for me, I feel like the more involved my kiddos are in activities they will be less likely to become couch potatoes!!!! So Girlscouts here we come! So by now I am running, running, running, helping with homework, cook, clean, bathtimes, and bedtimes. Did I mention I maintain a 40 hour job also. And in between getting the kids off to school and work and homework I also have a two year old who needs my undevided attention at all times. We have recently took custody of another child so now my life is a whirlwind of beginnings and new emotions. Beyond this crazy new beggining I have also started a new beginning spiritually. I truly want to be everything God wants me to be. I want to let go and let God be in control of every aspect of my life. This is hard to do because I have major control issues. I have the need for everything to be planned out and non-sparatic. So pray for me on that matter. I want to be what a christian woman is supposed to be. Last night I attended a revival at Solitude. It was the best most up lifting revival I have ever attended. God spoke through our preacher directly to me. As Pastor Marcus was preaching about falling in love with our fist love again it hit me...I have allowed so many things come in between me and my savior. God has blessed me beyond means. He is always there for me and never fails me. He is always there no matter if im not. He started to talk about the prodigal son and how he left his father and returned home and his father never shunned him away but took him back with arms wide open. Thats what our saviour does for us...We fall away, but hes always there to accept us back in his arms. Praise you Lord. In conclusion, I will continually praise my God for all the reasons I am stressed. There will always be school cost and craziness in this world. But I have three beautiful children to raise and for that I am blessed.
Luke 15:24
24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
New Beginnings
This blog is being re-started because I feel the need to share that the road to being a true christian is not always easy. There are bumps in the road. There are skint knees, Boo Boos, and meltdowns. There will be changes. Out with the old and in with the new. Cheers to new beginnings. My daughter, Hailie, started fourth grade last week. Man where has the time went? She is so beautiful and smart. She never ceases to amaze me. My son, Caleb, is growing up way too fast. I just want to keep him small forever. With each passing day he learns new words and new sentences! Just recently we took over custody of a six year old beautiful little girl named Kayla. She has been a blessing to us. I knew that getting custody of her is exactly what God wanted me to do. Life is grand right now. I am a sunday school teacher and a wednesday night youth teacher! I love my youth kiddos with all my heart and I love to watch them learn! All my Praises are to my father in heaven.
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