Family picture time!

Baby birds nest

Jocelyn on Gran's swing, and Brady in toy car. Cousins age 3

Mom & me Easter 09'

Have you seen Him!

Howdy Bloggers:

I cannot believe it has been 2 weeks since I posted concert pics. The concert was wonderful! Stephen Curtis Champan is such a blessing, and God has just upheld him and given him and his family such grace. They are building a orphanage for children with Special Needs in China in memory of their daughter Maria. Michael W. Smith led an amazing second half with worship. When we sang healing Rain mom & I were just beaming as we thought about God sent sent his healing rain upon her. He also talked about God being the Father you've looked for all your life, which is something I've never heard him talk about before. He reminded us how God is our Abba Father, as he talked I must have prayed that whole time, as I just longed for the reality to permeate my soul. Don't get my wrong, I know lots of children grow up without dad's in there every day lives. It isn't the end of the world, especially when you have an amazing mom like mine. But at times there is a real desire for the void to be filled. It touched me so much to know God desires to fill the longing in my soul! It was great to see MWS again. I find myself amazed at his love for the Lord, and thinking if only I could live solid out for Christ like you. I know he has his failures, but He knows who he is in Christ, and He knows how to be a servant. I left that concert feeling blessed, excited, humbled, free, and yet wanting to have the fullness I see in him through Jesus!

Easter was good. I recently read the story of Thomas, and how he doubted Jesus had risen and appeared. I often think my name should have been doubting T.J., because I doubt almost anything, even my own words and motives. Jesus could have rebuked Thomas, but instead Jesus met him where he was! He deemed Thomas valuable enough to dwell among him. Once Thomas personally encountered Jesus that was enough. Jesus called him, and he answered! Jesus declared that Thomas believed, because he had seen, but blessed were those who believed though they had not seen. My paraphrase, sorry I would write out the verses, but my caregiver will be here soon. The thing is we must change the way we think of seeing when it comes to Jesus. God wants us to have a personal encounter, but that might include seeing him not with physical eyes, but through the eyes of faith! So, I guess there is one question left. Have you "seen" Jesus lately?

A piece of heaven on earth!

Stephen Curtis Chapman

What a testimony of God's grace, this man contiues to be!

His guitar...

MWS & SCC &???

What a night it was!

Michael W. Smith & me!!!!

Smitty's big intro!

My friend Jennifer N., and me before concert! I'll post more details later!

Tonight is the night! + friend marthon and more!

Hi Blogger Pals:



In a few hours I will be at the Michael W. Smith & Stephen Curtis Chapman concert. I am very excited! The meet & Greet will be at 6:15 followed by the concert at 7:00. This is my 6th major Michael W. Smith concert! I'll post an update about the evening soon! I hope the weather won't be too bad here, dangerous weather is being predicted for tonight, last I heard.



You may have seen my quote on my blog that says "The best way to change the world is to begin with those closest to you." My great Michelle is running in the music city Marathon to help fund research for rare types of cancer. We both have had loved ones who have either passed away from cancer, or have battled it. I bet you have too. Would you consider going to her blog, and help her by donating to her efforts??? Michelle is a goodly woman, and I know you will love her blog. http://mygingerbreadfam.blogspot.com/ If you can't find it let me know. Thank you so much for any help you might be able to offer.



We don't like to think about our sin, but I am discovering that when I sin it grieves God's heart. That brings to light a new of looking at sin doesn't it? It isn't just about removing our guilt, or avoiding punishment, it is about not wanting to hurt or grief the very heart of the Living God! When we confess and repent by God's power, we not only free ourselves. but we honor God! I admit I don't grieve over how my sin and how it grieves God, the way I need too. We have all mourned over changes or lost loved ones, but I wonder if we remember the last time we mourned over our sin. Don't misunderstand because of Jesus, we don't need to mourn over sin to the point that we overlook the victory that is ours, but we need to remember that our victory cost Jesus his life, and it cost the Father his Son! Sin hinders our prayers. Ps. 66:18 www.Biblegateway.com If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;

Just something I'm thinking about. I'll check your blogs soon! Thank you for reading!

Under the weather....Thankful still!

Hi Bloggers:

Hope you are well. Thank you for leaving messages for my friend Jenn! For those of you who don't know she is a "mesenger" in Nepal. I admit I have not feeling well since last week. I am just worn out and can't seem to rest enough, and have a sore throat and stuffy head. I just wanted post and say I've not forgotten about you all. God is showing how to be thankful in all things! I am thankful that my Bible Study group prayed for me at church, even though I did not ask. I'm thankful for time spent with my amazing mom. I'm thankful for a good AAA prayer meeting this past Tue. I"m thankful Easter is near! I'm thankful you read my blog even though my writing has not been the best lately. My question to you tonight is: What is a new or recent blessing you are really thankful for?

In Honor of a special person in my life!

Happy Birthday Jenn! I am so glad God made you! I love you! I know today is your birthday in Nepal, and tomorrow in America. I hate I cannot talk to you. I consider myself blessed that someone as wonderful as you would call me a friend! I love you and consider it an honor to call you my friend. I love you!

Now, bloggers I want to encourage you that if you have a special friend like I do, never take it for granted! It is a gift from God! Above are pics from the last time she was home!

No telling what!

Hi Blogger friends:

Boy I've missed blogging! The ladies day was wonderful I wish I could post a video for you all, but one I don't have one and two I would not begin to know how. God taught more through preparing for the event than anyone could have ever learned from me. The theme verse for the day was Isa. 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." It was healing for me to talk about my struggle to finding peace, and God's faithfulness to provide me with his peace. The Lord gave me 5 keys to funding peace. These are:
1st Key We must enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, in order to have peace with God. John 3:18, Romans 10:9, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23.
2nd Key to peace---Acknowledge that Christ is the only true source of peace. Isa. 9:6 John 14:27.
3rd Key to peace... Surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Col. 3:15. Something the Lord showed me that every step we take toward total surrender, brings us one step closer to God's perfect peace
4th Key Abide in Christ and develop an honest prayer life. John 15, Ps. 51.
5th Key Get rid of envy and bitterness. Eph. 4:31 So in case you wanted a bit of a recap here it is.

Anyway I was very humbled by the response of the ladies at my church. I'm currently doing a bible study called pray in faith. As you reflect on your journey with the Lord, do you find that you learn more about God's nature through your trials?
The title is because there is a lot I'd like to post, but wasn't sure what would end up being posted. It's good to read your blogs again. My mom did amazing on her testimony. Macy had surgery today. We just love her! She hopefully will recover very soon as it is routine. Thanks for reading!

Bloggers I am home lol! Thank you all!

This Blogger is back in action!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for all your prayers and encouraging thoughts as I prepared for the ladies day at my church! God poured his blessings out like you would not imagine! I am still in awe, what a trying and yet rewarding process this has been!!!!!!!!!!!
I can hardly wait to share with you. For now though I just came to say thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! To those who read my blogs even as inconsistent as the time frame is! I thank you. I thank the Lord that he can bring the body of Christ together even through blogging!

Don't leave me.... Check back after March 7th.

Hey Gang,

I aplologize for not posting. My life is just crazy right now, but I really will try to post regulary beginning in April. Check back after March 7th, and I hope to have posted. Miss you all! P.S. If you are handing out prayers I'd love to have some for my family & I lol. I have not forgetton about you all, and look forward to a time when I can read and respond to your posts!

And... the Award Goes to!

Here is the discription of the award guideline and to pass it on.... "The citation" reads: These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prize or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!.There is an instruction that comes with this award. Deliver this award to 8 bloggers who must choose 8 more. Include this text in the body of the blog.

My blogger award was given to me by Dee and Washer Mom Val. I thank you both! I am giving this award to:

1.Jenn- You can enter here blog by going to www.reachingsouthasia.com and clicking on read my journals.

2. Michelle www.mygingerbreadfam.blogspot.com

3. Beth, sorry I am not sure of her address. but her blog is wonderful, and can click on her blog, on my followers.

4.Kat If you read the comments on my celebrating true love you can find her address, because I could not get the addy to turn to a hyperlink.

5. Glenda You can find her if you read my blog followers.

6. I believe I need to regive this to Dee and Val. Again thet can be found on the list of blogs I follow and follow me.

7. fireproof blog.

Sorry guys mom needs me so I have to go for now.

Celebrate True Love!

Hi Gang,



It's Friday! Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I wonder if there those out there who dread Valentine's day??? I know in the past I have, but today my best friend Jenn sent me the sweetest v-day card, and it just made my day! Do you know that you have something grand to celebrate, not just on Valentine's Day, but every day? Do you know that there is someone who loves you more than life itself? If you are like me you may forget. Close your eyes, and ask God to remind you, how deeply you are loved! Do you see it? Can you feel it? I see a baby in a manger, and a blood stained cross, and I see the stone rolled away! Christ has made us objects of his love, says Angela Thomas in her Bible Study Wallflowers Dance. Romans: 5:8 is such a special verse to me as God used it to minster to me 2 years ago on Father Day. "But God Demonstrates his own loves for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Think about it, God proved his love for you and me, by offering his Beloved Son Jesus! God's love is so great and so wide that nothing and no one can take it away from those the love he has offered to those who follow him. I don't know about you but I believe that is a love worth celebrating! It's worth talking about singing about, and telling others about! He proved he loves you with his very life, and we can celebrate that daily, not just on Valentine's Day! It is a love that does die or wilt over time! Catch you all soon. Thanks for your prayers!

Struggling Blogger, but greatly humbled!

I am humbled to know that my friend Dee has given me a blog award. Wow!Here is the discription of the award guideline and to pass it on.... "The citation" reads: These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prize or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!.There is an instruction that comes with this award. Deliver this award to 8 bloggers who must choose 8 more. Include this text in the body of the blog. I can't seem to get the image to post. Thank you Dee you are indeed so thoughtful, and I will pass the award on as soon I can figure out how! I cannot thank you all enough for reading my blog. I think I must be under spiritual attack right now or something, because I don't seem to have any wisdom right now. I am a bit overloaded right now. I have miles of lists of prayer requests, and it seems little motvation. I am suppose to speak in one month from today, and "feel" more unspiritual than I can recall. Yet, I know God will do something. I am sorry that I have failed you tonight my fellow bloggers. There are many things I could write tonight, but my mind is too scattered to write anything sound. Next time I post hopefully I can encourage you all. I thank you for your understanding as I seek to turn my eyes to the Lord, as I wrestle with my own failings. Thank you all for your comments. There a lot going on here right, but I'll reply soon, Lord willing! Thanks again Dee what a blessing you are!

Taste buds?

Hi Blogger pals,





Hope you having a great Sunday! Thank you for your uplifting comments. Here is the thing, I love food. I know that is a pretty random way to begin a post, but stick with me. I know we all in a sense love food because we never want to be hungry, but God created us each with a diffrent sense of taste. For example, I love Mexican food sea food, and I have a massive sweet tooth. I however hate most foods with slimy textures, like watermelon. Sorry to all who love watermelon. In Psalm 34: verse 8 says "Taste and see the Lord is good! If we have been brought from death to life, then we have seen and tasted the goodness of the Lord. Like our taste buds we may see God's goodness in many different ways, but we have been blessed by His goodness!!!
I started writing this post last night, but didn't get to finish. I have so much richness to share with you blogger friends, but I must wait... I'll try to catch up on your posts soon! Thanks for being so paitent with me. Hope to post soon! Blessings!

Just a quickie Friday post!

Hi,

By the time I finished reading and posting on other folks blogs, it has left me with only 7 minutes to post on my own blog, before my caregiver arrives to help me get in bed. I'll post a real post, hopefully, before the weekend is out Lord willing as my friend Dee often writes on her blog. Have a great weekend Bloggers!

Everything stops for one!

Hi bloggers:

Hope this post finds you doing well, and that you haven't given up on me. I haven't talked to you guys much about my volunteering with Chattanooga's local pregnancy Center AAA Women's Services. http://www.aaawomen.org/ Last week was Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, or SOHLS, and so I was busy trying to get things done for Baby Bottle Blessings which is a campaign to raise money for local Pregnancy Centers through churches and other support. Our Mission, in obedience to Christ, is to provide Life Affirming Alternatives to unplanned pregnancies. If you would like to know more about AAA's Services just ask, or to find your local pregnancy Center, you can vist http://www.optionline.org/ I hope you will find out how you can help. Thank you! The Bible tells us that God knows us before we are even born. (See Jer. 1:5 Ps. 139-13-17 God knows the very number of hairs on each one of us. He took the time to make of us in the womb, to make us each special and one of a kind creation. He wanted each one of us, and his heart delights in each life personally. Is that as overwhelming for you, as it is for me?
Today I read Mark 10:46-52 http://www.bibleresources.org/ They came to Jericho. ) And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting by the road. ) 47 When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, ) he began to cry out, "Son of David, ) Jesus, have mercy on me!" ) 48 Many people told him to keep quiet, but he was crying out all the more, "Have mercy on me, ) Son of David!"
49 Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."
So they called the blind man and said to him, "Have courage! Get up; He's calling for you." 50 He threw off his coat, () jumped up, and came to Jesus.
51 Then Jesus answered him, "What do you want Me to do for you?"
"Rabbouni," the blind man told Him, "I want to see!"
52 "Go your way," Jesus told him. "Your faith has healed you." Immediately he could see and began to follow Him on the road. It warms my heart to think of Jesus stopped and take time for this one man. He could have made excuses or given many justifiable reasons for passing this man by, but he did not. He stopped! In our culture, we don't stop much, Jesus was not doubt busy, but he was not too busy to invest in the life of one who requested his help. The man asked Jesus to have mercy him, and then he shared his heart's desire for that mercy, to be reflected in his having physical sight. Jesus honored the man's request, because he had enough faith to ask for Jesus for mercy, even when onlookers deemed him and his need as unimportant to Jesus. Our lives and our needs are important to Jesus. He will stop when others pass you by. When he stops on our behalf, our response ought to be following him wherever he leads. Jesus is not too busy to care about us! He is not too busy to care about you! Am I, are we too busy to stop and invest in the life of someone the way Jesus did? Are we too busy to follow Jesus?

I've really missed posting, and reading your blogs. I am thankful you are still faithful to read. Please pray for me, the Lord has directed me to lead Women's Day @ my church, on March 7th, but he hasn't given me his message to share yet. -T.J.

By Rick Warren!

First, sorry I don't have long.... I am headed out I just wanted to post this email I got by Rick Warren! Dee I'm glad you are getting to know Jenn! She's my best friend post to her here any time! Jenn I love you... Thank you for the ecard and e-mail!

By: Rick Warren Summary of PDL:

(REMEMBER HE WROTE "PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE")
You will enjoy the new insights that Rick Warren has, with his wife now having cancer and him having "wealth" from the book sales. This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren,In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said:People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were not made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body but not the end of me.I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.We were mad e by G od and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.Life is a series of probl ems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort.God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.This past yea r has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and some thing b ad in your life.No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems.If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness,"which is my problem, my issues, my pain." But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her.It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to H im and to people.You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life.Actually, sometimes learni ng to de al with the good is harder. For instanc e, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy.It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases.Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poo r, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 yea rs sin ce I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity?Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me20on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do.That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.Painful moments, TRUST GOD.Every moment, THANK GOD.

short but sweet!

Hi Bloggers:

Sorry I haven't been good about blogging lately. I've have had some blogger block. Some sickness so I've been away. I wish I had something really Spiritual to write. I hate to blog when I have no direction or clear pattern to my post. I do want to share some great news though. My Mom is begining 2009 Cancer free!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Will you rejoice with me?! Thank you for your prayers for with God all things are possible!

Photos of our Christmas!

Brother's new puppy... Christmas eve present!

Me Christmas Eve!

Jocelyn's mom holding Macee

Brady's mom & Dad playing the New Wii. Brady's mon about 5 months pregnant. This is what a real mariage is made of. (see above)

My mom & Macee

My brother and his brand new puppy he got Christmas Eve! Her name is Macee

Above 3 yr. old cousin Jocelyn playing on my Aunt's porch.

My two year old cousin Brady Above. Below his dad is hooking up his new Wii(the dad's new Wii and my grandmother "Mumzie" is in the picture too.

This was Christmas day at my Aunt's in the afternoon before our meal.

Merry Big Picture Christmas!

Merry Christmas Bloggers!!!!!!!!!

Hope you guys have a terrific time as you celebrate the Birthday of your Savior!! I recomend to you if you have a chance to read the book The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren I think it will greatly enrich the way you celebrate this season. Also, Casting Crowns has a wonderful new Christmas album called "Peace On Earth."

Do you wonder what it would be like to celebrate Christmas year round? No, hear me out, I don't mean buying Christmas presents every day, we would all be without a penny in our wallet. Nor do I mean we should keep stockings on the mantle or eat food that make our sides pop out. I'm not talking about keeping age old traditions all year long. What I'm writing about is a big picture Christmas! I love this time of year, but I'm learning that celebrating the Savior is not really a season of the year, but for those of us who are redeemed by Christ, our big picture Christmas is ever lasting. I know this idea has occurred to others, but I admit that it has really hit me this year. For some, Christmas is only something that gives warm and fuzzes in December, but as Christians the hope of Christmas is Christ, and that hope is ours forever! We can have a big picture Christmas. There are so many lessons provided for us in the Biblical account of Christmas that I can never seem to just focus on one part of it. I am glad our hope does not end with Jesus in a manger or even Jesus on a cross, I rejoice that the tomb is empty, and the reality of Christmas is forever! http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Matthew+1&version1=49 16Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, (I)who is called the Messiah.
17So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the (J)deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the (K)deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.
Conception and Birth of Jesus
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His (L)mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was (M)found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.
19And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned [c](N)to send her away secretly.
20But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "(O)Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been [d]conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21"She will bear a Son; and (P)you shall call His name Jesus, for He (Q)will save His people from their sins."
22Now all this took place to fulfill what was (R)spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23"(S)BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH (T)CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "(U)GOD WITH US."
24And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife,
25[e]but kept her a virgin until she (V)gave birth to a Son; and (W)he called His name Jesus."MT. 1:16-25 God is with us! I wonder how many people in the world know that Jesus is the reason for not just for the season, but for All Hope?! Am I prepared to share that Jesus is the reason for the for the hope I have?

Just wondering what are some of your Christmas traditions? Do you find that they enrich or hinder you from focusing on Jesus? We are having 18+ people at our house tonight for dinner and gifts. I always try to remember that the presents I get, are a symbol of the greatest gift I already have! Merry Christmas!!

I love this one... Can you believe he can already roll over???

I think he has learned my "pouty Lip look I'm famous for!

Alex likes to play with his feet

Christmas with my good friend Michelle and my Buddy her4 month old son Alex(Munchkin) He kept giggling at me until we start taking pictures. His Mommy did his Nursery in gingerbread, so that is what I gave him for Christmas! Like my Butterfly christmas tree? Hope you enjoy the pics Jenn! Michelle and Alex send their love to you. Michelle is out of cell minutes, but she miss you and loves you!

Learning to say No to fear!

Hi Loyal Readers:

I hope this post finds you doing well. I only have a few minutes to post my caregiver will be here in a few minutes, but I wanted to tell you something God showed me today, that I need to rely upon his grace to learn. 365 times in the word of God, it says in one form or another "fear Not!" I read many verses that said this very thing. I am a very fearful person in general, in fact I have a history of panic attacks. I am finding that a lot of my fear if I am really stems from a lack of trust in God. Yes, my personality naturally makes me prone to fear, but often times my fear is a spiritual issue. God knew as limited human beings we would be prone to fear, but he also knew real confidence in him, is the primary key to freedom from fear! God is bigger than fear! Wow! People in Biblical times were told not to fear, and more times than not God's word was enough to encourage them to move beyond there fear! The Bible tells us the same thing, and his word is just as true now, as it was in the time of Joseph and Mary or King David and so many others. I don't believe God punishes us when are fearful, but I do believe fear uncontrolled can lead us to sin, in fact, I personally know it has caused me to sin. I am glad God is merciful as I fail so often to trust him in so many ways. What comfort in knowing that God's perfect love can cast out our fear!

More soon.... I am still contemplating the best way to do PDL entries.

Two weeks away!

Hello,

Thanks for your comments on my blog on my poem. I'm thankful if it blessed you! I have been rather dry on the writing front since then. I have missed you all though. I've been a little afraid to write in the last two weeks, because I've had some icky stuff inside me, and I didn't want that outlook to spill over in my posting. I've been a bit inward, and self foucused. I am hopefully back now, but have no clear vision of what to write about. I do wish to remind you and myself though, that if you are Christian, you've been given the greatest gift ever, God's Son!

My Mom's birthday is tomorrow. I cannot tell you how blessed I am to have her. I love her so much. I cannot believe how much I have taken her for granted over the years. Please contiue to pray for her, as she is still bouncing back to health. Her caringbridge page is: www.caringbridge.org/visitmadelineellis Thanks for stopping by, I'll try to have a more well thought out post next time. Thanks for sticking with me. To my best friend Jenn currently living in Southeast Asia, I love you girl!

I Must! Thanksgiving Part II

Please ask permission if you wish to use this in part or in whole. Thank you!



I Must
T.J. Ellis
November 27, 2008

I must tell of your marvelous beauty
I must sing of your greatness
I must praise your awesome name!
I must proclaim how wonderful you are!
I must declare that You are eternal
I must be a reflection of your mercy,
I must be a reminder of your grace
Your melody is stirring inside of me!
Your glory is so wide,
Your wisdom so high!
You have always been and you forever will be!
I must not remain silent about what an amazing Savior you are!
How can I express something I can never comprehend?
I must shout to the world I would give up without you!
It’s only because of you that I’m still here.
You have revived me so many times.
You have held me while I cried.
You have healed my scars
You have delivered me from the darkness within my heart
You have broken the chains of my self hatred and pride.
You have spared the one I love.
I must tell everyone I know
That you died on a cross
Now you are alive!
I must show them why you came
I must announce your wonders and love today!




© 2008

T'WAS the Night Before Thanksgiving! PartI

Happy Pre- Thankgiving:

I want to thank you all who prayed for me to feel better. Yesterday, was the first day I have felt well! Good timing since thanksgiving is just less than some hours away. I have decided on my own to go off my iron for a bit. I'll try getting back to it next week.

One of the things I do to prepare for Thanksgiving is make a list of things I am thankful to God for. I'd like to do that now, and share it with you, if you don't mind.
1. God unfailing love for me, and saving me from me sins.
2. My mom's healing from her cancer, and her ongoing recovery.
3. God's comfort and lessons during her illness.
4. My Brother
5. My Grandmother
6. New Friends and maintaining ongoing friendships.
7. My Cousins and family
8. Christian family
9. My work with AAA
10. Answer Prayers
11. Relationship with God
12. Relationship with Mom
13 My Church
14. My best friends
15 My Deliverance
16. That people read my writing.
17. Food of course.
18. Easter!!!!!
These are just a few: No matter what we name our blessings. we need to remember that each one comes DIRECTLY or indirectly from the hand of God. For Christians every day should involve some form of Thanksgiving, don't you think? Good thing we don't eat like that everyday right? Ha!

Meg Ryan Haircut and hot pink nails!

I am feeling icky from my iron pills, so I'm just posting pictures for now. Enjoy!

Abundant does not equal easy!

Hello Readers:

I hope you won't mind if I talk about my life a little. How ironic to begin this way when my last post was about how life is not about us lol. I plan still write about day 2 of PDL at some point, because it is such an encouragement!

I was reading in the book and It was about Romans 8:28 "For we know that all things work together for the good of those who love him, and are called according to His Purpose." We don't just feel that all things work together for our good, in fact we may not feel like things are working out at all, but that is when we begin to really know, believe and trust even when our emotions are saying otherwise. God never promised us easy lives. In fact, it is clear that as Christian Jesus tells us our lives will be many things, but easy is not one of them. It is hard for me to understand the difference between the words abundant and easy. Jesus did promise us abundant life, but never an easy one. See John 10:10 See John 16:33 and John Chapter 17. It is funny how our sinful ideas of the abundant life is so vastly different from his Holy ideal of life to the full It comes back to the fact that his thoughts are higher than ours, and his ways are greater than ours. Isa. 55:9. God never said everything that happens to us will be" good" He does say that everything that happens to us even the bad things he will and can use for our ultimate good! There are conditions to this promise. It only applies to authentic believers, who love God. Real Christians will love Jesus, not perfectly, but we will love him, sometimes sadly more than others times. Jesus said if we love him we will keep his commandments. My idea of abundant life is being married without CP, and maybe having children, and being an author and speaker, but God's idea of my abundant life is far better than my false ideal. His abundant for me is not always easy, or what I think I want, but his plan and purpose for me always is to mold and make us to be like Christ, and it is best! So what do you think is your ideal vision of your personal abundant life? How does your false ideal differ from God's real abundant life? Are these the same for you? Thanks for letting me share! I'm glad God's plans are to prosper us by his standards and not ours. I'll post a picture of my Meg Ryan Haircut soon! Thanks for reading. I'm going to eat my supper! I am so thankful for the wonderful church service today, and such an ecouraging yet convicting sermon!

PDL Day 1

Greetings Bloggers!

Remember me? Okay so maybe it has not been that long. Last post, I asked you to consider why you thought you were here on earth? I enjoyed hearing your responses, and was greatly encouraged by your heartfelt honesty. The point of such questions, was to show myself, and hopefully you too, that while many tasks are part of how we fulfill our purpose, our sole purpose is to bring glory to God. by our very existence. This is not because He needs us to give him anything, everything in all creation belongs to him! Ps. 24:1 He God chose us before creation to reflect his glory, of course not perfectly, because we are sinners, yet just by being here are earth God has made our lives a testament to His Greatness! Since we were created by God alone, we will never find purpose outside of our Purpose Giver! Those are my thoughts from Day 1 of The Purpose Driven Life By: Rick Warren.

Day 1 It All Starts with God Pg. 17-21
Major Theme:

Point to Ponder:It's not about you. "( Directly from page 21)

Verse for your reflection: Colossians 1:16

Quote to consider: "You were made by God and for God- and until you understand that, life will never make sense." The PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE BY: Rick Warren

Question to Consider:" In Spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God not myself?" Pg. 21 Rick Warren(TPDL)

More thoughts from just me: I don't think we as Christians would really say out loud that life is about us, but just because we don't say does not mean, we at times aren't believing it is true and behaving that way. For me personally I am often far to focused on my own level of inner contentment, instead of fulling God's agenda. Ouch that was harder to admit than I thought. So I'm interested in your thoughts, responses, etc. BTW day 2 comes next which is titled: "You Are Not an Accident" I think it is my favorite day in the book. Btw I got about 3 inches of my hair cut off, and added lots of blond highlights. The cut was patterned after Meg Ryan's hair cut in the movie "Hanging up"

Questions and more...

Hi folks:

I am going to ask you to bear with me, as once again I am doing something diffrent tonight that I was planning to do. Think about the following questions. You can post your answers if you want to share your answers with other bloggers, or you can keep your own personal journal.
1. Why are you here? (meaning on Earth) not my blog lol.
2. What is your purpose? Not just the sunday school answer, but what do you truly think your purpose is?
3 What is one thing that keeps you from living out your purpose? NOTE THESE QUESTIONS ARE NOT IN THE PDL BOOK THOUGH THE QUESTIONS ARE ADDRESSED THERE.

Don't feel bad if you don't know how to repond to these questions, this is just some things to think about.

Now, untill I come back chew on these. Also, bear with me as I have a lot I'm sorting through myself, so I'm not going to be able to blog everyday, but when I do blog, I will strive to make it worthwhile for readers! Thanks!

Side note: I've had migranes this week, and please remember my uncle in your prayers as he just found about some serious health problems. It has been a good week overall more on that later. Hope you all are well. Mom goes back to work next week. Thanks for your prayers for her.

Cheating on God

Hi Everyone,

I am excited by your responses to my recent blogs. What do you think of the music play list should I keep it or not? does it distract from reading my blogs? I want the main focus of this blog to be om the content, but I also want to point others to Jesus in whatever way possible! Thank you to all my new visitors for stopping by.

I probably won't be able to start posting lessons from PDL at least until Saturday for those of you wondering. The first concept is #1 It's Not about me... I know that the world around us tells us that it is about us, what we want, think, feel, but life did not begin with us. It began with God! Is it me or is that a hard concept to accept even as a Christian? Anyway I won't linger on that point I'll move on for now. Can I ask you something? Have you ever told God you would do something and failed to followed through? Maybe I'm in this alone here, but this is a struggle for me. I find myself telling God Lord if you will just do this for me, then I'll do XYZ or whatever it may be. This is a dangerous place to be. I never thought of myself as the type to make bargains with God, but I realized today I do. I'm trying to repent, but I admit it's a battle. The truth is God does NOT owe me anything. He didn't have to create me, love me, or bless me. Most of all, He sure didn't have to save me by sending Jesus his perfect son to die in my place, but, he did. when Joshua took over after Moses died, the people declared their willingness to follow God in everything, but we later learn that they lacked the follow through to do, what they said they would. I know God takes it seriously when I break my commitments to him. The harder question is: do I take it seriously when I break my commitments to him. A commitment is more than saying we will do something, and not doing it. In James it says, when we Know the right thing to do, and don't do it we are sinning. Ouch! I'm just glad Jesus has follow through aren't you? He followed through in coming to earth, He followed through by dying on the cross, and rising from the dead! He did it because he followed through because He is God, and God never lacks follow through! How can we better emulate nature in following through? I guess it can be summed up in an old song, I've decided to follow Jesus, but I must not only decide but follow through. , Otherwise, like a wife cheating on her husband, I'm cheating on God, by not obeying him and his LORDSHIP! Oh this is too hard, I need the Lord to grant me follow through, can you relate? Blessings!

October Sillyness!

Two adorable cousins.

Are they really grown men?

I am delayed in posting... I loaned my PDL book to a friend for a few days who needed it more than I do at the moment because of some recent Crises in her life. I am going to post some pictures for our fall gathering my Aunt and Uncle hosted last night.

I will aparently do almost anything for a cake dounut!

A Little of TPDL

Hello,

I guess I am in a writing mood this weekend. I would encourage you to read my Whoa Baby post to see pictures of Baby Alex before you read this one. I have begun doing the purpose driven life again for the second time. I got a lot from it the first time, not nearly as much I am now as I currently study it. If Christians could truly grab hold of the Biblical truths layed out in this book, then I can't begin to imagine how Christ Centered we might become! We might have to relearn this truths again and again, until they become a part of us, but what a wonderful thought that could happen if we did. If you have done The Purpose Driven Life By Rick Warren, and didn't get into it, maybe the timing was not right for the lessons, but please try again. My plan is to go slowly through this book, learning the concepts and Bible verses, not just reading them, but rereading them, I know it can be done in 40 days, but it takes me longer for things to make their way from my head to my soul. So, if you have this book and want to follow along with some of my upcoming posts, feel free so you can better understand the insights from my posts. I don't know how much book content I can actually post on the blog, because of copyright, but I'm sure you will still enjoy it, and get the basics ideas. I'm already on Day 7, but for the Blog I'll begin with Day 1. Warning the book uses many different Bible Translations. Some I enjoy more than others, but the message of the Gospel Remains the same. I'm not a big fan, of paraphrases in general, like The Message, so as much as I can, I'll avoid those. We will see how it works. It may not be an every day posting, but we will see where it leads. I'll stop here for today, but just a little intro post here.

Life is good with me, I'm still sorting through the last few months, now that there is time to reflect and not just live through it. God is beyond good! Thank you to my new readers for stopping by!

Whoa, Baby!

This adorable baby boy is my friend's son Alex. Michelle is great mom to Alex! It will be so much fun to watch him grow up. He did not like getting his picture made at first, but he warmed up to the idea, once he saw the camera flash. He is a very alert baby for his age. Thanks for bringing him to visit Michelle! How precious is God's creation!

Waterfalls of Joy Flowing My Heart

Hi, few but faithful readers!

Can you see them? Can you see those waterfalls of Joy flowing from my heart?! Waterfalls so big and beautiful that it takes my breath away, Waterfalls so full it brings me not only to tears but full blown sobs? Joy is such a tiny word for such an intense state of being! Before you call me a fruit loop let me tell you about what has caused these waterfalls! Most of you know already, but on Tuesday my mom found out her cancerous tumor is gone!!!!!!!!!!!!! To God be the Glory and to him alone I offer praise! I am still processing all this as much as one can process a miracle! It isn't that I didn't believe God could remove mom's tumor, I always knew He is Able, I just didn't know if he would. I knew somehow we would get through this with God, and he would be faithful as he always has been and forever will be! What I didn't know is if healing would be in his plan, but I earnestly prayed God would make it be so! I tend by nature to lean on the side of caution, when some Christians say God always desires to heal, I am quickly angered and often deeply hurt, by such statements. God has taught me through this though, that There is a time when He heals because He alone Is The Healer! I cannot begin to express my gratitude to Almighty God for making my mom's tumor disappear! My mom will need to have her lymph nodes tested for Cancer in 6 weeks, the surgeon does not believe there will be any. As you rejoice with me please pray by God's unlimited grace he won't allow there to be any other cancer elsewhere. I am so glad God chose healing this time! I don't know what may come in the recent or far reaching future, for my mom or for any of us, I am slowly learning it is enough to live in the waterfalls of joy today, striving to not take his healing for granted but learning in baby steps to commit my life to him, regardless of if his answer to healing is yes or no. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart for your prayers! Your cards, gifts meals, visits, and more! Please keep praying! Mom has a long road to getting back to normal life. Thanks be to God, for how far He has lead her!

Body is in Chattanooga, but heart in FL.

As I sit here at my desk, I'm fully aware that my physical body is here in Chattanooga, but even more aware that my heart and mind is still at the beach! I've always felt like nothing could hurt me or touch me at the beach! Except of course the ever present sunburn, that I'm more than willing to endure in order to see the beauty of the ocean! As little girl I adored the beach even though I remember only tiny things about what it was like living there in FL. I was of course born iin Daytona Beach FL. This time my family gave mom and I the gift of taking a week long trip to FT. Walton Beach FL. (You can see a few pictures in my previous post. I had one of the best weeks of my life! The meals were amazing, the scenery so beautiful and I found myself over and over again overwhelmed by thankfulness and awed by the goodness of God!!!! I never would have imagined even two weeks ago that God would make a way for mom and I to go anywhere for a weekend, much less the beach for a week. I know it was because of God's grace and your prayers. God reminded me that his love truly knows no bounds it goes beyond the height of the heavens and the Immeasurable length of the seas! Romans 8:38-39 reinforces this wonderful reality! I also thought about how even the beach cannot even begin to contain the fullness of God's glory, and how it is only a tiny foreshadowing of what is waiting for us in heaven one day when Christ returns. See John Chapter 14. I always have the hardest time explaining to people why I look forward to heaven. I suppose there is some part of me that should dread it as most people, and there is a part of me that fears God's rebuke on Judgement Day and yet if what I have been taught, and believe is true, then why should I fear? Maybe I'm crazy, but there isn't anything or anyone on this earth that could compete with God and heaven, that would cause me to ask him for one moment to live on this earth, than he desires. In fact, at times, it is harder for me to see his purpose for remaining in this fallen world. I know I need a greater balance in perspective in regard to these things. Most of my longing for heaven, are self centered, because these are more about a pain free existence and lack of sin, than they are even about glorifying Christ Wow what a confession... Anyway something about the beach always reminds and teaches me more about the unfathomable greatness of God. If God can and has created and has sustained something as wonderful as the ocean, then what on earth makes me doubt his watching over me, caring for me loving me. Why would I every question his ways? I never liked to read the latter part of Mt. Chapter 6 about not worrying, because I believed it was a punishment from God, and I believed every time I worried that God looked down on me with disgust, but really this week he showed me it isn't so much about him or others scolding us, as it is about him telling us that because he cares for us; our worrying is not needed. God loves us far too much to let any need we have go unmet. Mt. 6:25-33 I'll be glad to post the verses later. I had a great time with Mom she feels better everyday, and I praise God, and am striving to trust him with the next steps in her treatment/recovery. Blessings,

Beach pictures 2008(More pics and reflections next post

My favorite time was during this picture, and then that same night!

My mom looks amazing!

Step closer to The Living Hope! Part I

Hi,

I cannot seem to get my thoughts together, so I thought I'd try blogging. My mom had one really good day this week, but last night was bad as she had terrible stomach problems! She will need to go back on the Brat diet fully. I wish I could trade places with her, to spare her. though I know I would not be a good sport like she has been. She says I would quickly change my mind if I could. I hope I would love her enough not to change my mind, because she is worthy of such love!

All my life I have heard things like: My hope is the Lord, I have even sung it, but the more the Lord takes away my false sense of refuges, the more I want my hope to be fully in him! He is always there, Always Love, Always forgiving and always waiting on me! I know I still have a long way to go, before I can truly say He alone is my hope and my portion, because I daily fail to pot my total hope and trust in him. However, in the last 4 of years, and even more now my faith is being tested like never before, and I think I am a few steps closer to total trust, than I ever thought I could be! God directed me to 1 Peter today, and what I found both surprised and encouraged me! I will only post part of the chapter here... 1 Peter 1:13 www.bibleresources.bible.com All verses listed... 13 Therefore, get your minds ready for action, (A) [a] being self-disciplined, (B) and set your hope (C) completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation (D) of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (J) According to His great mercy, (K) He has given us a new birth (L) into a living hope (M) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (N) 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, (O) uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven (P) for you, 5 who are being protected by God's power (Q) through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (R) 6 You rejoice in this, [a] though now for a short time you have had to be distressed by various trials (S) 7 so that the genuineness of your faith (T) —more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire (U) —may result (V) in [b] praise, glory, and honor (W) at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (X) 8 You love Him, (Y) though you have not seen (Z) Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice (AA) with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 because you are receiving the goal of your [c] faith, the salvation of your souls

Summary: Peter tells us that God has declared that we are to get our minds ready, and put our hope completely in God's grace, because He alone is the Living God! He reminds us we have an inheritance that will not fade or be destroyed, because God is keeping it safe for his own! We are told that our trials of every kind serve a Divine purpose! I'll post part 2 of this soon. Got to go for now!