Waiting... An act of worship?

Hello,

I've been trying to update forever! I am glad some of you have checked to see if I have updated. I'm sorry for my delay. Between church and AAA and family and prayer I've not been making time to write. When I finish this post. I will be praying for Nepal, Jenn and others there. Most of you know I've been trying to read the bible through for a year and a half, and last week, with God's help I did it! I have just become part of a small ladies prayer group, and I love it! God is moving among our church and his people! I am so excited!

So what about my title? Well, I have been thinking a lot about what God wants me to do. To be honest, I've not only been thinking about it, and praying about it, I've been worried about it. Like Lord I need to be doing more like working or going to school something! Just tell me... I've began a new bible study called Write His Answer for christian writers. If you write, or want to write, I recommend this study to you! I had to ask myself today, why do I want to do these things, Is it for the glory and honor of God? If it isn't, I don't need to do those things until it is about that. That is what I'm learning. It is possible to honor and worship God in the waiting and I can still be productive in the waiting. If my motive for wanting to go to school or working outside the house is just about getting money or a degree or proving to others or even myself I can do it then my motive is wrong. So everywhere I turn God is saying, be useful, but wait on me. God told Abramham to wait for his promise, and even as he waited God used him where he was, not where he would be.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Ps. 32:8 Ps.130:5-6 Isa. 40:29-31 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint

I have more verses I'll post later. Does God have you in a season of waiting? Wait! Ask him to use in the now where you are, as you wait.

Easter Photos

Here are some pics! We had a great Easter! I'll write about it in the next post, I hope!

Birthday tributes!

Happy Birthday Jennifer Hand and Michelle Humbert!

We have had many great times together, and there are so many more ahead. The two of you are uniquely individually and separately special!

Jenn: I thank God that he put us together that day in Mrs. Sellers Biology class! I don't know where I'd be, or what I ever did before we met. I am a better person because of you! We have grown so much together. You have brought such joy and fun into my life! Before I met you, I truly don't think I had ever known what it meant to have a real best friend! The laughs and tears we have shared and shed so far, have enriched my life so much! From Healing Rain. to boys, birthday parties, puke, Bible Study, prayer, Lane Bryant, Underwear upon our heads, friends are friends forever, to drama queens and movie screens! I love you and I am glad God made you! I love you sister!

Michelle,

You will never know what a gift you are to me! My life would not be the same without you. I never knew it was possible to share the bond the two of us have. I admire you so much, and you've taught me a lot about trusting and believing God. You are a living example of what it means to walk by faith and not by sight The love within your heart could truly transform the whole world! You show such courage even in the darkest times. You beauty unfolds more with each day that passes! I love how you speak the truth to me. I love how you express the bold personality God has given you. I love the way you reach out to others and desire to love the Lord with all you are! I love our beth More pizza parties and our inside jokes! I love our fun addictions I love your joy for life, and most of all I love you and am so glad God made you, and uses you to show me what abundant life really means! Okay enough cheese more soon!

Jer. 1:5 Ps. 139 in honor of those above... I encourage you to drink it in!

Video for Jenn! Starring Michelle Katy G, and T.J.

This is a special video for Jenn Hand! Staring Michelle Humbert, Katy Gibson and T.J. Ellis. My email would not let me send it to you. They will probably kill me for putting it up, we made it in September but like I said it would not email Make sure to read the post prior to the viedo too guys! Love y'all

High Priest

Hello!!!!!

I was reminded today that I have a High Priest who is more than able and willing to plead on my behalf to God the Father! I often picture Jesus dreading going before God to plead for me, but today, God showed me I was wrong! See for yourself! Hebrews 7-23-28. www.biblegateway.com Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25Therefore he is able to save completely[b] those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
26Such a high priest meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. 28For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever."

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know how to even grab hold of that! Do YOU??? Jesus is forever my High Priest! He is Holy and Pure and blameless! He came for the purpose of atoning for my sin and yours and interceding for us!! This is what he lives to do, this is the very reason he came! We can have Jesus as our perfect Lamb and our Forever High Priest! He is able to completely save us, not just a little bit but completely! Not kinda, but fully save us! Is that cool or what!

I love you Jenn and we miss you lots! Can't wait to hear from you! Have a great weekend! Michelle hang in there!

God is so Good!

This is a rather simple title but so very true! God is so good! Are you ever all the sudden just out of the blue reminded of the goodness of God! It is sad to say, but sometimes I don't think most of us really stop to reflect on just how great our God is! My last post I shared that I was a little down. God has taught me in the last few years that it is okay to get down sometimes. It's okay to not smile all the time. It's okay to cry even when sometimes you don't know why you are crying, but even then, I/we must remember that God is indeed good, in fact he is Great! We overuse many words in our culture, two of them are awesome and great. God is really the only one who is really awesome, good and great! Ps. 34:8 says: "Taste and see that the Lord is good. "How happy is the man who takes refuge in him." I am reminded of how many prayer requests I've given to God and then forgotten about it after he had provided in his perfect timing. I prayed for a girl back when I was in middle school who was at the time angry at God and running away from him because her dad died, to be honest, if it had be happening to me, I'm sure I'd have felt the same way. Anyway a few years later, we lost touch, and sadly I often forgot to pray for her. God, however did not forget those prayers I prayed as young girl because not too long ago, that same friend contacted me and told me God had brought her back to him. I was quickly reminded though, that God answered! I may have forgotten I had prayed about that a long time ago, but God never forgets! He wants us to taste and see that he is good... In order to see that Lord is good, our eyes must be open... It is easy to focus on so many things around us, that we forget to dwell on and see, and taste and that God is good.

Does the next part of of the verse mean Christians will be happy all the time? No, as I understand, it means in the end, if God is indeed our refuge, then the final victory is ours through him! What do you think? Are you seeing God's goodness in your life? Are you look for it?

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, is January 20Th, so that is my big project right now. If you are reading this, pray things go smoothly and consider getting your church involved. Thanks for reading guys!

Faithful God, and New year Blues!

Hello,


Happy new Year! I must confess yesterday the first day of the new year was a really down day for me. I see all these people who have what seem to be these exciting lives, and while I am happy for them, sometimes I wonder where I'd be and What my life would be like without Cerebral Palsy? Would I have my own house? Would I already have a college degree? Would I be engaged by now? Would I be married by now? Yesterday I found myself in tears. The questions swirled around in my head. I tried for so long to do everything I could to avoid such questions. It was probably just me having one of my girl days- I was also thinking how can I ask God to forgive me for failing him again. Then it hit me last night.... God does not grow tired! When I am faithless he is faithful for he cannot deny himself 2 Tim.2:13 God has no wickedness in him! Everything he does serves a purpose nothing he does is in vain! I was reminded again that while God does not remove the consequences of sin, his love and faithfulness to me and for me are not dependent on how faithful I am!

Last night as I finally got the courage to lay my heart out before God I was relieved to find him faithful! Not casting eyes of judgement, but his arms open wide with mercy. I began the day angry with myself, and yes I admit it, I just felt angry and I wanted to direct it at God. Partly because my time with God was interrupted by home health care after requesting they not come yesterday. Yes I was nice, and yes for those who don't know if my routines are changed, I often come unglued. I ended the day comforted by God. The great thing about God, is most people can't handle a pity party, but God does not move, he is right there waiting! He can handle it, because he is faithful! Where do you need him to remind you he is faithful?

May be a radom post

Have you ever begun writing a blog, and somehow have no idea what you plan to write about? That's me right now lol. I always hate when people write about the weather how dull does that seem? Maybe it just dull to me. Sorry to all the weather people out there.... By the way, it sure is raining in Chattanooga today. Just my lame attempt at humor.

I had a nice Christmas though I had to miss most of the Christmas services, because mom or I stayed sick during two of the services. Christmas this year seemed more rushed than normal, but I still enjoyed it. I got a nice portable DVD Player from my aunt, a few christian T-shirts, a big makeup kit, a couple DVDs and an MP3 Player, which I have no clue how to work yet:D
I have never been one who liked change at all, but for once in my life, I'm longing for something new right now. No, not something materially new, but something different and exciting. I can never remember being bored as a kid, or an adult, but here goes.... My name is T.J. and guess what I'm bored. I want a revival in my walk with God! I want to love the Bible not just read it! I want to pray with power, not just pray. I want to be bolder! I want to wake up knowing I'm fulfill a special role in the universe!

Those of you who know me know I'm not typically a charismatic person, in fact, if my mom is reading this she is probably thinking What Alien has invaded my daughter's body! Isn't it cool that God allows us to put the past behind us and begin anew?Here is proof! Phil. 3:13-14 www.biblegateway.com (NIV) 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. God gave the Apostle a new beginning a new name even. He took Paul's past and transformed him into a great warrior for the cause of Christ!

He took Jacob's shame and we see Jacob too was given a new name! The woman at the well was told by Jesus to go and sin no more, and I believe scripture implies she may have done just as Jesus commanded her. Peter left behind his doubts and past failures to passionately follow the Lord after Jesus was crucified. I've never liked making New Year resolutions, but I am comforted to know that until Jesus returns it is not too late to have an impact for Christ that is fresh and new!Renew me Lord with passion for you in 08'

The wow Factor of Christmas!

TO MY MOST FAITHFUL READER-MY MOM... IT IS NICE TO SEE SOMEONE READING THIS THING LOL. THANK YOU! I LOVE YOU!

Well here we are three days away from what is the official celebration of Christmas! I find myself baffled by the miracle of Christmas! The Trinity is one of those Biblical concepts that just blows my mind! If I am not careful, I will become overwhelmed with the "how questions of Christmas! Almost more than any other season, Christmas reminds me of the bigness and greatness of God!
Can you imagine what it was like for Mary and Joesph as they held the very God who created them, in their very own arms? I cannot even begin to fathom the wow factor of that! The one who formed the stars and calls them by name, came to the universe he made, and came fully divine and fully human, in every way except that he is, he was, and he will forever be without sin! I admit I never really have been able to comprehend the fact that, even though man first saw Jesus in the flesh at birth, Jesus is, was, and forever will be eternal! Jesus has forever existed! I spent some time reflecting on that today. I could spend the rest of my life attempting to grasp and understand the wonder of the trinity or I can marvel at the the greatness of the one and only true God, and Savior! God is too wonderful, too awesome, too big, and too mighty to fully grasp his eternal greatest, but just because in my limited mind I cannot explain or understand everything about his nature, this does not mean I cannot or should not trust his wonders or celebrate his greatness!

John 1:1 Now that is something one ought to claim as a Christmas wow factor! "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 (NIV) Does this blow my mind? Yes! Do I believe it? Yes! Do I understand it in all fullness? No. Will I celebrate it? You bet! Check out the "Putting Easter back into Christmas" to hear the rest of the story. You can find that message at: http://www.brainerdhills.com/ under online sermons look at the resources section on the website.
I am reading a neat book called, Girl Talk, God talk. It shows the correlation of the lessons our relationships with female friends can teach about the character of God! Merry Christmas- I think this will be my lost post on the topic of Christmas! Remember a manger without a cross,or a cross without an empty tomb is meaningless!

I love Christmas because.... Christmas Part II

Things I love about Christmas!

1. I love the wonder of the season, and that God(the maker of the universe) loved me so much that he came from heaven to dwell among sinners.- that he wanted me to be forgiven and live forever with him! That God had it in his perfect plan to become flesh and to be the atonement for sin through the shedding of his blood!
2. I love how my family enjoys each other during this season and the laughter we share!
3. I love how no one keeps track of what time it is.
4. I love the music that is played at Christmas!
5. I love all the programs at church during Christmas
6. I love shopping and expressing my love for family and friends.
7. I love that are dozens of Christmas movies are shown on TV.
8. I love Christmas trees and manger scenes.
9. I love the food and the smells of Christmas time.
10. Most of all I love that Christmas is just part of the Gospel story, because a manger without a cross, and a cross without an empty tomb is meaningless!

If you are reading then, let me know what you love about Christmas time! Merry Christmas a bit early!

Sent to me via e-mail!

I did not write the folowing but whoever did is so talented. It was forwarded to me with no copywright so I'm just posting it as is!

Sir Isaac Newton once said...in the absence of any proof, the thumb alone would convince me that Jesus lives and is not dead. Nothing in nature rivals the hand's combination...of agility, sensitivity, and sensation. Just as artists have tried to visualize the face of Jesus Christ, I try to visualize His hands through the various stages of His life. I imagine His hands as an infant, soft as a powder puff. I imagine His hands as a carpenter, callused and rough. I imagine the healing hands of God's Son, He could have healed everyone at once, but He preferred touching them one by one. I imagine His hands on the cross and what it was like, for those beautiful healing hands to be pierced with a spike. His weight hung from them, releasing his blood for all to see. Is there a sadder sight than that of the Son of God hanging, dying from a tree? He suffered for us but did not complain, He arose from the dead but the scars remained. He chose to keep the scars as a symbol to everyone that our sins have been paid for by God's Son. He knows what life and suffering on earth is like, His hands prove it, with scars from the spikes. What do His hands mean to you?

Neat huh?

Christmas Part 1!

Wow! I sure did not write much in 2007 did I? I doubt I have any readers anymore, but for awhile I was blogging way to much on my other blog so I decided to give it a rest.

Here it is almost Christmas time! I love Christmas time! I love it first and foremost because I know the Christ of Christmas! The God of the universe who made the moon and stars, and he came in fleshly skin and was pleased to have all his fullness to dwell in Christ! We are told that in Col. Chapter 1! How wonderful!

Those who do not know Christ cannot know the wonder of Christmas and the gift of its celebration. Christmas is not a state of mind or even a lifting of one's spirit. The birth of Christ, and knowing him as Savior, that is what ='s christmas! If you are reading this, I hope you know Christ personally, and will celebrate him above all else because he himself is Christmas!

We Better Believe it!

Hi,

It has been far too long since I updated this site.



Eph. 3:17-18 www.crosswalk.com

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,

may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,


I am ashamed to admit this, but it is not often that I consider that it is God's desire for me to grasp and believe his love for me. When we tell others we love them, we want them to believe us. As I read my Bible today it occoured to me God is the same way with his children. My Breaking Free study from Beth Moore reminded me that God's every action is motivated by love, because God is love. 1 John 4:16

Some people twist that around and make so called "love" their "god" God is love, but love is not a "god" I can come up with plenty of reasons why God might not love me, but who am I to tell the Creator who to love? That is exactly what I discovered today that I, and many other Christians do by refusing to accept or rejoice in His love! I thought today, if I can learn to take hold of God's love, it would give me an even deeper love and awe for my Lord! Let us trust his love, because He loves us if we believe it or not. I have been missing out on the greatest love of my life, because of unbelief. I want to start believing the greatest love ever known. How about you?

Big Weekend a little Smitty, and a little Jocelyn!

Hi Folks:

Well what a busy weekend it was! Jocelyn had her 1st birthday which was adorable! I love her more each day! I went to the Michael W. Smith Concert Sat. What a wonderful time of intimate fellowship with God that was! It was such a joy! Believe it or not, I cannot seem to express in words how great it was! The mayor was there, and congressman Zack Wamp. Smitty did some of his classics like "Friends," "Hello Goodbye" Seed to Sow" Love Crusade" The worship set included Open The Eyes of My heart, "Above All" I Give you My Heart" "Be Lifted High"-a worship song on the Stand album, "Draw Me Close", "How Great Thou Art", "How Great Is Our God, and more! Anyway it was great!

Anyway God is good, he is equpping me to do good works. See Eph. 2:10 It is good to update. I attended the AAA banqet this month, and worked the helpline 3 times, but the first 2 times did not get calls, but got lots of calls the third time.
I'll post a verse next time.

For Freedom Sake!

Hello,

I am going to try and update this thing more often. I post a question for you tonight. What comes to mind when you think of the word freedom? This word is often thrown around by politicians today. Do you see the image of a soldier in battle fighting for the liberty you enjoy? Do you see an inmate being released from prison bars? Do you see a parent being released from the addiction of food or drugs?

How does one get free? I guess that you might wonder what has brought about this sudden urge to explore the concept of freedom. Well, that brings me to the glorious news that can be found in Gal. 5:1 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Many people think that by living for Christ, they are giving up their freedom. Here Paul tells us that it is Christ's desire for us to be free. He did not free us, to hold it over our heads, he freed us for freedom sake! It shows me that God often desires life giving freedom for me, more than I desire it for myself. I am sometimes like a slave, who chooses to remain a slave, because it more familiar to me than the pathway to freedom. If I am learning anything, it is that familiar, while it is comfortable it is not always best. When I turn back to the chains of slavery, I am choosing to say no to Christ, and treating the price he paid to ensure my freedom, as though it means nothing, or has no power. Lord help me choose the road to freedom with all it curves, instead of the familiar chains I am bound by!

Have a good weekend!

From a pit, to a rock,and finally a song!

Hello:

Hope you are well. Things are great my way. God is answering my prayers right and left. As I think about where I was two years ago, and how far the Lord has brought me. I never dreamed during that time, that 2 years later I would feel like my life has great purpose and I would meet such Godly people through AAA Women's services. My relationships could not be better. I am healthier at this point in my life, than I have been in several years, and maybe ever.
These verses seem to express where I have been, and where I am. Ps. 40:1-3 NIV(www.biblegateway.com I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD


Don't you just love David's expressiveness about his relationship with God? We live in a world where waiting is declared a bad word. Instant gratifications. David states that he waited for the Lord. I doubt it was any easier for him than it was for me or you. Did waiting mean he did nothing in the meantime? I bet not. If I had to guess, I would gather that he had lengthy talks with the Lord about his situation. Sometimes when we are in distress, the only thing we can do, and the best thing we can do is wait in his arms until the storm passes. Verse 2 makes it very clear that God alone can bring us out of the slimly pits in our lives! After God brought David out of the pit, He placed him upon a rock, and gave him a firm place to stand. I have tried in the past to stand on my own apart from Christ's help, and I fell flat upon me face. Human beings were not created to stand upon their own, we were made to be fully dependent on Christ's power. God knows we will only be fulfilled, when He takes his rightful position in our lives. He knows our souls long to praise, but some times that praise is misdirected to other things. Aren't you glad God is able and willing to put a new song in our mouths?

Verse 3 reminds me that God can use our difficult situations to help others see God and have a healthy fear of him.

Gotta go work on some things. Thanks for reading! Feel free to share your thoughts!

Something to talk about!

Hello,

Cyber folks! I think I may have a couple of loyal folks who read this new blog. Today the church sermon was on Romans 8:14-16 WWW.Biblegateway.com (NASV) For all who are (A)being led by the Spirit of God, these are (B)sons of God.
15For you (C)have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you (D)have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "(E)Abba! Father!"
16The Spirit Himself (F)testifies with our spirit that we are (G)children of God,

How does one know when they are being led by Spirit of God, well first to be led by God's spirit we must first personally know God, knowing of him, or about him is not the same as knowing him personally. Sin keeps us from knowing God the way we crave to know him, or the way Adam and Eve knew prior to the fall. If we are led by God's Spirit we will become more and more like Christ! There are days when I willfully commit my life to the Spirit of God, while other days when I am being led by more my flesh, because I have not submitted to God's Spirit.

There is so much in these verses to get excited about. God has adopted his own, and he loves us so dearly, that he delights in our calling Abba Father. I called my father daddy when I was little. I still do when referring to him, however since my parents are divorved, the term Daddy has not always meant what I longed for it to mean or dreamed it to mean, and though I love my earthly father, there is only one who is worthy of the term Daddy in all its glory.

Have you ever doubted that God is in fact your Abba Father? I did once for a long period of time Then I discovered I did not have to base my assurance on my feelings, and I found verse 16, and I knew that once my spiritual adoption was settled, God's spirit would forever testify that I am his own! AAA women's services is great! How I thank God for giving me a place there. I have not been this excited about where God has placed me in so long. God will fulfill his plans for my life. Ps.138:8! Have a good week, if you happen to stumble on to my site, leave a comment please. Thanks!

Picture and Verse

This is A PICTURE of the ocean @ ST. George Island.




Verse for Today: We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.
Romans 3:22 NLT

What can wash away my sin nothing, but the blood of Jesus. It is enough to cover the worst of sin. Which reminds me while we as humans measure sin as bad or worse etc. God views all sin the same. All sin separates us from God, but Christ is the bridge to God. In fact, he is the only bridge--------- Many religions say there are many ways to God, but the Bible says there is only one way. John 14:6 If you believe the Bible is God breathed, as I do, then there is only one way to God, and that's Jesus!

Blessings,

Meaning of Life!

If someone asked what is the meaning of your life? How do you think you might respond? What is life to you? Asked another way, why are you here. Many have pondered the question throught history. Human beings according to the Bible were created for God's pleasure and to reflect his image. (See Gen 1)

Sometimes I let all that is secondary fog the primary meaning of my life, which is to reprsent the wonder of my Maker. Of course, only HE perfectly reflects himself and his great nature!

When I miss out on living for God, I miss out on why I was given the right to have and enjoy, life to begin with! There are lots of false meanings given to our life, that sometimes can seem so real. For Example, Fame: Wealthy, relationships, etc None of these things by themselves are bad, in fact to a degree these are all needed, but must be kept in proper focus within our lives!

We can gather our thoughts, but the Lord gives the right answer.
Proverbs 16:1 NLT www.Air1.com Thought that was a verse worth considering. Blessings!

Happenings!

Hello,
Sometimes I wonder why I post, but it is enjoyable to me and I am thankful to those who do read. Last night''s training was exciting. This week is VBS with our church. My mom and brother are volunteering. I had a good devotional time today, though I am not sure I can express my reflections right now, but I can say it is comforting to me to know God can use even my failures to bring him glory, because he can take even bad things, and turn them into something good. I think these last two years have been preparing for something big. I was reminded that 2 things to cause sin, one is satan, and second our own desires. These two things coupled together are where sin formulates. God does not tempt us. (See James 1:13) Everything good comes from God. I was also reminded that Jesus was not exempt from temptation. Also while we need to be sorrowful over our sin, we don't need to hopelessly dwell or despair our sins, which in the past I have done. I have been using Beth Moore Study of Daniel. Ps. 130:7 was a helpful verse to me. I don't have my bible with me right now.

I have mixed feelings today, missing the beach though glad to be home. If you are reading this leave me a comment if you want. Let me know how to improve this blog. Thanks!