Post trip reflections and photos!

This would be me watching football AKA THE VOLS GET CREAMED!

My brother entering the cousins while the 13 of us ate @ amazing restaurant called Bullfish  in Pigeon  Forge TN.

We are all playing my favorite game Apples to Apples, it took a minute but everyone learned and got into it!

Cousin Jocelyn was glad to have  this pic taken...

She just lost a couple teeth, but she is still smiling!

View from our condo!  We stayed @ River-stone resort and Spa!  Wanted to visit the spa, but never made it there, plus the spa is pricey...  

Love Brady's smile here!

GOOD PICTURE OF MUMZIE

A PICTURE of me, that I'm okay with

I'm really glad we got t
his one!

   So I can't describe everything, but hope these pictures provide a snapshot....  I relearned some things  on this trip....  

1.   When you let go of expectations you most often find greater fulfillment unexpectedly.
2.   You value your life more when you "leave" it for a short time.
3. I really do love my family for who they are!
4.   I eat even more when I'm away from home.
5.   There are a few things I like about the fall season!
6. I do love worshiping our amazing amazing Creator, and His Creation makes me smile!
7. God really cares about me!  

What do you love about  your Vacations/What lessons has getting away from your everyday stuff taught you?  

1.       

A Fruit Loop kind of Christian!

Hello Blog-land

So I got to be honest here I wish I were a better blogger.  I sometimes go weeks without posting, and well I just wish that weren't true but as you know it is  Anyway on to what I want to write about.  I've never considered myself one of 'those sheltered kind of Christians, maybe you don't know what I mean,  if this post offends you that's not my intent.  What I mean is, I don't carry a bible everywhere,  I watch a lot of movies that aren't labeled Christian, and I try to stay up on the latest entertainment trends.   I not so secretly roll my eyes, when people imply that public school  is the devil's domain, mostly because my mom works in public school, and I went to public school and it wasn't all bad, much was good.  Recently though, God has challenged and convicted me about some of my entertainment choices,  There is one show I love, and last week it showed a scene with 2 homosexual men in it, which isn't  typical of the show, but there have been hints dropped in almost  episode that were pointing to a homosexual agenda.  I tried to ignore it, because I wanted to continue watching the non-homosexual plots in the show, and I wish I could say as soon as I saw the scene in the show I turned the channel right then, but I didn't.  The next day the image burned in my mind, and so I prayed asking God to help me turn away from the show and cleanse my mind, because I honestly don't want to stop watching the show even still.  I found myself saying:  "God, I don't want to be one of those fruit loop Christians!  But every scripture I came to talked about being set apart as holy unto God.   The next day I told someone I had felt convicted, and they kindly responded, It's not real it's only TV.   On some level there is truth to what they said, but the conclusion I came to is that  God genuinely convicted my heart,   and that while I don't want ever to be fully isolated from culture, and legalistic and judgmental of other people, my process toward sanctification may look and be different John Doe, but I'm called to choose obedience even if I look at times like a fruit loop, as I draw closer to Christ  I may never be convicted by something, but maybe another person would, and I should respect them for it!  Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."  I admit I am uneasy about this going deeper with Christ process, because I what else will be pruned away ?  The truth is a show isn't much of a sacrifice, and never will Christ ask me to sacrifice, more than he already has for me!  Balance is key.  How do you balance being in the world, but not of it?  Any thoughts?Image here

A picture of Grace! Part Ore!

                                                               Photo Courtesy of: http://www.michelleharstinestudios.com/p925242908  I will be ordering these.

     Yes,  this is me and my friend Kristin with Author and speaker Jennifer Rothschild!  We were able to attend the Fresh Grounded Faith conference here in Chattanooga, and it was great!  I have never been a person who depends solely on emotional highs or mountain top experiences to drive my growth in the Lord, but this was indeed a gift from the Lord!

If you don't know about Jennifer Rothschild's story, you need to:  Click it!    I did a bible study by her a few years ago called Me, Myself, and Lies. which blew me away, I felt it was written for me!   Jennifer is so classy!  Since she was 16 years old, she has been legally blind,  She is truly a testament to living by faith, and not by sight!  I guess you could say I have a new hero!  Here's the thing. I did not pursue this meeting with her.  I did not go looking for it.  I happened to cross paths with her husband who kindly invited me to meet her.  I did nothing to orchestrate this, I was richly blessed by a sweet gift, which I did nothing to deserve!  This gift is an illustration of what Christ has done, He offers us himself, He gave his life, though He owed us nothing!  It is a gift that He gave, and there is no way to repay such a gift!  What we can do, is live life as people, who are the products of Grace!  We can also be extenders of Grace!  God invites us to know him through his son Jesus.  I never could have met Jennifer, if her husband and others had not invited me.  My response was one of abundant joy and gratitude.  There should be an even greater response when Jesus invites us to "meet" him continually at his Holy Throne!  Jennifer got down off her tall stool to talk with me.  I cannot help, but see how this is a picture of what Jesus did for you and me!  He came in Flesh as "God with us!  He shows his love and care for us, by coming to us, while knowing in our limited sinfulness we could never reach out to him, or on our own  effort introduce ourselves to his Holiness!  He knows us already, and HE STILL INVITES US!        May we live lives that are evident that we are marked by grace, because of the TRUE HERO, JESUS Christ!
 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast Eph. 2:8-9Find verse here   Have you experienced a tangible picture of grace?  I bet you have, and I'd love to hear about it!  

Half Full Friday-Reasons 4 Joy!

Half Full Friday Sponsored by:  this Blogger Friend

                                                                          image here

• I am joyful for caregivers who really do care, and helped me in a jam on Monday
• I am Joyful for the chance to talk things through and acess progress made.
• I am joyful for the gift of growing friendships!
• I am joyful for unexpected gifts like newborn babies and homemade Chocolate Silk pie, and friends like Kristen Smith who made it from scratch!
• I am joyful that my Savior is My Savior, who brings me real Joy!!!     

Change V.S. Me blog therapy and real

What change means?

                For as long as I can remember change has been hard for me. In my mind when I think of the word change as bad, scary, uncertain and uncomfortable. Rarely if ever, do I explore the concept of change with pleasure or excitement. Most of the time the word change evokes in me, a complete lack of control. When something in my life changes, I'm rarely ever consulted about it.   Change has often resulted in loss – loss of friendships, safety, loss of familiarity and more. Change can bring feelings of inadequacy and inexperience. Embracing change sometimes requires looking foolish, stupid, or ignorant. Change can bring added responsibility, which is one of the biggest things that scare me. I'm rarely ever consulted about major changes in my life. Most of them have taken place before I had any say at all. Granted I'm not open to change very often, but when change happens to me it is usually because someone or something has forced it on me. Sometimes I want to explore change, but with change comes the likelihood of anxiety. For whatever reason ever since I was little, all I wanted was to feel safe and secure, for me that has always meant to avoid change whenever possible. Recently I read a book called in a pit with the lion on a snowy day, which challenges readers to realize that Christ calls believers to live lives of God ordained risk.  When I try to think of changes being a good thing, all these bad reminders stare back at me. Change equals stress.

People around me often make choices and changes that affect me without my input or consent. It feels as though to make a major change in my life, I need large writing on the wall. Ever since I read the book though something deep inside of me wants some type of change. What I don't know is if the change will be worth the sacrifice of security and safety. Change increases the risk of failure. Change to me is like a one-sided coin, I can only see the negatives that change brings about. Intellectually I know that change can result in something good, and keeps life moving and exciting but both of those things are most often contrary to my experience. I often think that my life would be richer and fuller if I were more open to change. Even as I type this though, the possibility of change makes tears well up in my eyes. However, for  the first time, I fear missing God's plan for me as much, or more than change itself.  I'm inexperienced when it comes to making changes, and there's a lot of inconvenience that can be involved with making a change. If the change doesn't work out, then it is wasted energy and time spent on nothing being accomplished.  I hate that change and I have such a bad relationship with each other. Yet sometimes, it feels as though, I am missing out on something bigger because of my desire for safety and security.

It's funny but one of my favorite characteristics about God in then he never changes. He never second guesses Himself. He always does what he says he is going to. He never decides to be someone different. He is steady, Unchanging Consistent, Sufficient, and Sure. Change often means, losing the approval of those around you. I hear all the time that mistakes are not wasted if you learned something from it, and I wish I believed that to be true. My thoughts and ideas are often so black and white that it is hard to entertain the notion of gray. It's hard for me to understand, why God would desire us to embrace change, if that change results in something less than his ultimate plan. Usually with change, no matter how much you plan there is sometimes no way to predict the outcome of any change made. If something is a routine, then you know the most likely outcome. 

On the flip side though, what if by my unwillingness to embrace change I miss something valuable.  What if because of my desire to feel safe, comfortable, and secure I'm missing something bigger, better, or greater?

                The truth is, I don't even know what changes to explore, I mean how do I know whether or not – God will be honored or that he will give me His blessing? Today though God did remind me, there is nothing I can do to lose his favor or the right standing I have with him through the blood of Christ! I did nothing to earn or deserve his favor, and therefore my actions will not result in his disapproval of me. He may not approve of the choices or decisions that I always make, but that does not change my right standing with him! Even as I say that, I still know that the next time someone important to me disapproves of me, I will still find myself second-guessing whatever choice I make.I'm coming up on a painful anniversary, tomorrow but I also am reminded in that, I''m not the same person i was, and that in the last seven years, I have learned, grown and yes EVEN changed!  Input welcome as   always!

Reasons for Joy Friday/pics and survey!

• Happy Joyful Friday:
• I am joyful that on Sunday I got to hang out with my 5 yr old cousin we talked and played.
• I am joyful for a new Choices Email that will make my work easier.
• I am joyful to have no set plans this weekend.  
• I'm joyful because I got a sweet note from someone at church
• I'm joyful for a divine appointment at work
• I'm joyful that my favorite prime time show will start back in September.
• I'm joyful that I got to talk to a friend, I have not talked in several weeks
• I am Joyful that Bible study starts Monday, and that someone else is leading this 6 weeks

Link to Half Full Friday Sponsor

Here are some fun pics with my cousin at our sleepover!  What would a sleepover be without painted nails?

Um must you take my picture???

Ok I'''ll smile for this one!

  I don't like the picture, but I am pretty happy here.

And a survey about me......

Yup its time for another round of thirty facts and you have been tagged. (. Put down thirty random facts about yourself then tag 15 people. AAAANNNDDDDDD GOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

1. I am a Christian

2. I love Cheez-it Crakers

3. I have been to an MCHammer concert

4. I am witty

5. I am moody

6. I'm not much of a fantic about anything except Michael W Smith, and Beverly Hills 90210

7. I despise barbque pork

8. I don't like anyone running for President so far.

9. I love meaningful conversation

10. I love watching cartoons, now, but hated it as a kid.

11. I wanted to be a pastor's wife at one point, but thought I could never be spiritually mature enough..

12. I throw up, when I get too excited

13. I have a sense of humor, but most people don't get it.

14. I have a naugthy side to my personailty

15. I hate gossip, and fear being one, one day

16. My biggest concern right now is being a disappointment to the people I love

17. I check my e-mail constantly, if I'm in town

18. When I am mad at someone, I rarelly tell them until much later

19. I love the smell of finger nail Polish, Remover, Windex, and Pine sol.  

20. I sometimes wish I never started watching soaps.

21. My dream job is to be a published author motvational speaker

22. I always wished I had joined the debate team.

23. I almost got in a fight with a woman who hit, not spanked but hit her child in fornt of me

24. I hate confrtation for any reason.

25. I love Denzel Washington!  

26. I want to mentor teen girls one day

27. I love supporting chairtes, and thats the only reason, a paying job would be meaningful.

28. I  drank too much grape sparkle one New years and gotten sick

29. I would love to have my own beach house.

30. I respect men, but don't want to get too close to any at the moment, and don't expect too.  

Chasing, Lions,book review- Hearing voices, and jumping out of Airplanes?

Blogger Confession # 1.   Sometimes I read other peoples blogs, and think I got nothing worth writing about.  What on earth can I write that has not been written.  Today though, I'm writing because I can. I'm writing because God has given me a gift, no matter how imperfect I believe my skill to be.  I'm writing because time used improving a skill is not time wasted.  There's a worship song that says I sing, because I'm happy.  For me, I write, because it is part of who I am.  So, I've decided I want to risk more in my writing, and in my life, even if that means loosing some battles along the way.   Somewhere along the way, I have gotten so caught up in the mechanics of what makes a writer, that I've been laying my dream aside, and not enjoying the God given abilities that have been granted to me, and that stops now....  

       Don't we as believers do the same sometimes?  We miss out, because we listen to the wrong voices.  We dare to defeat ourselves, because a roadblock finds its way into  our pathway.  Jesus was the ultimate risk taker!  He risked his own life to rescue you and me!  His risked his comfort, He risked rejection Isolation and so much and lately it seems everything I read or hear refers to taking risks, and as I've said before I"ve never been one to take many risks.  Most of my life, I've longed to feel secure!          I have envied and admired risk takers, and admittedly despised some who are just naturally prone to risking, but I just finished reading a book called In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day, by: Mark Batterson, Find book    and honestly, it has challenged me in ways I never expected, and some ways didn't want. It has also helped answer a couple questions I've been wresting with in recent weeks...  In my flesh, the concept of risking being a good thing seems too good to be true, for me, people who risk get hurt, If you risk, you might fall, and basically this book addresses that with a friendly "Yeah so What?     The truth is, I don't know what God desires for me to risk, in this moment, not even the smallest clue, however I figure my writing and life in general isn't a bad place to begin a willingness to risk.  Unlike my Sunday School teacher, who just jumped out of a plane, and lived- I think  I'll start smaller...  Where do you find it easier and harder to take positive risks in your life.  For me taking social risks are easy, but for me tasking task driven risk or emotional disclose with the ones I love most is hardest.  What I desire to know most in risking is that I am still dwelling in God's presence, and not reaching for others approval or what others view as best, with knowing I am in God's will and protection.  What are you thoughts on risking?    One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the daysfind verse here of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple."  Ps. 27:4  
Find verse here

Reasons for Joy Friday

Let's me just say joy is not always a feeling it's a choice
1.  I am joyful that I am alive

2  I am joyful that God gives me better than I deserve.Ps. 51
3. Answered prayers!
4.  I'm joyful that God has not washed his hands of me, and that He  won't
5 For how understanding Choices has been about my computer not opening their files.
6. I am joyful that my client's baby was born healthy.

7. I am Joyful to have my cousin Bill in my life!
Half Full Friday

A brief look into my heart! Yes Lord you are!

This post was written over a two day period after church yesterday!

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                    Can I share something with you some things I'm learning about the character of God!  As I sip on my smoothie, I am in awe of God in so many ways!  I must begin by admitting that I'm a girly girl!  I love make up, and dress up!  I'm tender and yet strong, when I need to be.  At my very core, I'm an idealist.  I love happily ever after!  So now, you are thinking to yourself, I thought you said your were going to talk about the nature, of God, well I am, but hold on a minute.  I finally admitted several years ago to God and others that my desire was to be a wife and a mom.  I know it  is rather 1950ish, see above!    I know that the life of a wife and mom is not glamorous or applauded.  Still my heart is where it is.  When I was much older, I would day dream about how I would love my husband and children, but when people would ask me, I'd say no I don't want kids,  deep DOWN knowing I wanted children more than air!   Marriage and children are hard and no piece of cake, if it were easy there would not be high divorce rates, and staggering abortion rates.  I know all the practical reasons I should not expect to be married and have children,       When you work with a pregnancy Center and have these desires, it is both rewarding and hard at the same time, yet I need to know that I'm aiding someone in becoming a mommy!  It is often hard me to not want to "mother" other peoples children.  When I was little, and even as a teenager, I would become very mother-some to my brother until I understood he only needed one mom!    The Lord showed me today that this desire I have, though not a bad one is hindering me from worshiping the Lord, and loving as He is Worthy!  He is good and he is right!    For some time now I have sensed the Lord asking me?  T.J.  Do you believe I'm enough for you?  I''ve been pretending I did not hear him. Then today, I could not run any more.  I did not want to answer, because to be honest, if I say yes then, my life needs to match such a declaration and if I say no then I'm I a hypocrite.  So I told the Lord I want to trust He is enough, not just as my Savior, but as my Father, as my Comforter Friend, and Almighty God!  My main purpose is not to be a writer mom, wife, Daughter,  it is to be a Worshiper of the King of Kings, I am to live for his glory, his honor his fame, not mine.  Now all the titles I listed above are means through which we can offer our Worship to the Lord, but often what we/ I tend worship is our dreams, our titles, our wants, instead of the Lord who alone is worthy of WORSHIP.  It's funny, but about a month or more ago, I asked the Lord to make me deeply aware of his Love and Fatherhood to me  as his child and He shown himself to be true.  I asked him to bring healing to my Mom's life, and he has!  Have I always gotten what I wanted when I wanted it, no  praise God!  Over and over again, in the Bible and in my life, God has shown Himself to be sufficient in all things!   Will I still have questions, that go unanswered, you bet, will I still long for things yes, but my dreams are on the altar of God, and there is no better place for these to be!  Whether our earthly dreams come true, or not, God has been enough, and He is enough, and even on the days when we struggle to believe He is enough, he still is!  So what desire is God directing you to continually or currently place upon his altar as a sincere expression of worship? Food for thought!   

Reasons for Joy Friday!

Image found here
Find out about half  Full Friday!RIGHT HERE

1. I am joyful that music blesses me so richly!
2 I am Joyful that everything always works out, maybe not the way I expect, but it always works out
3. I'm joyful that I will be attending MWS AND AMY GRANT CONCERT!
4. I am joyful that I have my sight, and hearing.
5. I am joyful that God forgives me and knows me name!
6. I am joyful for a great week overall!
7. I am joyful for the possibility that my dad may visit in December,  the last time was 20 years ago.
8.  I'm joyful that a few weeks ago, I got to hold a baby in my arms by myself for the first time, since I held my brother 25 years ago.
9. I'm joyful for Joanne Everett's chocolate pound cuke.
10 I'm joyful I was able to wear makeup, and feel pretty on Tuesday!
11.   I'm joyful that Beth Barber read my blog last week!

Who you calling lazy? Eph 2:10

Hi Blog Readers:

I am trying out my Dragon Naturally Speaking program again. So if my posts makes less than the usual, blame it on that. I'm feeling a little lazy when it comes to typing right now, but I figure when you have a voice activated typing program this is okay.  Considering what I plan to blog on today being lazy about typing probably a poor example.  Ephesians 210 continues to crop up in my mind, and it seems that every book I'm reading right now, places this verse right before my very eyes. I will link the verse to this blog, because this is one of those that I can quote and you can easily refer back to your own Bible and even probably your memory." For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which HE prepared for us in advance."  if you know my writing very much, or if you've read this blog very long – you know that normally when I write about a Bible verse I usually have a certain direction I feel led to go. This time, I want your input. What kind of good works do you think the apostle Paul is referring to here? Is he speaking of general good works, or is he declaring that God has a specific set of good works for each of us as individuals?  Or do you think it is a combination of both?  The truth is I don't know the answer the question I'm posing here.  What I do know is God's word is still as relevant to life today as it was when Paul wrote his letter to the early church. I know that all Scripture is inspired by God and that his words stands forever!  It is those two reasons that I find it hard to imagine that this verse is not intended to be applied to the present day believer.  We also told in Scripture to make the most of every opportunity we have. So sometimes I wonder how it is that we as Christians are supposed to discern or know the specific works God calls us to do in our lives, or rather the life he is entrusted to us. Of course there are the obvious general responses, such as intercede for the saints in the lost through prayer, use the spiritual gifts, feed the poor, follow God, and on and on.  Sure all of these could. Into the category of the work God has called us to do, and if you're like me all that in and of itself is enough to keep you busy for the rest of your life. So if I gleaned nothing else from this verse, or have no deeper understanding than this then the major take away point I have is there is no room for laziness in the Christian life.  here's where I need to make a confession… One of my deep-seated fears of life has been either that people would think that I'm lazy or irresponsible. When you get to the core of the matter it isn't so much that I fear others thinking this about me, as I fear that there may be some level of truth to it. Lazy and irresponsible in my mind are two of the worst traits of a person can possess. In my eyes these are she traits that are inexcusable.  Now, no one likes lazy Saturdays more than me, that's not what I'm talking about here. I'm referring to a pattern of behavior that can be characterized by laziness. For me, what I had decided to do is to allow God to determine whether or not this is an issue for me, as I believe it probably is for most of us in some areas of our lives.  I have been reading a book called in a pit with a lion on a snowy day.  I'm discovering or rather being reminded that the areas where I am tempted to Be lazy are the areas where failure is a greater possibility. the areas wheres success is not imminent  or  promised.  Ironically the most freeing thing and the most painful thing at least one of them that has ever happened to me, was realizing I could fail at something I had done my life and still be breathing and able to tell about it.  So what does all this mean?  All I know is it brings me comfort, confusion, Joy excitement, peace, and strength to know that God wants, not needs but wants to involve me in his plans. However,  we may interpret this verse, it's clear that how we spend our time matters greatly to God! So while that answers the basic surface question, it leads us to a trail of unanswered questions that require faith and trust the one who is able and willing to direct our path and finish the work which He began!  Love your thoughts!

Reasons for Joy!

Half Full Friday!
find out more here

1. I am joyful, that I am having a week of complete wellness!
2. I am joyful for reminders that isn't my place to judge others
3. I am joyful we are taking a family trip this fall!
4. I am joyful for the fact that our 6 week Bible study went well, and the gals have decided to keep meeting!
5.  I am joyful that soon I will karaoke with the girls for the first time!

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6. I'm joyful for my mom's great health
7.  I am joyful, not everything assumed about me is true.  

Tell me what makes you Joyful this week?

In the Meantime....

                                Do you ever wonder if you are where God wants you to be?    Sometimes when we feel as though life is passing us by, it is because we fail to realize that even things deemed small are important to God!   Col. 3:23 

Fight or Feed?

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                                                                   Have you ever found yourself in a conversation that if given the choice, you would have rather avoided.  The fact is most of the time it is not a person's desire to feed our greatest fears, but sometimes often unknowingly well meaning people do.  A few weeks ago, I found myself in such a place.    I was on the receiving end.  It has taken me several years to overcome many of my fears, and some I have yet to conquer, but here is the thing, while people may feed my fears, they are not responsible, for whether or not I eat or linger in the taste of fear.  Will I be driven forward as result of it, or will I be held hostage by it?  I am coming to grips with the fact, that maybe fear itself isn't the problem, but instead not moving through it. is   Some of the great history makers of time, battled fear, but in the end they acted anyway.  Fear comes in many categories, but most of mine are mental in nature.  I won't rehash these, but somewhere inside, I bet you have your own.  So I've decided to attempt a different strategy.  Rather than feeling defeated by fear, I want to prepare for it, and walk through it.  Most Christians know Jesus tells us not to be afraid, and with comes the harder question which we often don't bring ourselves to ask the Lord, which is, why should I not be shaken by the presence  of fear?  The answer is not simply because I said so, though for others that might be explanation enough.  A good parent will most of the time, this day in time,will make sure that the lesson that might have begun with, Because I said, will be followed by a discussion of making sure the lesson is understood not just preached. though you may not fully understand the reasons, here are some.  I cannot help but wonder if Jesus gives us not only a declaration to not be afraid, but rather a few reasons fear is harmful and  where we are to turn when fear threatens us.  One reason I become afraid is because I want to be strong, but I am weak.  Often this I think presents a problem, but then I remembered something.    God does not tell me to be strong, but to depend upon His strength, which He alone has and can impart or give to me. There  is a difference between our illusion of fleshly strength, and God's ALL SUSTAINING, UNFAILING STRENGTH!     "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."Eph. 6:10-11 Find it here   As I continue to study,I  am reminded that one of the mistakes I make when fear knocks on my door, is that I begin to doubt the steadfastness of God's love and truth.  2 Thess. 3:5 " May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ."  Last I'm often afraid when I begin thinking my way instead of God's way. Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, [1] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Here is a link 2 Cor. 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ..."  So let me ask you how do you fight and face your fears instead of feeding your fears?  I really am looking for pointers, both spiritual and practical strategies.   Talk to me!

Love and Work

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Forgive my typing errors...

Most of my life I have LOVED writing, but recently the only thing writing evokes in me is fear.  It all began when I heard a few months ago, about short story writing contest.  I have never written any fiction work in my life, and somehow I thought it would be fun to try, but soon, it became what something new always seems to become to me, It became scholastic, and when I realized I would never meet the deadline of September 1, and that though I've read numerous books on how to get published and the hard work it takes , I just don't have a clue what I'm doing.  Then came the words that forever plaque me whenever I try something new.  "You know you are not smart enough or intellectual enough to do this.  "  "You know you aren't as smart as they are."  "You don't have it takes to compete in the world."  The truth is I can connect with people all day long, I can love people and encourage people, but when it comes to a task that involves a measurement of intellect I'm terrified. I can talk theology all day long, and rarely ever feel inferior, but put me in a classroom setting, or a board room and, whatever sense of confidence I had will disappear.    Then I found this on a website today.  It hit me today, the reason I'm so afraid....  Whenever anything I do becomes work it becomes heartbreak to me.  My experience has been that work='s to perform or prove myself.  I want to make a living one day, but I struggle with feeling that "work" will always be an enemy to me that will sap me of joy and purpose.  So for now, whether I make the deadline or not, the only thing I've come to is that I must focus on writing as a purpose and a calling and not a waste of time.  When you are so focused on how to do something, you often miss out on the joy of practicing something you once loved.  The same thing has continued with my Christian walk recently as well .The more I try to please God by reading, my Bible, Praying and serving, the more I find myself just going through the motions instead of truly loving the One who Loves me without limitation.  Obedience is Beautiful, but can it really be called Obedience if the motive behind it isn't love?            "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength".'MK. 12:30It is found here
I'd love to hear you thoughts on any part of this post!

An Invitation FOR YOU!

                  I'm having a rally back to blogging party today, and you are invited!  This however isn't the only party I'm inviting you to today.  Many of you have prayed since February for my mom and my family, when we found her cancer had returned.  She is getting over a recent staph infection, but she is doing great, and this week we were given the WONDERFUL news that she is in remission!!!!!!!!!  Thank you for praying for her and us!  Please continue, she has been through so much!  She is doing well!  I've sure been praising our Lord!
         Here is something neat that Lord is showing me through his word!  He is revealing so much about his invitations to us, not only for initial salvation, but even deeper than that alone, but all other invites hinge upon the wonder of inviting us to salvation!  Upon that He invites into his family!  See Eph 1,  If you have ever been disowned by a family member or even felt neglected by one, it is comforting to know that In Christ, believers are given a forever invitation into the family of God!  Romans 8:15-16 and John 10 28-29    Second, which is what I want mostly to write about is the invitation to dwell on and his love!  To be  honest there has always been a part of me that has been fearful of focusing or dwelling on God's love too much.  Here's what I mean, if I focus too much on his love for me, then will I be less obedient or focus less on his holiness?   However this week I was confronted with the truth that God invites us to meditate on his love!  "May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. 2 Thess. 3.5  CLICK HERE   "Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love." Ps.48:9 Here it is and finally...   "so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,"  Eph. 317:18 Found Here So before I move on to my to my next thought, Tell me your thoughts on diving into the love of God?  I'm reminded that what enables one to love God is that HE FIRST LOVED US!     
     The final invitation I am discovering is that God eagerly invites me to call him father. See John 1:12 Romans 8:15-16, Eph. 1:3 Isa. 9:6.  Father isn't a term we use much today, but dad daddy or papa may be more common.  Sure I address my prayers as Father, but it has never been a term that excites me or makes my heart leap for joy, but I think this bible study is already beginning to change this.  Father was not ever meant to conjure up words in mind, like distant, absent, or unaware, that word when referring to Father God is referred to is fully aware, LOVING, PRESENT INTERESTED, ABLE, STONG, KIND WISE, STEADY.  You get the idea don't you?  So I guess the question we must answer, is will we accept or decline his invitation to join his family, to dwell in his love, to Father/in some cases mother us?  Love your thoughts!  Have a lovely weekend!      

Hard to return?

I keep asking myself what is it that is making it so hard for me to get back to being a "regular" blogger again, and the truth is there isn't just one reason there are several.  However, It isn't for lack of care for my blog readers, or lack of desire to be plugged in the blog-sphere.   
My goal in blogging has always been to share life lessons, Honor God, and connect with others, but in the last few months, my life has so revolved living day to day, that it has left little time or desire to reflect or share.  My mom got a Staph infection a couple weeks ago, and spent some days in the hospital, but she is home now and recovering well.  Praise the Lord!  He has shown his faithfulness without end!  He has provided without limit it!  He has proved trustworthy in all things! 

   Tomorrow I have the joy to begin facilitating a bible study called "In My Father's house.  It is a very small group of great ladies.  I'm excited to see what the Lord teaches me!      The major theme the Lord continues to teach me is that be can be trusted, and that trust breeds obedience!   At his core, God is good, and his ways are always right!  Some days I remember this, and others I need to be reminded yet again.  When did you last stop and remember how God has shown himself faithful in your life?  Has the awareness of his faithfulness led you into deeper trust? 

gibberish! Published us dictation of

hello all

Thank you for your positive response to the pictures I posted last week – whether this week I really can't remember. This post will be mostly gibberish not because I don't care about my mistakes but I'm trying out new voice activated software so this should be fun I thought it might give you a laugh or two.
It is much easier to speak what I want to blog actually type it, but rotation of what I'm saying may or may not resemble what I actually said. I know I've been lacking in the number of blog posts pretty much since February when mom was diagnosed again with cancer, a sort of went engine inward during that time and didn't feel much motivation to write, even after things greatly. Imprudence. Mom is going for scan today. I have no reason to expect anything will be wrong, except that every time she about his candidacy something is stirring up but through it all God has been faithful. Mom is doing remarkably well and we are having a very fast-paced number. I'm hoping and don't expect that anything will interfere with that fingers for want of anything for a week or so. It is" supposed to be routine. Anyway hope I'll get back to writing codes that will make sense and maybe his programs praying it won't look like I'm on drugs operatic see you later hope this doesn't decline my readership you will see in normal post soon as I stop using the program

Spring and Summer Joys!

Spring pictures in the front yard

Mom and daughter!

Summer Day at local park

To let you know I'm still around!

You are Still my song

By T.J. Ellis


May 21, 2011



You Are Still My Song

When all I can see is the all consuming darkness that engulfs me I will wait for your light to penetrate my soul.

When the tears won’t stop I will remember your Comfort still remains

When the questions go unanswered I will rest in your unfailing Love.

When purpose cannot be found, and sorrow abounds

I will fall into your arms, and wait for brighter days.

I will trust You to restore my smile again.

When I cannot hear you through the lies, I will seek you harder than before.

I will cling to the truth that does not change

You are the One who pursues me when I fall.

You have not forgotten me,

Or abandoned me to find the way

I will always find you by my side, when everyone is gone

You are still all You claim to be.

You are still My Hope and My Song.