Forgiven.... So What???!

Hi there:
(Please forgive my title, the sarcasm is only intended to make an important point.)
I warn you this could be a long post, as many thoughts have been rolling around in my head. Sometimes the urge to write just overtakes me, and I must yield to it! Mom and I went to see the movie" Mommamia" yesterday, at least I think that is how you spell it, and I loved it! Until recently I never consider myself a fan of movie musicals, but after seeing the modern version of Hairspray, and now this, all that has changed. It was good for both mom and I to get out yesterday, there was breath taking beach scenery in the movie! I warn as with most movies, there are some less than" Christian" scenes, so if you have a strong sense of conviction God has given you about not watching anything other than family friendly movies, it is not my wish to cause anyone to stumble, I personally do not struggle in this specific area, but I do in many other things outside of movies. I was glad mom could "getaway" for a bit. I know she must get tired of hearing the "C" word all the time. Things with my new caregiver are wonderful, and I am so blessed God is taking care of me!
I want to ask you something? Do you know the joy of being forgiven by God? Have you recently been reminded of the reality that you need to be forgiven by God? I don't know about you, but I take the wonder of God's forgiveness for granted on a daily basis. I'm not talking about self condemnation or self-loathing here. I was reminded this week, that I once was lost, and Christ forgave me! I tend to either fixate on my sin or completely ignore my sin, instead of walking in the joy and victory of first, knowing I need to be forgiven, and as important: is living as a person who is being forgiven, has been forgiven and will be forgiven! Can others tell that Jesus has forgiven me? Can others tell that Christ has forgiven you, or do they just think that some how "us church folks are "good" enough? Deep deep down do we ever have those thoughts ourselves, they won't can't admit it can we? Romans: 3:23... "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." I know you have heard it preached until our ears are dulled to it, but if what the only way we truly grasp hold of the Good News" is by really taking hold of the bad news first, it isn't until I remember my sin, and my need to be forgiven, that I can really begin to walk in the joy and wonder of being forgiven!! Eph. 1.7" He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins." How awesome to all who are forgiven!

All for now! Please keep praying for my mom, and also that God will intervene and stop the abortion clinic from locating in Chattanooga, and that Christians will fight evil, by doing good. To the world, the Gospel is foolish, even many "so called" Christians have abandoned the faith in times past and present, but oh how it is my desire that they return to the "way" and that I/we shall stand firm, not abandoning the hope of the true Gospel. Yes, I am fired up! In love I write, and preach to myself!

Who are you?

The following biblical affirmations about our identity in Jesus Christ are derived from a few selected passages in the New Testament. These passages teach a portion of the many truths about who we have become through faith in God's Son.
I am a child of God. John 1:12
I am a branch of the true vine, and a conduit of Christ's life. John 15:1-5
I am a friend of Jesus. John 15:15
I have been justified and redeemed. Romans 3:23-24; Romans 6:6
I will not be condemned by God, I have been set free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2
As a child of God, I am a fellow heir with Christ. Romans 8:17
I have been accepted by Christ. Romans 15:7
I have been called to be a saint 1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:2
In Christ Jesus, I have wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30
My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in me 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19
I am joined to the Lord and am one spirit with him. 1 Corinthians 6:17
God leads me in the triumph and knowledge of Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14
The hardening of my mind has been removed in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:14
I am a new creature in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17
I have become the righteousness of God in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21
I have been made one with all who are in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
I am no longer a slave but a child of an heir. Galatians 4:7
I have been set free in Christ. Galatians 5:1
I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Ephesians 1:3
I am chosen, holy, and blameless before God. Ephesians 1:4
I am redeemed and forgiven by the grace of Christ. Ephesians 1:7
I have been predestined by God to obtain an inheritance. Ephesians 1:9-11
I have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Ephesians 1:13
Because of God's mercy and love, I have been made alive with Christ. Ephesians 2:4-5
I am seated in the heavenly places with Christ. Ephesians 2:6
I am God's workmanship created to produce good works. Ephesians 2:10
I have been brought near to God by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13
I am a member of Christ's body and a partaker of His promise. Ephesians 3:6; Ephesians 5:30
I have boldness and confident access to God through faith in Christ. Ephesians 3:12
My new self is righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:22-24
I was formerly darkness, but now I am light in the Lord. Ephesians 5:8
I am a citizen of heaven. Philippians 3:20
The peace of God guards my heart and mind. Philippians 4:7
God supplies all my needs. Philippians 4:19
I have been made complete in Christ. Colossians 2:9-10
I have been raised up with Christ. Colossians 3:1
My life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3
Christ is my life, and I will be revelaed with him in glory. Colossians 3:4
I have been chosen of God, and I am holy and beloved. Colossians 3:12
God loves me and has chosen me. 1 Thessalonians 1:4
Review this powerful inventory frequently, since it reminds us of truths we quickly forget amid the worries and cares of this world. The more we embrace these affirmations from Scripture, the more stable, grateful, and fully assured we will be in the course of our lives.
Questions For Personal Application
To what degree are you defined by the world? By the Word? How can you develop your identity more fully in the latter?
What does it require to see yourself as God sees you?
Which five from the list of biblical affirmations resonate the most with you? Which five seem the most remote to your experience? How can you make these more real in your thinking and practice?

These have really helped me in the last few years thought I'd share them I think these came from who does God say I am by Josh Mcdowell. Please pray for mom her white counts are really low right now. Thanks!

Christmas in July!

Hi Devoted Readers:

I know you guys are praying for us, and I thank you! It has been a good week so far. I look forward to hosting my friend Michelle's baby shower this weekend. I'm so excited to meet her and Todd's son, Alex and spoil him completely rotten, but I know his family will spoil him first. My prayer for him, is that he will love the Lord God, and follow him, and know him as the one and only Savior! I pray for wisdom for Todd and Michelle as they embark on this journey called parenthood!
I am writing a post with Christmas in the tittle have I lost my mind??? Believe it or not, there is a perfectly logical reason for my madness. Today my time with the Lord was about his name being" Saviour" I read the Christmas story in July! I read about Mary pondering and Marveling at the face of God in baby Jesus. I read about how the heavenly hosts, appeared to the shepherds, and proclaimed A Savior has been born for YOU" I admit it was strange at first to read it without seeing Christmas trees and lights, but it was refreshing to really leave all those things aside and focus on the message alone and not the "seasonal aspects." I thought about how exciting it must have been for them to know that that Jesus was born to be their Savior, and this was one promise that they had access to, despite their earthly status, or lack of it. Sometimes I forget that Jesus, while of course saves me from hell literally, and that is the greatest hope I have, Jesus is also my "NOW SAVIOR" Daily I need a Savior who will rescue me from "dangers of the world, and a Savior who will stay with me! The Savior I need, the one and only I have is: Jesus! He is Savior year round and for all time! His saving power is not limited to seasons or situations or false idols. Will you join me in Celebrating the Savior of everyday, no matter what season of life you are in? Our Savior is Risen!
This devotional by Rick Warren, sent by my friend Sandra minstered to me so much, that I want to post it here. I hope you will read it when you can.
God Smiles When We Obey by Rick WarrenNoah did everything exactly as God had commanded him. Genesis 6:22 (NLT)*** *** *** ***Noah obeyed completely (no instruction was overlooked) and he obeyed exactly (in the way and time God wanted it done). That is wholeheartedness. It is no wonder God smiled on Noah.If God asked you to build a giant boat, don’t you think you might have a few questions, objections, and reservations? Noah didn’t. He obeyed God wholeheartedly. That means doing whatever God asks without reservation or hesitation. You don’t procrastinate and say, “I’ll pray about it.” You do it without delay. Every parent knows that delayed obedience is really disobedience. God doesn’t owe you an explanation or reason for everything he asks you to do. Understanding can wait, but obedience can’t. Instant obedience will teach you more about God than a lifetime of Bible discussions. In fact, you will never understand some commands until you obey them first. Obedience unlocks understanding.Often we try to offer God partial obedience. We want to pick and choose the commands we obey. We make a list of the commands we like and obey those while ignoring the ones we think are unreasonable, difficult, expensive, or unpopular. I’ll attend church but I won’t tithe. I’ll read my Bible but I won’t forgive the person who hurt me. Yet partial obedience is disobedience.Wholehearted obedience is done joyfully with enthusiasm. The Bible says, “Obey him gladly” (Psalm 100:2 LB). This is the attitude of David: “Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord. As long as I live I’ll wholeheartedly obey” (Psalm 119:33 LB).James, speaking to Christians, said, “We please God by what we do and not only by what we believe” (James 2:24 CEV). God’s Word is clear that you can’t earn your salvation. It comes only by grace, not your effort. But as a child of God you can bring pleasure to your heavenly Father through obedience. Any act of obedience is also an act of worship. Why is obedience so pleasing to God? Because it proves you really love him. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments” (John 14:15 TEV).

sitting on The Rock not a rock

Happy 4Th of July few but faithful readers! I'm excited that I'll be spending a "normal" day with my family. Mom got her breast biopsy back and it is NOT cancer! There is a tumor, but no cancer there! Thanks for praying!

God is challenging my view of him, more every day as I read the Shack and a devotional called Knowing God by His Names By: Dick Purnell.

"He is THE ROCK his works are perfect, and his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he." Deut.32:4 A real rock is hard and solid and does not crumble as result of external elements. My cousin Jocelyn will sometimes sing a song that begins with the words "Standing on The Rock of God" She mostly just likes the hand motions I think but being that she is two and knows them is something. Often I look to "fake" or counterfeit rocks to hold me up or make feel safe. Sometimes my fake rocks are: relationships, works, performance, or situations. These rocks crumble and are counterfeits because the can be altered or moved. There is Only One Real Rock that does not change."He is The Rock, and he came in flesh as Jesus! The verse above says that the Rock's works are perfect! He does no wrong, He is faithful! How wonderful and comforting this is that?! Sometimes it's hard to believe this verse, but that is only because our ways and works are tainted by the effects of sin on our minds and hearts. In my case, physically it will be awhile before I can literally stand upon the rock, and maybe spiritually too, but I believe God is pleased when we take a step of faith enough to even sit upon the Real Rock! Give me your thoughts. Please pray for my mom, she begins her treatments on Monday. Thank you!

Love Lifted Me!

Youth today are often accused of not knowing church hymns. I know I may no longer be considered young by some folks, but this hymn came to mind before I began this post. The only words I know are: "When nothing else could help love lifted me!" Let me explain... Yesterday I sat through a AAA training for 6 hours, and I did not even stay the whole time, because it began at 8:30. I got up at 8:00 to at least be there by eleven. I left feeling I could do little to help with this one event, and even though I enjoyed the people, by the time I left I was beyond worn out... I was also sad to learn that AAA can no longer stay open on Saturdays because there are not enough volunteers. This was the shift I was taking before mom's illness came about. Getting her well is of course my first priority, other than wallking with the Lord. However, I am human and by last night I was feeling pretty helpless. Helpless unable to help mom beat her cancer, helpless in serving AAA. HELPLESS to fix anything. I come from a long line of fixers. I am unable to make dishes to help those who take dishes to those in need. I know my feelings of helplessness were from satan to keep my focus off Christ. If not careful helplessness can quickly give way to depression. When there is a lack of sleep that is involved, you can count on it. This morning I woke up still feeling this way, but after giving thanks and praise to the Lord, I expressed my fear of being prone to past temptations, depression, and helplessness, and nearly an hour later God's love lifted me. It lifted me as I remembered that prayer is a verb. It is an action. Just like cooking or giving. God's love lifted me as I watched a group of fellow Christians build me a new ramp for my house. God's love lifted me, as I confessed my sin and acknowledged my pride and desire to fix it myself. As I give him my heart, he lifted me with his love! Do you need a lift? If you do, I trust his love to lift you in due time! Thank you for praying for mom, pray that God will show me how to bless her, and others, for her healing most of all, and guard me against self focused depression. Thank you!

I will trust you for today!

Hello,





The AAA prayer time on Tues. went well! It was truly encouraging to meet others passionate about prayer and AAA's Ministry. Thanks Michelle and Mary for coming. You guys know my mom has cancer, and I thank you for your prayers for her and us Here is her Caringbridge page www.caringbridge.org/visit/madelineellis We are all very encouraged by the ongoing support of so many!



Lessons I'm learning: Even when it looks like Jesus is sleeping thorough the storms of life, he is still protecting those he loves. Need proof??? Mark 4:35-39 www.bibleresouces.bible.com
On that day, when evening came, He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side."
36Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them (Z)in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him.
37And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up.
38Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"
39And He got up and (AA)rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still." And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm.
40And He said to them, "Why are you afraid? (AB)Do you still have no faith?"
41They became very much afraid and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"

Do you ever feel as though God is sleeping while the storms of your life are raging? Here is a reminder that God is not only fully aware of what's going on, but he is in full control as well. Most of all it is proof of his loving and watchful care.

Last night, I heard a still small voice speak to me. I told God I did not think my faith was strong enough to trust with "Everything", it when then I sensed the Holy Spirit saying all I asking you to do for now, is trust me with today. Day by day moment by moment choose to trust me with today. Will you trust him with today?

I've been tagged, but...

I will answer the survey, but after that I will post another post, because I have other things to post about too.

1. What was I doing ten years ago. High school... Probably thinking life was a big deal. Getting over a hip surgery. Hanging out at ChurchCoffeeHouse.
2 What's on my to do list today? write letters,, Make a call for AAA, Journal, catch up on e-mail, read the shack, pray some more and call Sandra.
Snacks I enjoy:
3. graham crackers, Mexican Cheese dip and chips, Cheez-it crackers, Anything sweet and bad for me.
Places I've lived: Daytona Beach, Chattanooga TN. In the womb, and the hospital as a baby for a while.
4.What would I do if I were a billionare? Find a cure for cancer, AIDS, Depression., and other illnesses. I would give money to the church, buy a whirlpool for mom and me. Take my family and friends to Hawaii.
5. People I want to know more about: Denzel Washington, My brother, Kirk Cameron, Joni Erickison Tada, David Ring.
6. Two things I have in common with Oprah? We are both misunderstood, We both can act like "know it all's"
7. You can tell a lot about a person by: How they welcome people who are new., their tone of voice.
8. Are you a yeller when you get angry? Not often, I have to be really made for a long time to yell.
9. Have you ever danced in public? Does a poll count? If I did you would hear about it.
10. What did I do to get my first detention? I didn't ever have that, but I got in trouble for leaving group without permission to leave.
11. Name 3 things about the town you live in: my church, my family is here, and its in the south, but not so much that it annoys me.
12. Name something unusual you carry wherever you go: I hope love.
13. My favorite website: right now... www.caringbridge.org/visit/madelineellis
14. What would my enemy say about me? I'm needy
15. Favorite childhood memories, Christmases, When my brother and I played as kids. Anything with my cousin Bill.
16. Not sure... I think God has is taking those away!
Now I'm told to tag people!

A Love Better Than Life???

Is there really a love better than Life?

In the last week, every time I open my Bible the word love leaps out at me! It could be that God wants me to know his love is with me at this time, or it could be because of Jenn's new written Bible study-I think it is both. In Jenn's first chapter she directed me to Ps. 63. It was there I found Ps. 63:3 "My lips will glorify you
Because your faithful LOVE is better than life."(HCSV) (Note the capitalization of love is my emphasis only) I must say I both envy and agree with King David here. I envy him, because at a time when his life was being turned upside, and others sought to kill him, he spoke confidently of God's love as being better than life. I hope that when it feels like the world is crashing down around me, I will still be quick to say God's love is better than life!
Another way I've been looking at this verse is this, sometimes life is hard, and the last word we use to describe our lives is good. Sometimes life is not all a bed of roses, but even then, God's love is better than our life situations alone. Jenn reminded me in her Bible study, that every day I must choose to believe God has a love for me that is better than life itself! But then another question if I am honest comes to mind. What is it that makes God's love better than life? I have been mediating on one verse a lot since Monday. I've always loved it, If you reading this I bet you will too! Isa. 54:10 "Though the mountains be shaken, and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of be removed"
says the LORD who has compassion on you. God's love for his children will not fail, not only will it not fail, but it CANNOT Fail! That makes God's love better than life doesn't it?!!! God's love for Israel, did not waver even though their love for him always did. God's love for me does not waver or change even though both situations in life, as well as my love for him do. His love for us will not change or disappoint. His love for you will not fail, it is steady by his grace!. Enjoy that with me! Last, his love is better than life, because it is undeserved, and ever present. Thanks for reading! Topic to be cont.

Big Lips small heart

Hi friends:

I'm here. Hope your summer is starting off well. I love to do lots of fun stuff in the summer! For example, staying up half the night reading novels, watching movies and TV shows I never what any other time of the year. I also love cookouts, and baseball games. If I may confess in the summer months I've been known to neglect my walk with God at this time more than any other season of the year.I need to allow God to enrich my summer with more of him than anything else. Take a minute and ask yourself what God desires most from you. The other day I came across a verse which might help in answering this question. Matthew 15:8 www.biblegateway.com These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me." WOW I don't know about you, but that stung me! What do you think Jesus is telling us here? Is pointing out our that our words don't matter? No, because in earlier chapters, and other places in the Bible he says we will give an account for every careless word. Are you confused yet? Hang with me here. If God has our heart above everything else then what flows from our hearts will come out of the mouth, but what Jesus is speaking to us here, says to me that we can never impress God with our words, He sees beyond the formation of our lips straight into our hearts. My best Friend Jenn reminds me of this all the time. Even more, now that she is writing her new Bible study. We might have Jesus in our hearts as Savior, but if you are like me, so often he is not my first love! I don't know about you, but I need to offer God a little less of my lips, and far more of my heart. The Lord wants praise from our lips, but not without the love of our hearts first!

I am enjoying Karen Kingsbury's Ever After so much it's a wonder I can anything else. Please be in prayer there are lots of big needs out there. Blessings!

See other post first

pointing to What or Who?

Hi Friends,

It is about time I posted huh? Where to start.... AAA's Walk for life went great! My total to date is about 440$ It was a sunny day. God blew me away! I am loving working with AAA more all the time. I love talking to the clients and caring about them. God has enabled me to place myself in their shoes and imagine where they are, and what they must be feeling. Then, after that we had my family birthday dinner, which was steak and shrimp. I got a flat screen TV. I am really loving it! Then on that Tues the 29Th, my actual birthday, my mom took me out for Mexican, another thing I love! Then, my dear friend Michelle made me an amazing Ice cream cake! Again I loved that! Most of all I love how many cards and calls I got from people I love! I sensed the love of God !

So what about my Title? I was reading today in John. I read about how John said he was sent to prepare the way for Jesus the Messiah. John knew his place, and he was content to be the one to point others to Jesus, and not himself! He knew he could not be their savior nor did he want to be, but he did desire to point them to the one true Savior! Jenn is teaching me that witnessing is about relationships and I am reminded that every day is a chance to be a witness even to fellow believers. I need to be witnessing to others, simply telling them what Jesus has done for me, and what he wants to do for them! What or who are we pointing them too? Col. 4:5 check it out!

Now, I am so excited about a movie coming out this fall starring Kirk Cameron. Find out more www.fireprofthemovie.com It is from the creators of Facing the Giants!

Help-the beatles, belly troubles, and no good pride

Hi,

We did not make it to church, today because I must have eaten something yesterday that really upset my belly because I was not in any condition to go anywhere after Brady's birthday party yesterday. Mom also had a migraine, because of the stress she has been under.
Anyway I enjoy the Beatles, and I like their song help. Why does this matter? Well here's why-God has shown me how much pride shows up in different ways in my life. Sometimes, it shows up in my envying others blessings or talents. Sometimes my pride shows up in forms of self loathing or discontentment, judgement of others just to name a few. My pride comes out ever time I look for something else to fill me other than grace, love, and spirit of God! I cannot do anything apart from Christ, so I wonder why don't I just rest that reality? It ALL comes back to pride.... Someone reminded me this week that God knows I'm only dust. He is knows without him I am lifeless literally and spiritually. He desires and expects me to fully depend on him! I don't have to apologize for needing the Lord! As a child of God, there is no such thing as self confidence, but there is instead something else, there is Christ Confidence. http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=isa.+50%3A7&version1=31&version2=49&version3=77 Isa 50:7 Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.
Yes, God is our help, but help implies that we can do something on our and we can't, but we can choose to submit our will to him, and we can ask him to enable us to abide in him. John 15. God is our help, but he is also worthy of my trust and my reliance! Jer. 17:7-8 He will firmly plant us if I will abide him, I have not been doing that well with abiding in my Lord, but I do pray his spirit will change me! Do you need help? If so. join me in calling on the One who is able!

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'