Validation through the Cross!

Hello Bloggers:

   Hope you doing well!  Since my primary audience seems to be a female readership, I'm going to be writing today on validation.  I know that validation isn't just a women's issue, and believe it or not, neither is Sanctity of Human Life.  Neither of these are simply a matter of gender.  Let me say what I mean by validation.  By this what I don't mean is Oprah Winfrey humanistic validation translation- it all about being true to yourself garbage.  For you Oprah fans, yes I actually think some of the shows on her new network, which are not humanistic or new age are quite enjoyable to watch,.   Then for those who are fully anti Oprah, I remind you that we as Christian can be anti viewpoint, but Jesus never offered us the example of being anti-person          Two days in a row, as I was talking with the Lord, and read a couple of passages scripture, I was sure, I heard the Lord Whisper, "I am your validation."  I was like okay Lord, whatever that means, I have not a clue. Again,   "I declared your worth and value a long time ago."  "You have my favor, you have my approval, so why do you look to others to validate you?  .  This has been a constant struggle for me through the years, and there was a time when nearly every decision I made was based on how others would perceive me. It was draining, and in so many ways it has prevented me from loving and serving God with sincerity.    In fact according to scripture, I was serving two masters, in others, words, more times than not, my desire for others to approve of or validate me, came at the the coast, of my living my life for God alone Mt. 6:24 ²⁴ “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Yes this scripture speaks of love of money, but there are scriptures that warn against other idols I rarely have trouble giving away money entrusted to me, but ask me to surrender a relationship that is dear to me, and I will fight unto death     I relate probably more often with the pharisees the disciples.    I have never thought of myself as a materialistic person, but a people pleaser, attention craver, approval addict you bet.  I remember the day someone close to me said that I didn't concern myself with what others thought, and little did they know it was the highest complement I have ever received   I needed to know if this latest revelation came from God or my own flesh, so I went to scripture.  Romans 8:1  "Therefore, there is now no condemnation
for those who are in Christ Jesus."  For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying^(A) to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a^(B) servant^[a] of Christ. Gal. 1:10 


Whatever you do, work heartily,^(B) as for the Lord and not for men,..." Col 3:23

In ancient cultures, people would slash themselves, as atonement for their shortcomings in attempt to secure peace with a higher power.     and even today, this still happens.  I remember one night a few years ago during the Lord's supper realizing the freedom in knowing I didn't have to make atonement for my sin, that I don't have to use any form of self punishment, because Christ's blood is enough to secure victory for me!  How powerful that realization has been in my life!   This week is my favorite week of the whole year, It's Easter!  I wish that the realty of Easter would become as real and transparent in my life year round, as it is in season, because the reality is for the redeemed, whether we realize it or not, Easter should never and will never end!   Happy Easter Week!

Walk for Life 2011

Walk for Life 2011

Stretched and BLESSED!

Hi bloggers:

Several times I have written posts only to delete these later...  A   year ago today, I  was traveling to a women's conference, and little did I know that a week later I would be invited to go to Michael W, Smith's  home....  My mom was in remission for the second time, and life was lovely.  READ about it Here and also Here Time of my Life  Today my friends went to the conference again this year,and I wish for them a wonderful time.  I cannot begin to tell you all the ways God has blessed and stretched my family and  I the last 3 months.  God has provided Physically, monetarily and emotionally for all of us!  Even when it seemed things were unraveling, God''s people have stepped up and the riches of God's grace has sustained in every way.  It has not always been pretty, but it's been true, and it has been real.  People from our church have been remarkable!  Every night when needed meals have been brought to us!  God has been faithful, granting his peace and Presence at each turn.  I'm sorry for my lengthy periods of silence.  There were times a few weeks ago, when I was fearful and frustrated that mom kept having setbacks  To see her now, you would never imagine how sick she was!  She has shown amazing courage.  I"m getting my mom back!  As I think, I mentioned in earlier post doctors seem very Optimistic about a long term recovery.  The cancerous tumor is gone, and I praise the Lord for more time to enjoy her!  I am sad for a friend who found out there is nothing more that can be done medically, for her mom who has fought long and hard battling cancer.  My heart aches for her, as I know we are no more deserving than she and her family.  I see suffering and hurt everywhere through violence or natural disaster, and sickness.  To be honest, I still cannot fathom what would happen, if my plea for mom's healing from God was No but on some level, I know that as long as I have eternal hope in Jesus, I really can face whatever comes.  Would I need the Lord to carry me, and grant me the will to keep going, yeah you better believe it!  I KNOW MY GOD IS ABLE!  I KNOW I HAVE A HOPE BEYOND THIS LIFE!  I KNOW THAT HE IS FAITHFUL AND HE CAN HANDLE ME, THROUGH THE GOOD AND BAD. ONE OF THE AMAZING TRUTHS ABOUT GOD IS HE DOES NOT ABANDON HIS OWN!  What do you know about God that gets you through the impossible?  

watch THE EAGLE HATCHING

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/3064708

Kutless - Sea Of Faces prerequisite to my future post!

Ice Breaker- Half Full Friday

image found here 

http://mattdm.orgWell, because I've been so on and off with my blog postings in recent weeks, I decided I would do well to post an ice breaker kind of post.  In other words, a simple post with no strings.  No long-term promises- just something comfortable.  So here I am with half full Friday:

• I am joyful that mom's health is improving.
• I am joyful because of the beauty of God's creation!
• I am Joyful because of sweet memories made.
• I am joyful because of personal growth.  
• I am Joyful because of newly found freedom!
• I am joyful because of blessings, which I refuse to take for granted.

I joyful because Jesus intercedes on my behalf.

What makes you joyful this week?

And She writes... The silence is broken!

Image go here for tips on deep breathing!

It has been almost a month since I've had any contact with my own blog, and most of yours..  There is so much I have to share with you, and as usual time isn't on my side.  The most important thing I need to say is Mom's doctors are optimistic that they have removed all the cancer, and tests at this point concur!   Praising the Lord daily!  Mom has had several serious setbacks in recent weeks, but is now on the path to recovery.  Life has just been too hectic to blog in recent weeks!  I apologize for my lack of contact.  The Lord has provided for her and our family in ways too numerous to count!  The support we have been given has been life changing, and the prayers lifesaving, like air to our lungs!  I will write deeper reflects at some point, but I must go for now!  Thankful for you Blogger friends!  We are beginning to exhale now, as we make way out of crisis, and through it all the Lord has been oh so merciful and faithful!    

TO BE CONTINUED!

Hello Bloggers:

Where I live it has been like spring time this week and I just love it!    To be honest, I have not felt much like writing or blogging because I've been having pain in my good hand and neck.  Plus, I have a little more on my plate to arrange my own care while mom both prepares and recovers from surgery.  The last couple days have been stressful, and I've felt like i'm carrying the weight of the entire world upon my shoulders.  I won't make mom's surgery or cancer the primary focus of this post, but her surgery is Feb. 23rd at 12:30.  I am learning that my pride shows up in the illusions of control.  When illness comes to a family member, and I guess even more to the person who has the illness, the false sense of control we think we have is shattered!  The world does not stop, because trials come, but with cancer, as with many other crises in life, there is a robbing of security, no matter how False it is, that does not in most cases return.  Since it is false, in so many ways it is a positive, for Christians to discover when we are trusting in false security, instead of Christ who is our security. It is hard to even realize that you are trusting in things like health or __ fill in the blank, until suddenly that thing is shattered.  Today, I found out that a lady who helped me get plugged in to Choices, where I volunteer died yesterday of Pancreatic cancer.  If she had promoted the ministry, and invited a Choices staff member to our church.  I would have missed out.  One of the topics I had on my list was Romans 4.  I have to stop this post in the middle, as life calls me but I will continue my thoughts next post...  Sorry 

Joni Eareckson Tada speaks at Moody Founder's Week

Blogging Friends!

Hello Blogging Friends:

Sorry I have been away for a bit....On January 26th 2011 I posted about a possible crisis in our familyFIND HERE.  What I could not tell you at the time, was confirmed today.  My mom has a small cancerous  tumor... For those of you who have followed my Blog for Awhile know that this is my mom's 4th time battling cancer.  Surgery has not been setup yet.   She will be looking at a minimum of a 4 to 6 week recovery.  Please keep her and us in your prayers.  We are hopeful and optmistic.  I know God will be, and is faithful!  There is such sweet peace in Jesus!  I will try to get back to "normal" regularly posting asap.  

A sweet Slice of Peace!

winklelittleteapot.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-dove-became-bird-of-peace.html 

All Scripture references can be found at: www.biblegateway.com NIV 

Thank you all for your prayers & kind comments.  I will try to return to my topics list soon, but for now I want to say thank you for my family and I.  If you have a relationship Christ, then I don't need to tell you that there are  times when it is not well with our circumstances, but when we turn to Christ, he offers us supernatural peace, where otherwise there could be no peace.   John 14:27 " Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  Trying to find peace through your own means is futile.  I have tried and I cannot manufacture real peace.  Real peace in spite of turmoil can only be found in one place!  Romans 15:13 "  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Sometimes, I fail to remember that no matter what happens this life isn't where my hope, peace. and joy are found!  I have a hope that is eternal. and I need daily sometimes hourly reminders of the overflowing hope!  I have seen this verse in Romans through the years, but it has never grabbed me like today!  Can I ask you, has there been a moment or time when peace seemed impossible, and God provided the peace you needed?  God brought his peace despite the "what if's"  or the question of what the future could hold,  If I have learned anything about life, it is that situations can change in a snap, and nothing is sure, other than hope in Christ.  You can be flying high one moment, and the next the rug is pulled out from under you.  Any one out there know what I mean?  So of these two verses, does one capture you more than the other?  Our President's slogan,(this is not a complaint, just historic fact), in his campaign was Yes, we can.  In the case of peace beyond life's twists and turns, the reality is, we can't, but He(God through The Holy Spirit can be our peace!  Thank you lifting me and my family in prayer.  I will inform you as I can.  Please keep praying!  

Prayers please!

Sometimes life throws us curve balls, and what we plan gets put on hold.  I cannot express to you how much I wish I could tell you about the potential crisis my family and I could be facing.  All I am at liberty to say to say is that your prayers are needed.  I'm having trouble coping with this.  I know there are people are praying for me, as I have peace today for the first time since Monday.  Folks I'm not going to lie here.  The possible situation is magnified by my own battles with anxiety.  I know that God loves me, and he will be faithful as he has always been, but my faith is shaky.  God is good I know this.  Yes I'm a Christian, even though I believe the enemy is trying to bring that in question.    Perhaps I'm far too transparent for the blogging arena.   I'm in a battle, and I am not going down without a fight!!!!  I've never claimed to be perfect, in fact, I'm probably as messed up as they come.  I don't mean to over spiritualize here, and others may mock me, and not understand why this hit me so hard, but, I know God accepts me warts and all, so would you please pray for me?  Thank you so very much!  I will work on my blog list as soon as I can!  I appreciate you!

Reflections of Martin Luther King Jr.and Sanctity of Human Life

I was not alive when Dr. King was, but I truly am thankful for his integrity, as well as his dream!  I don't know the hardships he faced or the hardships of those who lived both before him and after him, but I do apologize for the suffering hurt, and mistreatment this world and yes we as a hate filled selfish people have    caused to people of all colors., and I extend an apology myself, for those moments, I have tolerated prejudice myself.  I apologize for the times I might have attempted to rationalize portions of American history, no matter how subtly, when their just isn't ANY justification that can be made for wickedness! I apologize for my stereotypes   unexamined.       .    I have never been to a march  in his name, but would some day like to.  I'm thankful for his non-violent approach and his reported sense of personal responsibility, and I wonder what would he say about our world today.  Would he see a dream fulfilled?  I sure hope so!  Would he say there is still progressed to made, I'm almost sure he would.    I often wonder would he stand up for other vulnerable people in our world today?  In my opinion, I think he would.    

For example what would Dr. King say about our homeless or  the message of Sanctity of Human Life? I'd like think he would fight not only for his people and cultural heritage, but others too, like the unborn or battered women.  The truth is the source of all injustice comes from the same thing sin, and a lack of regard for that of human life!

Sanctity of Human Life is so big in scope, that even I who advocate for the lives of women, and unborn children, cannot fully grasp it's impact.  I do know however, that much of what our culture claims as a fight for civil rights today, is a far cry from what heroes like MLK fought for then.  You see from everything I've read Martin Luther King, was a man who knew the Bible, and tried to live his life according to it.  Much of what we call Civil Rights today, is nothing more than sugar-coded self-centered motives that have no biblical foundation.    I'll tell you more about Sanctity of Human Life next time, and what it means to me, but I hope this writing serves as a prerequisite for the post to come. 

                                                                           What are your thoughts in response?  I've put it out there, so now it your turn as my blog reader to weigh in!

Macy's 2011 Winter Photo session!

Sorry this is way to close for comfort, I had to call for back up!

                    

Thank you all so much for your honest feedback on Blog topics.  I appreciate it so much!  Before I begin posting on more serious topics, which I hope will possibly be tomorrow.  I wanted to post some very special pictures of someone very important to me!     Macy's 2011 Winter photo session!
Do you have a special pet that you treat more like a human?  Today in my house, I decided it is Pet Appreciation Day!  Thankful for God's perfect, gifts, or in Macy's case almost perfect gifts!

Blogging topics Feedback Please!

Hello Blogging Friends:

       My biggest blogging obstacle right now is narrowing down a single topic for each post, because there are multiple topics I'd like to cover.  I know the important thing is to focus on one topic at a time.  So for this reason, I may be posting a bit more frequently than usual, at least that is the plan, but it could change.  I usually try to give everyone a chance to express their thoughts, before moving ahead to another, topic. Here are a list of topics I hope to cover unless the Lord says no, or it just doesn't fit"

• What is Sanctity of Human Life, and How it changed my life 
• Believing when it is hard.  Romans 4  
• In Reverse Romans 4
• Respecting the President,/ I will not promote a political agenda that is NOT the purpose of this blog, there are plenty of political bashing or debate blogs out there, but you won't find one here.
• How Do I tell them?  Sharing Christ- 
• Christian themed movies, can they cut it?  
• Praying for others matters
• Parenting concerns from a non-parent

         These are topics on this blogger's mind, most of which I hope I can cover at some point.  Do you ever find yourself thinking about topics you hope to cover on your blog?  If so, do you have a list?  If so what are some of yours?  Please don't let these potential blog topics scare you away, these are tentative topics. Let me know your thoughts..  Which ones interest you and which ones don't, or make you cringe?

A Sweet Moment in 2011!

I woke at 4:30 AM, and the snow already here!

These are pics mom took, I don't go out in snow like this, but I love looking at it.  This is a lot for Chattanooga, but not even close to our blizzard of 93'.

Macy loves playing in the snow!

I MEAN SHE REALLY LOVES IT!

We got 7 inches, but some friends in North Chattanooga got 10! 

In the north, or Midwest I know they laugh at Chattanooga TN, and other southern states, because when it snows "life"shuts down, and for a moment how ever brief it is, adults become kids again, and pause to remember a glimpse of what really matters-  faith, love, simplicity, laughter, safety, memories just to name a few.  I'm not  really a winter girl, I love spring and summer!      People act "nuts" when it snows here. We don't have the ability or means to adapt to such conditions.  The best and I guess depending on who you ask, the worst thing about snow here is that for most of us, time stands still.   The time standing still is the part I love!  Today I'm thankful for the seasons God blesses us with, and like our lives there are pleasant and not so fun aspects of EVERY season our lives, but we serve a Saviour who is constant and never changing!  Hebrews 13:8 Emphasis Added!  Yet though He"s unchanging, God provides us with sweet changing seasons to give us fresh awareness of His beauty and glory!  Pretty neat huh?  What is your favorite season, and what makes it your favorite? 

Half Full Friday & Humor & Truth Collide!

                                             Humor is a gift in Dark times.  I never knew anything about her, or knew about her much prior to this, but what courage!  By the way, I'm taking a break from Facebook, so if you need me e-mail me.  I know God is working, and wants to show me big things 2011.

• I am Joyful to have friends praying me this week.
• I am joyful for my great blog readers and their comments.  
• I am joyful that yesterday I faced a fear.
• I am joyful because I can now take a shower instead of just a bed bath.
• I am Joyful, because of sweet moments with Jocelyn Claire.
• I am joyful because of moments of humor!

The Danger of Self Focus

Hello Blog World,


Hope you are well!  Love to hear how you spent the last night of 2010.  The truth is as the New Year has come and gone and as is pretty typical for me after the completion of Christmas and the entrance into New Year has left me battling a sense of melancholy.   I could write about why that is, but I don't want to stay in this inward state I've been in so I want to focus upward!  Instead of focusing on where I wish I were, or should be, I am with God's help I'm shifting the focus to Jesus!  Jesus isn't just worthy of my time, and words, He is also worthy of my focus!  Jesus's earthly ministry was not one of self focus, but rather God focused and others focused!  Jesus didn't focus on his own honor or physical needs upon earth.  Instead He poured himself out for those around him, and blessing their lives!
 Phil. 2:5-7 Here it isMake your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, 

6 who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be used for His own advantage. 

7 Instead He emptied Himself
by assuming the form of a slave,
taking on the likeness of men. 

Our society screams the it's all about me, myself, and I.  How I feel, what I need this is what matters.  The fact of the matter is, Christian or not, the last few days, I've bought what our society has been selling hook-line and sinker!  As a result, I've been tumbling through a downward spiral.  Notice verse 7 says Jesus emptied himself, by taking on the likeness of men.  Jesus took on the likeness of men, so that through him we could take the likeness of Christ!  Wow what  irony is that?!     I have been focusing a lot on how empty I felt the last couple days, instead of focusing on how I can empty myself out for others as a way of following Jesus' example.  Then the light-bulb came on!  I   was in a cycle of self.  Both one of self condemnation and self entitlement.  Then, like a neon sign yesterday, I remembered Phil. 4:8.  While it took a hurtful comment for me to see it, which if by the way,  you have a friend or family member battling depression it can be harmful to tell them that what they need is Jesus when you know they are already saved, even if it is in a kidding way, condemnation is not a useful teaching method.  We are all human, which is one reason Jesus spoke about forgiving each other.   All that to say God can use even the misguided intentions of the the people who care about us to teach us convicting lessons.  Phil 4:8   Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable-if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise-dwell on these things.   Paul must have known, and more importantly God knew that for many of us  would struggle to continually focus on Christ instead of ourselves.  So I will ask you the question I'm having to ask myself.  What are we dwelling on?  Are we dwelling on us or Christ?  Are we dwelling on past hurts or present blessings?   Are we dwelling on our failure or the victory of the Saviour?  Are we dwelling on our situation or the God over the situation?  Lord,  if I  must dwell on something, please let be the right something!    Welcome 2011 friends!  I make no vow except that I'm just a gal on a journey to empty myself and praying God will turn my ashes into a crown of beauty before his feet!

First Paper Plate Christmas & Snow too!

Christmas Eve @ Mumzie's

The Mantle with all the Christmas Cards and stockings.

Christmas Eve Table Decor

Hanging out with Jocelyn she has grown up so much this year!

If she can't open it yet, might as well get her picture made on it right

I know the amount of presents for 12 people is ridiculous, it use to worse before we started drawing names!  

My Bro!

Kim the SUGAR COOKIE MAKING Queen!

Mumzie being the hostess of the Mostest

Jocelyn "um I know it isn't my gift, but I like it"

Brady posing 

Aunt Margaret loves gift giving!

Nice sweater Jack!

Jack in his "OWN chair

The snuggly I bought myself because the fam made fun. 

We woke up Christmas Day to a "winter wonderland"

We had our First ever White and paper plate Christmas, and I loved it!  If you know my family nothing is ever done simple, but I love it both ways.

Macy and her Stocking1

tasty Macy!

Worship and Wonder!!

Hello:
I am so filled with wonder today!  Wonder is one of those things that is difficult to put in to words!  Here are some verses I read today.  My study time in the word was on the lengthy side, but I could not leave, because one area that has been lacking  in my life is personal worship.  There has not been a shortage of thanksgiving as thanking is a regular part of my daily routine.  Worship however- Worship is more intimate, and I sometimes find it hard to grasp what personal worship looks like, as it is such a huge word with such rich meaning, at times it bothers me that it is a word/concept that is so often thrown around without the least bit of awe, wonder, or respect.    There is so much I don't understand in regards to sincere worship.  I begin with this explanation, because today I have experienced a taste of personal worship. I won't go into rich detail of my time with God, because it is richly personal to me  I'll start with Micah 5.Find it here

 ^2 (C) Bethlehem Ephrathah, ^(D)
    you are small among the clans of Judah;
    One will come from you ^(E)
    to be ruler over Israel for Me. ^(F)
    His origin ^[a] is from antiquity, ^(G)
    from eternity. ^[b]

    ³ Therefore, He will abandon them ^(H) until the time
    when she who is in labor ^(I) has given birth;
    then the rest of His brothers ^(J) will return
    to the people of Israel. ^(K)

    ⁴ He will stand and shepherd [them] ^(L)
    in the strength of Yahweh,
    in the majestic name of Yahweh His God.
    They will live securely,
    for then His greatness will extend
    to the ends of the earth. Micah 5:2-4

These verses predict birth and rule of Christ the Messiah.  Here is a commentary from someone much smarter than me...Here it is 
Now back to my personal reflections.  He will Shepherd in the strength of Yahweh, they will live securely!  Then it hit me, since I have partaken in God's promises through Christ, I will live in security!  I don't mean financial security, I mean a present and eternal security, which is sure regardless of the status of circumstances.    As one who wrestled with the matter of my own eternal security for years, to the point of having professorial counseling sessions in regard to this as a stand alone issue, what a comfort this promise is.  How sweet it is for Christians to know we have unshaken security in this life and the next!  For the believer Christmas isn't a season, it is one glorious, amazing, piece in the eternal never-ending reality for those who have been redeemed!  
Next, I went to Lk. Chapter 2.   There I took note, that both the response of the wise men and the Shepherds upon seeing Jesus was worship and wonder!  This is the response that should be our  automatic response as well! 
     Last I traveled to John 1.  John 1:9    "The true Light who gives light to everyone, was coming into the World."  We live on the other side of this promise!  Christ did come into the world He created.  The True Light is with us, God himself is with us, and He the Holy Spirit dwells IN Us!  The entire is Bible is a foundation for, and a continuation of Christmas!  Merry Christmas!