A Dog a Miracle, and a Promise of Hope

Faith comes easier to some people more  than others.  I am one of those who struggles with choosing faith over doubt constantly.  Since my last post, I've added a new member to my family.  If you are friends with me on Facebook this is old news to you.  Franklin is my new rescue dog!

                                                         He has quickly bonded with mom, but his bonding to me has been a much slower process.  I already love him a lot, though adopting him at times has left me wondering if we did the right thing and hoping since he has been with us I think a month this weekend that he will soon become more adjusted.  He he has been a test of faith well worth the effort.  I don't think he fully understand yet, that I can't get in the floor with him or sit on the couch.

In other big news remember awhile back when I wrote that two of my  close friends whose dad was diagnosed with Leukemia?  That post well I have some amazing news!  Mike Hand has been declared Cancer Free!  He will continue his last regiment of treatment!   Thank you for your prayers!  God still does miracles!  Ps. 136.4  "   Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles.
His faithful love endures forever."  If you have prayed for Hand family and even if you haven't, you can join in the celebration, and praise God with me!  

News on my mom:

She began a new clinical trial last week for her ongoing battle with cancer.  This one is already requiring a lot more travel.  The chemo at times makes her super tired, but today she has felt well.  Please remember her and so many others fighting various forms of cancer.  Prayer has an impact upon lives.    We each have things we must overcome in life, for my dog Franklin it is the fear of being hurt or abandoned.  People have always said I've been drawn to people who are hurting, I guess the same is true with Franklin.  The bible says that as believers in Christ, we are more than victorious through the love of Christ!       37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.  Romans. 8:37.  This verse has been the hope I have been clinging to recently.  I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel as though my limitations and life circumstances are conquering me more than I am conquering these.  The truth is that trusting in God's unshakable love and goodness makes the impossible possible!  It makes the darkest valley turn to light.  So there have been three key elements to this post...  Thank God for his mighty works.  Pray with expectation, and press on with Franklin and me as I know you have battles to  conquer just like us.  Let us be victorious in our daily battles by trusting God's love to drive and empower us!  If you are waiting on God to act in situations that look hopeless to you, remember his promise with me, and know that God is always faithful in delivering on his promises.When faith is hard, God is ready to enable us to trust Him!  Thank you for stopping by and your care regarding my previous post.  Love to know if you have seen or are waiting  upon a miracle.     I am so glad to be part of what God is doing!

What if Easter were tomorrow

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If you celebrated Easter today, I hope it was a blessed one... If you don't celebrate  it then I'm sorry to say you might be a bit bored with my post.  Of all the holidays, I celebrate, I can say Easter means more to me than all the others!  I hope you watch the video above.  Christians everywhere worshiped their living and Risen Savior today!  You know what would be even better?  If you and I woke up with the same awe and wonder tomorrow about Christ coming to earth, living a perfect life, dying in our place and becoming alive again.  I have a confession to make, most days I don't live with this amazing sense of purpose and victory my Savior has afforded me.....  Oh I long to live in such a way that declares hope to others.  How I want to give as He gives and love as He loves!

    On Thursday a dear friend of mine, her husband and 2 children were in a terrible wreck, when a deer came through their windshield and landed in the backseat.  Praise God they are alive, but their 6 month old baby has bleeding on the brain, and my friend's husband has many surgical procedures ahead, and a long road to full recovery.  Please remember them in prayer with me.  Also My friend's dad was diagnosed with Leukemia recently.  Through it all, the Hand/Humbert family clinging ever so tightly to the hope that comes from a living Savior! Only A Savior, who is worthy-Jesus Christ has made the impossible, possible friends!  What if Easter were tomorrow and every day after that?  You know what, as Christians, I think that  is as it should be!  What do you enjoy celebrating and why do you celebrate it?

Yes, We Can, Because "He" Did!

Please note this post was written days prior to the Supreme Court's ruling today, and was not intended to make a political statement of any kind.
In the last several years it seems my confidence in my intellect has suffered a lot.  The fact is I never had much confidence in my skills.    I can do people, but ask me to learn a new skill and I will break out in a sweat.  I suppose it is because for years no matter how much I succeeded, it always seemed I was one step away from discovering I wasn't smart, and if that happened my identity would be gone.  I might be able to fool other people, but I knew the truth.  The truth is there are some serious holes in my skill level, and sometimes there are days I wonder how I excelled in high school, much less three years of college.  It seems what I lacked in skill or ability, I concealed through effort.  As I approach an exciting event in my lifeShe Speaks I'm thrilled and amazed, still part of me thinks I'm foolish to think God would desire to use me in the area of communication written or spoken.  Then,though I am reminded God is not oblivious to my weakness or my strengths.  I also know there are a TON OF PEOPLE who love me and believe in me way more than I understand.These people have allowed me the chance to go, and more importantly God picked this time, this season for me to attend!  Back during President Obama's election campaign, He used the slogan "Yes We Can"  Regardless of my opinion or views on his polices, I like many were mesmerized by his optimism and the historical context of his campaign, and his "underdog roots"  I realize many of  you  stopped reading at this point at the very mention of something political, but hang with me.  You and I both know that apart from Christ, we can do nothing, but this slogan, "YES WE CAN has applications  for Christians in our walk.  The truth is if we believed what God says about what we as believers can do, we would be unstoppable!  So I'm borrowing a portion of President Obama's slogan, and adding a little a little something to it.  Yes, We can, because He meaning Christ already did .Everything we needed to make us VICTORIOUS has been accomplished!         No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."  Romans 8:37  Despite whatever Weakness we have God's grace and power are greater!  Also, see Phil 1:6    I do ask that you all pray for me in the coming weeks as I prepare!  Thank you!
    

All the Way my Savior Leads!

http://www.carepages.com/carepages/Handyman TO GET UPDATES....

                               My post on 11/5/2011 was about a close friend recently diagnosed with Bladder Cancer....  The doctors believe they got all the cancer!  Praise the Lord!  He still has a long road, and the family needs prayers!!  Tonight, though I celebrate the fact that even cancer is No Match for THE LIVING GOD!    Continue to pray with me please!

God IS Able!

So you know how I just posted a couple days ago, about how great my life is?  Well it still is but yesterday I received the sad news that my 2 best friends who are sisters, just found out their dad has cancer...  I love this family so much!  My heart has ached beyond words, as I have prayed, and wept on and off for the last 24 hours.  As most of you know, cancer is not a stranger to my family, and probably isn't to many of you.  I've blogged a lot about my mom's journey battling cancer, and yet little on my feelings about it.  I can only write as a loved one of a cancer survivor, and that is different from being a cancer survivor....  I suppose I feel the need to share some thoughts that are all my own  Every person deals with cancer differently.  First, for there was the numbing shock each time.  The self protective strong shell, followed by  the sudden tidal wave of emotion that hits when you are in a room by yourself.  It is tempting to think that somehow the world will somehow stop when a love one has cancer, but the world just keeps moving, but part of you is stopped....    Keeping busy is essential  .  Otherwise your mind can't rest.  Prayer is vital!  Friends are imperative   Things I held on too, were God does not sleep during the storm!  He sees, and He cares!   Mark chapter 4 1 Peter 5:7 Prov. 3:6  

Remembering that others have faced such things, and seeking them out helped....  Accepting help when needed, and completing tasks.  Crying out to God, not with words, but with my heart!    Finding a positive escape...  

Last and most important- Asking God to empower you, and help you love and trust him, through it all!  Remembering He sees your soul, and He's bigger!  He is able to rescue, no matter the trial whether it is cancer, or something else.  Even with the questions, it doesn't change his nature!  He is in the big picture, and the "small" details!  I don't believe God views things in large and proportions like we do, because to him all things are both big and small.  Verses that help me understand.  1 Peter 4:12 "  .   So while I hate cancer, and I hate that has affected so many people, I know God is able!  God's words says He knows how to rescue the Godly!  2 Peter 2:9  Please pray for my friends the Hand family! 

New International Version (©1984) Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

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.  

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!

I WILL NEVER & KIDNEY WHAT??

Has it really been over a week since I blogged?  Well here is the deal, next week they will put me to sleep to get rid of a kidney stone that has been causing me problems for awhile.  I had to go to the ER last wed, because of pain.  I'm no stranger to surgery, I have had my share, but I barely know this doctor, and he advised me that even though it is day surgery, it is kinda a "big deal"  So since I'm use to 5 to 7 hours surgeries, an hour and a half seems like a piece of cake.  But I've never had anything done that related to my kidney, before so I'm kind of chicken.  R ember a few weeks ago when I had that stomach bug, yeah I'm kinda thinking this could be related.
   In other news, last Sunday night I was feeling lonely as I often do on Sunday nights.  I could give a list of reasons why, but I won't....  The point is I was feeling forgotten and lonely, and there was this ache longing, I just  could not shake.  I could barely pray, but had such intense feelings I can't seem to put into words. but The Holy Spirit reminded me  that God would NEVER LEAVE ME!  The sweetest peace came over me,  I don't know about you, but I need someone who will follow through on their promise to never leave me.  When God says He will Never Leave He is serious.  I'll be honest, this week I'm deserving of being abandoned...  I have not sought God as I know I'm called to...  But He is still God, and He is still with me!  I'"ll try to post a part 2 with scripture soon, but isn't it cool to know God will not abandon us, even when as the song says we are prone to wander

Mom's Health Update/June 8th... Here we go again...But I will Praise YOU!

Note from T.J. This is my mom's health update, not the ideal we hoped for, but we praise the Lord at all times....   Thank you for your prayers we need them!  I know it could be far worse, but I am disappointed. T.J.

In March I told you that I would have a follow up PET Scan within three months. Last Tue. (6-1-10) I had the PET Scan and I have been in waiting for the past 6 days for the results! The results were not what I had hoped for, but God knows what he is doing and so I will just continue to allow him to work through and within me to accomplish what he has planned. I still have a spot in the anal area and it has gotten bigger than it was three months ago. Dr. Lorenzo plans to put me to sleep on Monday (6-14-10) and make some deep cuts for some biopsies to see if there is cancer back in that area. I will not know the results of those biopsies for at least 5 days! Now the good news is that I will have time to read those 5 books on my bed side table that I have not had time to read in the past 6 months. Ha! The bad news is that if it is cancer then we will be looking at surgery again to remove the cancer. My hope is that it is not cancer, but looking at the past two summers it is a little hard to get my hopes too high on being in remission.




The PET Scan also shows a highlighted area in the jaw area again. This maybe nothing and it could be that the lymph nodes in that area are enlarged. Time will tell on this one! It is the same as last time so it is not bigger! I am suppose to see Dr. Johnson on Thurs. (6-17-10) and get his intake on all of this so I will have blood work and everything done at that time to see if it tells us anything also.



On June 2, 2008 I was diagnosed with cancer. It has been a very long road, but God has been with me all the way and I will continue to trust him to guide me. Psalm: 91:1-2 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “HE is my refuge and my fortress,” My God in whom I trust.” I again will ask for your prayers in the coming days as we go through the testing and the future of battling the beast I call “CANCER”! It seems too rare its ugly head up when you least expect it! God always places people and things in your life just when you need them. I had just begun to read a book called, “Count it All Joy” by Don Maiden, and it has already blessed me and helped me to remember that I will still continue to praise God in good and bad times. Love, Madeline Ellis

A Sense of Urgency! Prayer Part I...

One thing I look forward to when I get to heaven is the ability to be able to kneel before the Lord. Right now my knees are fixed in one position and it is impossible for my knees to be otherwise, not only that, but numerous bones in my legs and feet would break if attempted, I don't say that as way of getting sympathy, I'm just stating it for the state of fact, After my last post, I was in hopes that I could post something of a little lighter topic for your reading, and there will come times where that is the case, but the truth my is I started this blog, as a written express of my journey in Christ, and hoped it would inspire others too. Tonight I want to tell you about one of the greatest joys in my life! Drum roll.... PRAYER.... CAN I MAKE A HUMBLE AND RATHER GUT WRENCHING CONFESSION TO YOU? I HAVE A LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ACTIVITY OF PRAYER. I am sure those words are borderline blasphemy at the very least. Sure people call me prayer warrior or partner frequently, and as almost nothing gives me greater joy than relational fellowship with God and interceding on behalf of others.  Thank you to those of you who lift me and my family in prayer.  I was encouraged that when I posted of my scary episode on June 2nd, many of you said you would pray for me, and I know many of you did.  I will be visiting the doctor in the next few weeks, but that is not what I want to tell you.  I Love to pray for people, and it is not because I'm spiritual it's because I'm desperate.  I'm desperate because I know apart from God intervening we/I have no hope to win....  Sometimes though the last thing I want to do is pray, because even after the amazing wonders I've seen, prayer while it isn't hard, but it does take effort and commitment.  Whether I remember it or not, THE BATTLE IS NOT MINE IT IS THE LORD'S!  THE MORE I DEPEND ON CHRIST, THE MORE SECURE I AM.  
TONIGHT I HAVE SUCH A SENSE OF URGENCY TO PRAY FOR MANY TONIGHT WHO NEED HOPE HEALING AND COMFORT.  SOME ARE PEOPLE WHO READ THIS BLOG, AND TONIGHT I REMIND MYSELF AND EACH OF YOU THAT THE BATTLE YOU FACE CAN BE BROUGHT TO OUR LOVING AND CARING GOD!   PRAYING WITH A HEAVY HEART!
1. http://aninstrument4hisglory.blogspot.com/ Beth Praying for you!
2. My Mom's PET' SCAN.
3. MY FRIEND SANDRA WHOSE FATHER IS SERIOUSLY ILL. 
4.  Oil Spill
5. Those with terminal cancer
6. Failing marriages
7. Solders and missionaries

These are only a few of the things on my heart tonight that I am entrusting to God in prayer!
Desiring the Higher Things,

Can you Handle the truth??? No more secret!

Image from http://www.cameronmagee.blogspot.com/ Property of Travis Conttrell. Jesus Saves Live CD.

A friend of mine purchased this CD for me for my birthday, and to be honest, while I did expect to like it, I had no idea how much I'd love it! Let me preface this by saying I'm not a fan of all styles of worship music. I think it is great that there are all flavors of praise music that draw people to faith in Christ, but that does not mean that I connect with all of these, or prefer them. Of course, I love anything http://www.michaelwsmith.com/ , but I'm not typically a fan of groups like passion, it's nothing personal. The CD above has made me ears happy, and lifts my soul upward. My favorite tracks include: Cindy Morgan's Praise the King, I Am Persuaded, Jesus is THE LORD, The hymn Victory In Jesus. Travis Cottrell is talented. and his music on this CD is passionate yet soothing. http://www.travisconttrell.com/ This is in fact one of my favorite things.

Now I'm switching gears here, and I'm about to put myself out there in a way that I have not previously done. Yesterday I had a scary episode. I was talking on the phone actually praying over the phone for a friend, when all the muscles in my body began to stiffen and become tight, and the next thing I knew my throat became tight, and I found myself barely able to speak, and more and more gasping for breath, know what you are thinking, Panic Attack right??? I'm telling you I've had those, and this isn't that. I was not upset or anything, I didn't have tingling in my body which I have with Panic attacks, and I had no other symptoms No racing thoughts... It has happened twice before, one when I was laughing hard and once when I was at a friend's house, again no stressful triggers I'm pretty sure it is something to do with CP, but it has happened so rarely, I have no clue what to make of it. I'm just so glad a friend saw it happen, or I would be afraid I'm going crazy. It has shaken me up ever since, after I prayed about it today, and felt better, but I can't seem to stop thinking about it.

Last week a volunteer at Choices asked me how I came to know the Lord, it was kind of random and caught me off guard. She is someone I greatly admire and respect, and she said that it occurred to her she had never asked me, and thought it might be from the Lord. She asked me if I minded sharing, and what was I going to see um no I refuse to share I came to know Jesus? It was a very public exchange, one I admit I was unprepared for. The truth is that this person had no way of knowing that it has taken me years to finally "nail down my Salvation, and there are times when the old doubts creep in. Let me stop right here, and let you know that if I died tonight, I know I belong to Jesus, and that I know He is preparing a place for me in heaven. I sat with a counselor one day in 2003, and, told her the story, which I've never told publicly until now. When I was 7 years old I remember bits and pieces of the gospel being shared at backyard bible school hosted by my church. I remember being upset afterward and one of the ministers at the time asking if I wanted to receive Jesus, I remember even at that young age, saying I'm not sure, I don't want my mom to be mad at me, why I would say that I don't know, or why I would think that I have not a clue. He asked if I wanted him to talk to her, and I said yes. That same night I remember my grandmother asking if he prayed with me, I can't recall what I told her, but mom always told my grandmother led me to the Lord, but the thing is I don't ever recall that, and I've never found the courage to ask her. I'm sure I probably did receive Jesus then, because I know the minsters at our church would have never allowed me to baptized otherwise, but still I found myself tormented by doubts that is until I was 13, and decided that I could not live one more day without being able to sing blessed assurance Jesus is mine, so alone in my room, I prayed something like this. Jesus I'm just not sure if I was ever saved at 7, I don't know what happened then, but I know that I'm a sinner, and that Jesus died for me, and I am asking and trusting you to forgive me, and I want my life to be fully yours. I would not trade anything that happened, because my doubts drove me to seek the Lord, and dig into his word to find him for myself. It was at that point my faith became my own. I never asked to be re baptized, because, I knew physically with my limitations and surgeries I could never do it. I didn't tell my family until a few years ago. My counselor assured me that what was important is not when I was saved, but that I AM SAVED. I have so many testimonies of God's grace and work in my life, and love to of God's grace in my life, but no part of my testimony is more difficult for me to share than that of my initial conversion. For most people there is a bee fore Christ and an after Christ, and I do know that when I was 13 I truly began abiding in Christ. I'm glad this fellow volunteer asked me even though it did cause some of my questions to rise to the surface again. I know how to share the Gospel, and have done so in large groups, but am totally scared to do so one on one, which is I have been reluctant to do in room advocacy at Choices, because I know there are times when sharing the Gospel is something I need to do. I am called to give reason for the hope I have, and I hope my life as my words have done that. Part of the reason, I have struggled with my identity in Christ is because of issues with eternal security. The truth is, this is one of a number of reasons this has been a struggle for me, but tonight I'm sharing this portion of testimony with you. God has seen me through so many things this is only the beginning, but tonight as a reminder to myself, and a testimony to you, I declare that with all my mistakes I belong to Jesus! When I shared on Thurs my conversion testimony was a minute and a half, but as you can see this has taken much longer, and my testimony is ongoing! Finally Jesus never meant for us to live in a state of long term doubt about salvation, so for others who may be prone to such doubts, I encourage you you to claim the promises of assurance in the bible, and do whatever it takes to nail down the matter in your heart.

Desiring the Higher things....

To Love, not To Change

Image is from http://www.sodahead.com/

Before I post this you may find yourself asking haven't you written on this topic before. Yep I have.... Probably more than once... I think this will be a bit of a different angle than before. I realized today that I don't have the power to change people, in fact, I don't even have the power to change myself. I realized today that I am quick to determine how I wish others would change, instead of just asking God to help me love them just the way they are. Sure I want others to love me despite my imperfections,but how willing am I to love others despite theirs. A trait that bugs me in others is impatience. I guess because I learned early in life that you cannot have everything you want in life how or when you want it, I just expect that this is also a no brainier for others too. I am use to waiting on public transport. I'm use to having to wait on someone to bathe me or feed me or fix me a drink. I'm probably one of the last people to complain about a waiter taking too long, I guess that is because it bothers me when people become upset with me for taking longer to do a task, and then I become upset with myself. My point is I need to better about loving others who are different than me. I need to be better about loving people who say whatever comes into their minds. I need to love and appreciate people who are reserved, instead of asking them to be someone other than who God made them to be. I'm glad that there are people who are different than me, because I am sometimes not assertive enough to get the job done. I am often defensive when it comes to criticism. I tend to deal with most situations relationally instead of concretely, which causes problems with people who are the polar opposite of me. I sometimes find it hard to love people who are very outspoken.
Sometimes people, need to change, sometimes I need to change, but we need God to teach us to love others for who they are, and leave the changing up to him, and the Holy Spirit. I am less paieint with peoples reactions than I'm with situations. That's what I sense the Lord telling me today. Stop trying to change ____ just love _ right where they are, the same way I have loved you! I'm thankful God is showing me that He does love me where I am, and that He can empower me to love others his way!
Desiring the higher things,
Oh please keep my mom in your prayers for a clear PET Scan on June 1st. Thanks so much!

Praise Reports!

Hi Bloggers:

I have missed being in the blogging area lately. I have a new computer tower, Praise the Lord. It is still like starting over though, because I do not currently have Microsoft or Excel the two primary programs I use for my volunteer work and other projects, but hopefully I can buy those soon, since we have been unable to find the original software package to reinstall it. Honestly, I know I'm a spoiled brat, when I say this, but I've been around computer since I was five years old, and cannot fathom life without access to a computer long term. I know how selfish that is, but the computer allows me do so many things I could not do otherwise. I hope to catch up on your blogs this week. I have been promoting Sanctity of Human Life Sunday at church last week and this week. Just between me and the whole blogging world, I am prayerfully considering stepping down as church liaison in the near future. Of the volunteering I do at my local PRC Liaison is the one I feel most inadequate for. I will not make any rash decisions though.
Also for those of you, who have been praying for my friend Sandra, I want to let you know that God has answered our prayers. She has been able to get long term disability without an appeal! My Mom went for blood work yesterday, and all her blood counts were low, but not dangerously so. It is a result of all the radiation she has undergone. Otherwise she is doing well, Please pray for my" former Annalist" Linda who lost her second husband last weekend unexpectedly. This is the second time she faced with being a widow.

I have started the Beth More Bible study Esther. with one of the ladies minintries here in town, and I have to leave my house in 5 minutes for that. Just wanted to drop by...

Take Me Higher!

Hi

Hope you all are enjoying a nice beginning to 2010. As you can tell, our family has had a lovely Christmas break. I kinda dread getting back into the swing of things. I have had a total break from home health drama, and it has been glorious... Speaking of glorious, It has been worderful getting extra time at the feet of Jesus, and enjoying true friends. I am so blessed that my family is healthy. It such a blessed way to start the new year. Many people I know, are battling pain and suffering right now, and it is my honor to take others to the Father in prayer, as so many people have done for my family. If you would like to pray for some of these requests with me, I'll post a list.
1. My friend Sandra was laid off from work on December 30Th, while on short term disability from surgery.
2. A fellow blogger friend lost her brother this week to cancer.
3. Jennifer's friend Lisa is dealing with recovery from a brain injury from a serious car wreck. It happened while on the mission field in Thailand as I understand it she has come a long way, but not been able to return to USA.
4. Blogger friend Glenda in need of prayer.
5. Sandra's friend Nancy just recently found out she has cancer, undergoing chemo.
6. Friends with strained marriages.
7. Local mom killed by drunk driver, leaves behind husband, children, age 9 and 11.
Those are only a few. Thanks!

I think there was a song by Creed called "Take me Higher in the 90's. I remember it well, but not totally sure I have the title correct. In 2010, I want to be taken to the higher things. I don't have a to do list like some, but I do have a theme. I am calling "Take me Higher. I also have a theme verse. Col 3:2. "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." What does this mean? I'm still discovering that, and likely will be for the rest of my life. Does it mean, I have to wear Jesus freak shirts every day, I hope not, because I got some really cool clothes for Christmas I'm itching to wear. Simply put, my hope and desire is to view life and the world more like Jesus. I know I will fail daily, and I'm becoming more and more okay with that. Just because I will fail, does not mean I should not rely on the Holy Spirit for help, to be "taken to the higher things in Christ." Teach me Lord, how think, so that I might reach for the higher things found only in you! I'm really liking this thing called grace!

Refusing to stay stuck

Hello,

Hope you all are well. I hope you enjoyed the pictures from our small town trip. I have had a bacterial infection similar to a UTI for more than a week, and am on 500 mg of kefleex for three weeks. I have this friend/volunteer boss Molly who reads me blog, and she is sweet and supportive, and yet, She has something I have very little of.... What is that? She has a Backbone, and I mean that as a compliment. I run from conflict, like the plague. If my feelings are hurt, I do what is called stuffing, and it is not the taste good kind. If I am mad or my veiws are disregarded, I stay quiet, or just assume I should have never said anything, At times, it is the worst feeling in the world to want to speak up, and say hey I'm not okay with this, but the moment you do, your guilt tank kicks in, whether it needs to or not. It's like excuse my graphic picture, but when you have to pee so bad you think you will brust, but there is no place to go, so you hold it until there no possible way you can hold it anymore, in other words, your stuck... Your stuck unless you use whatever resources you have. At that point, you can no longer focus on how unfair the situation is just have to find a quick solution to your delima, you cannot stay stuck, you have to make a choice for better or worse. You can't look back, and replay the choice over in your mind, wondering if it is the right one. I am a lousy decision maker. I have trouble with even the smallest choices. I hold on to things, and memories even if I don't talk about them. I never really seem to let things go, even if on the outside it seems I do. But the Bible says: Phil. 3:14 says: www. Biblegateway.com 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. This is an important message to people like me who are stuck in or defined by their past mistakes, My mom always says don't worry about the past, because you cannot change it. I hate when she tells me that, because one it's hard to do, but also because it is such a painful truth. The freedom comes when we know that while we cannot change our past, we can learn from it. Paul had a painful guilt filled past, but somehow with God's love and forgiveness. he found freedom to forgive himself, and move on. He found victory! Lord I don't want to be stuck anymore. I''m choosing to forget, now please help me not remember. I'm ready to forgive myself, willing to forgive myself, to be used you. So, do you want to forgot, in order to take hold of Christ. If so, we are on the journey to begin again together

Relational Savior & Prayer Requests

Hi Bloggers:

I cannot begin to thank you enough for your encouraging comments in response to my last post! Thank you for such compassionate and truth filled responses. God has been answering your prayers. Speaking of prayers would you join me in praying for a couple of families?

1. Please pray for my cousins: Chris, Christy, and Trey. These siblings just lost their mother very unexpectedly. The funeral is tomorrow. They live in Cochran GA. Trey is in college and today is his birthday. Both Chris and Christy have spouses of their own, as well as 5 children if you count the grandchildren. Please pray for comfort and peace as they sort through all this.
2. Please pray for Beth-OneBlessedNana- A blogger and pastor's wife whose church is under spiritual attack. Please also pray for her and her family, that God will protect them and bless them.
3. Please pray for Sandra my friend who has endured Chronic pain who was preparing for major surgery, but it had to be put off, because she has shingles for the 3rd time.
Thank you so much!

I hope you all are having a great Labor Day! I was thinking today, how great it is to have a Savior who is relational! He became one of us, so that one day, we could be like him! He faced loneliness and sorrow, injustice and rejection. Jesus understands! He overcome death for us! www. bibleresources.com Heb. 2:18 "For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested.
Wherever we are on the road of life, Jesus understands! Your responses and prayers inspired this post!