I Must! Thanksgiving Part II

Please ask permission if you wish to use this in part or in whole. Thank you!



I Must
T.J. Ellis
November 27, 2008

I must tell of your marvelous beauty
I must sing of your greatness
I must praise your awesome name!
I must proclaim how wonderful you are!
I must declare that You are eternal
I must be a reflection of your mercy,
I must be a reminder of your grace
Your melody is stirring inside of me!
Your glory is so wide,
Your wisdom so high!
You have always been and you forever will be!
I must not remain silent about what an amazing Savior you are!
How can I express something I can never comprehend?
I must shout to the world I would give up without you!
It’s only because of you that I’m still here.
You have revived me so many times.
You have held me while I cried.
You have healed my scars
You have delivered me from the darkness within my heart
You have broken the chains of my self hatred and pride.
You have spared the one I love.
I must tell everyone I know
That you died on a cross
Now you are alive!
I must show them why you came
I must announce your wonders and love today!




© 2008

T'WAS the Night Before Thanksgiving! PartI

Happy Pre- Thankgiving:

I want to thank you all who prayed for me to feel better. Yesterday, was the first day I have felt well! Good timing since thanksgiving is just less than some hours away. I have decided on my own to go off my iron for a bit. I'll try getting back to it next week.

One of the things I do to prepare for Thanksgiving is make a list of things I am thankful to God for. I'd like to do that now, and share it with you, if you don't mind.
1. God unfailing love for me, and saving me from me sins.
2. My mom's healing from her cancer, and her ongoing recovery.
3. God's comfort and lessons during her illness.
4. My Brother
5. My Grandmother
6. New Friends and maintaining ongoing friendships.
7. My Cousins and family
8. Christian family
9. My work with AAA
10. Answer Prayers
11. Relationship with God
12. Relationship with Mom
13 My Church
14. My best friends
15 My Deliverance
16. That people read my writing.
17. Food of course.
18. Easter!!!!!
These are just a few: No matter what we name our blessings. we need to remember that each one comes DIRECTLY or indirectly from the hand of God. For Christians every day should involve some form of Thanksgiving, don't you think? Good thing we don't eat like that everyday right? Ha!

Meg Ryan Haircut and hot pink nails!

I am feeling icky from my iron pills, so I'm just posting pictures for now. Enjoy!

Abundant does not equal easy!

Hello Readers:

I hope you won't mind if I talk about my life a little. How ironic to begin this way when my last post was about how life is not about us lol. I plan still write about day 2 of PDL at some point, because it is such an encouragement!

I was reading in the book and It was about Romans 8:28 "For we know that all things work together for the good of those who love him, and are called according to His Purpose." We don't just feel that all things work together for our good, in fact we may not feel like things are working out at all, but that is when we begin to really know, believe and trust even when our emotions are saying otherwise. God never promised us easy lives. In fact, it is clear that as Christian Jesus tells us our lives will be many things, but easy is not one of them. It is hard for me to understand the difference between the words abundant and easy. Jesus did promise us abundant life, but never an easy one. See John 10:10 See John 16:33 and John Chapter 17. It is funny how our sinful ideas of the abundant life is so vastly different from his Holy ideal of life to the full It comes back to the fact that his thoughts are higher than ours, and his ways are greater than ours. Isa. 55:9. God never said everything that happens to us will be" good" He does say that everything that happens to us even the bad things he will and can use for our ultimate good! There are conditions to this promise. It only applies to authentic believers, who love God. Real Christians will love Jesus, not perfectly, but we will love him, sometimes sadly more than others times. Jesus said if we love him we will keep his commandments. My idea of abundant life is being married without CP, and maybe having children, and being an author and speaker, but God's idea of my abundant life is far better than my false ideal. His abundant for me is not always easy, or what I think I want, but his plan and purpose for me always is to mold and make us to be like Christ, and it is best! So what do you think is your ideal vision of your personal abundant life? How does your false ideal differ from God's real abundant life? Are these the same for you? Thanks for letting me share! I'm glad God's plans are to prosper us by his standards and not ours. I'll post a picture of my Meg Ryan Haircut soon! Thanks for reading. I'm going to eat my supper! I am so thankful for the wonderful church service today, and such an ecouraging yet convicting sermon!

PDL Day 1

Greetings Bloggers!

Remember me? Okay so maybe it has not been that long. Last post, I asked you to consider why you thought you were here on earth? I enjoyed hearing your responses, and was greatly encouraged by your heartfelt honesty. The point of such questions, was to show myself, and hopefully you too, that while many tasks are part of how we fulfill our purpose, our sole purpose is to bring glory to God. by our very existence. This is not because He needs us to give him anything, everything in all creation belongs to him! Ps. 24:1 He God chose us before creation to reflect his glory, of course not perfectly, because we are sinners, yet just by being here are earth God has made our lives a testament to His Greatness! Since we were created by God alone, we will never find purpose outside of our Purpose Giver! Those are my thoughts from Day 1 of The Purpose Driven Life By: Rick Warren.

Day 1 It All Starts with God Pg. 17-21
Major Theme:

Point to Ponder:It's not about you. "( Directly from page 21)

Verse for your reflection: Colossians 1:16

Quote to consider: "You were made by God and for God- and until you understand that, life will never make sense." The PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE BY: Rick Warren

Question to Consider:" In Spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God not myself?" Pg. 21 Rick Warren(TPDL)

More thoughts from just me: I don't think we as Christians would really say out loud that life is about us, but just because we don't say does not mean, we at times aren't believing it is true and behaving that way. For me personally I am often far to focused on my own level of inner contentment, instead of fulling God's agenda. Ouch that was harder to admit than I thought. So I'm interested in your thoughts, responses, etc. BTW day 2 comes next which is titled: "You Are Not an Accident" I think it is my favorite day in the book. Btw I got about 3 inches of my hair cut off, and added lots of blond highlights. The cut was patterned after Meg Ryan's hair cut in the movie "Hanging up"

Questions and more...

Hi folks:

I am going to ask you to bear with me, as once again I am doing something diffrent tonight that I was planning to do. Think about the following questions. You can post your answers if you want to share your answers with other bloggers, or you can keep your own personal journal.
1. Why are you here? (meaning on Earth) not my blog lol.
2. What is your purpose? Not just the sunday school answer, but what do you truly think your purpose is?
3 What is one thing that keeps you from living out your purpose? NOTE THESE QUESTIONS ARE NOT IN THE PDL BOOK THOUGH THE QUESTIONS ARE ADDRESSED THERE.

Don't feel bad if you don't know how to repond to these questions, this is just some things to think about.

Now, untill I come back chew on these. Also, bear with me as I have a lot I'm sorting through myself, so I'm not going to be able to blog everyday, but when I do blog, I will strive to make it worthwhile for readers! Thanks!

Side note: I've had migranes this week, and please remember my uncle in your prayers as he just found about some serious health problems. It has been a good week overall more on that later. Hope you all are well. Mom goes back to work next week. Thanks for your prayers for her.

Cheating on God

Hi Everyone,

I am excited by your responses to my recent blogs. What do you think of the music play list should I keep it or not? does it distract from reading my blogs? I want the main focus of this blog to be om the content, but I also want to point others to Jesus in whatever way possible! Thank you to all my new visitors for stopping by.

I probably won't be able to start posting lessons from PDL at least until Saturday for those of you wondering. The first concept is #1 It's Not about me... I know that the world around us tells us that it is about us, what we want, think, feel, but life did not begin with us. It began with God! Is it me or is that a hard concept to accept even as a Christian? Anyway I won't linger on that point I'll move on for now. Can I ask you something? Have you ever told God you would do something and failed to followed through? Maybe I'm in this alone here, but this is a struggle for me. I find myself telling God Lord if you will just do this for me, then I'll do XYZ or whatever it may be. This is a dangerous place to be. I never thought of myself as the type to make bargains with God, but I realized today I do. I'm trying to repent, but I admit it's a battle. The truth is God does NOT owe me anything. He didn't have to create me, love me, or bless me. Most of all, He sure didn't have to save me by sending Jesus his perfect son to die in my place, but, he did. when Joshua took over after Moses died, the people declared their willingness to follow God in everything, but we later learn that they lacked the follow through to do, what they said they would. I know God takes it seriously when I break my commitments to him. The harder question is: do I take it seriously when I break my commitments to him. A commitment is more than saying we will do something, and not doing it. In James it says, when we Know the right thing to do, and don't do it we are sinning. Ouch! I'm just glad Jesus has follow through aren't you? He followed through in coming to earth, He followed through by dying on the cross, and rising from the dead! He did it because he followed through because He is God, and God never lacks follow through! How can we better emulate nature in following through? I guess it can be summed up in an old song, I've decided to follow Jesus, but I must not only decide but follow through. , Otherwise, like a wife cheating on her husband, I'm cheating on God, by not obeying him and his LORDSHIP! Oh this is too hard, I need the Lord to grant me follow through, can you relate? Blessings!

October Sillyness!

Two adorable cousins.

Are they really grown men?

I am delayed in posting... I loaned my PDL book to a friend for a few days who needed it more than I do at the moment because of some recent Crises in her life. I am going to post some pictures for our fall gathering my Aunt and Uncle hosted last night.

I will aparently do almost anything for a cake dounut!

A Little of TPDL

Hello,

I guess I am in a writing mood this weekend. I would encourage you to read my Whoa Baby post to see pictures of Baby Alex before you read this one. I have begun doing the purpose driven life again for the second time. I got a lot from it the first time, not nearly as much I am now as I currently study it. If Christians could truly grab hold of the Biblical truths layed out in this book, then I can't begin to imagine how Christ Centered we might become! We might have to relearn this truths again and again, until they become a part of us, but what a wonderful thought that could happen if we did. If you have done The Purpose Driven Life By Rick Warren, and didn't get into it, maybe the timing was not right for the lessons, but please try again. My plan is to go slowly through this book, learning the concepts and Bible verses, not just reading them, but rereading them, I know it can be done in 40 days, but it takes me longer for things to make their way from my head to my soul. So, if you have this book and want to follow along with some of my upcoming posts, feel free so you can better understand the insights from my posts. I don't know how much book content I can actually post on the blog, because of copyright, but I'm sure you will still enjoy it, and get the basics ideas. I'm already on Day 7, but for the Blog I'll begin with Day 1. Warning the book uses many different Bible Translations. Some I enjoy more than others, but the message of the Gospel Remains the same. I'm not a big fan, of paraphrases in general, like The Message, so as much as I can, I'll avoid those. We will see how it works. It may not be an every day posting, but we will see where it leads. I'll stop here for today, but just a little intro post here.

Life is good with me, I'm still sorting through the last few months, now that there is time to reflect and not just live through it. God is beyond good! Thank you to my new readers for stopping by!

Whoa, Baby!

This adorable baby boy is my friend's son Alex. Michelle is great mom to Alex! It will be so much fun to watch him grow up. He did not like getting his picture made at first, but he warmed up to the idea, once he saw the camera flash. He is a very alert baby for his age. Thanks for bringing him to visit Michelle! How precious is God's creation!

Waterfalls of Joy Flowing My Heart

Hi, few but faithful readers!

Can you see them? Can you see those waterfalls of Joy flowing from my heart?! Waterfalls so big and beautiful that it takes my breath away, Waterfalls so full it brings me not only to tears but full blown sobs? Joy is such a tiny word for such an intense state of being! Before you call me a fruit loop let me tell you about what has caused these waterfalls! Most of you know already, but on Tuesday my mom found out her cancerous tumor is gone!!!!!!!!!!!!! To God be the Glory and to him alone I offer praise! I am still processing all this as much as one can process a miracle! It isn't that I didn't believe God could remove mom's tumor, I always knew He is Able, I just didn't know if he would. I knew somehow we would get through this with God, and he would be faithful as he always has been and forever will be! What I didn't know is if healing would be in his plan, but I earnestly prayed God would make it be so! I tend by nature to lean on the side of caution, when some Christians say God always desires to heal, I am quickly angered and often deeply hurt, by such statements. God has taught me through this though, that There is a time when He heals because He alone Is The Healer! I cannot begin to express my gratitude to Almighty God for making my mom's tumor disappear! My mom will need to have her lymph nodes tested for Cancer in 6 weeks, the surgeon does not believe there will be any. As you rejoice with me please pray by God's unlimited grace he won't allow there to be any other cancer elsewhere. I am so glad God chose healing this time! I don't know what may come in the recent or far reaching future, for my mom or for any of us, I am slowly learning it is enough to live in the waterfalls of joy today, striving to not take his healing for granted but learning in baby steps to commit my life to him, regardless of if his answer to healing is yes or no. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart for your prayers! Your cards, gifts meals, visits, and more! Please keep praying! Mom has a long road to getting back to normal life. Thanks be to God, for how far He has lead her!

Body is in Chattanooga, but heart in FL.

As I sit here at my desk, I'm fully aware that my physical body is here in Chattanooga, but even more aware that my heart and mind is still at the beach! I've always felt like nothing could hurt me or touch me at the beach! Except of course the ever present sunburn, that I'm more than willing to endure in order to see the beauty of the ocean! As little girl I adored the beach even though I remember only tiny things about what it was like living there in FL. I was of course born iin Daytona Beach FL. This time my family gave mom and I the gift of taking a week long trip to FT. Walton Beach FL. (You can see a few pictures in my previous post. I had one of the best weeks of my life! The meals were amazing, the scenery so beautiful and I found myself over and over again overwhelmed by thankfulness and awed by the goodness of God!!!! I never would have imagined even two weeks ago that God would make a way for mom and I to go anywhere for a weekend, much less the beach for a week. I know it was because of God's grace and your prayers. God reminded me that his love truly knows no bounds it goes beyond the height of the heavens and the Immeasurable length of the seas! Romans 8:38-39 reinforces this wonderful reality! I also thought about how even the beach cannot even begin to contain the fullness of God's glory, and how it is only a tiny foreshadowing of what is waiting for us in heaven one day when Christ returns. See John Chapter 14. I always have the hardest time explaining to people why I look forward to heaven. I suppose there is some part of me that should dread it as most people, and there is a part of me that fears God's rebuke on Judgement Day and yet if what I have been taught, and believe is true, then why should I fear? Maybe I'm crazy, but there isn't anything or anyone on this earth that could compete with God and heaven, that would cause me to ask him for one moment to live on this earth, than he desires. In fact, at times, it is harder for me to see his purpose for remaining in this fallen world. I know I need a greater balance in perspective in regard to these things. Most of my longing for heaven, are self centered, because these are more about a pain free existence and lack of sin, than they are even about glorifying Christ Wow what a confession... Anyway something about the beach always reminds and teaches me more about the unfathomable greatness of God. If God can and has created and has sustained something as wonderful as the ocean, then what on earth makes me doubt his watching over me, caring for me loving me. Why would I every question his ways? I never liked to read the latter part of Mt. Chapter 6 about not worrying, because I believed it was a punishment from God, and I believed every time I worried that God looked down on me with disgust, but really this week he showed me it isn't so much about him or others scolding us, as it is about him telling us that because he cares for us; our worrying is not needed. God loves us far too much to let any need we have go unmet. Mt. 6:25-33 I'll be glad to post the verses later. I had a great time with Mom she feels better everyday, and I praise God, and am striving to trust him with the next steps in her treatment/recovery. Blessings,

Beach pictures 2008(More pics and reflections next post

My favorite time was during this picture, and then that same night!

My mom looks amazing!

Step closer to The Living Hope! Part I

Hi,

I cannot seem to get my thoughts together, so I thought I'd try blogging. My mom had one really good day this week, but last night was bad as she had terrible stomach problems! She will need to go back on the Brat diet fully. I wish I could trade places with her, to spare her. though I know I would not be a good sport like she has been. She says I would quickly change my mind if I could. I hope I would love her enough not to change my mind, because she is worthy of such love!

All my life I have heard things like: My hope is the Lord, I have even sung it, but the more the Lord takes away my false sense of refuges, the more I want my hope to be fully in him! He is always there, Always Love, Always forgiving and always waiting on me! I know I still have a long way to go, before I can truly say He alone is my hope and my portion, because I daily fail to pot my total hope and trust in him. However, in the last 4 of years, and even more now my faith is being tested like never before, and I think I am a few steps closer to total trust, than I ever thought I could be! God directed me to 1 Peter today, and what I found both surprised and encouraged me! I will only post part of the chapter here... 1 Peter 1:13 www.bibleresources.bible.com All verses listed... 13 Therefore, get your minds ready for action, (A) [a] being self-disciplined, (B) and set your hope (C) completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation (D) of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (J) According to His great mercy, (K) He has given us a new birth (L) into a living hope (M) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (N) 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, (O) uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven (P) for you, 5 who are being protected by God's power (Q) through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (R) 6 You rejoice in this, [a] though now for a short time you have had to be distressed by various trials (S) 7 so that the genuineness of your faith (T) —more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire (U) —may result (V) in [b] praise, glory, and honor (W) at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (X) 8 You love Him, (Y) though you have not seen (Z) Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice (AA) with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 because you are receiving the goal of your [c] faith, the salvation of your souls

Summary: Peter tells us that God has declared that we are to get our minds ready, and put our hope completely in God's grace, because He alone is the Living God! He reminds us we have an inheritance that will not fade or be destroyed, because God is keeping it safe for his own! We are told that our trials of every kind serve a Divine purpose! I'll post part 2 of this soon. Got to go for now!

a love to be Believed!

Hi,

My mom is having a fairly good day today. I am so excited that Jenn is home! Jenn is one of the most amazing women I have ever known, and she makes me want more of Jesus every time I talk with her!

So can I just tell you that God is faithful to me! He let my best friend come home at a time in my life that I so need to talk to her, laugh with her, pray with her! I've known God's love in ways I could not have before! I know he has put my life together to this point, and he is holding it together now! believed

And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. 1 John 4:16 Isn't that neat! God wants us not only to know he loves us, but he wants us to believe in his love for us! He goes even further, by telling us he is love! He even proved his love through the agony of giving his life! Greater is he who is in us than he is in the world! I have glossed over that verse so many times, but what power is in it!

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'

The wow Factor of Christmas!

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

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

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

I love Christmas because.... Christmas Part II

Things I love about Christmas!

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

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

Sent to me via e-mail!

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

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

Neat huh?

Christmas Part 1!

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

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

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

We Better Believe it!

Hi,

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



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

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

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


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

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

Big Weekend a little Smitty, and a little Jocelyn!

Hi Folks:

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

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