Reasons for Joy Friday/pics and survey!

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

Link to Half Full Friday Sponsor

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

Um must you take my picture???

Ok I'''ll smile for this one!

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

And a survey about me......

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

1. I am a Christian

2. I love Cheez-it Crakers

3. I have been to an MCHammer concert

4. I am witty

5. I am moody

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

7. I despise barbque pork

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

9. I love meaningful conversation

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

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

12. I throw up, when I get too excited

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

14. I have a naugthy side to my personailty

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

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

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

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

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

20. I sometimes wish I never started watching soaps.

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

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

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

24. I hate confrtation for any reason.

25. I love Denzel Washington!  

26. I want to mentor teen girls one day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reasons for Joy Friday

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reasons for Joy Friday!

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

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

Who you calling lazy? Eph 2:10

Hi Blog Readers:

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

Reasons for Joy!

Half Full Friday!
find out more here

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

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

Tell me what makes you Joyful this week?

In the Meantime....

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

Fight or Feed?

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

Love and Work

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Forgive my typing errors...

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

An Invitation FOR YOU!

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

Hard to return?

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

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

gibberish! Published us dictation of

hello all

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

Spring and Summer Joys!

Spring pictures in the front yard

Mom and daughter!

Summer Day at local park

To let you know I'm still around!

You are Still my song

By T.J. Ellis


May 21, 2011



You Are Still My Song

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

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

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

When purpose cannot be found, and sorrow abounds

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

I will trust You to restore my smile again.

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

I will cling to the truth that does not change

You are the One who pursues me when I fall.

You have not forgotten me,

Or abandoned me to find the way

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

You are still all You claim to be.

You are still My Hope and My Song.

Five Reasons the Pro-Life Movement is Winning on Abortion | LifeNews.com

Five Reasons the Pro-Life Movement is Winning on Abortion | LifeNews.com   

Freedom in failure?

I admit I'm beginning to wonder if there a readership for this blog.  The truth is no one likes to feel as if they are writing solely to and for themselves.   That was never the reason for this blog.  The truth is in many area of my life right now I feel uninspired.  Several months ago, before mom's latest battle with cancer I had a whole list of topics to cover on this blog, and now it seems I'm grasping at straws.  I'm ready for a change in life, and yet I cannot seem to pinpoint the kind of change I'm seeking.  I have always hated change, because of the chaos it involves.  I hate messy, and I love routine, but lately it feels as though my safe routine is closing in on me.Usually if God wants me to move, in life  or make a change in direction, He pretty much has to shake me to the point of misery to get me to leave a phase of my life beyond.  I keep considering How will I know Lord, when you want me to move? but all I hear is silence.  I often stay where I am, because it is safe, and I don't have to be tempted by fear, because most the time I'm pretty comfortable.  I'm not a dare devil by nature, all my life up to this post, has been driven by a desire for security.  Today, my devotion was about asking God to forgive you for all the ways you are motivated by fear, and in all honesty it confused the heck out of me.  Why?  Well let me put it this way, there are times I feel and think my fears are justified.  Sure Jesus said don't be fearful 365 times, but I never thought it was sinful to be afraid, and if it is well, I've sinned a whole lot more than I ever knew.
In realty though most of my fears are motivated by two key factors.  Pride and distrust.  For example, I have been invited by two well known ladies Bible study groups here in town to participate in their bibles studies, one of which, I was prepared to go to, and then with mom's diagnosis, it needed to be postponed.  Now I'm having reservations about being involved in the future, and It has made me timid about reading the bible.  I fear that I'm not intellectuality smart enough to keep or complete the task.  Every since I was little I never wanted to try things that I was not sure I could excel.  Looking back, in middle school I wish I had gotten involved with debate time in middle school, but I had no assurance that I could excel at debate and my school work, so I never inquired about debate or the school newspaper.  I can't help, but  wonder if God is not giving me another chance here, and if somehow he would not just as honored through our attempting something, and perhaps even failing at something, if means teaching us something.      I guess I have more things to sort through, before I seek the answers to some of these questions.  I usually try to some closure by the end of my post, but instead, I'll leave this question.  What is more important to God, the journey or the success?
   
    

What Makes Good Friday Good?

Hi Bloggers:

            Before you watch this video, for those who might be visiting my blog for the first time, I welcome you, and I warn this video is graphic.  If you have seen "The Passion of the Christ" you may remember most of the images.  The choice of musical vocals isn't my favorite, feel to disagree on that point, but the lyrics are true!  For Christians everywhere today is marked as a remembrance, of something we are Never to forget.  I'm not arrogant or naive enough to dare say that I always or even ever fully Remember or acknowledge the cross with the awe and reverence deserved.  You see it isn't the wooden cross that gives me forgiveness, Hope and Peace.There were plenty of men Crucified through out history.  What makes the cross of Christ, different than any other?      1 Jesus never sinned! 2. He Is  God in flesh. 3. He had every right, not to die. 4. He suffered more than any other in History, 5 He died on on behalf of everyone, except himself, see #1  Jesus Christ has the power and authority to forgive ANY AND EVERY WRONG IN THE WORLD   Why, because He never sinned, but faced the exact hardships of every human history.  "He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor. 5:21       " For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are,  yet without sin." Heb. 4:15All Scripture fhere
Now to get to the central question of this post What is it makes good Friday good?  With all the suffering Jesus endured,  to the point of the most horrific death history, what makes Good Friday good?Well here is what makes Good Friday better than good to me personally: Isa. 53.  My next post, my plan is to pose the question What does Easter mean for us and why does it matter so much, and why it should matter even more to us!

1.  Because of Jesus died in my place, i have eternal life and never have to fear total separation from God.
2.  Because Christ bridged the gap between God and me, I don't have to gain his approval, Christ has gained it for me.  
3. Because Christ died for me, I don't have to be punished for my failures.
4. Because I Christ died for me, I can approach the Living God directly knowing that my shortcomings aren't able to keep me from having a relationship with God.
5. Because Christ Died for me I am object of his unfailing love!
6. Because Christ Died for me, I am clothed in righteous!
7. Because Christ died for me, I have a Savior, who is perfectly  able to comfort is suffering!
8. Because Christ died for me, I don't have to offer sacrifices, because He is my sufficient Sacrifice.  
9. But what is so good about Good Friday, is that had the power to save himself, from death and suffering, and He choose to save me instead.
10. Most importantly, What makes Good Friday better than good, is because by many know God, and Good Friday sets the stage for Sunday, the most victorious and life changing  event in history, and in the life of Christians everywhere. 

So tell me What makes good Friday better than GOOD FOR YOU?

Validation through the Cross!

Hello Bloggers:

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


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

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

Walk for Life 2011

Walk for Life 2011

Stretched and BLESSED!

Hi bloggers:

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

watch THE EAGLE HATCHING

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

Kutless - Sea Of Faces prerequisite to my future post!

Ice Breaker- Half Full Friday

image found here 

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

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

I joyful because Jesus intercedes on my behalf.

What makes you joyful this week?

And She writes... The silence is broken!

Image go here for tips on deep breathing!

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

TO BE CONTINUED!

Hello Bloggers:

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

Joni Eareckson Tada speaks at Moody Founder's Week

Blogging Friends!

Hello Blogging Friends:

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

A sweet Slice of Peace!

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

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

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

Prayers please!

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

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

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

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

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

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