She Speaks Recap and dipping my toe in the water

 Photo 1

Hotel Lobby  Image 3

                                                   

Lysa TerKeurst Author/Speakerhttp://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lysaterkeurst.com%2F&h=ZAQG1WPMn  

Author/ Speaker

Sharon Glasgow

                                            My Speaking Eval.Leader

                                                It looks pretty but so not a fan of mayo...

                                                              This was my Manna from above!

Rich, Rich Rich!

Author/ Speaker Liz Curtis Higgs by far the funniest most comedic down to earth woman I've ever met! 

         Let me began by saying that while it may appear that all I did @ She Speaks was meet big time authors and speakers this is very far from true.  Many of you are probably expecting to make some big announcement about writing a book or speaking to people.   I learned a TON about the ins and out of writing and speaking.  I met lots of people from nearly every cultural background one could imagine!   Yes I said culture not state The life lessons I learned were just as apparent as all the meat and Potato ones.    I learned that I am a writer, and I love it!  I am a writer now, not later when I'm published but now.  I learned I like to speak, but I love to write!     God has given me a message that is uniquely mine, though I am still discovering what that looks like.  I found out that I'm very introspective, and though I love people, contrary to popular opinion I don't enjoy being the center of attention, and that's okay.    It was like a crash course in college, but you only have to learn subjects that interest you.  Jenn and I had a great traveling together!  It was such a gift she gave me in Our Lord.    I enjoyed all of it, but the first night I had a "freak out, after one of the speakers talked about all the physical things a speaker should do while delivering a message, like breathe properly move around on stage, and I panicked.  It took me almost the rest of the night to get over my feelings of inadequacy, but once I did I was able to fully embrace the rest of the weekend and lot go of my fear.  Thanks for your prayers!  I'm excited about what is waiting for me.  Here are few things I am learning....

• I am a gifted communicator- I say that with both shock and excitement!   
• I need to use my gifts.
• I don't have to be someone else to be effective.
• Perspective Matters
• I am a picky eater, and I'm okay with that
• Prayer and writing are never a waste of time for me, if it is time directed by the Lord!  
• I love to laugh!  
• I can take risks when it counts. 

The trip is a gift I will cherish!  Special thanks to Jenn Hand and all who helped make the trip possible!    i RECEIVED wonderful constructive feedback!  There was much laughter!
Tell me what you are in the process of learning about right now?    

              

Yes, We Can, Because "He" Did!

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

Choose Joy Friday!

     It has been awhile since you have seen a Choose Joy post from me.  I use the word Joy instead of happiness on purpose, but I'll tell you more about that another time. Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eyegirl originally started in June 2009.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us.  So by participating, I'm deciding to see the glass as half full instead of half empty; I'm choosing to concentrate on the positives instead of dwelling on the negatives.  The Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that.  They're a list of the things in my life that have brought me happiness over the past week.  I'm determined to find something good in each day.  Are you? by Sprinkles @ http://butterfly-wyldechylde.blogspot.com/  Link up with her blog if you want to join in!

For the next week, I'd like to challenge each of you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.  Be sure to link up here once you've posted your list!  (This isn't a blog hop so please only link up if you've participated by posting your happy list on your own blog.  Thanks!)

• I am joyful because I was given an amazing hot stone massage as a gift!  It was beyond words an amazing experience...
• I have discovered the book Choose Joy by Kay Warren, and while I'm only over half way through, it has still rocked my world.
• My mom is doing great Living with cancer
• I'm going to She speaks conferenceInfo here!! 
• I love Summer!  

1 John 4:16

"JOY is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things."Kay Warren Choose Joy)

What is your simple truth?

Hello Friends:
Are you still out there?  Hope your weekend is going well!  I need to tell you something, I've been avoiding posting, because well most of my posts are about growing with God, and in the past few months, I've been very unsure about where God is taking me.  There have been painful moments, where I've been afraid to face this blog, my friends and even sometimes my family.  I've been wresting with questions about who God is, and who I am, and well it has been a journey of some sleepless nights and tears.  You see in relation to you, my readers, I know God loves and values you.  I know he has a plan for your life, but somehow when it comes to looking in the mirror and seeing myself, there's a disconnect there, which has made me feel rather hypocritical.  I thought how can I talk about God or write about him, when I'm struggling so much, and learning so much about the misconceptions I have had concerning God.  Coupled with the thought I've failed every test of faith God has given me over the last few months.   I am not some super christian, I'm just a 29 year old lady trying to figure things out who happens to know that knowing Christ has made my life worth living.    So I'm going to tell you some things God is showing me, that I'm thankful for.  No teaching preaching lesson.  Just where I am, and maybe just maybe it will mean something to you.

Image

• God cares about ME.
• God's plans for me are good.
• God really says I am lovable 
• God does not look at me like others might
• God wants me to enjoy him. And are you ready for this, I think the God of the universe might maybe actually enjoy me...  I admit that one is super hard to swallow...  I know these things sound rather simple, and in fact they are so simple that I wonder if most Christians, maybe me most of all see them as nothing more than sing song phases.  After all as an adult we are told to embrace more complex truths, but maybe where we go wrong is that we don't take the time to embrace the beauty that maybe simplicity is what makes things profound.  What simple truths are you learning or relearning?         

Trip with Mom to SCRI In Nashville

Dear Friends,

I am still processing many things in mind as I write.  Last Wed I went with my mom to Nashville for her SCRI visit.  This is where she has been undergoing a clinical trial, since they adjusted her dose most of her terrible side effects have stopped   I didn’t know what to expect, but I’m so glad I went.  While I don’t know any patients by name, I felt strangely bonded and comforted, and saddened  in knowing that they  too were facing the very same fight, sure the type of cancer might be different as well as the story, but the journey is much the same as my mom’s.  There is this silent understanding that I sensed as I observed this room full of cancer fighters and survivors.  Each different ages, different classes, and personalities, nonetheless connected by a path they would have never willingly chosen   I chuckled inside myself as a man battling cancer in his later years, instructed a woman with him, I assume she was his wife of many years, how to use her new high tech cell phone.  The two of them were quite humorous, and exchanged dirty inside jokes about each other.  I honestly didn’t know which one of them was fighting cancer, but was surprised by how at ease and familiar they seemed in their surroundings.     Mom and I met a couple who was from AL, but the husband grew up in Chattanooga on Danby Drive.  His liver cancer had reached a point where doctors even at SCRI told him they could no longer help him, and it was time to call in Hospice.  They took him off all treatments, and told him the end was near.  Shortly after that he began to feel better, so they did a scan and discovered that his cancer had reversed, God did a miracle in this man’s life.  His cancer is now the size of a twinkle in his liver and He is now able to undergo a clinical trial at SCRI.  There was another woman there from Chattanooga who took the Greyhound bus to get there.  I was reminded how blessed mom and our family is to have so much support.  I met a lady who offered me a soda while mom was in lab.  She was older, and I loved that despite the fact that she has incurable kidney cancer, and cancer of the shoulder, she still took time to notice me.  I asked her how long she had been coming, and she said a little over a year.  She said if this trial did not work she was going home, by home she meant heaven. She started to cry a little, and I felt bad for asking.  Almost as quickly as tears came, a peace came across her face, and she said “I know where I’m going” She said, the hardest thing would be leaving her family.  She showed me pictures of her grandchildren, and I realized on some level she wanted to share her story.  What she asked me next surprised me, she didn’t ask me about my wheelchair, which is what most people do, she asked me if I knew where I was going when I died, and if I had ever been baptized, to both questions I responded yes with a smile on my face, I don’t know if she asked about baptism, because she thinks baptism is needed to get to heaven, but I know I’ve prayed for her since our trip, and I hope I see her soon.  There was also a man who has been through 47 cycles on the same trial and is doing well.  I learned so much from this short trip.  One, I learned how blessed I am.  I learned there is always Hope.  I know we as Christians are suppose to believe it, and I suppose I have on some level, but it’s deeper now.    I discovered or rather was reminded that there are caring doctors.  There was a peace in knowing God can do anything!  Last, I remembered to cherish life in the moment, and not longing for more, but embracing the gift of a moment!  As a side note, I love the Lifeway  store in Nashville, and enjoyed the park with my mom after our time at SCRI.  I discovered that some patients stay in Nashville for months at a time, and how thankful I am my mom can make the weekly trips, and I’ve not had to be away from her from for more than a few days at a time.   

Tell me how your life is going?  Thanks for all your prayers for mom and us!

A week of celebration and Reflecting... Part 1

Wow what a busy 2 weeks it has been!  We have three family birthdays in April including my own. Last Sunday I turned 29....   My aunt decorated in my favorite colors, and the family had a steak/shrimp dinner for me!  My cousin Kim made an amazing birthday cake!   A friend from church hand painted a bucket with my name, and a butterfly on it, and it had my favorite candy bar inside!  Best friend day at Local Chattanooga Mall   We were crazy!  I have more exciting things to share, but I must close for now..  How was your week?

A Control Freak Meets Jesus

Image


In their hearts humans plan their course, 
   but the LORD establishes their steps. Prov. 16:9
Well this weekend I was reminded of the above.  For those of you who don't have type A personalities I covet your life!  One of my biggest fears in life is being unprepared.  I feel safest when I'm surrounded by structure.  I was asked a few months ago to speak at a a local conference hosted and organized by my friend, who God created:a fun loving, free spirit awesome woman of God.  Even though I had done some planning for the event, every time I tried to put the pieces together, I couldn't, and yet I still knew God had directed my friend and me that God wanted me there.  In my family, all the women gifted and detailed planners.  Everything about that night was amazing, but there was still this one thing, even after getting in place to speak, I still had no idea how all the pieces fit, despite hours weeks of study and prayers.  If I had not feared shattering my best friend's heart, or found comfort in the wonderful prayer circle around me prior, I would have found the nearest exit.  All I kept thinking is Lord what is this, I have spoken to large crowds before, and I've never been this shaken ..  I have spoken at graduation, communication is what I do. I knew God had his way that night, and that in spite of my weakness. He spoke his words and conveyed his love and truth, and it wasn't as if I choked, he was faithful!  For the most part I kept my composure until we pulled out the parking lot, and then the sobs began.  I realized  later what I was afraid of was not speaking, what I feared most was not having control, and appearing unprepared and irresponsible.  After I prayed about this I realized God didn't want me to appear in control, because the fact is, I'm not in control, because no matter what I do or don't do, I'm not IN Control, and I never have been.  God wanted me to see He didn't me to do or be anything to be of use to him.  He has the power to use, whoever, not matter the condition they find themselves.  My need to "seem" in control hiders God's leading in my life at times.  Iff Friday night had gone differently, then I never would have seen God show up that way He did!  I use to think that people who said, they followed the Spirit was code for "I didn't prepare so I'll just wing it"  I realize now this was a very sinful and arrogant assumption on my part.  Once I got beyond this, I was able to do exactly as He  planned, frailty and all! and I was just blessed enough to be along for the ride!  My preparation and illusion of control, is an idol that colors so much of my life     Don't miss what God wants to do, being so busy staying in your box!  Take it from a control freak, who had a meeting with Jesus!  I love you Jenn! thanks for listening to God, and being just who God created you to be!  Even if I had the power, I would not change one thing!  My dear readers make your plans, but don't let your plans, become your" god"

I Still Know!

Hello,

    Yes it been a minute!  I never intended for this blog to be a diary.  I love writing and believe God has given me a gift.  Over the last month there have been crazy up and downs in my life, days when I look back and think Lord How did we get through this day, and I know it is only because God has held me.  It isn't just one thing, it is many things, My mom's health, changes in caregivers @ least for several weeks while my regular had surgery.  Some came with rudeness and others came with emotional neediness.   Broken relationships, lack of sleep, Good news bad news Choices work, you name it.  I have several meltdowns in recent weeks, and after receiving the amazing that Mom's health is stable, meaning no increase in cancer growth, which I've rejoiced greatly over, and thanking God for.  I can't shake this feeling I've failed God in recent weeks.  My instant response has not been to trust God, even though I've seen him provide again and again.  By God's grace I was invited and enabled to speak @ at a conference last night, and though I know God was faithful, I barely made it through, but with God's help I did, much to the praise of those listening.  I know it wasn't "my" best, but God used my weakness.  It is constant struggle not be angry with myself right now, and just rest in God's love for me.  I feel like the kid who is kicking and screaming in the floor yet, not even he knows why...  I still know, that God is who he claims he is!  I still know, He is true to his word.  I still know He is God!  I still know He has not given up on me!  I still know he is with me!  I STILL KNOW, HE IS LOVING!  I STILL KNOW I HAVE EVERY REASON TO BE THANKFUL!  I STILL KNOW MY GOD IS GREATER!  I Still KNOW MY GOD IS LOVE!   Tell me what you still know?

A Sermon In Progress that Changed it All!

 

      Hi Bloggers:

                                                           Image

          I know you are maybe surprised to find me  posting so soon after my declared departure.  I've made an important decision regarding this blog, and it seems only fair to include you, my readers in it.  When I began this blog, my goal was to share my own faith reflections with you and allow you to share yours too.  While I still want that to be the cause, but the truth is there are times when I am truly void of reflections, so I've decided that when I have something to share I will, and when I don't, I trust the readers I have left, will be gracious.  I am using a loner laptop as my computer crashed recently.  I also want to sometimes just blog about life, and the joys and sorrows that come with it.  One reason i felt compelled to stop blogging for a time, was because I fear my own transparency.  I know there are things that should not be shared on a blog, and I want to be private, but my transparency is hard to contain when I write, and I am trying to grow and mature in this, but at times it is difficult.

          On to the above pin, do you believe the  above pin about yourself and others- What do you believe about the above pin?    I remember the first time someone challenged me about my views on personal worth  with regard to myself and others.  A couple times in my life, I have heard people say, so-in so- is just worthless, because he/she does not do ABC or does not know this or that.  So naturally, when I was challenged by someone with the question, do you believe your worth and  worth of others is based on what they do or don't do or what they know, with hesitation I responded yes.    The person who asked me this several years ago,  looked at me with sorrow in her eyes, as if to say you poor thing...  I knew of course that salvation was a gift of grace  after all I had heard it often in my amazing Southern Baptist church, but didn't make the connection that just as my salvation comes from God, my worth is not dependent on my performance, but rather because I simply by existing, and therefore have even before I took my first breath outside the womb, am a reflection of my Creator. No that did not, nor does it mean I am saved from birth, but it does mean that we have value/worth before we are ever born.  Gen.1:26 Psalm 139.    Not long after that discussion, I discovered a biblical way of thinking changed me slowly, but nonetheless it changed me.  Sanctity of Human Life.  It  clicked like a fully lit Christmas tree!  God is the Author of life, that means He cared enough to create us uniquely and save us from the effects of death spiritually.  It means then, that you and I have value, we have worth, as hard as it is to accept sometimes, we have worth and there is nothing you and I can do or not to change that.  .Believe me I've tried to look for every reason possible reason to claim, myself worthless, but it a lie, and the truth remains human beings have worth, yes we are sinners, any  church in America should tell us that, but likewise scripture tells us God values us, and has a plan for us. Luke 12:7 Psalm 138:8.  Why am I telling you, because somebody told me, and It changed everything.  Yes, I battle lies that I'm worthless, that I'm a mistake, a burden, not smart, but since I know the truth now,I am accountable to live according to truth.  It is not anyone's fault that I followed a trail of lies for a good portion        of my life,  I have an amazing family, awesome church great friends, but the world feeds us lies, everyday, and I have spent years believing those lies, and I don't want believe these anymore, and I don't want you to either.  I'm not there yet, but will you come with me as I continue to take off the rags of lies, I've been wearing these a long time.  it isn't easy to put new ones on.  Come with me!  I'm sure you will find some new stuff to put on too!

Saying See You Later Bloggers!

    I just want to say thank you for praying for my mom!  Her chemo went better this time!  God has met every need we have!  He has carried us through so much...  She didn't get sick this round....    I know your prayers made the difference!   She will have a scan on the 14th, and soon after find out, if more Chemo is required.....

    Can I be honest?  I don't have anything to give the blogging world at this season in my life, and I feel I need to leave for awhile....  I'm going through a very difficult season, where sometimes just being motivated to get out of bed is hard.  Your prayers are  appreciated!  I will press on with my Savior!  But for now I'm saying, I thank you for reading, and I'll see you later...  I'll be back, I just need time

Standing on The Promises!

Picture Located Here


I don't know if most of you are still with me, but mom starts her second round of chemo tomorrow, and I covet your prayers for her health, healing, and well-being!  Also for us as a family well.   I don't have a long message for you tonight, but God keeps giving me the same message, and I want to share it with you!  1. God is for You!  In others words if you belong to him, He is always on your side...  If you are like me you may be tempted to think that when bad things happen in life, it is somehow a sign God is mad at you or that He is against you, but He is Not!    This comforts me to know He God is for me and you!  2. God says No matter what happens He will work it out for those who love him and are called according to his purpose!  Romans 8:28 is your proof!  3. He promises never to leave or forsake his children!  4.  He promises us that no matter what trials we face, we will not and cannot be separated from the amazing love of God!  I am clinging tightly to these realities, and I hope that these minster to you as they have me!  Good night blogland!   

He Fights For You and Me!

Image found here

The image you see is a paraphrase of Exodus 14:14.  Last night, a friend text me the verse and in truth it could not have come at a more needed time!  My mom was violently    sick from Tues to Thurs from chemo, I got the crud on Tues, my regular caregiver was on a needed vacation, and by last bight I was coming unglued.  The truth is I have given my mom's heath to the Lord on a regular basis, but I've not prayed so much about my own personal care, which with having cerebral Palsy does involve a lot.  I battle shame constantly about other people having to clean up after me.  The feelings of humiliation are at times nearly unspeakable as adult.   I keep thinking that one day I will get use to it, and while it is easier at times, I never get use to it.  I thought this morning Jesus our Savior knows what humiliation looks like.  He knows what it feels like!  He tasted it as He hung on the cross!  He did nothing to warrant such agony.  He endured it out of faith, trusting The Father to bring his plan to pass!   Sometimes we don't know all the reasons God allows things to happen in our lives, but He has promised to fight on our behalf, the problem often comes when we are too prideful to admit we need him!  I cannot change my situation, but I can humble myself and admit I need God!  Admit I need him to change my perspective, I need him to strengthen, me and fill me, up! You need the Lord to fight your battles too, you may think the battles are small enough to face on your own, but like me you will discover you can't.  But when relying upon Christ we realize our battle has already been won!  We know that we have been given a Conquer Status!  The Lord will fight for us, as He did for  Israel, the bigger question is will we chose the path of faith, and rest in him, until we see the results of victory?  I'll pray for you and you pray for me, as we rest in the One who fought the ultimate battle for us!

Christmas Can Be Yours

                                                          Via Pintrest


       Merry Christmas Blog Friends,

      This year probably more than any other, I am cherishing my Savior, and delighting myself in Jesus Christ!   I just want to remind you all that if you know the real reason for Christmas!  You have the answer!  You have everything you need if you have accepted The "Good News"   You posses the gift that last forever!  You have the light of the world in you!  You have an eternal King!  You have life after death!  You have comfort that abounds!  You have hope that deifies disappointment!  You have love that does not fail!  You have peace that unparalleled!  Merry Christmas!   Isa. 9:6 Find here     " For to us a child is born, 
   to us a son is given, 
   and the government will be on his shoulders. 
And he will be called 
   Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,."
This is reason to rejoice, no matter what life brings!!!!!!

When Believing is Hard, There is Our Peace

from PinterestOn January 13th, 2011 I posted about a list of blogs topics I hoped to cover...  Find that post here  Truth be told, this has not been my most creative or productive year in blogland, but tonight I will cover one on my topic list. "When Believing Is Hard"     Normally by this time, I would have written several Christmas themed posts, but life has happened.  Let me just get this out of the way...  Yesterday it was officially confirmed that my mom has cancer for the 5th time in her life.  I won't go into major details here except to say that she will have 24 chemo for 5 days starting Tues after Christmas.    God has been preparing for me for a couple weeks now, and I'm at peace, and we are very hopeful.  I have laid my Issac on the altar, and I am surrendered until the Lord!  It has  taken a long time to get here.  Faith is choosing to trust and submit to his plan, Knowing He is loving and Good.  In first John it says there is no darkness in him at all!  Faith is saying I love You Lord, and I am yours no matter what!  Faith is I'll trust you regardless of how I feel, because You're God, and I'm not.  Am I confused? Yes!  Do I have moments where it scares me?  Yes!  Do I wonder what God is doing?   yes!  Do I wish there were some other way for God's purpose to be fulfilled?  OH SO MUCH!  But    I love the Lord, because He first loved me!  Because He lives I can face tomorrow, and if you know the Prince Of Peace, you can too!  Romans 4:20 @ www. crosswalk.com   "Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God."      Abraham knew his situation looked less than promising.  He knew the odds biologically were not favorable, but He chose trust.  Did he stumble and sin, yes, but his faith was evident.   Do we allow our trials to draw us to God our cause us to drift from him?  Wresting with belief is hard, but something God is showing me is if we have faith as a mustard seed, He will grow into something far greater.  May Romans 4:20 be true of you and me!  Thanks for your prayers for mom and my family!

No More Presents! First Christmas for 2011

Image found here

     I wish Christians me included really believed that Christmas is about celebrating and not about stuff!  Know how I know most of us say this, but rarely believe it...  Well, because the season that is suppose to be causing us to celebrate is causing most of us stress, and we entirely miss the point of it all...  We say we know it isn't about much we spend, then why we are charging things we can't afford to purchase?  Why do we book our lives with events that have little to do with who the celebration is for!  Sometimes to be honest, I wish that gift giving was not part of the deal.    Don't get me wrong I find joy in giving and getting, as much as anyone, but what if you never got another gift, you would be fine right?  Really stop and think about it.  You and I already have God with us!  We already have God IN us!  We have an unending hope!  Friday I went Christmas shopping, and while I had great time with my friend who took me shopping, I later found myself stressing over how much I should spend on who and what I should buy The gift that mattered on the shopping trip, was not the gifts I bought, but time spent with my friend who I rarely see at other times in the year!  I still don't have my mom's Christmas present, and I wish I did though her birthday presents are bought for December 15th, but as Christmas nears the clock is ticking.  Then I was reminded it's not suppose to be about us!  Jesus is to be the central focus, not only of Christmas, but of all things!          "He (meaning Christ) is before all things and in him all things hold together."  Col 3:17.  God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in Jesus Christ." See Col 3:20.    Jesus is the gift we as Christians are to celebrate forevermore.  We are to celebrate that the one who is above all became one of us.  It led him to death upon a cross, and then we celebrate not the manger, but the empty tomb.  That is the gift!  No other compares!  Do our lives point to a gift temporal value, or The gift who is THE GIFT?!  May it be more than lip service to us, but may the reality awe us to view Christmas differently and more clearly than before!     Merry Christmas!  I hope The Gift" is yours and that you honor him as such!

What is Worship Anyway? (A Larger View)

    Hi Bloggers:

Let me just be honest here, I'm feeling a lot of pressure to move ahead in life, and in writing, but I feel very little creativity flowing through my veins, so I'm going to do something I rarely do, and just relax and write...  I'm letting go, of the agenda....  I hope you will still find inspiration and meaning from this blog, but sometimes life is just filled with what may seem mundane upon the surface, but maybe the real miracle is that with the right perspective, we discover nothing to our Savior is mundane.  I mean what if Jesus had thought coming to earth was too earthly or mundane?  Where would that leave you and me?  What if Jesus had been of the mindset that the task to dwell in flesh, was just not spiritual enough.  Of course he knew that his earthly ministry would result in the highest eternal purpose, but what about all the in between seemingly tedious tasks-that come with being part of humanity?  Yes, it is true that Jesus always put greater focus on eternal things, but maybe our Lord, didn't compartmentalize the way we do, maybe he sees everything even those less glamorous moments, as a humble means of worship?  How do you think our lives would be different, if we too adopted such thinking?  Would we smile instead of frown?  Would we find joy in the meager tasks of the day instead of only those which we label "spiritual"?  I don't think Jesus intended for us to classify tour lives in sections labeled spiritual or secular.  He didn't intend for us as Christians to wear a bubble around ourselves, refusing to get our hands dirty.  The teachers of biblical times failed to understand that no matter how clean they kept their hands, apart from Christ their souls would forever contain the dirt called sin.  They didn't understand that a person could get their hands dirty by giving themselves, and yet a heart could be cleansed only by Christ!  Our Savor got his hands dirty on earth, but his soul of purity remained.  If He is our example, then should it not be true of us since he is in and with us!  Just a thought.  "Whatever you do, do it with all your heart unto the Lord, not unto men." Col 3:23 What are your thoughts?  Do you struggle with a limited view of what the Lord deems "spiritual" maybe we should relax a little huh?

Why Joy? Half Full Friday!

                                                                           Anyone out there?  Perhaps my blog reads have left??  Hope not...  Hope you have found reason for joy this week!

1. I am joyful for the gift of prayer.  To be on the giving end
2. I'm joyful for the blessing of fellowship!
3. I'm joyful for little moments to reflect on God's wonderful work.
4. I'm joyful because I had a great time today @ the volunteer luncheon.
5. I'm joyful that I heard Elizabeth Yates speak about her 11 month mission trip this week.
6. I'm Joyful to have a new controller  that works for my hospital bed, so I can adjust positioning.  Trust me it is a big deal!  
7. I'm Joyful to have a caring church! 

Will you join me in choosing joy?   To link up go tohttp://butterfly-wyldechylde.blogspot.com/  She is a lot of fun....

He Loves me for Real

                   
                                                           Link to image



            Since yesterday, I have thought a lot about God's unfailing love!  Then I found the above....  I was in a mood the day before Thanksgiving, and it was not pretty.  When was the last time you mediated on God's unfailing LOVE?  When was the last time you were awed by the fact that the God of the universe loves you and is constantly and continually rescues you?!  Sometimes I just need to remember that I am Loved by the King of Kings!  Not tolerated, but loved!  I sometimes am afraid to focus too much on the love of  God, but the last few days, I've realized I desperately need and crave  his perfect love and rescuing!  I need to lean on his Everlasting Arms, not just in times of crisis, but in daily living.  I've been reading a book called a Place of Healing by Joni Eareckson Tada.  Find it @amazon In it she explains the importance of a godly perspective even as we find ourselves wrestling with questions of suffering.  In recent years I have found myself confronted with questions regarding suffering, so the book has ministered to me greatly in recent weeks.   Note: these profound reflections by Joni were written even prior to her breast cancer journey.  God's love is the ONLY love that does not fail, ever!  Have you marveled lately at God's unfailing love and rescuing power in your life?  Have you worshiped privately and personally remembering all He is to you?  That is a reminder to me that Thanksgiving is not over, and it never should be!  God never ceases being worthy of our Thanksgiving!     14" He brought them out of darkness and gloom and broke their chains apart. 15 Let them give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love and His wonderful works for the human race." Psalm 107:14-15.Find verses here.  So tell me what has your heart encouraged today!  

• I am most joyful at this moment, because God's love is unfailing!
• He brought me out of my darkness and gloom, and broke my chains!  

I can count to 100! Can you! Thanksgiving Week

                                                                          Link to imageSo since it is Thanksgiving week, and last year I posted 100 reasons I'm thankful....  I thought why should 2011 be any different.  I hope that when I'm dead and gone, one of my life messages will be that Thanksgiving is a way of life, not a season!  I'm going to try to not to have too much overlap, from last year, but a few will be repeats, because I'm still thankful for them.  In no certain will joy me by telling what you are giving Thanks for?  Here is last year's list2010 Give Thanks List

1. Jesus Died for me
2. I have a place reserved for me in Heaven.
3. God loves me!
4. The forgiveness of God and others
5. The body of Christ
6. Music that lifts my soul.
7. Eternal Security
8. My church
9. God's provision
10. God's promises
11. Healing
12. The chance to disciple new believers
13. The chance to serve
14. My mom's well being and the ability to share life with her. All my family.
15. My Brother's success
16.  My Grandmother's  spunk
17. My cousins
18. My cousins who visited from GA this year
19. My Dad's health and Good spirit.
20. Our fall Vacation
21. Donna Chambliss  
22. My friends new and old.
23. Mary S.
24. Macy
25. Our new Van.
26. Money to buy more than we ever need
27. The ability to see out the passenger seat window in the van!
28. My mom's recovery
29. My chair is fixed.
30. Clients I have been blessed to encounter in 2011.  For God's intervention in their lives.
31. A hug from Michael W. 
32. A call from someone special on Father's Day this year.
33. Meeting Jennifer and Phil Rothschild
34. Purpose found in mom's battle with cancer.
35. Jennifer Hand
36. Michelle Humbert
37. Friends who are like family
38. Sandra Rose
39. Kristin Smith 
40. Deb and Jerry Higtower
41. All the meals everyone people fixed while mom was sick.
42. The chance to know some people in my church on a more personal level.
43. The chance to lead a Bible study
44. Prayers people pray for me. 
45. Unexpected answers to prayer
46. Joy in writing
47.      A safe place to vent
48.  The chance to take showers
49. Luxuries like Netflix and my Kindle
50. Carta Bus Drivers
51. My health.
52. The chance to bless others
53. My mattress 
54. Wise Counsel from Godly People 
55. counseling 
56. Comfort
57. Inspiration
58. Elizabeth Yates & Vicki Wade
59. Gifts I did not pay for.
60. Family that cares
61. Military Families
62.  New Mercies
63. A new female doctor
64. Living in the USA
65. encouraging words this year
66. Successful fundraising
67. Miracles
68. Reconnecting with friends from the past
69.  My lift
70. No broken bones
71. A greater sense of purpose
72. Being single
73. No Kidney stone
74. Inside jokes
75. Conviction
76. That I'm not where I was
77. New Shoes
78. The ability to speak, see, and hear.
79. A smile from a stranger
80. Freedom to vote
81. Motivation
82.  Jesus gives me the freedom to feel anger.
83. Sleep over with Jocelyn back in September.
84. Supportive blog readers
85. That the world does not rest on my shoulders
86. Affection
87. Personal growth
88. sweet memories
89. Peaceful moments
90. Spiritual gifts
91. food I never notice.
92. A RAMP
93. Meal train.com
94. The grace to let some things go.
95. The slightest improvement relationships
96. Projects
97. Free time
98. Lessons Learned
99. Safety
100. Good change...

All the Way my Savior Leads!

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

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

God IS Able!

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

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

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

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

Ride the Wave!

                       
                                                image




    Hello Bloggers

         Wow I have so much catching up to do!  First, I'll never get it in with one post...   I've stayed away because it seems I have so to share and process that I don't where to begin!  Last Saturday, I went to my 9 thMichael W Smith concert!  You may remember that in 2010 God blessed with the gift of attending a fundraiser @ his home.  This concert proceeds went to the Y-CAP program of Chattanooga!  Info here  Guess what thanks to some amazing friends, I got to see him again and he said I know you and hugged me in whole line full of people!  I wrote him a letter, and he put it in his pocket, and at the end of the concert he waved and pointed!  I also bumped into some other VIPs that night too....  Amy Grant was Great, and Weston Wamp(son of local congressman Zach Wamp   A client recently told me "she was glad I helped her "keep" her baby, and she didn't think she could have done it alone!"  Things like these have the finger prints all over it, but wait I"m not done yet!  We have the same van for 11 years, and God provided us with a 2006 Van this week, so that I can sit in the passenger spot, and see out the window!  Cool, huh?

    I read the story of how both Abraham and Issac feared they would be killed if the people of the land knew they were the husbands of Sarah and of Rebekah who were both beautiful.  Even though they had trusted God in the past, they allowed irrational fear to hinder God's desire to increase their faith.  Have you ever done the same?  Sometimes when everything in life is smooth for a season, my irrational fear sets in, and I think at any moment the tide could turn, instead of just enjoying the blessing of the ride!   Can you relate?  God is oh so loving!  

Post trip reflections and photos!

This would be me watching football AKA THE VOLS GET CREAMED!

My brother entering the cousins while the 13 of us ate @ amazing restaurant called Bullfish  in Pigeon  Forge TN.

We are all playing my favorite game Apples to Apples, it took a minute but everyone learned and got into it!

Cousin Jocelyn was glad to have  this pic taken...

She just lost a couple teeth, but she is still smiling!

View from our condo!  We stayed @ River-stone resort and Spa!  Wanted to visit the spa, but never made it there, plus the spa is pricey...  

Love Brady's smile here!

GOOD PICTURE OF MUMZIE

A PICTURE of me, that I'm okay with

I'm really glad we got t
his one!

   So I can't describe everything, but hope these pictures provide a snapshot....  I relearned some things  on this trip....  

1.   When you let go of expectations you most often find greater fulfillment unexpectedly.
2.   You value your life more when you "leave" it for a short time.
3. I really do love my family for who they are!
4.   I eat even more when I'm away from home.
5.   There are a few things I like about the fall season!
6. I do love worshiping our amazing amazing Creator, and His Creation makes me smile!
7. God really cares about me!  

What do you love about  your Vacations/What lessons has getting away from your everyday stuff taught you?  

1.       

A Fruit Loop kind of Christian!

Hello Blog-land

So I got to be honest here I wish I were a better blogger.  I sometimes go weeks without posting, and well I just wish that weren't true but as you know it is  Anyway on to what I want to write about.  I've never considered myself one of 'those sheltered kind of Christians, maybe you don't know what I mean,  if this post offends you that's not my intent.  What I mean is, I don't carry a bible everywhere,  I watch a lot of movies that aren't labeled Christian, and I try to stay up on the latest entertainment trends.   I not so secretly roll my eyes, when people imply that public school  is the devil's domain, mostly because my mom works in public school, and I went to public school and it wasn't all bad, much was good.  Recently though, God has challenged and convicted me about some of my entertainment choices,  There is one show I love, and last week it showed a scene with 2 homosexual men in it, which isn't  typical of the show, but there have been hints dropped in almost  episode that were pointing to a homosexual agenda.  I tried to ignore it, because I wanted to continue watching the non-homosexual plots in the show, and I wish I could say as soon as I saw the scene in the show I turned the channel right then, but I didn't.  The next day the image burned in my mind, and so I prayed asking God to help me turn away from the show and cleanse my mind, because I honestly don't want to stop watching the show even still.  I found myself saying:  "God, I don't want to be one of those fruit loop Christians!  But every scripture I came to talked about being set apart as holy unto God.   The next day I told someone I had felt convicted, and they kindly responded, It's not real it's only TV.   On some level there is truth to what they said, but the conclusion I came to is that  God genuinely convicted my heart,   and that while I don't want ever to be fully isolated from culture, and legalistic and judgmental of other people, my process toward sanctification may look and be different John Doe, but I'm called to choose obedience even if I look at times like a fruit loop, as I draw closer to Christ  I may never be convicted by something, but maybe another person would, and I should respect them for it!  Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."  I admit I am uneasy about this going deeper with Christ process, because I what else will be pruned away ?  The truth is a show isn't much of a sacrifice, and never will Christ ask me to sacrifice, more than he already has for me!  Balance is key.  How do you balance being in the world, but not of it?  Any thoughts?Image here

A picture of Grace! Part Ore!

                                                               Photo Courtesy of: http://www.michelleharstinestudios.com/p925242908  I will be ordering these.

     Yes,  this is me and my friend Kristin with Author and speaker Jennifer Rothschild!  We were able to attend the Fresh Grounded Faith conference here in Chattanooga, and it was great!  I have never been a person who depends solely on emotional highs or mountain top experiences to drive my growth in the Lord, but this was indeed a gift from the Lord!

If you don't know about Jennifer Rothschild's story, you need to:  Click it!    I did a bible study by her a few years ago called Me, Myself, and Lies. which blew me away, I felt it was written for me!   Jennifer is so classy!  Since she was 16 years old, she has been legally blind,  She is truly a testament to living by faith, and not by sight!  I guess you could say I have a new hero!  Here's the thing. I did not pursue this meeting with her.  I did not go looking for it.  I happened to cross paths with her husband who kindly invited me to meet her.  I did nothing to orchestrate this, I was richly blessed by a sweet gift, which I did nothing to deserve!  This gift is an illustration of what Christ has done, He offers us himself, He gave his life, though He owed us nothing!  It is a gift that He gave, and there is no way to repay such a gift!  What we can do, is live life as people, who are the products of Grace!  We can also be extenders of Grace!  God invites us to know him through his son Jesus.  I never could have met Jennifer, if her husband and others had not invited me.  My response was one of abundant joy and gratitude.  There should be an even greater response when Jesus invites us to "meet" him continually at his Holy Throne!  Jennifer got down off her tall stool to talk with me.  I cannot help, but see how this is a picture of what Jesus did for you and me!  He came in Flesh as "God with us!  He shows his love and care for us, by coming to us, while knowing in our limited sinfulness we could never reach out to him, or on our own  effort introduce ourselves to his Holiness!  He knows us already, and HE STILL INVITES US!        May we live lives that are evident that we are marked by grace, because of the TRUE HERO, JESUS Christ!
 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast Eph. 2:8-9Find verse here   Have you experienced a tangible picture of grace?  I bet you have, and I'd love to hear about it!