Cheating on God

Hi Everyone,

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

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

October Sillyness!

Two adorable cousins.

Are they really grown men?

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

I will aparently do almost anything for a cake dounut!

A Little of TPDL

Hello,

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

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

Whoa, Baby!

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

Waterfalls of Joy Flowing My Heart

Hi, few but faithful readers!

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

Body is in Chattanooga, but heart in FL.

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

Beach pictures 2008(More pics and reflections next post

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

My mom looks amazing!

Step closer to The Living Hope! Part I

Hi,

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

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

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

a love to be Believed!

Hi,

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

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

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

Forgiven.... So What???!

Hi there:
(Please forgive my title, the sarcasm is only intended to make an important point.)
I warn you this could be a long post, as many thoughts have been rolling around in my head. Sometimes the urge to write just overtakes me, and I must yield to it! Mom and I went to see the movie" Mommamia" yesterday, at least I think that is how you spell it, and I loved it! Until recently I never consider myself a fan of movie musicals, but after seeing the modern version of Hairspray, and now this, all that has changed. It was good for both mom and I to get out yesterday, there was breath taking beach scenery in the movie! I warn as with most movies, there are some less than" Christian" scenes, so if you have a strong sense of conviction God has given you about not watching anything other than family friendly movies, it is not my wish to cause anyone to stumble, I personally do not struggle in this specific area, but I do in many other things outside of movies. I was glad mom could "getaway" for a bit. I know she must get tired of hearing the "C" word all the time. Things with my new caregiver are wonderful, and I am so blessed God is taking care of me!
I want to ask you something? Do you know the joy of being forgiven by God? Have you recently been reminded of the reality that you need to be forgiven by God? I don't know about you, but I take the wonder of God's forgiveness for granted on a daily basis. I'm not talking about self condemnation or self-loathing here. I was reminded this week, that I once was lost, and Christ forgave me! I tend to either fixate on my sin or completely ignore my sin, instead of walking in the joy and victory of first, knowing I need to be forgiven, and as important: is living as a person who is being forgiven, has been forgiven and will be forgiven! Can others tell that Jesus has forgiven me? Can others tell that Christ has forgiven you, or do they just think that some how "us church folks are "good" enough? Deep deep down do we ever have those thoughts ourselves, they won't can't admit it can we? Romans: 3:23... "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." I know you have heard it preached until our ears are dulled to it, but if what the only way we truly grasp hold of the Good News" is by really taking hold of the bad news first, it isn't until I remember my sin, and my need to be forgiven, that I can really begin to walk in the joy and wonder of being forgiven!! Eph. 1.7" He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins." How awesome to all who are forgiven!

All for now! Please keep praying for my mom, and also that God will intervene and stop the abortion clinic from locating in Chattanooga, and that Christians will fight evil, by doing good. To the world, the Gospel is foolish, even many "so called" Christians have abandoned the faith in times past and present, but oh how it is my desire that they return to the "way" and that I/we shall stand firm, not abandoning the hope of the true Gospel. Yes, I am fired up! In love I write, and preach to myself!

Who are you?

The following biblical affirmations about our identity in Jesus Christ are derived from a few selected passages in the New Testament. These passages teach a portion of the many truths about who we have become through faith in God's Son.
I am a child of God. John 1:12
I am a branch of the true vine, and a conduit of Christ's life. John 15:1-5
I am a friend of Jesus. John 15:15
I have been justified and redeemed. Romans 3:23-24; Romans 6:6
I will not be condemned by God, I have been set free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2
As a child of God, I am a fellow heir with Christ. Romans 8:17
I have been accepted by Christ. Romans 15:7
I have been called to be a saint 1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:2
In Christ Jesus, I have wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30
My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in me 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19
I am joined to the Lord and am one spirit with him. 1 Corinthians 6:17
God leads me in the triumph and knowledge of Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14
The hardening of my mind has been removed in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:14
I am a new creature in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17
I have become the righteousness of God in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21
I have been made one with all who are in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
I am no longer a slave but a child of an heir. Galatians 4:7
I have been set free in Christ. Galatians 5:1
I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Ephesians 1:3
I am chosen, holy, and blameless before God. Ephesians 1:4
I am redeemed and forgiven by the grace of Christ. Ephesians 1:7
I have been predestined by God to obtain an inheritance. Ephesians 1:9-11
I have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Ephesians 1:13
Because of God's mercy and love, I have been made alive with Christ. Ephesians 2:4-5
I am seated in the heavenly places with Christ. Ephesians 2:6
I am God's workmanship created to produce good works. Ephesians 2:10
I have been brought near to God by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13
I am a member of Christ's body and a partaker of His promise. Ephesians 3:6; Ephesians 5:30
I have boldness and confident access to God through faith in Christ. Ephesians 3:12
My new self is righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:22-24
I was formerly darkness, but now I am light in the Lord. Ephesians 5:8
I am a citizen of heaven. Philippians 3:20
The peace of God guards my heart and mind. Philippians 4:7
God supplies all my needs. Philippians 4:19
I have been made complete in Christ. Colossians 2:9-10
I have been raised up with Christ. Colossians 3:1
My life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3
Christ is my life, and I will be revelaed with him in glory. Colossians 3:4
I have been chosen of God, and I am holy and beloved. Colossians 3:12
God loves me and has chosen me. 1 Thessalonians 1:4
Review this powerful inventory frequently, since it reminds us of truths we quickly forget amid the worries and cares of this world. The more we embrace these affirmations from Scripture, the more stable, grateful, and fully assured we will be in the course of our lives.
Questions For Personal Application
To what degree are you defined by the world? By the Word? How can you develop your identity more fully in the latter?
What does it require to see yourself as God sees you?
Which five from the list of biblical affirmations resonate the most with you? Which five seem the most remote to your experience? How can you make these more real in your thinking and practice?

These have really helped me in the last few years thought I'd share them I think these came from who does God say I am by Josh Mcdowell. Please pray for mom her white counts are really low right now. Thanks!

Christmas in July!

Hi Devoted Readers:

I know you guys are praying for us, and I thank you! It has been a good week so far. I look forward to hosting my friend Michelle's baby shower this weekend. I'm so excited to meet her and Todd's son, Alex and spoil him completely rotten, but I know his family will spoil him first. My prayer for him, is that he will love the Lord God, and follow him, and know him as the one and only Savior! I pray for wisdom for Todd and Michelle as they embark on this journey called parenthood!
I am writing a post with Christmas in the tittle have I lost my mind??? Believe it or not, there is a perfectly logical reason for my madness. Today my time with the Lord was about his name being" Saviour" I read the Christmas story in July! I read about Mary pondering and Marveling at the face of God in baby Jesus. I read about how the heavenly hosts, appeared to the shepherds, and proclaimed A Savior has been born for YOU" I admit it was strange at first to read it without seeing Christmas trees and lights, but it was refreshing to really leave all those things aside and focus on the message alone and not the "seasonal aspects." I thought about how exciting it must have been for them to know that that Jesus was born to be their Savior, and this was one promise that they had access to, despite their earthly status, or lack of it. Sometimes I forget that Jesus, while of course saves me from hell literally, and that is the greatest hope I have, Jesus is also my "NOW SAVIOR" Daily I need a Savior who will rescue me from "dangers of the world, and a Savior who will stay with me! The Savior I need, the one and only I have is: Jesus! He is Savior year round and for all time! His saving power is not limited to seasons or situations or false idols. Will you join me in Celebrating the Savior of everyday, no matter what season of life you are in? Our Savior is Risen!
This devotional by Rick Warren, sent by my friend Sandra minstered to me so much, that I want to post it here. I hope you will read it when you can.
God Smiles When We Obey by Rick WarrenNoah did everything exactly as God had commanded him. Genesis 6:22 (NLT)*** *** *** ***Noah obeyed completely (no instruction was overlooked) and he obeyed exactly (in the way and time God wanted it done). That is wholeheartedness. It is no wonder God smiled on Noah.If God asked you to build a giant boat, don’t you think you might have a few questions, objections, and reservations? Noah didn’t. He obeyed God wholeheartedly. That means doing whatever God asks without reservation or hesitation. You don’t procrastinate and say, “I’ll pray about it.” You do it without delay. Every parent knows that delayed obedience is really disobedience. God doesn’t owe you an explanation or reason for everything he asks you to do. Understanding can wait, but obedience can’t. Instant obedience will teach you more about God than a lifetime of Bible discussions. In fact, you will never understand some commands until you obey them first. Obedience unlocks understanding.Often we try to offer God partial obedience. We want to pick and choose the commands we obey. We make a list of the commands we like and obey those while ignoring the ones we think are unreasonable, difficult, expensive, or unpopular. I’ll attend church but I won’t tithe. I’ll read my Bible but I won’t forgive the person who hurt me. Yet partial obedience is disobedience.Wholehearted obedience is done joyfully with enthusiasm. The Bible says, “Obey him gladly” (Psalm 100:2 LB). This is the attitude of David: “Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord. As long as I live I’ll wholeheartedly obey” (Psalm 119:33 LB).James, speaking to Christians, said, “We please God by what we do and not only by what we believe” (James 2:24 CEV). God’s Word is clear that you can’t earn your salvation. It comes only by grace, not your effort. But as a child of God you can bring pleasure to your heavenly Father through obedience. Any act of obedience is also an act of worship. Why is obedience so pleasing to God? Because it proves you really love him. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments” (John 14:15 TEV).

sitting on The Rock not a rock

Happy 4Th of July few but faithful readers! I'm excited that I'll be spending a "normal" day with my family. Mom got her breast biopsy back and it is NOT cancer! There is a tumor, but no cancer there! Thanks for praying!

God is challenging my view of him, more every day as I read the Shack and a devotional called Knowing God by His Names By: Dick Purnell.

"He is THE ROCK his works are perfect, and his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he." Deut.32:4 A real rock is hard and solid and does not crumble as result of external elements. My cousin Jocelyn will sometimes sing a song that begins with the words "Standing on The Rock of God" She mostly just likes the hand motions I think but being that she is two and knows them is something. Often I look to "fake" or counterfeit rocks to hold me up or make feel safe. Sometimes my fake rocks are: relationships, works, performance, or situations. These rocks crumble and are counterfeits because the can be altered or moved. There is Only One Real Rock that does not change."He is The Rock, and he came in flesh as Jesus! The verse above says that the Rock's works are perfect! He does no wrong, He is faithful! How wonderful and comforting this is that?! Sometimes it's hard to believe this verse, but that is only because our ways and works are tainted by the effects of sin on our minds and hearts. In my case, physically it will be awhile before I can literally stand upon the rock, and maybe spiritually too, but I believe God is pleased when we take a step of faith enough to even sit upon the Real Rock! Give me your thoughts. Please pray for my mom, she begins her treatments on Monday. Thank you!

Love Lifted Me!

Youth today are often accused of not knowing church hymns. I know I may no longer be considered young by some folks, but this hymn came to mind before I began this post. The only words I know are: "When nothing else could help love lifted me!" Let me explain... Yesterday I sat through a AAA training for 6 hours, and I did not even stay the whole time, because it began at 8:30. I got up at 8:00 to at least be there by eleven. I left feeling I could do little to help with this one event, and even though I enjoyed the people, by the time I left I was beyond worn out... I was also sad to learn that AAA can no longer stay open on Saturdays because there are not enough volunteers. This was the shift I was taking before mom's illness came about. Getting her well is of course my first priority, other than wallking with the Lord. However, I am human and by last night I was feeling pretty helpless. Helpless unable to help mom beat her cancer, helpless in serving AAA. HELPLESS to fix anything. I come from a long line of fixers. I am unable to make dishes to help those who take dishes to those in need. I know my feelings of helplessness were from satan to keep my focus off Christ. If not careful helplessness can quickly give way to depression. When there is a lack of sleep that is involved, you can count on it. This morning I woke up still feeling this way, but after giving thanks and praise to the Lord, I expressed my fear of being prone to past temptations, depression, and helplessness, and nearly an hour later God's love lifted me. It lifted me as I remembered that prayer is a verb. It is an action. Just like cooking or giving. God's love lifted me as I watched a group of fellow Christians build me a new ramp for my house. God's love lifted me, as I confessed my sin and acknowledged my pride and desire to fix it myself. As I give him my heart, he lifted me with his love! Do you need a lift? If you do, I trust his love to lift you in due time! Thank you for praying for mom, pray that God will show me how to bless her, and others, for her healing most of all, and guard me against self focused depression. Thank you!

I will trust you for today!

Hello,





The AAA prayer time on Tues. went well! It was truly encouraging to meet others passionate about prayer and AAA's Ministry. Thanks Michelle and Mary for coming. You guys know my mom has cancer, and I thank you for your prayers for her and us Here is her Caringbridge page www.caringbridge.org/visit/madelineellis We are all very encouraged by the ongoing support of so many!



Lessons I'm learning: Even when it looks like Jesus is sleeping thorough the storms of life, he is still protecting those he loves. Need proof??? Mark 4:35-39 www.bibleresouces.bible.com
On that day, when evening came, He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side."
36Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them (Z)in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him.
37And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up.
38Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"
39And He got up and (AA)rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still." And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm.
40And He said to them, "Why are you afraid? (AB)Do you still have no faith?"
41They became very much afraid and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"

Do you ever feel as though God is sleeping while the storms of your life are raging? Here is a reminder that God is not only fully aware of what's going on, but he is in full control as well. Most of all it is proof of his loving and watchful care.

Last night, I heard a still small voice speak to me. I told God I did not think my faith was strong enough to trust with "Everything", it when then I sensed the Holy Spirit saying all I asking you to do for now, is trust me with today. Day by day moment by moment choose to trust me with today. Will you trust him with today?

I've been tagged, but...

I will answer the survey, but after that I will post another post, because I have other things to post about too.

1. What was I doing ten years ago. High school... Probably thinking life was a big deal. Getting over a hip surgery. Hanging out at ChurchCoffeeHouse.
2 What's on my to do list today? write letters,, Make a call for AAA, Journal, catch up on e-mail, read the shack, pray some more and call Sandra.
Snacks I enjoy:
3. graham crackers, Mexican Cheese dip and chips, Cheez-it crackers, Anything sweet and bad for me.
Places I've lived: Daytona Beach, Chattanooga TN. In the womb, and the hospital as a baby for a while.
4.What would I do if I were a billionare? Find a cure for cancer, AIDS, Depression., and other illnesses. I would give money to the church, buy a whirlpool for mom and me. Take my family and friends to Hawaii.
5. People I want to know more about: Denzel Washington, My brother, Kirk Cameron, Joni Erickison Tada, David Ring.
6. Two things I have in common with Oprah? We are both misunderstood, We both can act like "know it all's"
7. You can tell a lot about a person by: How they welcome people who are new., their tone of voice.
8. Are you a yeller when you get angry? Not often, I have to be really made for a long time to yell.
9. Have you ever danced in public? Does a poll count? If I did you would hear about it.
10. What did I do to get my first detention? I didn't ever have that, but I got in trouble for leaving group without permission to leave.
11. Name 3 things about the town you live in: my church, my family is here, and its in the south, but not so much that it annoys me.
12. Name something unusual you carry wherever you go: I hope love.
13. My favorite website: right now... www.caringbridge.org/visit/madelineellis
14. What would my enemy say about me? I'm needy
15. Favorite childhood memories, Christmases, When my brother and I played as kids. Anything with my cousin Bill.
16. Not sure... I think God has is taking those away!
Now I'm told to tag people!

A Love Better Than Life???

Is there really a love better than Life?

In the last week, every time I open my Bible the word love leaps out at me! It could be that God wants me to know his love is with me at this time, or it could be because of Jenn's new written Bible study-I think it is both. In Jenn's first chapter she directed me to Ps. 63. It was there I found Ps. 63:3 "My lips will glorify you
Because your faithful LOVE is better than life."(HCSV) (Note the capitalization of love is my emphasis only) I must say I both envy and agree with King David here. I envy him, because at a time when his life was being turned upside, and others sought to kill him, he spoke confidently of God's love as being better than life. I hope that when it feels like the world is crashing down around me, I will still be quick to say God's love is better than life!
Another way I've been looking at this verse is this, sometimes life is hard, and the last word we use to describe our lives is good. Sometimes life is not all a bed of roses, but even then, God's love is better than our life situations alone. Jenn reminded me in her Bible study, that every day I must choose to believe God has a love for me that is better than life itself! But then another question if I am honest comes to mind. What is it that makes God's love better than life? I have been mediating on one verse a lot since Monday. I've always loved it, If you reading this I bet you will too! Isa. 54:10 "Though the mountains be shaken, and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of be removed"
says the LORD who has compassion on you. God's love for his children will not fail, not only will it not fail, but it CANNOT Fail! That makes God's love better than life doesn't it?!!! God's love for Israel, did not waver even though their love for him always did. God's love for me does not waver or change even though both situations in life, as well as my love for him do. His love for us will not change or disappoint. His love for you will not fail, it is steady by his grace!. Enjoy that with me! Last, his love is better than life, because it is undeserved, and ever present. Thanks for reading! Topic to be cont.

Big Lips small heart

Hi friends:

I'm here. Hope your summer is starting off well. I love to do lots of fun stuff in the summer! For example, staying up half the night reading novels, watching movies and TV shows I never what any other time of the year. I also love cookouts, and baseball games. If I may confess in the summer months I've been known to neglect my walk with God at this time more than any other season of the year.I need to allow God to enrich my summer with more of him than anything else. Take a minute and ask yourself what God desires most from you. The other day I came across a verse which might help in answering this question. Matthew 15:8 www.biblegateway.com These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me." WOW I don't know about you, but that stung me! What do you think Jesus is telling us here? Is pointing out our that our words don't matter? No, because in earlier chapters, and other places in the Bible he says we will give an account for every careless word. Are you confused yet? Hang with me here. If God has our heart above everything else then what flows from our hearts will come out of the mouth, but what Jesus is speaking to us here, says to me that we can never impress God with our words, He sees beyond the formation of our lips straight into our hearts. My best Friend Jenn reminds me of this all the time. Even more, now that she is writing her new Bible study. We might have Jesus in our hearts as Savior, but if you are like me, so often he is not my first love! I don't know about you, but I need to offer God a little less of my lips, and far more of my heart. The Lord wants praise from our lips, but not without the love of our hearts first!

I am enjoying Karen Kingsbury's Ever After so much it's a wonder I can anything else. Please be in prayer there are lots of big needs out there. Blessings!

See other post first

pointing to What or Who?

Hi Friends,

It is about time I posted huh? Where to start.... AAA's Walk for life went great! My total to date is about 440$ It was a sunny day. God blew me away! I am loving working with AAA more all the time. I love talking to the clients and caring about them. God has enabled me to place myself in their shoes and imagine where they are, and what they must be feeling. Then, after that we had my family birthday dinner, which was steak and shrimp. I got a flat screen TV. I am really loving it! Then on that Tues the 29Th, my actual birthday, my mom took me out for Mexican, another thing I love! Then, my dear friend Michelle made me an amazing Ice cream cake! Again I loved that! Most of all I love how many cards and calls I got from people I love! I sensed the love of God !

So what about my Title? I was reading today in John. I read about how John said he was sent to prepare the way for Jesus the Messiah. John knew his place, and he was content to be the one to point others to Jesus, and not himself! He knew he could not be their savior nor did he want to be, but he did desire to point them to the one true Savior! Jenn is teaching me that witnessing is about relationships and I am reminded that every day is a chance to be a witness even to fellow believers. I need to be witnessing to others, simply telling them what Jesus has done for me, and what he wants to do for them! What or who are we pointing them too? Col. 4:5 check it out!

Now, I am so excited about a movie coming out this fall starring Kirk Cameron. Find out more www.fireprofthemovie.com It is from the creators of Facing the Giants!